Mercedes Unveils Destinations Program

MONTVALE, New Jersey — Earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz USA reported January sales of 10,433, a 43 percent drop compared with January 2008. But that dire news didn't stop the German automaker from rolling out a new "Destinations" program that harks back to the old boom times.

Destinations is a major perk program for Mercedes-Benz owners. It links the automaker to exclusive U.S. resorts and hotels, where Mercedes-Benz owners can take advantage of complimentary vehicles, welcome gifts and room upgrades. The complimentary vehicles include the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, the S-Class sedan and the new Bluetec SUVs.

The hotels and resorts in the program include The Montage in Beverly Hills, California; the St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado, and The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, among others. Rates at The Montage normally range from $495-$1,600 a night for two adults, according to Ares Travel.

"Our new Destinations program extends that luxury experience by offering exclusive customer benefits through select, hand-picked properties that are quite extraordinary," said Lisa Holladay, manager of Mercedes-Benz brand experience marketing.

Owners can get more information at the Mercedes-Benz Owners Web site.

In an interesting counterpoint to the exclusive program, Mercedes-Benz USA announced earlier this week that sales of its used cars have gone through the roof this year. The Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Program reported a whopping jump of 86.3 percent in sales this January versus sales in January 2008.

Inside Line says: Feels like the good old days thanks to this new program. Just don't tell anybody that's a used Mercedes you're driving.