Its parent company, DaimlerChrysler, has established the Laureus World Sports Awards, dedicated to honoring outstanding athletes across all disciplines, while playing a leading role in supporting social sports projects worldwide.Established in 1986 and based in Hong Kong, Mercedes-Benz China Limited (MBCL) is the wholly owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG and the franchise-holder for all imported passenger vehicle products under the Mercedes Car Group (MCG) in China, Hong Kong and Macau. The Group includes the Mercedes-Benz passenger car, smart brands and the legendary Maybach, along with sub-brands Mercedes-Benz AMG and Mercedes-Benz McLaren.Additional information and news of the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby is available at the HKJC website: www.hongkongjockeyclub.com/english.
Edited from a releaseThe Hong Kong Derby (HK-I), the premier event on that country's racing calendar, will now become the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby. The race is scheduled for March 21 at the Sha Tin Racecourse.Mercedes-Benz will sponsor the annual Hong Kong classic for an initial period of three years, following an agreement between Mercedes-Benz China Limited and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The illustrious horse race, first run in 1873, has previously never been sponsored."Mercedes-Benz is proud to have our name associated with such a premium race, one that has managed to capture the passion and imagination of Hong Kong since the 19th century," says Mrs. Jutta Aulich, general manager, sales & marketing, passenger vehicles division, Mercedes-Benz China. "Mercedes-Benz and the Hong Kong Derby, two of the most enduring and esteemed brands have come together, and that is worth celebrating." Mrs. Aulich said further, "For Mercedes-Benz, sports sponsorship is one of the primary means of building relationships, of bonding with our exclusive retailer, Zung Fu Company Ltd., our customers, and communities."The Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby is an international social occasion as well as a premium sporting event. It also features one of the world's richest derby purses. The race, worth HK$14 million, brings together the finest 4-year-old Thoroughbreds in Hong Kong over a 2000-metre distance (about 10 furlongs). The winner claims HK$8.1 million, with the balance of prize money on offer to the next five finishers. "It will be an ideal long-term partnership," says Winfred Engelbrecht-Bresges, executive director, racing, for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, "as Mercedes-Benz and the Hong Kong Derby are products of the highest class, with a great degree of prestige associated."One of the event's most important lead-up races will be named the 'Mercedes-Benz Classic Mile.' This much-anticipated race is set for Feb. 15 at Sha Tin Racecourse.In addition to supporting motoring sports, Mercedes-Benz has also been a long-time sponsor of various international and regional sports events, including prominent golf, tennis and rugby tournaments.
