Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Riccione, Germany/Italy, Jun 06, 2011 - After ten years in Austria, this year the world's largest gathering of smart fans is taking place in Italy for the first time. From 4 - 7 August 2011 the European smart community will come together in the seaside resort of Riccione on the Adriatic coast. In future smart times will take place in a different country each year. This reflects the continuously growing importance of the event for the smart brand. In the space of ten years smart times has evolved from a small gathering to a large European event. More than 4000 smart enthusiasts from 22 countries, some with individually designed vehicles, are expected in Riccione where they will celebrate their passion for smart cars together and connect with designers, tuners and industry experts.


“smart times is a fantastic event, where thousands of smart fans come every year from all over Europe to share their enthusiasm and love for the brand, experience road trips and concerts and present their wonderful, resourcefully designed cars at the smart parade” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. "In future smart times will take place in a different country each year to increase the appeal of the get-together for the smart family."

In Riccione attendees can look forward to a private beach with a stage and a varied programme comprising sport, fun and entertainment with a focus on the smart fortwo plus a very special highlight: the "smart meets Museo Ferrari" excursion to Maranello.

An overview of smart times 2011

1 - 3 August: smart times on vacation
To get into the mood for the event the community can congregate in Riccione three days before the official start of smart times. smart fans will have an opportunity to take part in outings to the hinterland and the Po delta where they can get to know each other and enjoy a holiday feeling as they cruise through the picturesque countryside of Emilia Romagna.

4 August: smart meets Museo Ferrari
To kick off the smart times weekend with its competitions, shows, action, innovations and exchange of information the participants will be able to enjoy a very special highlight in the form of a visit to the home of the famous red sports car: "smart meets Museo Ferrari".

5 August: beach volleyball and smart times contest
On day two beach volleyball and the smart times contest will provide plenty of variety and excitement. At the smart times contest a jury will rate the tuning, design and performance of the various smart models. The programme will be rounded off by test drives and an "after party" every evening.

6 August: smart times parade
At 10 a.m. the starting signal will be given for the traditional smart times parade. In the afternoon smart experts will be available to answer all questions relating to the brand. In the evening smart will invite the fans to Piazzale Roma where the secret "smart times 12 goes to …" will be revealed.

7 August: smart flea market
The event will come to an end with the traditional "smart flea market". Fan articles and all kinds of used parts will come under the hammer. Then it's time to say goodbye and see you next year in …

smart times networking

A virtual get-together is already taking place in the run-up to the event at www.facebook.com/smarttimes . For example, the regular live chat "smart times TechTalk" offers fans an opportunity to compare notes with smart experts and like-minded people and to become actively involved in the smart community.

All information on the event can be found on the website www.smart.com . Attendance at smart times is free of charge. However, accreditation is a prerequisite – also at www.smart.com .

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