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Mercedes-Benz Models Honored For Environmental Performance

22 November 2000

EPA and AMES Recognize Five Models for Environmentally-Conscious Performance

    MONTVALE, N.J. - Several Mercedes-Benz models have just won special 
recognition for their environmentally friendly performance. The U.S. 
government's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now issues a comparative 
ranking for cars and trucks in nine total classes based on tailpipe emissions.  
The Mercedes-Benz S500 earned top ranking for Cleanest 2001 Vehicle in the 
Large Car class; no other large car was ranked cleaner. In the Station Wagon 
class, the Mercedes-Benz E320 wagon also earned top ranking for Cleanest 2001 
Vehicle in class, also with no other cars ranked above it.  In the Large SUV 
Class, the Mercedes-Benz ML320 also garnered top raking in class.

    Separately, a variety of Mercedes-Benz vehicles have received Automotive
Market Environmental Sensitivity (AMES) awards, which recognize environmentally 
friendly performance in the automobile industry.  The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 
is named Best In Class for Luxury Cars; the M-Class is named Best In Class 
for Full-Size SUVs; the SLK-Class is named Preferred Sports Car in the Sports 
Car Class; and the CL-Class is named Preferred Luxury Car in the Luxury Car 
Class.

    The AMES awards are based on objective data including fuel economy and
emissions certification level, with the near-future hope of factoring
percentage of vehicle recyclability by weight.  The AMES awards are an
outgrowth of heightened awareness of environmental issues, and they quantify
environmentally conscious performance in the automobile industry.

    By winning both a "Best" and "Preferred" in the AMES luxury class,
Mercedes-Benz leads the way in this segment.  As well, this is the second
consecutive year in which the E-Class has been awarded the Best Luxury Car
title, and Mercedes-Benz tops all other luxury brands with these four awards.
Last year, three AMES awards went to Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

    "We thank the AMES organization for this second year of awards for our
cars' performance," said Paul Halata, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
"This comprehensive look at the environmental impact of passenger vehicles
shows great foresight into establishing a defining criteria for comparison."