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For the customers of Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis
MERCEDES-BENZ OF ANNAPOLIS RECOGNIZED AS
MERCEDES-BENZ BEST OF THE BEST DEALER
Annapolis, MD - Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced today that Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis has received the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award based on its outstanding performance in 2007. Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis was presented the award as a tribute to its success as an independent entrepreneur who routinely exceeds the expectations of Mercedes-Benz owners.
This year, MBUSA is recognizing the top 15 percent of its retail network (51 out of 345 dealerships) with the Best of the Best recognition. The award, which is presented annually, goes to top performing Mercedes-Benz dealerships for demonstrating superior performance in various areas of their business, including customer satisfaction, new vehicle sales, certified pre-owned sales, leadership and management, parts operations, and market penetration.
“These dealers represent the essence of the Mercedes-Benz brand: an enduring commitment to excellence combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and the absolute dedication to customer satisfaction,” said Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA . “These are dealers who believe, as we do, that the ultimate measure of success is not only business acumen but also meeting the expectations of each and every customer every time – no exceptions.”
MBUSA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J., is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth.
Mercedes-Benz Walkaround Competition
In order to really ramp up excitement within their sales forces, Mercedes-Benz has capped off their "Model Release of the Decade" with the release of the new 2008 C-Class, by having a National Walkaround Competition.
A walkaround is what a salesperson does when he or she walks to different areas of a car and describes some of the useful features of the car, as well as the benefits that these features will provide to a prospective owner. In this competition, every salesperson is given 10 minutes to walk around a C-Class and point out 5 features and 5 benefits at 6 positions around the car. He or she also has to point out 5 available accessories, as well as interspersing facts about Mercedes-Benz heritage, safety, performance and so on.
After a unanimous decision, Carlos Rodriguez was chosen to represent Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis in the competition. Carlos attended the Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Preparation Center (VPC) in the Baltimore Harbor where he had the opportunity to compete against representatives from the other eight stores in MileOne’s Market Group (those stores located in Northern VA, Washington DC, Maryland, and Delaware).
Many of the salespeople who came representing their dealerships had well over 10 years experience selling Mercedes-Benzs. The senior salesperson in the room had over 28 years experience. This means that he has been selling Mercedes-Benz cars for longer than Carlos has been alive.
Hours of preparation and several dry runs in front of Carlos’s fellow managers and salespeople paid off when it came time to present. “Although I was nervous,” Carlos explained, “I tried to channel my apprehension into energy and enthusiasm, and was able to pull off my presentation without a hitch. When the results and scoring came in, I was ecstatic to have won against such seasoned competitors.”
Winning the Market Round means that Carlos advances to the Northeast Regional Finals. This competition will take place on December 12th in Parsippany, New Jersey. He will compete against the Market Champions from the other 11 Market groups in the Northeast Region, spanning from Maine to North Carolina. The winner of this Regional Final will take home a cash prize of $4,000 and second place will net $2,500.
This competition says a lot about who MileOne is and the type of great people that make this company so effective in our line of work. Please be sure to wish Carlos good luck and congratulate him on this already great success in this competition.
“I look forward to having the opportunity to represent my dealership, Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis, and the whole MileOne family when I go up to New Jersey next month. Just being able to show everyone what our dealership is made of has been tremendously satisfying.”
-Carlos Rodriguez
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review
Mercedes-Benz has meticulously revamped the successful M‑Class. The new generation of the dynamic, stylish SUV now has even more distinctive characteristics, and looks even sportier and more powerful. The front end of this off-roader is now defined by a redesigned bumper, recontoured headlamps and a larger, even more dominant radiator. The rear view also sports a new-look bumper with integrated reflector strips, emphasising the vehicle's width, as well as tails lights with a smoked-glass look. Stylistic fine-tuning and new high-grade materials which are pleasing to the eye and touch combine with a new two-tone colour scheme to add fresh highlights to the interior. Moreover, the eye is immediately drawn to the new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The M-Class standard specification has also been significantly upgraded. It now includes the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® and NECK-PRO head restraints as well as an all-new, high-performance telematics system developed by Mercedes-Benz, which is much easier to use thanks to a host of new functions. The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is also set to become even more distinctive and striking, courtesy of new front and rear aprons with a chromed underguard, and a larger AMG radiator grille.
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is the trendsetter among today's SUVs. Its exceptional status is down to its characteristic dynamic, stylish design, a combination of compelling performance both on and off-road, the ride comfort and ease of operation of a saloon, along with a high perceived value. The M-Class also comes with a range of safety features that are unsurpassed in the SUV segment. Buyers have also come to appreciate these outstanding qualities. Since the second-generation M-Class was launched in April 2005, some 300,000 units have been delivered to customers around the world. As such, the state-of-the-art off-roader remains one of the most successful vehicles in this rapidly growing market segment.
Mercedes-Benz has now substantially upgraded the new-generation M-Class with fresh styling touches, even higher quality and extensively enhanced equipment and appointments. The premium SUV now looks even more powerful and sportier, making a bolder statement in terms of character and presence.
The interior of the new-generation, state-of-the-art off-roader has been stylishly upgraded with high-quality materials. The door centre panel is now trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather. Two-tone leather appointments are also available as an option to give a hand-made impression. In the enhanced interior the eye is also drawn to the new, four-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel with its chrome trim, improved ease of operation and standard-fit shift paddles. The seats have a more attractive, sportier design and can be fitted with four-way lumbar support as an option.
The new-generation M-Class features a brand new telematics generation developed by Mercedes-Benz, offering a new dimension in user-friendliness, high performance and a host of useful new functions. Integrated features include a hands-free system based on Bluetooth technology, and an aux-in connection for mobile audio devices such as an iPod. On request there is also a new Media Interface, which can connect an external music device with the off-roader's onboard electronics and control system, enabling music tracks to be shown in the instrument cluster and the colour display in the centre console, and conveniently accessed using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. At the same time, the audio device's battery is also charged.
There is a choice of three units, all of them with a colour display, a twin tuner for improved radio reception, speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies and a Bluetooth interface which enables a mobile phone to be wirelessly linked to the hands-free system. Along with the new telematics generation, Mercedes-Benz also is now also offering enhanced LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as an optional extra in the M‑Class for the first time.
The occupants are also able to enjoy a surround-sound experience of concert hall quality with the latest generation of the optional Harman Kardon® Logic7® sound system, which delivers exceptionally crystal-clear listening pleasure thanks to its output of 610 watts and digital signal processor (DSP).
Rear-seat passengers also have the option of a new entertainment system with two large 8-inch screens, a centrally integrated DVD player, two sets of wireless headphones for greater freedom of movement as well as two remote controls.
Interior design
Leather-trimmed dashboard in nappa leather or ARTICO man-made leather
Door linings in ARTICO man-made leather
New two-tone leather appointments
Leather multifunction steering wheel in four-spoke design with shift paddles
Seats with new design
Three types of wood trim: burr walnut, poplar with bird's-eye look or poplar in anthracite, with stowage compartment in dashboard console as standard
Luggage cover in standard specification
Infotainment
COMAND system with large colour display and new additional functions
COMAND APS including hard-disc navigation, Music Register and voice-operated control
Universal media interface for connecting an iPod and other audio devices
LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system with whole-word recognition capability
Surround sound system with twelve speakers and an output of 610 watts
Rear-seat entertainment system with larger screens and wireless headphones
Smart Car Review
Very positive review of the upcoming Smart car. I so want one. Sixty miles per gallon.
Mine was a convertible, done up in a crisp silver metallic. Inside, the car is surprisingly roomy and, true to its name, cleverly designed. The passenger seat is set back several inches to make the driver’s view more panoramic and give the passenger a bit more legroom.
If the driver’s flying solo, he can fold the passenger seat flat, turning it into a table with a built-in cupholder. A cargo shelf in back holds enough luggage for a business trip, and the dashboard offers plenty of cubby space for cell phones and BlackBerrys.
A bonus: easy parking:
I simply found a gap between two parked cars and pulled in. Perpendicularly. With the front wheels squared against the curb, the Smart’s little rear end didn’t stick out much past the cars next to it.
And apparently fun to drive:
[…] the Fortwo, with its wheels pushed far into its corners, handled the curves with go-cart aplomb.
It’s a good time for the Smart car.
MileOne Video
As the focus of many search engines changes over to a strong library of video content, MileOne is staying on pace, if not ahead of that trend. There has been a recent addition of video players to each of our dealership’s websites as well as the launch of MileOne.tv.
The video player is a fully interactive viewer that includes rich video content for each of our manufacturers. In just a few clicks you can see all the latest video on the vehicle you are interested, or even some you are just dreaming about. You can get behind the wheel and take your new car for a “virtual” spin around town.
Coming soon, we will also offer video content that spans all the different facets or vehicle ownerships. Not only will you be able to preview vehicles in action, you can watch videos pertaining to maintenance, safety, and other informative topics.
As video becomes more and more informative as well as necessary as a research tool, MileOne.com is making sure that we have to most current and helpful content available. It is just one more step we are taking to provide the most interactive and helpful dealer site on the web.
TV's Most Famous Car Stars
by BONNIE MCGEER
Some TV shows are known for their edgy humor. Others become popular because of their attractive teen stars. And then there are shows that are all about the cars. Remember the chatty Pontiac Trans Am with the quick comebacks? How about the bright orange Dodge Charger with the horn that plays Dixie? The vehicles in Knight Rider and The Dukes of Hazzard are just two of television's most famous car stars, and their impression on fans is everlasting.
"Cars are also stars," says George Barris, who is known as the King of Kustomizers and is the creator of such automobile legends as the Batmobile, the Munster Koach, and Drag-U-La, among others. At one time, the Munster mobile received more fan mail in one month than the actors on the show. It's no wonder that these vehicles have become a part of history.
So before you can say, "Holy Batman," here is a list that ForbesAutos compiled on television's most memorable car stars over the last four decades.
Small Screen, Big Wheels
Ferrari 308 GTS
The General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger
The Batmobile, a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car
Volvo P1800
Ferrari Daytona Spyder/Ferrari Testarossa
GMC G-Series van
Ford Gran Torino
K.I.T.T., a Pontiac Trans Am
The Munster Koach, a 1927 Ford T-frame
Black Beauty, a 1966 Chrysler Imperial
The cars are ranked according to the show's longevity, using the number of episodes that were broadcast. To ensure the most accurate count possible, we researched online episode guides such as epguides.com, TV.com and the Internet Movie Database.
The methodology we adopted for episode counting is based on the normal running time for each show.
Ask the Car Doctor
April is National Car Care Month
Five 60-Second Fluid Checks
Properly maintaining your car's fluid levels is an easy way to help ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly between service visits.
Before checking, always stop the engine, remove the key from the ignition switch, set the parking brake and let the engine cool down completely. Take care not to spill any engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid or any other fluid on hot engine components.
Use your Owner's Manual as a guide for more details and to locate specific engine parts.
Engine Oil
When: Every Fuel Stop Park your vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again until it stops. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring it up to the upper level.
IMPORTANT:Use only engine oil with the grade and viscosity recommended in your Owner's Manual.
Coolant
When: Every Fuel Stop
Check your car's coolant level on the outside of the reservoir while the engine is cool. If the level is close to or lower than the "LOW" mark, add coolant up to the "FULL" mark. If the reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap (Do not open when the radiator is hot!) and refill as required. After filling the reserve tank and the radiator, reinstall the caps and check that the rubber gasket inside the radiator cap is in the proper position.
IMPORTANT: Use the coolant recommended in your Owner's Manual only. Use of other coolants may result in corrosion.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When: Monthly
(Automatic transmission equipped models only.) Drive several miles to raise the temperature of your car's transmission fluid up to normal operating temperatures (140 to 176 degrees is normal). Park on a level surface and set the parking brake. Shift the selector level in each position. Then shift it in the "P" position, and run the engine at idling speed. Pull out the dipstick and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the lower level on the "HOT" side, add the recommended automatic transmission fluid up to the upper level.
IMPORTANT: If you don't have time to warm up the automatic transmission, check to see that the fluid level is between the lower level and the upper level on the "COLD" side. If it is below that range, add fluid up to the upper level. Be careful not to overfill.
Manual Transmission Oil
When: Monthly
(Manual transmission equipped models only.) Park your vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level back up to the upper level.
Brake Fluid
When: Monthly
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If the level is below "MIN," add the recommended brake fluid to "MAX."
IMPORTANT: Use only brake fluid from a sealed container. Never mix different brands of brake fluid together. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. Take care not to splash brake fluid over any painted surfaces or rubber parts, as damage may result. If your vehicle requires frequent refilling, there may be a leak. Have the vehicle checked at your MileOne dealership.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Mile One Service Center.
The correct answer is Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md.
The original Chesapeake and Ohio canal was about 175 miles long. It was originally intended to go all the way to Ohio, but never made it.
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