Mercedes-Benz USA Named an Official Patron of the PGA of America

Exclusive Mercedes-Benz presence and sponsorship activities through 2013

MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Mercedes-Benz USA has been named an Official Patron by the PGA of America. As the highest level of partnership and designation granted by the PGA, Mercedes-Benz USA will serve as The Official Vehicle of The PGA of America, the Official Patron and Official Vehicle of the PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship, and a Proud Supporter of the 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cup. The partnership will extend through 2013.

“The PGA of America continues to make golf accessible to a wider audience and we see an opportunity to support and benefit from the game’s future growth,” said Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. “The three-pointed star has a long-standing history with golf and this new partnership strengthens our existing ties with the game while also extending our presence within one of the world’s largest sports organizations.”

As part of the agreement, Mercedes-Benz will provide vehicles at the PGA Championships, Senior PGA Championship and the 2012 Ryder Cup. Mercedes-Benz also will be involved in the following activities and sponsorship activities:

• Presenting Sponsors of the PGA Professional National Championship and Senior PGA Professional National Championship
• Presenting Sponsor of the PGA Play Golf America Days
• Fan Experience at the Senior PGA Championship, PGA Championship and 2012 Ryder Cup
• Loyalty Lots at the Senior PGA Championships, PGA Championships and the 2012 Ryder Cup

The PGA Official Patron program is designed to uniquely position each patron within the $76 billion a year golf industry and become a category-exclusive provider of products and services to The PGA of America, its more than 28,000 men and women professionals, top industry executives and golf consumers worldwide.

“From a rich heritage of auto making that dates from 1881 to today, Mercedes-Benz has set a remarkable benchmark for quality craftsmanship and service. We are very proud to welcome Mercedes-Benz as an Official Patron of The PGA of America,” said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka. “We begin an exciting new partnership for our Association as Mercedes-Benz heightens the spectator experience at our Association’s premier championships.”

Each PGA Official Patron is recognized with unprecedented visibility and marketing exposure at The PGA’s highest-profile Championships.

About The PGA of America

Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold; to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

About Mercedes Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than 40 years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA