All it takes is one look at the sleek design of any Mercedes-Benz model to know that the German automaker stands at the forefront of design and performance. We here at Wilson Mercedes-Benz know that our favorite luxury automaker was built on the principles of style and speed, but there is another aspect of the company that you may not be entirely familiar with yet...

We are, of course, talking about the philanthropic and green spirit that Mercedes-Benz embodies without drawing much attention to itself. While Mercedes-Benz may be humble about their green efforts, we know that they're just too valuable to not shed some light on them.

We'll start things off with the Mercedes-Benz Think Green Team. It is a collective of eco-minded employees who are dedicated to raising awareness about the various environmental issues that plague the world today. They host events that are aimed at helping fellow employees do their part to enjoy greener days now and in the future.

Employees who share a concern for the environment is one thing, but it is a whole other thing to actually implement green practices within the company. This is where things start to get interesting too. See, Mercedes-Benz is actually the first green luxury automaker in the world to be U.S. Green Building Council-certified. Furthermore, through tireless research, engineering and re-engineering, the German automaker has released the S400 HYBRID sedan and ML450 HYBRID SUV in 2009, as well as a zero-emission fuel cell during 2010.

Then we have the Mercedes-Benz C300. With its Flexible Fuel Option, the C300 cna be powered by a mixture of ethanol (which is renewable) and petrol. And, we shouldn't forget what is, perhaps, the German automakers greatest claim to fame, the BlueTEC Clean Diesel.

And, the final thing that makes Mercedes-Benz stand out in a more philanthropic way is through its amount of time spent giving. While they sponsor programs such as the Giving Tree and hosting coat and blanket drives, they have also organized the Mercedes-Benz ShadeFund Entrepreneurs. The ultimate goal of this fun is to aid in the development and sustainability of the United States. And, over the course of two years, Mercedes-Benz USA will select up to 12 small business owners with whom they'll invest. The qualifying characteristics, as outlined by Mercedes-Benz are "... innovative, entreprenurial spirit...commitment to the environmental values and exceptional artisanship".¹

Philanthropic efforts are great, but they're nothing without the support of drivers choosing to drive the most finely crafted new Mercedes-Benz models in the world. You can learn more about specific models, such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, simply by browsing our online inventory and showroom pages.

Or, if you'd like a get a better feel for your next new or used Mercedes-Benz, then be sure to arrange a test drive with us today. You can arrange at test for any one of the new or used luxury cars that we carry here at 1100 Iowa St. Bellingham, WA 98229, simply by either calling us up at (888) 856-9183 or by submitting a contact form online.

¹http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/innovation/thinking_green/overview