Mercedes-Benz USA to Unveil New Maybach 57 S at Monterey Sports Car Auction

First U.S. Production Model to Be Auctioned Off for Boys & Girls Clubs of America

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., June 21 -- The new Maybach 57 S will make its North American debut at the 2005 RM Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction on August 19 and 20, offering professional collectors and automotive enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see this ultra high performance car prior to its official retail debut. Maybach, the super luxury product line of Mercedes-Benz, will auction off the first U.S. production model of the new 57 S with proceeds going to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the "Positive Place for Kids" which focuses on character development in youth. Funds raised will support BGCA's educational programming. The auction is one of several events leading up to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of the premier classic automobile shows in the world.

"We are grateful to Maybach for this very generous gift," said Roxanne Spillett, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "To be associated with such a prestigious brand, whose collectors number among some of the most influential and affluent individuals worldwide, means a great deal to us."

"The new Maybach 57 S is the world's finest super-luxury performance sedan," said Wayne Killen, brand manager, Maybach. "We are proud to offer the first production version of this exclusive new Maybach model for auction to benefit one of the exemplary community-based organizations for youth in the United States -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America."

When Wilhelm Maybach, who pioneered several automotive innovations and developed the first modern motor car, was orphaned at a young age, he spent his formative years at the Bruderhaus Institution in Germany or "the Brother House." It was there that he was mentored by Gottlieb Daimler, the school's engineering manager. Together they collaborated to build and introduce the first Mercedes model in 1901. It is this spirit of support and mentorship that inspired Maybach to begin a dialogue with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the upcoming auction.

With the "S" designating "Special," the new 57 S model builds on the successful Maybach platform, making the world's finest super-luxury sedan feel even more like a sports car. The 57 S was developed in response to customers who expressed interest in a Maybach with even higher performance than the standard 57 model. Powered by a special AMG developed 604 HP V12 twin-turbo engine, the new six-liter 57 S accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds and will reach a top speed of 172 mph. Twenty inch diameter, 11-spoke wheels combine with lower profile 275/45R20 Michelin Pilot Sport tires, as well as a lowered chassis and stiffened suspension to achieve higher levels of handling without undue sacrifice to the Maybach's renowned ride comfort.

Unique exterior and interior appointments characterize the Maybach 57 S over other Maybach models. Two exterior paint finishes, both tone-on-tone, include a new non-metallic black and silver metallic. Other enhancements include a more aggressive grille design, body color headlamp surrounds, chrome-trimmed fog lights, dual rectangular exhaust outlets and 57 S badging on the trunk lid and front fenders.

Inside, the Maybach 57 S features two new Nappa leather interiors and trim alternatives that include authentic carbon fiber. The first production Maybach 57 S will be further distinguished by additional exterior and interior features designed to enhance its attraction to collectors. The estimated cost of the new Maybach 57 S, which will be available in the U.S. beginning March 2006, is $360,000.

This support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America reflects Mercedes-Benz USA's partnership with a select group of organizations oriented around educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. MBUSA has collaborated with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the past two years on a national level by offering DRIVE YOUR FUTURE scholarships to Boys & Girls Clubs members who are the first in their families to attend college. On a local level in New Jersey, where MBUSA is headquartered, the company supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Jersey State Youth of the Year initiative as well as the Concert For Kids Fund a Dream project. MBUSA has also worked with individual Boys & Girls Clubs on seasonal events such as a holiday party held at the Club in Lodi and the National Kids Day celebration.

The Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction will be held at the Portola Plaza Hotel in Monterey, Calif. Activities begin on August 19 with a pre-auction viewing from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a second auction preview on August 20 from 9:00 a.m. until Noon, when the auction will commence. Admission to the Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction sale is $30 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge. An auction catalog is available for $60, including shipping and handling within North America, by calling 800-211-4371 or by visiting http://www.rmauctions.com/.

Boys & Girls Clubs

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (http://www.bgca.org/) comprises a national network of some 3,700 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.4 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

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