As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has been able to take the leadership in developments in mobility, by reinventing the automobile every single day. Moreover Mercedes-Benz has been organising events across the globe, setting and raising benchmarks for others to follow. As such, the 25th Mercedes-Benz Pageant – the annual gathering of Mercedes-Benz vehicles was held at BMICH.
The excellent success of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive family gathering reiterated the fact that Mercedes-Benz still is the most aspired, valuable and the most loved automobile brand in Sri Lanka. A total of 560 Mercedes-Benz vehicles gathered under one roof. The Mercedes-Benz Pageant is an event of fellowship between Mercedes-Benz cars, their owners and families. This is the only event in Sri Lanka, probably even the whole world, where more than 500 Mercedes-Benz cars, their owners and their families get-together at one location at the same time. No other automobile franchise in Sri Lanka can boast of an event of this magnitude, and no other luxury car franchise can come even close to having this many Classic and Young-Classic cars being displayed in one venue. The Mercedes-Benz Pageant is organised by the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka and is sponsored by DIMO – the Authorised Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka. This year is a significant year for the Mercedes-Benz Club as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The Mercedes-Benz Club Committee comprises of a team of seasoned die-hard automobile enthusiasts lead by Upali Kapilasena.
This year’s MB Pageant showcased more than 32 different models from the Pre-War era to the latest C-Class and GLA-Class. Best maintained ‘Stars’ from the respective models W201, W202, W123, W124, W126, W114/W115, 180A, 180B (220 Ponton), W110, W111/W112, W108/W109, W116, SL Old, 170 S, 170 V and Pre-War categories were judged and awarded.
In addition, DIMO also displayed their DIMO Premier (Pre-Owned) vehicles, their Jeep and Chrysler vehicle ranges and introduced the Mercedes-Benz Citan at the event. The Mercedes-Benz Citan is a light van/mini MPV, which focuses on urban transportation-suitable for large families and for businesses-with renowned safety and economic performance.
The morning began with Mercedes-Benz customers parking their vehicles in the respective areas at BMICH. Thereafter they were treated to a sumptuous buffet from Mount Lavinia Hotel. Live music was played throughout the event, courtesy of ‘Flame’. Many activities were lined up for kids, ladies and gents to get them involved and keep them entertained. Kiddies’ area had a separate buffet section and their activities included Art Competitions, Chocolate Fountain, Musical Chairs, Pillow Passing, Carnival Games, Making Your own Pizza, Face Painting, Various Bouncing Castles, and Kids’ Fun Rides.
