Athletic, aspirational, energy-efficient –
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Mercedes-Benz UK rolls out its low-emissions champions to deliver the stars to the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards
London, February 2012. The world’s premier sporting honours event is being held next week in central London. Hundreds of the world’s sporting superstars will attend to support Laureus’ annual celebration, and Mercedes-Benz UK is helping them arrive on time, in style, and in the most efficient way possible.
The company is providing a fleet of cars and coaches which feature BlueTEC emissions-reduction technology. BlueTEC technology reduces emissions – particularly nitrogen oxides – from diesel vehicles.
In addition to Mercedes-Benz Tourismo and Setra TopLine luxury coaches, Mercedes-Benz UK is providing a fleet of primarily S 350 BlueTEC luxury saloons to transport VIP guests to the Awards at Central Hall, Westminster, London. These advanced limousines are fitted with the world’s cleanest diesel technology. S 350 BlueTECs already meet the tough EU6 emissions standards, scheduled to be introduced across Europe in 2014.
An ECO start/stop function, fitted as standard, helps to improve the efficiency of the luxury class saloon even further. With a combined consumption of 45.6mpg, the S 350 BlueTEC improves on the figures of its predecessor by nine percent. CO2 emissions have dropped to 164 grammes per kilometre.
The ECO start/stop system developed by Mercedes-Benz switches the engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill – for example at traffic lights. The engine then immediately starts again as soon as the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal. Thanks to the intelligent control system, all of the vehicle’s functions and comfort systems continue to operate during the stop phase.
Luxury isn’t sacrificed at the economy altar, though. All BlueTEC S-Classes retain the cosseting air-sprung ride, and spacious cabins in which passengers can stretch out and relax in comfort, whether they appear in the sports section, or simply read the papers.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz UK is using the Laureus World Sports Awards as part of its ongoing trials of the Vito E-CELL Traveliner – an all-electric people carrier capable of transporting nine people in near-silence, and zero local emissions. This prototype is based on the innovative Vito E-CELL panel van which launched in the UK at the end of 2011.
The Laureus Foundation funds and promotes sport as a tool for social change. It is a global leader in research, expertise and best practice in supporting grassroots programmes. Established in 2000 and based in London, Laureus currently supports 91 community grassroots sports projects around the globe. 10 of these projects are in the UK (London (5), Manchester, West Midlands and Belfast)
Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK commented: “We’re delighted that London is hosting this year’s Laureus World Sports Awards, and are proud to be playing a part in the celebrations.
“Our very own ‘team of efficiency champions’ have an important part to play on the big night of course – it’s up to us to ensure that the stars arrive on time, and everyone celebrates what was an incredible year for sport in 2011.”
Mr Breitschwerdt continued: “The Laureus Foundation’s work around the world is fantastic – and it has a number of projects in the UK. The support isn’t just corporate though – I’m very proud that my colleagues at Mercedes-Benz UK give up their own time to get involved and helping with these activities for years. On a night when the focus is rightly on the nominees and winners, I applaud the people who make Laureus the vibrant, successful organisation it is today.”
When Laureus announced that their World Sports Awards were coming to London British Prime Minister David Cameron, said: “I am delighted that the Laureus World Sports Awards are coming to London in 2012. These Awards celebrate the world’s top sportsmen and women and highlight the incredible power of sport to make a real difference to individuals and communities around the world. I can’t think of a better way to kick off our Olympic year.”
