Mercedes-Benz Pageant 2013: A record 626 stars shine at Nelum Pokuna
Saturday, 21 September 2013 00:00
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Automobiles have always enthralled and excited humans, with their heritage, design, new technologies, variety of models and the experience one gains by driving one. As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has been able to take the leadership in developments related to mobility, by reinventing the automobile every single day.
Moreover Mercedes-Benz has been organising events across the globe, setting benchmarks for others to follow. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz Pageant (MB Pageant) which was held recently in Colombo raised the benchmark yet again for all others to follow.
The outstanding success of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive family gathering reiterated the fact that Mercedes-Benz is still the most aspired, valuable and loved automobile brand in Sri Lanka.
The 23rd Mercedes-Benz Pageant was held on Sunday 15 September at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. A total of 626 Mercedes-Benz vehicles participated at this year’s event, breaking all records since its inception two decades ago. The first hour alone saw more than 250 ‘Stars’ entering the MB Pageant.
The Mercedes-Benz Pageant is an event for Mercedes-Benz cars, their owners and families. This is the only event in Sri Lanka, probably even in the world, where more than 600 Mercedes-Benz cars, their owners and their families get-together for fellowship at one location at the same time. No other automobile franchise in Sri Lanka can boast of an event such as this, and no other luxury car franchise can come even close to having this many Classic and Young-Classic cars being displayed in one venue.
The Mercedes-Benz Pageant is organised by the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka and is sponsored by DIMO – the Authorised Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka. Mercedes-Benz Club Committee comprises of die-hard automobile enthusiasts such as Dr. Harsha Cabral (Current President), Nigel Austin, Bri Ponnambalam, Asgi Akbarally, Sidath Fernando, Dharmin Perera, Freddie Alles, Sunil De Costa and Ranjan Mather.
This year’s MB Pageant showcased more than 30 different models from the Pre-War era to the latest A-Class and E-Class, including the legendary AMG models – with the SLS AMG standing out as the Icon of Motoring in Sri Lanka. In addition, DIMO also displayed their DIMO Premier (Pre-Owned) vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range and the Mercedes-Benz Jayco Conquest Motorhomes.
Best maintained ‘Stars’ from the respective models W201, W202, W123, W124, W126, W114/W115, 180A, 180B (220 Ponton), W110, W111/W112, W108/W109, W116, SL Old, 170 S and Pre-War categories were judged. Winners for all the newer models were selected through a raffle draw as judging them was difficult, since all were in good condition.
The event was opened to the public from 10.30 am where a large number of automobile enthusiasts got the opportunity to witness Mercedes-Benz ‘Masterpieces’ from Classics to latest models.
The morning began with Mercedes-Benz customers parking their vehicles in the respective areas at Nelum Pokuna and along Green Path. Thereafter, they were treated to a sumptuous buffet from Mount Lavinia Hotel. Live music was played throughout the event courtesy of ‘Flame’.
Many activities were lined up for kids, ladies and gents to get them involved and to keep them entertained. Second and third levels at Nelum Pokuna was allocated for kiddies activities which included an art competition, face painting, magic balloon artist, bouncing castle, balloon darts, radio controlled cars, mini-golf, mini-bowling, making pizza and kids fun rides.
The German Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Juergen Morhard and his wife visited the Mercedes-Ben Pageant as special invitees. They were delighted to see 600 plus Mercedes-Benz vehicles at one location. The Ambassador, himself being a fan of Mercedes-Benz, shared his childhood experiences with his dad’s Mercedes-Benz cars.
