• President: Doug Dees
• Vice President: John Herzler
• Treasurer: Ted Youngling
• Secretary: Gary Anderson
• Past President: Greg Magnus
• Directors: Werner Fehlauer, Dr. Jim Roberts, Mary Alice Cozza

A secretary’s report of the meeting will be available shortly. Please congratulate the officers and directors on their new positions. Also, please consider the EF as the designated charitable organization for your holiday fund raising activities.

The New Los Angeles Facility Is First Teen Driver Education And Training Center Built With Students And Parents In Mind

New Integrated Coaching Approach Marks Major Enhancement To Driver Education In California

The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy, is gearing up to take on its “freshman class” of teen driver students through its first training center located in the U.S. at 8231 W. 3rd Street in Los Angeles, California.

Working in tandem with an independent team of renowned professionals in transit and driver education, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is finalizing both its facility and curriculum – presenting a new approach to driver education while meeting and exceeding California DMV requirements.

Mercedes-Benz, a leader in automobile safety, is making a major commitment to driver education and safety in Southern California to combat the alarming statistics surrounding teen car crashes in the region. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number one cause of death amongst adolescents ages 15-20 is a car crash. National averages show that teens are most likely to have a significant crash in their first year of driving, four-times higher than an adult or experienced driver.

The new methodologies and approach for the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is based on findings of the highly acclaimed HERMES research group, including European traffic safety organizations and institutions, confirming the most effective methods for both teaching and learning. Coaching, a learner-centered method, will lead students out of the passive consuming of safety information into the role of actively producing safe driving results by making better decisions on the road.

Proven successful at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy in the U.K., the California Academy program is a customized curriculum involving a highly interactive, participatory system of key tactical on-line and classroom components in conjunction with appropriate on-road training. With this approach, maneuverability and decision-making processes are developed for Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy students through role-playing, case studies, dilemma games, witness accounts, brainstorming and coaches’ questions. Today, many schools are set on traditional teaching to the test or promoting rote memorization.

Mercedes-Benz is part of a growing movement towards placing a higher value on driver education in general. For the past year, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy has been working with the California State PTA and partnered with IMPACT Teen Drivers, including giving a grant to provide important safety workshops at over 20 Los Angeles area schools.

“We are leading a path to modify and update driver education to accommodate the incredible changes in the driving landscape that have transpired over the past six decades,” said Academy Director Carolyn Duchene. “Road conditions, technology, distractions, traffic and other externalities including a record number of drivers today along with road improvement projects require a totally new approach to ensure teens become safe and responsible drivers,” she continued.

The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy will offer a variety of programs for teens and new drivers at various stages of their learning process, taking full advantage of the Graduated Driver Licensing framework in California with a heavy focus on the importance of parental involvement, which leads to practice and positive reinforcement for success.

• The most comprehensive program for those at the beginning of their learning phase incorporates an engaging, on-line theory component interspersed with corresponding blocks of road application designed to better prepare new drivers with more critical thinking and road strategy.

• An on-road, behind-the-wheel program is available for those who already have their learner’s permit.

• Customized programs can also be provided to further refine driving skill sets for any age or level.

The MBDA operations and training center, which is in the final stages of the build out, is strategically located with access to the Los Angeles Metro area and close proximity to several premier shopping centers. “We chose the location for the first U.S. Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy to meet the needs of our students and their families – and that includes accessibility to many neighborhoods, close proximity to several major highways and shopping destinations for parent convenience,” Duchene said.

Mercedes-Benz plans to announce additional Driving Academy locations in the future and is engaged in active, ongoing recruitment for driving instructors. For more information on employment opportunities and enrollment, please visit www.mbdrivingacademy.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com

The videos were released in association with a  marketing promotion launched by Mercedes-Benz USA on Facebook. You can enter a contest to win a free trip to the AMG Driving Academy at Laguna Seca. The entry deadline is September 15, 2011; for contest details see the Mercedes-Benz USA Facebook page here. The contest includes a trip for four, you and three friends, and the opportunity to participate in the one-day intensive Basic Course at the Academy.

The videos below include the first two driving videos in the series. All ten videos are published on YouTube as well.

SEAT POSITION

Click here to view the embedded video.

BRAKING

Click here to view the embedded video.

The EF is in the process of moving a collection of historical documents from temporary storage in Colorado Springs, CO, to the Kemp Museum in St. Louis. During the next few months, the documents will be cataloged and prepared for public display. Also, we are photographing select materials for subsequent viewing here on our website. Upon arrival in St. Louis, the documents will be cataloged and photographed. MBCA members, researchers and others will soon be able to access the information.

Do you have historical Mercedes-Benz materials you would like to donate to our collection? If so, please contact MBCA EF here.

In other news: Many of us love to drive. OK, that’s not news, but did you know you can actually get an award for doing so?

MERCEDES-BENZ HIGH MILEAGE AWARD

The latest Mercedes-Benz to be recognized for surpassing the one-million-mile mark is a 1970 280SE acquired for the Mercedes-Benz Museum Collection from its original owners, George and Luzstella Koschel of Orange County, California. The Koschels bought the car new and drove it for 1,019,000 miles. But you don’t need to drive a million miles to get an award.

The Mercedes-Benz Classic High Mileage Award is presented to owners whose vehicles have logged 155,000 miles or more.

Drivers receive a traditional Star and Laurel Badge and handsome display certificate in a formal presentation folder. Awards are presented at five vehicle mileage milestones.

Award Milestones

• 155,000 miles (250,000 kilometers)
• 312,000 miles (500,000 kilometers )
• 466,000 miles (750,000 kilometers )
• 625,000 miles (1,000,000 kilometers)
• 1,000,000 miles (1,610,000 kilometers)

Download your award application here, complete it, and then take your vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer for odometer verification.

History and Background

Mercedes-Benz first introduced the High Mileage Award in the 1960s to recognize the many Mercedes-Benz vehicles that routinely travel hundreds of thousands of miles — some even eclipsing the million-mile mark.

The current Mercedes-Benz High Mileage champ is Gregorios Sachinidis, a Greek taxi driver who holds the known record of more than 2.8 million miles in his 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D.

So, how many miles do you have on your Mercedes-Benz?

What MBCA member has the most miles? Leave your model and mileage in the comment section below. And, maybe you’ll just get an award from the EF!

Greg Magnus
MBCA Educational Foundation | President

MERCEDES BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Board Meeting Agenda – November 5, 2010
St. Louis, MO

BOARD REPORT

• Business Plan: The EF is revising the business plan to include new developments in teen driving programs and the addition of new directors to the EF Board.
• Board reconstitution: three new directors have been added to the EF Board; John Herzler, Ted Youngling, and Gary Anderson.
• Additional board members are being sought and the focus is on individuals with corporate experience and/or foundation fund raising experience.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Doug Dees, Treasurer, provided a treasurer’s report to the board.

• Financial Report
• Donations: The EF board would like to extend our appreciation to Don Anderson for his gracious $500 donation. Also, we would like to acknowledge donations made by MBCA members that donate while joining, or renewing, his or her membership.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

• The EF  was operating without a board president due to the passing of Joe. Mary Alice Cozza assumed the role of acting president. A board president will be elected at the November 2010 MBCA EF board meeting on Saturday, November 6, 2010.
• MBCA Educational Foundation elections for new officers: the date for the next election is November 6, 2010.
• Doug Truitt is the registered agent in the state of Colorado for the EF.
• Driver’s education initiatives and Street Survival: The “Street Survival Program” presented numerous challenges with respect to facilities, manpower and insurance and a decision was made to defer EF’s focus on this program at this time. However, additional facilities and programs are now being pursued. The Board has identified an opportunity in the Atlanta, GA, area. John Herzler is working with a facility and will report back to the Board on the new developments.
• Fund raising – the Board is seeking experienced professionals to enhance our fund raising efforts during 2011.
• Administrative support and office operations; assistance is being provided by the NBO; bank transactions,  book sales, etc. The EF intends to hire administrative support as needed based on the results of fund raising efforts.
• The EF board will review and update the advertisement previously submitted to the Star magazine as well as classified ads.
• Press Release: a press release is being provided to the Newsletter Committee for future publication in section newsletters.
• McPherson College: Ed Hall with the Oklahoma Section discussed the past donations with the college.
• Next EF meeting to be determined (within 60-90 days).

MERCEDES BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Board Meeting Agenda – November 6, 2009
St. Louis, MO

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

• Business plan implementation in progress
• Fund raising plan implementation in progress
• Donor recognition; donors were contacted and thanked for their generosity
• Board member search; 3-4 additional board members are being sought and the focus is on individuals with corporate experience and/or foundation fund raising experience

TREASURER’S REPORT
Doug Dees, Treasurer

• Financial report and statement balance; current account balance is $86,952
• Donations; $3,229 in donations and interest (Jan. – Sept. 2009)

DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Auto Restoration Funding Request: CT/West Chester Section – Werner to investigate the request, the budget for the project and the ability of the local section to provide technical support for the project. Werner to report back to the EF board by end of November.
• Discussion with new MBCA Executive Director concerning the Star back issues and the MBCA 50th Anniversary books; Joe Wozney to discuss with Doug Truitt
• MBCA Educational Foundation elections for new officers: tentative date for the next election prior to February 1, 2010.
• Doug Truitt has filed the paperwork with the state of Colorado to become the registered agent of the EF to replace the outgoing agent.
• Driver’s education initiatives and the Street Survival
  - Program challenges with respect to facilities, manpower and insurance
  - Involvement of other trainers currently in the business
• Fund raising – outsourcing firms
• Discuss resources
• Member contact: Pacific Gas & Electric Company sponsors an annual “Campaign for the Community” which allows employees to donate to 501(c)3 organizations through payroll deduction. Information was provided to include the EF as a possible charitable organization.
• Proxy provision: approved by Member in May 2009 and incorporated into current EF bylaws
• Member approved the maximum number of EF board members up to eleven (11)
• Administrative support and office operations
• MBCA membership application: we understand the MBCA is including our requested updates for the next printing. Copy of our proposed revisions sent to the NBO.
• PR and marketing
• Re-address the advertisement in the Star magazine as well as classified ads, which have been submitted for the next issue.
• Next EF meeting to be determined once additional board candidates have been identified (within 60-90 days)

Legendary Motor Sports Photographer Receives Mercedes-Benz Star Driver Award as the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance Celebrates 75th Anniversary of the Silver Arrows

Montvale, NJ – Mercedes-Benz celebrates the accomplishments of renowned motorsports photographer, Jesse Alexander, by honoring him as the “Star Driver” at this year’s Pebble Beach Gala on Friday, August 14, 2009.

Alexander’s career behind the lens of a camera began in the early 1950s with the birth of the sports car movement in the United States at tracks in Pebble Beach and Palm Springs. His work is an important part of history, documenting motorsports and its legends like Phil Hill during an era of renegade adventures, dangerous courses, and technological breakthroughs, which many car enthusiasts never experienced.

As a young man, Alexander followed an intimate group of fearless racecar drivers from the Grand Prix of Europe to the famous Mille Miglia, capturing their heroic wins and narrow defeats. While in France in July 1954, Alexander was in Reims shooting the French Grand Prix and documenting the debut of the victorious Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio, Karl Kling and Hans Herrmann.

“Jesse’s images remain some of the most memorable in Mercedes-Benz racing heritage and his dedication to documenting motorsports legends in an era that most of us didn’t witness is invaluable,” said Mike Kunz, manager of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California. “It is Mercedes-Benz honor to recognize Jesse’s work and Pebble Beach is the perfect setting along with our celebration of 75th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows.”

Mercedes-Benz will feature several original Silver Arrow vehicles including the W 25 from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart at its Star Lounge on the 3rd fairway during the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance weekend August 13-16, 2009.

Alexander is the fifth individual to receive the Star Driver designation, joining the ranks of notable icons Sir Stirling Moss, John Fitch, Jochen Mass and Denise McCluggage. The Star Driver award recognizes individuals who have made great contributions to motorsports and the automobile industry.

More information on Jesse Alexander can be found at www.jessealexander.com.

In May, Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered 97,300 Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles (May 2008: 111,100) to customers worldwide (minus 12 percent). The Mercedes-Benz brand sold 86,300 passenger vehicles worldwide (minus 12 percent) in May (May 2008: 98,100 units). Despite the fact that many markets are still in a difficult situation, Mercedes-Benz succeeded in markedly improving sales compared to the previous month (April 2009: 80,700). Factors that contributed to this improvement included the successful

market launch of the new E-Class and the positive sales development in Germany and the Asia-Pacific region.

In Germany, Mercedes-Benz sold 25,600 vehicles in May (May 2008: 23,100) and increased sales by 11 percent. In addition to the boost from the new E-Class, the A- and B-Class also contributed to the growth in sales. Around 5,300 customers bought an A-Class vehicle in Germany in May (May 2008: 3,400), representing an increase of 54 percent. Deliveries of B-Class vehicles rose by 27 percent to 3,900 units (May 2008: 3,000). Sales in the A- and B-Class segment totaled 18,900 units worldwide, remaining largely unchanged from the same month last year (May 2008: 19,000). The smart fortwo posted a sales increase of 26 percent in Germany with 3,200 units sold in May (May 2008: 2,600). Since the beginning of the year, customers have bought 50,100 units of the innovative two-seater worldwide (January-May 2008: 55,500, minus 10 percent). The smart fortwo is now in the third year of its lifecycle. Mercedes-Benz in May was able to gain market shares in key Western European markets, such as Spain, France and the UK.

“The new E-Class has met with an outstanding customer response,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We expect sales to receive a further boost in the coming months from the introduction of the new E-Class to other important markets such as China and the U.S., as well as from the launch of the new E-Class coupe and the face lifted S-Class.” As was the case in April, the first month after the vehicle’s launch, the new E-Class was once again the market leader in Germany in May. “The new S 400 HYBRID has also gotten off to a great start,” says Maier. “In fact, around 15 percent of S-Class customers have opted for the hybrid version even before it officially hits showrooms on June 26.” In May, the S-Class was once again the world’s best-selling luxury sedan.

In China, Mercedes-Benz posted another sales record in May. At 5,200 units (May 2008: 3,300), vehicle sales were up by 59 percent. As a result, Mercedes-Benz continues to grow fastest. In Brazil, sales of Mercedes-Benz have risen by 39 percent since the beginning of the year, to 1,900 units (January–May 2008: 1,300). Mercedes-Benz continues to surge ahead in Canada as well. In the first five months of the year, the brand posted record sales of 9,400 units (January-May 2008: 8,100), representing an increase of 17 percent.

MERCEDES BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Board Meeting Agenda – March 30, 2009
Herndon, Virginia

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

• Business plan implementation
• Fund raising plan implementation
• Donor recognition
• Board member search

TREASURER’S REPORT

• Financial report and statement balance
• Investment account
• Donations
• Sale of Star magazines (back issues)
• NBO sales of the EF purchased 50th anniversary books

DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Driver’s education initiatives
• Street Survival: program involvement to date
• Training of instructors
• Fund raising – outsourcing firms
• Discuss resources
• Member contact: Pacific Gas & Electric Company sponsors an annual “Campaign for the Community” which allows employees to donate to 501(c)3 organizations through payroll deduction. Information was provided to include the EF as a possible charitable organization.
• Proxy provision: draft prepared for Member approval
• Administrative support and office operations
• MBCA EF brochures: the board has determined not to replace or produce printed brochures.
• MBCA membership application: we understand the MBCA is including our requested updates for the next printing. Copy of our proposed revisions sent to the NBO.
• PR and marketing
• Advertisement in the Star magazine as well as classified ads, which have been submitted for the July/Aug. issue.
• Proposal for potential funding from FIA Motor Sport Safety Dev. fund. Proposal to the EF board prior to our next meeting.

A full board report will be presented in Indianapolis on April 30, 2009, in conjunction with the MBCA national board meeting.