Mercedes-Benz DRIVE YOUR FUTURE

---- From the desk of Paul Halata ----

Dear Friends-

On behalf of Mercedes-Benz USA, I am pleased to invite you to apply for a 2006 DRIVE YOUR FUTURE scholarship. This year, $1.5 million in scholarship funding will be made available to college-bound students who are the first generation in their families to attend college. Mercedes-Benz USA and our dealers nationwide are proud to offer scholarships to students across the country who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, community service and school activities.

This year, we will add to our core program by offering additional scholarships for students pursuing performing arts careers. These new scholarships, totaling an additional $500,000, will be called the DRIVE YOUR FUTURE Performance Awards and are being offered through our partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). Additionally, through the sales of Special Edition GL-Class vehicles, Mercedes-Benz will donate $1 million to EIF's National Arts and Music Education Initiative.

If you are a graduating senior currently attending high school in the United States and will be the first generation in your family to go to college, we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. Scholarship awards in the amount of $10,000 ($2,500/year over 4 years) will be granted to students nationwide as well as to students from specific youth organizations.

Mercedes-Benz is a brand built on aspiration and excellence. It is our desire to match our resources with your potential, and, in the process, lay the groundwork for strong, dynamic and thoughtful leadership in the next generation. Please take a moment to review the e-application materials and apply on-line after Jan. 4, 2006 by visiting: https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/drivefuture. The application submission deadline is Feb. 10, 2006.

On behalf of Mercedes-Benz USA, I am pleased to extend this opportunity to you and wish you the best of luck!

Warm regards,

Paul Halata
President & CEO
Mercedes-Benz USA