The Indian division of Mercedes-Benz, a renowned German automobile marque, has concluded the grand finale of its country wide signature driving skills demonstration programme, the 'StarDrive Experience' in Mumbai on December 1, 2012. The StarDrive Experience has been conceptualised by the company for showcasing revolutionary and cutting edge attributes of its various models, which reflect in an unmatched performance output. The event was organised by Mercedes-Benz India in association with Daimler Financial Services and Mobil 1. The initiative aims at increasing the company's interaction and engagement with its nationwide clientele, besides connecting the vibrant and enthusiastic Indian youth population with the unmatched technological adeptness of Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz is an epitome of avant garde automobile engineering products and with the StarDrive programme it aims to educate its customers about driving in demanding road situations in a safe and efficient way. In order to achieve this purpose, the company simulates real time tricky driving situations, accident episodes along with critical off road conditions.
The Mumbai episode was the third and final edition of 2012 Mercedes-Benz StarDrive Experience that was kick started in Kochi and later traversed through Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Chandigarh. Further, participants of the event shared their incredible experiences with their family, friends and relatives via Wi-Fi enables Apple iPads equipped at high end Star Lounges. The German auto major installed the world class Star Lounges to service as an exclusive hospitality area created for leisurely activities of the participants of Mercedes-Benz StarDrive Experience.
As expected, the grand finale of Mercedes-Benz StarDrive Experience turned out to be an incredible success and witnessed participation from many enthusiastic Mumbaikars. The hype in anticipation of event had zoomed up, since it also marked the participation of popular Indian movie actor and director, Farhan Akhtar. Reportedly, Farhan Akhtar is the first owner of Mercedes-Benz latest premium Sports Utility Vehicle M Class.
Commenting on the company's one of a kind initiative, Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales and Marketing, Indian arm of Mercedes-Benz, said, “With the StarDrive Experience, Mercedes-Benz India continues to present a fascinating and adventurous extravaganza for its customers. The StarDrive Experience combines the essential elements of driving experience with simulation of critical road situation and embodies Mercedes-Benz’s spirit of innovation with an element of fun. This unique experiential marketing initiative now in its third year has been a key demonstrator of the technological prowess each Mercedes-Benz car embodies.” He further added “The participation of close to 7500 customers and enthusiasts in StarDrive Experience since its inception is a testimony of the trust the brand enjoys. We are extremely enthused by the resounding success of StarDrive Experience over the years and it makes us confident of our deep understanding of the pulse of our customers and we will bring StarDrive Experience 2013 with newer innovations.”
Further, expressing his views on the German auto major's unique driving skill showcase, Raymond Wong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ExxonMobil Lubricants Private Limited India, the sponsor partner for Mercedes-Benz StarDrive Experience, said, “Mobil 1 has long been the lubricant of choice for race teams competing in Formula One – one of the most demanding motorsports series. We have a +98long history and a strong association with Mercedes-Benz and motorsports. ExxonMobil provides Mercedes-Benz with Mobil 1 lubricant technology, expertise and support to develop next-generation lubricants for car engines and gearboxes. And it is a privilege for us to be a partner in the Mercedes-Benz StarDriveExperience, which is aimed at giving participants a unique driving experience through various tough simulations to showcase the power, agility, unparalleled safety features and engineering technology of these cars. The world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, Mobil 1, features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond conventional motor oils and exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Mobil 1 flows quickly in extreme temperatures to protect critical engine parts and is designed to maximize engine performance and help extend engine life.”
Reportedly, the globally renowned German auto maker put to test its flagship off roaders, such as M-Class and GL-Class at the well thought StarDrive Experience event. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class luxury saloons were also put under the demanding and tricky tests. However, the participation of distinguished 'three pointed stars' like C 63 AMG and E 63 AMG really upped the excitement quotient of the event. All the vehicles were tested according to their on road and off road credibility in terms of simulation, agility and driving dynamics. The core idea was to acquaint the domestic Mercedes-Benz owners with the cutting edge security attributes installed in their vehicles, such as Pro-Engineering Package, Airmatic Package, 4ETS and Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) amongst others.
Mercedes-Benz is a brand credited as one being associated as pioneers of highly innovative and sophisticated technologies in the world of automobile engineering. The German auto major has always installed top draw, sublime safety and security features in its products, which underline their technological superiority as compared to their contemporaries. The company gave the global automobile industry, several revolutionary and breakthrough technologies like Neck-Pro, Attention Assist System and essential occupant protection system (PRE-SAFE), which have established benchmarks in terms of driver and passenger safety equipments.
The Mercedes-Benz StarDrive Experience comprised two major vehicle performance testing categories. The first and foremost being - PRE-SAFE Demonstration activity, which took care of performance testing of C-Class and E-Class luxury sedans. The saloons were tested in terms of safety, agility and performance attributes and results PRE-SAFE®, ESP® were determined through controlled and safe demonstration activities.
The second activity was centred around the off roading performance display of Mercedes-Benz true blood off roaders like M-Class and GL-Class. The list of prominent off roading technologies tested included the likes of Pro-Engineering Package, Airmatic Package, 4ETS and downhill speed regulation (DSR) amongst others. Several artificial parcours were set up to simulate real time and natural tricky off road driving situations. The parcours had been designed in accordance with the global guidelines set by the German auto marque's driving events team in Germany.
