The new Mercedes-Benz ‘C’ class got a big award back in its homeland the other day…

ADAC award "Yellow Angel 2008": Mercedes-Benz C-Class is Germany’s Favorite Car

Stuttgart – Jan 17, 2008 — Stuttgart – The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has emerged the winner of Germany’s largest vote for the most popular car by a wide margin. Accordingly the motoring organisation ADAC has presented its sought-after "Yellow Angel 2008" award to this Stuttgart-made public favourite.

The "Yellow Angel" awards, which the ADAC presents annually for outstanding performance, are named after the nickname given to the ADAC’s friendly breakdown service personnel and are among Europe’s most sought-after motoring awards. Consumers find them a valuable decision-making guide, as criteria such as price/performance ratio, practicality, economy, safety and environmental compatibility also play a part in the selection process.

The vote was between 36 vehicles which newly entered the market in 2007. Around 340,000 people cast their votes and awarded first place to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by a wide margin over the runner-up. Europe’s largest motoring association – it has around 16 million members – rewarded this clear-cut result with the "Yellow Angel 2008" award for Germany’s favourite car.

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Germany’s favourite car is also very much a bestseller. With 261,500 examples sold in 2007, unit sales of the saloon increased by 57 percent.

The C-Class has already collected several awards for its exceptional status in the mid-range segment. The readers of AUTO BILD voted it the most attractive saloon, the motoring magazine "auto, motor und sport" declared it the most appealing medium-sized car and 350,000 participants in Europe’s largest internet survey voted it Europe’s favourite car with the 2007 "Carolina" Internet Auto Award.

I’ll say this…as soon as I sat down in one at the Mercedes dealership in Hunt Valley back in September, I just knew deep down inside that this is the One.  But it’s great to know they’re enthusiastic about this new Mercedes back in Germany because I think it means the company really does have its grove back now.  Mine was made at a factory just outside of Stuttgart.

I’ve put about 7500 miles on Traveler since I took delivery back in October, drove it down to Disneyworld and Key West last month, and I haven’t had problem one.  It’s been absolutely reliable and solid in the way that I’d always admired Mercedes-Benz autos for, back when I was a kid.  And…it’s a beautiful car…in that straightforward, understated Mercedes-Benz way because when you’re engineered like that you don’t have to shout.  You just Are. 

This isn’t bragging…I’m obviously still in new car love.  Your mileage will of course, vary.   Some folks want the Corvette.  Some just gotta have that big truck or SUV.  Some want the Mini Cooper.  Some would rather have the Harley.  This car is me.  Absolutely me.