Boston Bombers Were Tracked Using Mercedes-Benz mbrace Technology

We now know Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the two brothers said to be behind the Boston Marathon bombings, planned to head for New York City to detonate more improvised explosive devices. As it turns out, that plan was foiled by the quick thinking of one Mercedes-Benz owner, diligent police work and the Mercedes-Benz mbrace system. When the brothers carjacked a 26-year-old Chinese entrepreneur identified only as "Danny," they didn't realize his Mercedes-Benz M-Class was equipped with the mbrace system, which can call for help in the event of an accident or track the vehicle in the event of a theft.

According to reports, the Tsarnaev brothers held Danny hostage for nearly 90 minutes while they drove around Boston forming a plan until they had to stop for fuel. When one of the brothers went inside to pay, the other put his gun down for a moment. Danny took the opportunity to unlatch his seat belt, open the door and run to another nearby gas station, where he told the owner to call the police.

When police arrived, they used the mbrace system to track the SUV after receiving Danny's permission, and it wasn't long before a shootout between police and the brothers ensued. When it was over, the eldest brother lay dead in the street.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

Ms. Donna Mortenson's 18th Anniversary with Leith, Inc.

Ms. Donna Mortenson is our full time receptionist who has worked for Leith Mercedes-Benz for since 1996. Prior to coming to work with us she worked directly for Linda Leith at the head corporate office for Leith, Inc. for one year. Today, we celebrate her collective 18 years with the company!

Donna is originally from Kingston, Jamaica originally and has been in North Carolina for 21 years. Sharing her dedication towards stewardship in the administration field for over 38 years of her life, she also served as a receptionist to the Chairman, in one of Canada's largest chartered banks, the 'Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce' for 4 years. She is very passionate about her tasks and responsibilities, and truly believes this was her calling in life; to be the first contact with people around the world. She has never done any other work of business. People person, enthusiastic customer contact, and genuine person to her core.

Ms. Donna Mortenson, a true gem to the Mercedes-Benz family and we are thankful for your years of committed service!

ECU College Grad Get's 2013 ML for Graduation Gift!

Stephanie Sykes is a graduating next month from Eastern Carolina University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications with concentration in Public Relations. Because of her hard work and dedication to educational excellence, she was rewarded by her grandparents with a Mercedes-Benz ML!

The Sykes family came to us from Mount Olive, NC and we couldn't be happier that they chose Leith Mercedes-Benz as their one-stop shop to reward their wonderful granddaughter. Thank you Sykes Family and congratulations Stephanie!

Way to go, George and Team Leith Mercedes-Benz!

"Wow! What an experience I had working with George Brown. Over the top customer service!" - anonymous

We appreciate the kudos and are proud to have George on our team! To read the full review, click here.

5-stars for George and the Leith Mercedes-Benz Crew!

"George Brown is the best sales man at Leith Mercedes-Benz." -lbclark04

Thanks for the feedback, lbclark04. We're happy to have you as a customer! To read the full review, click here.

Presenting the Concept GLA

Today, we present a brand new interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family’s class-leading capability: the stunning Concept GLA. Leading with a bold, upright grille and featuring an interior that puts its own unique twist on our latest design language, the Concept GLA previews one of the few places our rugged SUVs haven’t yet gone. 

2014 B-Class Electric Drive - Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicle

The B-Class Electric Drive will be the first battery electric car from Mercedes-Benz to become available in the U.S. market. Watch our video to learn more about this premium expression of zero-emission driving before it hits the U.S. in early 2014!

A reminder after a difficult week

Feast your eyes on the Mercedes Benz GLA Concept

Mercedes-Benz G550 “Night Edition” Japan Exclusive

While it won't reach US shores, this ride is still remarkable and beautiful to look at.

Mercedes-Benz is set to roll out production of a “Night Edition” of its G550 later this spring. The special version of the four-wheel-drive SUV adopts an obsidian black exterior along with twin 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and the choice of either Porcelain or Classic Red for the luxurious leather interior. Limited to just 100 production models and exclusive to the Japanese market, the G550 “Night Edition will be available from Roppongi’s Mercedes-Benz Connection beginning April 22.

Courtesy of Hypebeast.com

Autobytel named the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster one of the Sexiest Cars for 2013!

The Mercedes-Benz SL dates all the way back to 1954 and still today, the 6th generation has the ability to dazzle car buyers around the world. Over the past few decades, Mercedes-Benz has not relied on crazy attention grabbing design elements; instead the look of the SL is seemingly timeless no matter the generation. This sexy roadster shares some of the same styling cues like the signature grille and character lines found on other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Overall though, the Mercedes-Benz SL looks sleek and modern. The retractable hardtop roof (made from lightweight magnesium) is 13 lbs. lighter than the outgoing model. In fact the entire car is almost 300 lbs. lighter than the 5th generation thanks to the fact that the car’s structure is 89% aluminum. The SL roadster is packed with tons of technology, luxury amenities, and safety features. There are 3 different engine options depending on which model you buy. Power ranges from 429 horsepower to 621 horsepower.

Courtesy of Autobytel.

Mercedes-Benz Golf Brand Ambassador Adam Scott takes the win at the 2013 Masters Tournament!

In January of 2012, Mercedes-Benz announced Adam Scott as the Mercedes-Benz Golf International Brand Ambassador. As he is part of the official MB family, we'd like to extend our congratulations to Adam on his recent win in the 2013 Masters Tournament! 

Way to go Adam and Team Mercedes-Benz! 

5 new stars on Yelp.com

Our latest customer just left us this note, " From the moment my husband and I walked into the dealership we were greeted by a great guy from the sales team.  He took up so much time with us answering all of our many questions since this was our first Benz.  He was not a pushy sales person, he was caring, respectful and patient.....did I say patient cause although I did my research on the car, I still had lots of questions.  He provide the best customer service to me and my husband as well as to our son."

Thanks M B. for the kind words! Want to read the full review? Click here!

C-Class Sedan: C250

There have been some fantastic new updates to the sleek and bold C250. For example, the Sport Sedan with Multimedia Package features SiriusXM Traffic and Weather helping make every drive less stressful. The C250 Sport Sedan in Black featuring the available Sport Package features black DINAMICA seat inserts and racy red stitching which highlights the newest and sportiest C-Class edition. Stop in today to see these gorgeous features and updates for yourself!

2014 CLA45 AMG Premiere: All-New CLA 4-Door Coupe

When left to their own devices, AMG's engineers held nothing back. They set to work on the all-new CLA—already a tenacious, technological powerhouse—and turned it into an all-wheel drive rocket: the all-new CLA45 AMG. Powered by a hand-built turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 355-hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the CLA45 is good for a 4.5 second 0-60 mph sprint and all the sound and fury that AMG is famous for.

If you can believe, we saw not one, not two, but TEN stars!

Angela left us a note in March saying, "We've bought 3 Mercedes vehicles in the past 3 years from Leith Mercedes in Raleigh and worked with Harry Severino all 3 times. We've been treated with the utmost professionalism and respect. Harry goes above and beyond to assist us and is always available."

Today she said this, "Mechanics had to stay late and work overtime, but my car was repaired and returned to me 6 hours after I dropped it off. The original estimated repair time was 2-3 days. This is the exact reason, this type of customer service, that brings my husband and me back year after year for Mercedes products."

To read both of Angela's full reviews, click here. Thanks for the feedback, Angela and way to go team!

Mercedes-Benz at the 2013 New York International Auto Show

Last week the New York International Auto Show came to a close but not before the exhibition of the reimagined E63 AMG Wagon and the world debut of the all-new CLA45 AMG. There was a Mercedes-Benz for everyone—or at least everyone who demands the best or nothing. Check out the video to see for yourself!

Summer HVAC Tips!

Happy Monday, friends! Did you know that April is National Car Care Month? As summer is beginning to take root, do your Mercedes-Benz a favor by giving it a little spring cleaning boost! Keep your vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) running smoothly by having your technician check the following during your next service appointment: 

-A check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.
-Inspection of hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks as well as inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage.
-Check of pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.

When it’s hot outside, one of the last places you want to be is sitting in traffic without A/C. Stop in to see us to have your system tuned up soon!

Mercedes-Benz TV: E-Class TV commercial "Unexpected"

The best things in life are often unexpected. In that case, you sometimes have to look twice. Good to know, that the new e-class detects cross-traffic hazards. With Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive it can support a driver in moments of distraction. 

The Mercedes CLA Project Part 1 of 4

We told you about the arrival of filmmaker Casey Neistat's (most known for his YouTube short films) Mercedes-Benz CLA over a month ago. He is the first owner of the new CLA-class in the United States and has agreed to make a TV commercial for Mercedes-Benz. He will be chronicling his mission to make a commercial in four parts; this is part one. Share if you enjoy it as much as we have!

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive to Launch in US in 2014 with 115-Mile Range

Aiming to zap the competition in a far more technical/less velour-laden way than Brannigan ever has, Mercedes just flipped the switch on it’s coming-to-America, Tesla-assisted, 2014 B-Class Electric Drive — a 100mph-going, 134hp-having ride that can go up to 115mi on a single charge by using a kinetic energy recovery system. Share if you’re as stoked about this as we are and stay tuned for more details!

Courtesy of Thrillist.com

FINAL FOUR COOKOUT - APRIL 5TH!

ATTENTION LEITH MERCEDES-BENZ FANS! We're having a customer appreciation cookout this Friday the 5th. The theme is the "FINAL FOUR" so bring your appetite and come share your mutual love of Mercedes-Benz's and basketball with us! Hope to see you there any time after 11:30 am!