Mercedes-Benz A-Class debuts in Sri Lanka

Friday, 12 July 2013 05:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MercedesCard from DIMO and Sampath Bank relaunched

Mercedes-Benz is launching a variety of new models that will appeal to the new generation of customers. These models enable Mercedes-Benz to reach out to a younger crowd with new entry level models such as the new A-Class, the new CLA-Class, the new GLA-Class and the new B-Class. Mercedes-Benz is leveraging the technological advancements of its flagship models S-Class and E-Class to develop these new compact cars. Mercedes-Benz aims to reach new target groups with these models, including those who never wanted to drive a Mercedes. The new A-Class is the first to be introduced from the new generation of Mercedes-Benz car range. Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a result of much research and testing done by Mercedes-Benz with Formula 1 cars (Mercedes Petronas, McLaren Mercedes, Force India), especially the A45AMG. After all Mercedes-Benz is the only luxury car manufacturer to be involved with F1 for the last few seasons. “Mercedes-Benz is becoming the most dynamic premium brand in the world. As part of this development, the A-Class represents an

important milestone. The A-Class is completely new, down to the last detail. In automotive development, it’s not often you get the chance to start with a clean sheet of paper. Our engineers have made the most of that opportunity,” explained Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “With the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is setting new standards in many disciplines, not least when it comes to the area of safety,” emphasised Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board Member responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “The new A-Class provides the highest standard of safety ever seen in this vehicle class.” The democratisation of safety encompasses an array of assistance systems which have been adopted into the A-Class from the larger model series, or sometimes developed further in the A-Class. These include, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist (standard), Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition), Active Parking Assist with Parking Guidance, Brake Hold Function, Hill-Start Assist, Linguatronic, Reversing Camera and Distronic Plus. The A-Class has been a bestseller for a number of generations. Since its market launch in 1997, it has blazed a trail for a new vehicle class with its unique design, becoming a driving force in the compact car segment. The second generation alone, which was launched in 2005, sold more than a million worldwide. DIMO also announced their Mercedes-Benz customers the best or nothing, with an unparalleled credit card. DIMO in their quest to delight top end customers, is offering Sri Lanka’s top most co-branded credit card in partnership with Sampath Bank PLC.

Building loyalty through co-branding is more than just putting a name and logo on a card. It takes dedication, partnership with the right partners in the industry, knowledge and perfect execution. Co- branded credit cards demonstrate a high credibility and reliability. They are ideal for customer retention as they expand company services and build brand equity. A further positive feature of the card is the ability to combine it with additional services for own customers. The Mercedes-Benz Card was initially launched in 2003 as a co-branded master card. However in response to the changing Mercedes-Benz customer dynamics DIMO has decided to re-launch the card with an upgrade to a Visa Signature product. This card is the ticket to the ultimate Mercedes-Benz experience, in other words this is a credit card which is provided exclusively for Mercedes-Benz owners. MercedesCard is not merely a credit card but it welcomes the cardholders to a whole new luxury world of privileges that compliments their luxury living. When you are on the road driving your Mercedes-Benz you are a brand ambassador to one of the world’s most prestigious brands; and when you are not on the road still you announce to the world that you are still an iconic brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz every time you produce the MercedesCard. MercedesCard cardholders will be entitled for exclusive privileges, which will not be offered to other Signature card holders. With Mercedes-Benz Visa Signature Card you can now earn rewards in plenty as well as avail several exclusive offers, benefits and services. In addition it includes an unmatched Overseas Travel Insurance Cover up to $ 500,000, access to Visa Concierge Services and a dedicated Web site to obtain travel information and assistance. It provides a high spending power with a minimum credit limit of Rs. 750,000.