The outstanding success of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive family gathering reiterated the fact that Mercedes-Benz still is the most aspired, valuable and the most loved automobile brand in Sri Lanka. A total of 646 Mercedes-Benz vehicles came under one roof at BMICH shattering all previously held records set by this event in Sri Lanka. German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives H.E. Dr. Jürgen Morhard and his wife visited the Mercedes-Benz Pageant as special invitees.
Automobiles have always enthralled and excited humans - with their heritage, design, new technologies, variety of models and the experience one gains by driving one. As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has been able to spearhead developments in mobility, by reinventing the automobile every single day. Mercedes-Benz has been organising events across the globe, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Similarly, the Mercedes-Benz Pageant keeps on continuously raising the benchmark for all other makes to follow.
The 26thMercedes-Benz Pageant was held on Saturday, 30th April 2016. Surprisingly by the official opening time of 7am, more than 150 cars had made their way to the pageant. Considering that it was held on a Saturday instead of the usual Sunday, and that it was a long weekend – participation of 646 cars stand as a testament to the passion and enthusiasm people have towards the three-pointed star.
The Mercedes-Benz Pageant is an event exclusively for Mercedes-Benz cars, their owners and families. This is the only event in Sri Lanka, and probably even in the world, where so many Mercedes-Benz cars, their owners and their families get-together for fellowship at one location at the same time. While no other automobile franchise in Sri Lanka have endeavoured to embark on organizing an event of this magnitude, and no other luxury car franchise can come even close to having this many Classic and Young-Classic cars being displayed in one venue.
The Mercedes-Benz Pageant is organised by the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka and is sponsored by DIMO – the Authorised Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka. Mercedes-Benz Club Committee comprises of die-hard automobile enthusiasts, led by Mr. Nigel Austin.
This year’s Mercedes-Benz Pageant showcased more than 35 different models from the Pre-War era to the latest SUV range including, the flagship AMG model– AMG GT standing out as the Icon of motoring in Sri Lanka. This was the first instance that the new GLS 500 SUV and the GLE Coupe were displayed to the public. In addition, DIMO also displayed their DIMO Premier (Pre-Owned) vehicles and Mercedes-Benz vans (V-Class & Citan). Best maintained ‘Stars’ from the respective models W201, W202, W123, W124, W126, W114/W115, 180A, 180B (220 Ponton), W110, W111/W112, W108/W109, W116, SL Old, 170 S and Pre-War categories were judged.
Live music, scrumptious food, games of skill for ladies and gents and a large kiddies’ arena provided entertainment for the families. The next generation of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts kept themselves active through art competitions, fun games (mini hockey, mini bowling, blow darts) and other activities (obstacle course, hover board, princess bouncer, pizza making etc.)
The event was opened to the general public from 10.30 am where a large number of automobile enthusiasts got the opportunity to witness Mercedes-Benz ‘Masterpieces’ from the Classics to latest models. The entire event photo album is available on the Official Mercedes-Benz Facebook - www.facebook.com/MercedesbenzSrilanka.
