In an event titled “Follow your own star”, Mercedes-Benz yesterday evening celebrated the conclusion of a Europe-wide star tour in Milan’s impressive Castello Sforzesco. The tour was performed by 800 selected drivers in about 400 new A-Class vehicles. Among the special highlights of the evening were appearances by the Italian top designer Giorgio Armani, who presented an exclusive fashion show, and by the four-time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera. In her live performance, Aguilera also gave the first-ever presentation of her song “Hello”, which was composed especially for the introduction of the new A-Class.

Drivers from 24 European countries had applied at the website www.follow-your-own-star.com for a chance to participate in the “Star Tour”, which gave them the unique opportunity to become familiar with the new A-Class before the vehicle’s official market launch. The 400 drivers and their passengers chosen for the event by Mercedes-Benz drove along spectacular routes through some of the most beautiful regions in Europe, completing the tour in four day-long stages. The second generation of the A-Class sets new standards for its segment with regard to perceived value, safety and interior versatility. The vehicle is even more comfortable and powerful than its successful predecessor, whose striking one-box design and unique sandwich concept made it a trendsetter for an entirely new generation of automobiles.

The Star Tour drivers were joined for the celebration in Milan by a number of outstanding personalities from the worlds of music, fashion, culture, film and sports. Among them was tennis legend Boris Becker, who, like the other special guests, has accomplished a great deal in his life and always remained true to his convictions no matter what anyone else thought, said or did. This self-confident and independent way of striking out in new directions is also a characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Renowned cooks - including one of the most successful German TV chefs, Johann Lafer - were on hand at the celebration to provide the guests with culinary delights at eight cooking stations.

©1998-2004 DaimlerChrysler