Rare Gathering of Car Owners, Dealers, Marketers & Retailers to Converge at Mercedes-Benz U.S. Production Facility

TUSCALOOSA, Ala., May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) — the largest Mercedes-Benz enthusiast organization in the world — is ready to welcome Mercedes-Benz car owners, dealers, marketers and retailers from across North America May 18-22 for "StarTech 2013," MBCA's national technical convention to be held at the Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) production facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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According to William West Hopper, MBCA's national StarTech 2013 chairman, close to 300 owners and enthusiasts of the iconic automotive brand will travel from across the country to pay tribute to the Mercedes-Benz marque at the only Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facility in the U.S.; the production 'birthplace' of the Mercedes-Benz M-, GL- and R-Class vehicles.

"The Mercedes-Benz Club of America has close to 30,000 members who are always seeking the latest technical advice and expertise about their Mercedes-Benz; especially in the areas of restoration, maintenance, performance and engineering," Hopper reports. "StarTech 2013 is the special event that brings Mercedes-Benz brand experts together in one place, and gives our members the technical training and advancements they're hungry for."   

"The guest line-up is deep and downright impressive," according to Dr. Jim Roberts, president of the local (Alabama) Mercedes-Benz Club chapter, and also charged with hosting this year's event. "StarTech 2013 will bring together over 20 engineers and technicians from Mercedes-Benz USA (Montvale, NJ); the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center (Irvine, CA); plus Mercedes-Benz dealerships from Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville (AL). We'll have the most qualified group of experts to lead us."  

Attendees will experience the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park and Museum in Leeds, AL and the NASA Rocket facility in Huntsville. Mr. Markus Schaefer, President  & CEO of MBUSI, will address the audience as keynote speaker. Alabama's own Bill Taylor, Don Irwin and Heinz Neunzig will also talk about their experience starting up the MBUSI facility in Alabama more than 16 years ago.  

Steve Dierks, National President of MBCA adds, "StarTech will be the ultimate 'confluence' of the people who manufacture, sell, maintain, market and drive the world's finest luxury vehicle … Mercedes-Benz. It doesn't get any better than this!"

About MBCA
The Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) is the largest Mercedes-Benz enthusiast organization in the world. Founded in 1956, MBCA offers Mercedes-Benz owners and enthusiasts a wide array of events, services and member-only discounts, including: performance driving classes; teen driving instruction; casual and competitive car shows; technical seminars; off-road excursions plus savings on Mercedes-Benz purchases, parts, service & accessories. An annual subscription to their award-winning magazine The Star^® is included with membership ($49/year U.S., $59/year Canadian & Int'l). To learn more, visit www.mbca.org.

Contact:
Lisa A. Juhl | 800.637.2360 | [email protected]
William West Hopper | 202.365.0672 | [email protected]

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Club of America