Bangkok--Mar 6--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 Chamber of Commerce , and Chiang Mai Municipality, supported by DaimlerChrysler South East Asia in Singapore, DaimlerChrysler Classic Center in Germany, Mercedes-Benz Club Thailand 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 Chiang Mai from 24-26 Feb.
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 bring together 42 classic Mercedes-Benz cars, ranging from a 1938 170V Cabriolet to a 1983 450SL. The Classic Mercedes-Benz autos will be seen driving around
Chiang Mai during the 3 day with excursions to popular and well-known sights such as Wat Ban-Den in Mae Thaeng, Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, as well as visiting the most well known handicraft center Ban-Tawai. All cars will come together for a Grand Parade along Thapae road on Sunday, February 26
The Mercedes-Benz Star Drive Chiang Mai 2006 event will also be attended by the Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra who will be guest speaker at a dinner at the Mandarin
Oriental Dhara Dhevi Hotel. 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.
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” that “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.
“All cars in the Star Drive were from Thailand. And the oldest car in the Star Drive event has been on Thailand roads for almost 70 years,” Mr Heckhausen added.
“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 Mercedes-Benz Club Thailand 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 Mercedes-Benz Club Thailand was integral to the event being held outside Germany for the first time. The club is well known internationally and is very highly regarded by DaimlerChrysler Classic Center in Germany and by other classic car clubs.” he said.
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 the new A-, B-, C-, E-, S-class, including CLS, and SLK.
The event is being supported and participating with private partners Shell, Nok Air, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Hotel, Bangkok International Motor Show Ltd., Bosforus, 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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