– The Best or Nothing Extends Partnership With The Best in Character and Performance –

Newport Beach, August 25, 2014 – The Lott IMPACT Trophy is pleased to announce that Mercedes-Benz USA will once again be an official partner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, an award that recognizes College Football’s Defensive Best in Character and Performance.

Named after 4-time Super Bowl winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, the Lott IMPACT Trophy recognizes young men who not only perform on the field, but also off the field. The award celebrates defensive college football players that embody the IMPACT acronym; Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

The 2013 Lott IMPACT Trophy was awarded to UCLA stand-out Linebacker Anthony Barr, and has been won by some of the today’s top defensive players in the NFL including 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the year Luke Kuechly (Boston College) and 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt (Wisconsin).

“Mercedes-Benz USA is proud to once again sponsor the Lott IMPACT Trophy and honor the fine men who represent college football’s defensive best in character and performance. Not only do we appreciate the on field attributes of the athletes, but creating an IMPACT in our communities is where these players shine. Aligning with such a prestigious award and icon like Ronnie Lott, exemplifies what Mercedes-Benz is all about, the best or nothing,” said Bob Yeatman, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Western Region.

“We are thrilled that Mercedes-Benz USA is continuing their premiere partnership of the Lott IMPACT Trophy for a second straight year,” said Ronnie Lott. “To once again be aligned with a first-class brand that stands for the same core values that our award represents is special for us. Each year our partnerships continue to blossom and together we look forward to a great season ahead as we honor these outstanding young men.”

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class and the SLS AMG GT.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, and smart products in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com.