With its long and successful history, the much awaited MercedesTrophy returned with greater swings at its annual competition this year. Taking place for the 10th time, the tournament kicked-off at the Do Son Seaside Golf & Resort on 05th May 2012 in Haiphong. MercedesTrophy 2012 was a special occasion of the company to introduce MercedesCard Platinum, the first of its kind in auto market, as added benefit to Mercedes-Benz customers based on the MercedesCard launched last year. Mercedes-Benz Vietnam (MBV) also introduced the new golf partnership - Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whisky.

Mr. Michael Behrens, General Director of MBV stated, “Golfing truly represents an evolved and contemporary lifestyle across the world, the attributes which blend seamlessly with the values of Mercedes-Benz. The MercedesTrophy – one of the largest amateur golfing tournaments in the world with its tenth edition in Vietnam offers a premium and global platform to enthusiasts and Mercedes-Benz car owners in Vietnam, so that they can prove their mettle in golfing. Golf has become increasing popular in Vietnam and we have also increased our sponsorship to accommodate the growth. We are delighted to have the brand of single malt Scotch whisky Glenmorangie as the second exclusive golf partnership, following the first strategic partnership with Techcombank.”

“Together with Techcombank, we introduce the MercedesCard Platinum. This is the key for Mercedes customers to enjoy a host of privileges and activities. We are continuously enhancing the MercedesCard programme to suit the customers’ needs and make it more rewarding and nearly as exciting as driving a Mercedes-Benz”, said Mr. Behrens.

Total 300 qualified golfers will vie for top honours in the regional finals of MercedesTrophy this year. Due to Vietnam’s growth and the interest in golf nationwide, from 4,000 golfers from 21 golf courses last year increasing up to 5,000 golfers from 28 golf courses in this year, Mercedes-Benz for the first time has hosted three regional finals, one in the North, one in the Centre and one in the South. One-third players from the regional finals will battle it out at the National Final played in the Centre in June. From this format, the best 7 players will be chosen to represent Vietnam at the Asian Final in Australia in August 2012. The best player chosen from each country goes to the World Final and will get a lifetime chance to participate at the prestigious Mercedes Trophy World Final in Stuttgart, Germany in September where he or she can get an exclusive peek into the world of Mercedes-Benz.

For today’s event, 100 golfers participated in this North regional final at Do Son Seaside Golf & Resort. The play started at 11:30 AM and already one could feel the energy and competitiveness in the air as the golfers commenced on the challenging course. Everybody had their eyes set on Hole # 12, for the Hole-In-One prize - a fabulous Mercedes-Benz GLK300 worth 1,664 billion VND. Meanwhile, players who succeed to enter a Hole-In-One for Hole # 6 will win a Mercedes-Benz E200 worth 1,933 billion VND and one VIP ticket for watching British Open Tournament together with a tour visit the Glenmorangie House in Scotland in July sponsored by Glenmorangie worth 120mil VND for the Hole-In-One prize at Hole # 16.

During MercedesTrophy, Mercedes-Benz guests can exclusively preview the new generation M-Class, which officially made its debut in April. The new ML350 4MATIC scores particularly high on outstanding energy efficiency which is 25% lower than previous (8.8 litters on 100km highway), thanks to the new engine technology and BlueEFFICIENCY package. Further strengths of the premium SUV in the segment is an all-wheel-drive system with exceptional safety and well-balanced ride comfort as well as excellent driving dynamics both on/off road.

Besides, golfers also look forward to another special highlight in the form of the long-wheel base version, S300L. This model opens a new chapter in high-class motoring trends with top safety, intelligent technologies and the highest values of a top luxurious saloon in the world. Through the product placements in the MercedesTrophy, Mercedes-Benz and An Du Autohaus Haiphong now can come in direct contact with visitors and players and thus help them have unique product experience right at the golf courses.

There is also a Driving Experience event, which gives the MercedesTrophy finalists and their accompanying guests the opportunity to try out a wide variety of current Mercedes-Benz models for themselves, offered by Mercedes-Benz An Du Haiphong Autohaus,

MercedesTrophy mainly serves to position the Mercedes-Benz brand image and to strengthen customer loyalty. The credibility and sympathy for the brand that MercedesTrophy generates can have a positive effect upon customer’s purchase decision. Mr. Behrens said, “No other sport is as fascinating and multi-faceted as golf, a well-balanced combination of absolute athletic perfection and fascination. The qualities that are embodied in the sport of golf are reflected in our products. Our brand commitment ‘The Best or Nothing’ fits perfectly with the world’s most prestigious golf tournament.”

Mercedes-Benz has also built a designated Facebook page www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzGolf to celebrate its massive commitment in the sport of golf since July 2011. This provides fans with regular updates, videos and images on what’s happening in the golfing world and has over 10,000 followers in less than 9 months.

Established 23 years ago, the MercedesTrophy has quickly become one of the world's most prestigious corporate golf tournaments. Today, it is played by a staggering 60,000 avid golfers in over 60 countries, and inspires participants around the world to raise the bar while aiming for glory. These participants joining MercedesTrophy World Final in September in Stuttgart, the “birthplace of the automobile” can take part in the “Drive to the Major” competition. This is a platform for “money can’t buy” experience, which Mercedes offers to its most important customers. “Drive to the Major” will be the single entry point worldwide to win a spot in the “Monday After Event” played directly after The Open, on the same course where all the legends and golf professionals have played the day before! These guests will also additionally be able to enjoy The Open Championship as Mercedes-Benz VIP guest.