VANCOUVER- As part of its relentless effort to help make Canadian roads safer for everyone, Mercedes-Benz Canada today announced the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers.

Mercedes-Benz launches its first Canadian Driving Academy for New Drivers in Vancouver

This pioneering driver education program is the first of its kind in Canada. It incorporates proprietary best practices and curriculum from other established Mercedes-Benz driving schools around the world with proven intensive coaching methods that are uniquely personalized to Canadian students.

“The skills required to simply get a licence do not fully prepare young drivers to meet the harsh demands of the road.” and “Our exclusive, in-depth coaching methods were developed as a direct result of the cutting-edge research conducted through the High impact approach for Enhancing Road safety through More Effective communication Skills (HERMES) project,” said Alexander J. Hobbach, Global Head of Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy.

The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers offers a full spectrum of driver education and training programs that delve well-beyond simply learning the basic traffic regulations and fundamental driving techniques necessary for novice drivers to obtain their licence. A proven combination of classroom, in-car, and ground-breaking online education sessions will equip new drivers with a broad scope of skills and core competencies that are crucial for safe and enjoyable motoring.

“Our techniques have proven to be extremely effective in other markets around the world, and we are pleased to work with the highly-skilled team in Canada to establish the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers in Vancouver,” said Alexander J. Hobbach, Global Head of Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy.

The comprehensive and holistic approach to driver education and training focuses on a significant range of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and risk factors to fully prepare students for the many demanding situations they will face behind the wheel. In addition to developing the core skills of vehicle operation, control and driving in traffic, the graduated licencing program (GLP Program), priced at a competitive price of $1290, features specific active-learning modules that highlight typical risk factors for novice drivers, including how each individual’s personality and lifestyle can influence their driving and personal safety.

“Safe drivers are responsible drivers, and this sense of responsibility can be developed in the driver training process if the learner is empowered to make decisions, recognize threats and identify his or her own goals,” said John Jacobsen, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers.

The program’s unique and exclusive e-learning and personal risk assessment modules will provide participants a thorough understanding of risk awareness. This technologically-advanced approach, which incorporates online learning, is the first of its kind. In fact, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers is the only school to receive approval for an online training component from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

“Our revolutionary coaching approach immediately increases the sense of responsibility within the new driver when they are in the car, while our world-class instructors and intensive quality assurance programs ensure that each student is empowered to become a safe and responsible driver,” said John Jacobsen, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers.

In close collaboration with the global Driving Academy team at Mercedes-Benz in Germany, the new Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers will be operated by Vancouver-based Driving Unlimited, a long-time partner of Mercedes-Benz Canada. Driving Unlimited is well-known by customers across Canada as it also operates several other highly successful advanced driving programs including the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy and AMG Driving Academy.

“For more than 125 years, Mercedes-Benz has established its reputation for consistent innovation and has introduced many sophisticated safety and advanced driver assistance systems that have helped make our roads much safer,” said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

The experienced team of coaches is comprised of some of the most qualified facilitators, trainers and advanced driving instructors in the industry. These accomplished professionals will ensure that every student receives the highest level of training and enjoys an experience that is truly commensurate with the brand.

“While these ground-breaking safety systems may have dramatically improved safety, there is still room for further improvement and they can never fully replace the importance of proper driver training,” said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

The Vancouver market was selected to first launch this comprehensive new driver education and training program.

Reuss continued: “We have come a long way, but in our fast-paced society, safe driving still remains a very important skill.” and “Over 90% of traffic accidents are caused by human error. These staggering results demonstrate the critical need for this type of rigorous coaching for new drivers.

The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers will serve the entire Lower Mainland from Abbotsford to West Vancouver, with classroom training sessions conveniently located at four Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Vancouver (Boundary Road), Surrey,Richmond and North Vancouver.

“We are extremely proud to bring this revolutionary approach to driver education and training to Vancouver“ and “We are confident that it will go a long way in helping prepare new drivers to face the many demands they will encounter as we strive towards our ultimate vision of accident free motorin,” Reuss said.

Training will also take place at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for New Drivers’ offices in Pitt Meadows, BC.

Mercedes-Benz launches its first Canadian Driving Academy for New Drivers in Vancouver

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

VANCOUVER –  Ford’s success is powered by a commitment that’s global inscale — 166,000 people working in plants and offices in country after country.

Ford of Canada Applauds B.C. Government's Support For Electric & Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

“Ford of Canada welcomes the provincial government’s decision to extend the Clean Energy Vehicles for British Columbia program. B.C.’s holistic approach to supporting the adoption of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles is one of the most comprehensive in Canada.

By supporting the purchase of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the province will help more consumers feel comfortable about adopting these new technologies.

At Ford, we’re committed to delivering a full line-up of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to help consumers find the vehicle that best fits their needs. In fact, Ford is tripling production capacity for electrified vehicles through 2013. It’s all about helping people find the vehicle that’s right for their lifestyle, while also making a good choice for the environment.”

MONTREAL – Two (2) days remain to experience the 45^th edition of the Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS).

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The event will officially close its doors at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 7 p.m. This weekend marks your final chance to take in this exciting event!

Come and be part of the fun and do not miss!

• Impressive car showcase: 500+ new car models, many prototypes, concept and exotic cars.
• Centennial Avenue re-live 100 years of history…10 iconic cars representing their decade will be exposed on level 5, discovery and nostalgia guaranteed!
• EV Test drives: Come and experience the winter driving of electric and hybrid vehicles. Registration is open starting 11 am at Viger Hall – Palais des congres. This activity is brought to you by CAA-Québec in collaboration with MIAS.
• The Habs special appearance: Carey Price and Josh Gorges will make a special appearance at Ford on Saturday January 26^th at 3 pm. The Canadiens players will take part in several activities with their fans and will sign autographs.
• Are you a Soccer fan? Players from the Impact will be signing autographs at the Kia Booth, on Saturday January 26^th, from 2 to 3:30 pm. Come by the Kia booth on level 7.
• Cirque du Soleil artists will be performing this weekend at the Nissan/Infiniti booth, check their schedule on our website.
• Made-to-measure parking: Come by the Desjardins Insurance booth at level 5 and play and compete in Made-to-measure parking for a chance to win an iPad.

Desjardins Insurance presents the Montreal International Auto Show, organized by the Montreal Automobile Dealers Corporation, in collaboration with The Gazette.

SOURCE: MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW