Bangkok--Feb 16--DaimlerChrysler
First time the “Mercedes-Benz Star Drive” event has been held outside Germany
More than 70 Mercedes-Benz cars, including around 40 classic automobiles, head to Chiang Mai city ready for the Mercedes-Benz Star Drive in and around Chiang Mai.
Event to commemorate His Majesty the Kings’ 60th Anniversary on the Throne
DaimlerChrysler(Thailand) Ltd is joining with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Mai Province, Chiang Mai Municipality, and the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce to host the first ever “Mercedes-Benz Star Drive” outside Germany. More than 70 Thai-owned classic cars and cars from the latest Mercedes-Benz range will converge on ChiangMai for the weekend of February 25 and 26.
Thailand was chosen for the first international “Mercedes-Benz Star Drive” in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the Throne and to provide a unique tourist industry event.
The event will run from February 24 to 26 and will bring together 42 classic Mercedes-Benz cars, ranging from a 1938 170V Cabriolet to a 1983 450SL.
Classic Mercedes-Benz autos will be seen driving around Chiang Mai during the three day event, with all cars coming together for a Grand Parade on Sunday, February 26.
A large contingent of international media and guests are expected to take part in the “Mercedes-Benz Star Drive”, including members of Mercedes-Benz car clubs from around the world.
The event will conclude with a Gala Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Hotel, attended by the Prime Minister.
Mr. Karl-Heinz Heckhausen, President & CEO of DaimlerChrysler (Thailand) Ltd., said he was delighted that Thailand had been chosen for the first international “Mercedes-Benz Star Drive.”
“This is a unique event in the motoring and tourism industry and we are pleased to be hosting it in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne,” said Mr Heckhausen.
Mr Heckhausen said that all cars in the Star Drive were from Thailand.
“The oldest car in the Star Drive event has been on Thailand roads for almost 70 years,” he said.
“The coming together of so many classic cars will give car enthusiasts and the general public the chance to see some of the finest automobiles ever made.”
Mr Heckhausen said it was fitting that the “Mercedes-Benz Star Drive” followed on from the Centenary of Mercedes-Benz in Thailand last year and was a tribute to the continuous development of the brand alongside Thai society for more than 100 years.
“It is our intention that the Mercedes-Benz Star Drive become an annual event and we hope that it will become an important contributor to the many tourist attractions of Chiang Mai and northern Thailand,” he said.
Mr Heckhausen said the role of the Thailand Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Club was central to the success of the Star Drive and that their members, working with DaimlerChrysler, had done an exceptional job in arranging the event.
“The reputation of the Thailand Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Club was integral to the event being held outside Germany for the first time,” he said.
“The club is well known internationally and is very highly regarded by DaimlerChrysler offices worldwide and by other classic car clubs.”
The Grand Parade of Mercedes-Benz classic cars will take place on Sunday, February 26 from Chiang Mai Governor House to Tha-Phae Gate. As well as the exhibition and 40 classic Mercedes-Benz autos, a selection of cars from the current Mercedes-Benz range will also take part.
Classic Mercedes Benz autos taking part in the Star Drive include coupes, roadsters, limousines, cabriolets and saloons.
The Grand Parade will also showcase some of the latest Mercedes-Benz cars released onto the Thai market. Mercedes-Benz has the largest model range in the Thailand luxury car segment.
The Mercedes-Benz Star Drive is being supported by a number of leading partners and sponsors — Shell, Nok Air, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Hotel, Bangkok International Motor Show Limited, Bosphorous, Lowe, Zummer Green Tea and Siam Drinking Water.
Further details please contact :
DaimlerChrysler (Thailand) Ltd,
Communications Department, Fax: 0-2676-5685
Website: media.daimlerchrysler.com
Chatvithai Tantraporn 0-2 344 61 20 0-1 836 00 14
[email protected]
Yaowaret Lertluechachai 0-2 344 61 21 0-1 805 34 92
[email protected]
Orada Dolkit 0-2 344 61 22 0-1 853 42 22
[email protected]
Tippawan Nuntachaiyod 0-2 670 10 00 0-1 621 86 66
[email protected]
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