Mercedes-Benz hits the Fashion Runways of New York - All in Support of Breast Cancer Charities

This year, MBUSA joined forces with Saks Fifth Avenue to raise funds for the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) charitable initiative. The national shopping event runs concurrently with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Sept 18-23, 2002 at Bryant Park. Held twice a year, the next Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week takes place this month.

MBUSA is underwriting the shows of the celebrated designer Migual Adrover, whose much-anticipated collection was seen on Sept 21 at Bryant Park, and world renowned couture designer, Anne Bowen, whose collection was seen Sept 19, at Medi Restaurant in Rockefeller Plaza.

This is the second year in which MBUSA has joined forces with Saks Fifth Avenue to support the FTBC initiative. In addition to underwriting the FTBC events held at all 61 Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the U.S., MBUSA’s sponsorship includes a unique offering of 61 special-edition versions of the all-new 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Coupe. The CLK500 Coupes, which were built exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue for the FTBC program, are integrated into the four day charity shopping event and displayed at all Saks Fifth Avenue stores. MBUSA will make a donation to FTBC for every special-edition CLK500 Coupe sold.
Proceeds from the four day charity event held at Saks Fifth Avenue stores across the country help fund various local and national breast cancer organizations. To date, FTBC has raised over six million dollars to benefit these organizations.

“We think this partnership with Saks and the CFDA make a meaningful contribution to informing women about, and addressing, this issue,” said Dave Schembri, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.

The special-edition coupes feature an exclusive color-combination with an exterior known as “Saks Fifth Avenue” blue and stone leather interior. Some exciting features of the new coupe include a powerful V8 engine, 17 inch AMG alloy wheels, and AMG styling package and a wood/leather steering wheel. In addition, each of the 61 vehicles come complete with a special amenities package, including customized items such as a limited edition cashmere car blanket. Sterling silver key ring, leather note pad and wallet, all designed by Baldessarini for Hugo Boss. Each coupe also comes with a specially designed floor mat that is adorned with both Mercedes-Benz and Saks Fifth Avenue logos. This special edition Mercedes-Benz CLK500 is sold through participating Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The suggested retail price (including destination charges) for the all-new CLK500 is $57,365US.