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Mercedes-Benz Signs on as Title Sponsor of the UCI World Cup

Nov 30, 2017
by Pinkbike Staff  
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Mercedes-Benz Vans are delighted to announce a partnership, which will see the German manufacturer become the top-tier partner of the Mountain Bike discipline.

Hey Let s go freeriding We can shuttle in my X-Class truck.

For three years, beginning in 2018, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting sponsor of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and title sponsor of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

In addition, the German brand will work alongside the organisers of every UCI World Championships and every round of the UCI World Cup series by providing a fleet of the latest additions to its range of X-Class pickups to help with the course preparation, as well as V-Class MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) to provide shuttle services.

bigquotesThis partnership provides an excellent opportunity for us to accelerate the development of Mountain Bike, one of our flagship disciplines. Our events will benefit from the brand's global reputation and knowledge. That a manufacturer of the calibre of Mercedes-Benz has chosen to invest in cycling is evidence that our sport is attractive to major economic players, who select our events to launch their new products. We are delighted with the trust shown by Mercedes-Benz in our Federation, our discipline, and our major events.—UCI President David Lappartient

In order to support the global launch of the X-Class, Mercedes-Benz Vans had been looking to increase its presence within outdoor sports and in particular within Mountain Bike, which has a very active community and competitions held all across the world.

This partnership with the Stuttgart-based manufacturer provides further confirmation of the gr a owing interest in cycling amongst major brands and media partners. Following the Swiss watchmaker Tissot, (subsidiary of Swatch Group) with track cycling, and the media group Telenet (a subsidiary of the American Liberty Global group) with cyclo-cross, Mercedes-Benz Vans becomes the third title sponsor of a UCI World Cup.

www.uci.ch

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242 Comments
  • 165 3
 I guess Mercedes wants to buy some street cred for their new pickup truck?
  • 78 11
 Looks like a Tacoma?
  • 16 4
 @ReformedRoadie: Looks like the new nissan frontier www.tfltruck.com/2017/06/2018-2019-nissan-frontier-expect-redesigned-midsizer
  • 29 1
 Looks kinda like the new ridgeline to me.
  • 5 1
 i.ytimg.com/vi/Wcnaucmm0L4/maxresdefault.jpg
  • 54 3
 Looks like a truck
  • 265 1
 nah, it´s clear guys, it looks like a session
  • 19 6
 Such a showoff vehicle! Will be the same guys who drive around the block in a defender in a suit.
  • 24 0
 @ArturoM: It's based on the Navarra (the Nissan pickup sold everywhere but North America, which will come to North America as the new Frontier soon). Lower trim levels use all Nissan drive trains and such; highest trim will use a Merc diesel. Differences are styling, some interior/cockpit bits, and an independent rear suspension. The won't bring the X-class to Northamerica, though - their market position here wouldn't make much sense with it. By the time you get it equipped at the higher levels, price tags would exceed what you'd have to pay for the very high end version of full size trucks, and since we don't worry too much about big vehicles being impractical here, it would be a tough competitive environment.
  • 15 1
 @Chridel: Would love to see a Defender in a suit Razz
  • 4 1
 @ArturoM: It is a Nissan. I just read that even the engine is Nissan, and that Mercedes will put their name on the motor at a later time.
  • 3 0
 @ReformedRoadie: They wish. Nissan Frontier based.
  • 12 2
 Interesting move, considering their Sprinter Van is the weapon of choice for travelling mountain bikers.
  • 3 0
 Does this mean we’ll also see Rotwild bikes in the mix?
  • 2 0
 @ArturoM: I based on the NP300 platform, even have the same Renault engine
  • 1 0
 @RollinFoSho: I've seen Richie Schley put in the laps on the local downhill tracks lately.
  • 18 5
 A truck aint a truck you can't sleep in the bed. 6' bed or nothing.
  • 1 0
 @ReformedRoadie: Beat me to it but then they're not from Squamish :-)
  • 1 0
 @ArturoM: Because it is. It's built in conjunction with Nissan.
  • 7 0
 @Chridel: my defender but I haven't got a suit.. unlees me birthday one..
www.pinkbike.com/photo/13407213
  • 1 0
 @darren853: Lol always come here for this.
  • 5 33
flag Chingus-Dude (Nov 30, 2017 at 9:36) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah it's built off the Nissan frontier... which is a Jap truck, I'm not getting a $60k truck based of a cheap little japenese truck
  • 8 3
 @Chridel: Since when is a Defender a show off vehicle?
Compared to a G wagon or Range Rover it's decidedly understated and utilitarian and the epitome of good taste when it comes to SUV's IMHO.
  • 2 0
 @ReformedRoadie: looks more like a Colorado to me.
  • 3 0
 @bat-fastard: Ah I would love to have that Defender, just stupid silly prices over here.
  • 1 0
 @Chridel: James Bond?
  • 6 0
 Nobody said "Dentist" yet?
  • 6 0
 @Dustfarter: he meant it's a showoff vehicle when its purpose is to be driven in a city. If you live in a place that requires an "offroad" vehicle, then it's probably the most appropriate vehicle you could drive.
  • 2 0
 @ArturoM: It is a rebadged Nissan with some changes, it has caused quite a stir of negative feedback in Australia where it's debuting: www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/07/mercedes-benz-x-class-defensive-really-just-badge-engineering
  • 1 0
 @ArturoM: Yes, because it's build on the same base.
  • 2 0
 @g-42: too bad, it actually looks like a decent bit of kit. Shame it doesn't run on the G wagen drive-line though, it would make it a beast offroad, and evoke their unimog of the past. MB makes some insanely good offroad trucks, but this won't be the same I guess.
  • 1 0
 @genericmk: interesting, that article does discuss some major differences between the trucks. Looks like the X is bigger, has a wider track and rides on differently spec'd suspension. I guess the truth will come out in the wash.
  • 2 0
 @lexylea: Mercedes + AMG + Rotwild (AMG) = new World Cup Team? + Richie Schley
  • 1 0
 From what I understand they're never coming to North America.... We shall see though
  • 2 0
 @PHeller: I agree. Those 4 foot beds are useless.
  • 1 0
 @Chridel: You mean the same guys who buy dentist bikes to put on said Defenders(or insert fancy 50k+ vehicle)....?
  • 1 0
 Yep taco benz
  • 1 0
 @Chridel: your point ?
  • 1 0
 @zede: fair point.
  • 2 0
 @Chingus-Dude: definitely voted Trump
  • 1 0
 @RollinFoSho: on a (electric) Downhill Bike?
  • 1 0
 @ArturoM: ( because it is the new frontier... Mercedes and Renault did a partnership with Nissan, to use the platform. ( its basically a rebaged frontier with nicer interior )
  • 1 0
 @Dustfarter: they are in the UK with the likes of Twisted etc making very expensive versions. Plenty of tuned or modified versions around too, add in strong redisuals and they are up there with T4/5/6's for poser value. They're also expensive to run and maintain.
  • 1 0
 just like when Jeep signed the Athertons. So they could promote their renegade
  • 2 0
 @bat-fastard: Best pickup truck ever. Very very nice
  • 1 0
 @zede: Alongside Mercedes/Puch G, but put an AMG engine and other AMG stuff and you get the least practical thing besides BMW X6 Smile
  • 2 1
 @ReformedRoadie: Looks like a session
  • 1 0
 @g-42: Chevy Colorado is one of the best seller truck right now,that´s why Ford is making a US Ranger. Mercedes maybe on the money if they put in it a decent engine and make a car like interior for the truck.
  • 1 0
 @vid1998: thanks, love the old girl, better than driving a white van for work Smile
  • 1 0
 @vid1998: jeep has their new truck coming 40 to 60k for a mall crawler with a bed.
  • 2 0
 @bat-fastard: Now that's a Defender!
  • 1 0
 @cky78: I think they are eventually.
  • 1 0
 @Dustfarter: which makes it all the worse that it gets driven around Vancouver corporate district on chrome rims and street tires. No self respecting owner of the Best4x4xFar should be wearing anything other than flannel or fleece in the PNW.
  • 1 0
 @scary1: did a control + f and wound up at your post.
  • 1 0
 @javijavi: maybe Rotwild will launch a new version of the R.G1 FS Downhill bike ?
  • 1 0
 @Dustfarter: maybe its a local thing. I love Defenders but over here in Germany its the SUV for people who want to look a bit more like an adventure guy but never get dirty. Maybe under 5% of the defenders get mud on the tires.
  • 1 0
 @tuumbaq: It sucks that there are nice cars out there which are used to drive around town instead of real usage. The Defender or a Mercedes G a awesome cars but like mentioned before a few times, the word Dentist fits it quite well. And these people even make the prices for used cars rise to ridiculous amounts.

As long as they leave the Unimog where it belongs the world is still ok ;-)
  • 2 0
 @Chridel: Even if 99% of the owners are slick haired bimbos/bimbas, doesn't negate the fact that those two are by and far STILL the best off-road vehicles on the market today. I'd love either to get dirty up here! But yea, crazy expensive, and always clean, nary a speckle of misplaced mud. And tons of AMG G wagens up here, always driven by the type who wear white jeans........

Unimogs are still crazy expensive. Even a rusted out one from the 80s is fetching 20K+ USD on em. check www.bringatrailer.com for the best source on em. A 2004 sold for about 84k: bringatrailer.com/2017/11/12/endlessly-versatile-2004-mercedes-benz-unimog-u500-in-georgia

Can get 80s/early 90s G wagens for about 20k usd these days.
  • 2 0
 @atrokz: This may be your luck day if you're searching for a Unimog:
eastidaho.craigslist.org/cto/d/1962-mercedes-unimog/6393206326.html
  • 133 4
 They'll need a bit of education on loading up a truck for one. Dude's standing in the bed holding two full faces for some strange reason with the other lifting a bike sideways. This pic could replace the "First Time on the Shore" vid. The only real biker in that photo is the girl who's grinning at the dudes thinking, "idiots."
  • 46 6
 With no tailgate pad, and that bed looks way too short to hold a bike nose first.

PLUS, they should be driving a Tacoma..."It's the law"
  • 10 0
 plus the dork disc but its ok thank you for the sponsorship mercedes benz!
  • 25 0
 maybe they will start a trend of putting tailgate pads over the sides of the bed instead. you can hold many more bikes this way. German engineering strikes again.
  • 13 0
 Not to mention the super-fast guy in the background who was clearly photoshopped in.
  • 1 0
 Ha ha ha
  • 1 0
 Yea that!!!
  • 2 0
 @rrolly german commercial at its finest... I bet none of these people can ride a bike either. reminds me of these video seen on team robot : teamrobotkillsyourface.com/2017/11/18/germans-being-german
  • 7 0
 two kinds of people wear elbow pads, smart people and pussies and I ain’t either one of them - Kelly McGarry
  • 5 0
 @Vaclav: It's all photoshopped.
  • 1 0
 looks like they've still got one of those plastic protector things on behind the cassette too
  • 2 0
 @Vaclav: that guy's not photoshopped. He's one of the UCI director's kids. Wink
  • 32 0
 Mercedes lost their contract with the german national soccer team after decades of sponsoring them. Semms like they are now looking for other sports to invest in. I think it's very positive.
  • 9 2
 MTB and other extreme sports are attracting more and more young people than classic sports such as soccer or basketball. It makes sense that big companies want to be versatile in terms of sponsorship
  • 10 68
flag ka81 (Nov 30, 2017 at 6:25) (Below Threshold)
 "Mercedes lost their contract with the german national soccer team"
you're from Italy? Why the f//ck you call the best sport in the world with some stupid word?
It's football! For whole planet! FOOTBALL!
  • 49 2
 @ka81: The best sport in the world for the majority of the people in this website is MTB. Football is shit
  • 1 60
flag ka81 (Nov 30, 2017 at 6:31) (Below Threshold)
 @petrospit: yeh-yeh..
say it to all of them who spend really a lot of time for watching football games, visiting stadiums, and just game's at local playground.
people here like to ride, it's not "to like a sport".
as for sport - football the best.
  • 39 0
 @ka81: Woah pump the brakes for a second. Did you just call soccer the best sport in the world on Pinkbike?
  • 8 0
 @petrospit: AMEN!!!
  • 6 61
flag ka81 (Nov 30, 2017 at 6:33) (Below Threshold)
 @AVann6: nope, i called FOOTBALL the best sport in the world on Pinkbike!
  • 17 1
 @ka81: How about writing this on Pinkball then, not Pinkbike?
  • 20 3
 @ka81: soccer is the best sport for turds who even tho can't score a goal into the rainbow, like going somewhere and cheer like they they're cavemen receiving the hunters back (which they actually are, in an anthropologycal sense) cause for some reason they feel themselves identified with a bunch of millionaires faking faults, playing dirty in a f*cking boring game where nothing happens most of the time. Cheers.
  • 4 0
 @petrospit: That's just not true at all. Extreme sports have a nice following but they are not exploding and they are certainly not attracting more young people worldwide than soccer or basketball. Those sports are the most popular in the world and and growing rapidly.
  • 27 0
 I very much doubt the German national football team and the WC are anywhere near the same orders of magnitude. Anybody who would suggest that cannot have a clear sense of the financial scale of our sport vs football, the MTB deal would likely be a rounding error for a national football deal.
  • 1 0
 @mattwragg: I think he said other sportS. Nobody would be dumb enough to think a sport that drives crazy more than 10% of the global population is as economically important as mtb, which is "important" only for barelly 1% of the western white rich kids with problems.
  • 1 17
flag ka81 (Nov 30, 2017 at 11:06) (Below Threshold)
 Come on, kids, more minuses..
)
  • 5 4
 @ka81: everyone knows the only "other sports" allowed on PB is Hockey or Rugby. Sports for men, men who have a toughness level greater than a vagina, which automatically rules out football or "soccer".
  • 4 0
 Why sponsor a World Cup winner when you can sponsor a World Cup itself?
  • 2 9
flag ka81 (Nov 30, 2017 at 20:41) (Below Threshold)
 @Boardlife69: my dear friend, your hockey is far away from sport for lot of last years. But, if you call it sport, so you like when people are competing in strength, than MEN's sport is Greco-Roman wrestling or Freestyle wrestling!


As for football for all you sweeties sugars, tell your opinion about it to millions of children who plays it everyday everywhere, to millions of adults sometime playing and all the time watching.
that just so funny to hear you here.
  • 10 0
 @ka81: I hope the zipper on your sweater gets stuck really really bad.
  • 1 8
flag ka81 (Nov 30, 2017 at 22:29) (Below Threshold)
 @theseveredbutwh0le: keep hoping
  • 1 0
 Funny thing is that Mercedes Benz is located in Stuttgart. This is the capital to the state of Baden Württemberg I am a resident and guess what? We MTB guys are ILLEGAL there by law if we lave fire roads. Basically every trail is illegal to ride there in this state.
THIS is the only state in Germany where this law is present that you can not leave 2meter wide fire roads with your bicycle.
  • 2 0
 @theseveredbutwh0le: haha well played sir
  • 1 0
 @trek81615: why not both? Everybody is forgetting about their bike company: AMG Rotwild. Sounds like we may see Rotwild bikes on circuit soon.
  • 35 3
 This is a good thing, if the money is be used to take pressure off local organizers and teams.
  • 15 3
 HAHA, that's funny. This money goes to the UCI, and probably just into its general revenues at that. This wont trickle down to the local organizers, thats not how the UCI works. Might save them the cost of a couple rental trucks though.
  • 9 1
 You must have a lot of faith in UCI, I however do not. Local organizers and teams won't see a dime of this money.
  • 7 1
 @scissors888: I don't know if that's true... I'd give the vital podcast with Kathy Sessler a listen. Sounds like they've been talking about wanting to get a larger title sponsor in for some time to help pay for some initiatives that some of the teams want to have.

www.vitalmtb.com/features/The-Inside-Line-Podcast-Kathy-Sessler-Manager-of-the-Santa-Cruz-Syndicate,2092
  • 8 1
 @dhx42: Why would I listen to that? What does she know. Its much easier to just bitch about the UCI in the comment section.
  • 2 0
 @sino428: Good point. UCI SUCKS!
  • 3 2
 It's definitely a good thing... even considering the history of lacklustre management within UCI.
Frees up resources to create awesome events, less time wasted seeking out smaller sponsors.
What are all these negative Nancy's on about?
  • 35 2
 That looks amazing. Finally a big sponsor from outside!
  • 2 0
 I thought the same
  • 2 1
 Agreed. This is the best bike biz news I've heard in a while.
  • 33 0
 Mercedes is a good match for the uci. Alternatively an adult diaper company or a monocle manufacturer wouldve been suitable.
  • 1 0
 Gottlieb Daimler, that's pretty cool!
  • 7 0
 @BryceBorlick: UCI MTB World Cup brought to you by Mercedes, Blohm+Voss, Rapha and... Pfizer

Listen whoever has anything smart to say about Mercedes being a sponsor for MTB events, have in mind that roadies used to get Skoda Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Skoda is still in, shame Peugeot got away years ago, they were strongly connected with road cycling. Maybe this Mercedes deal will bring more car companies in or make present ones to invest more, like BMW who have some Specialized riders as ambassadors.
  • 31 1
 wow, no matter why they decided to get into MTB, we’re all benefiting from such a big global player pushing our sport... Hats off for Benz!
  • 19 0
 Let's be honest. Most casual MTBers are hard working guys in their 40s/50s. Midlife crisis, need a big expensive German car to make them feel good.

Marketing done right. Razz

I'm happy, big sponsor is good for MTB.
  • 8 0
 Gotta have the right rig to carry your e-bike to the trail LOL
  • 2 0
 Nope happy with my a class as well
  • 1 0
 So true. Just had my midlife crisis but did notice I have no trouble filling the extra seats when I say anyone want to go to Snow Summit? I'm driving. At least it's not a G wagon. MTB can use the sponsors.
  • 19 1
 WTF! A MTB-worldcup sponsor, from a region, where mountainbiking is actually forbidden?
That is a good one... a realy good one
  • 8 0
 Spot on! Maybe now it'll help the movement against the 2 m rule. ...
  • 6 0
 @wildedge586: ...another good one :-)
  • 1 0
 @wildedge586: Whats the 2 m rule ?
  • 5 0
 @thewasp: in the state of Baden Württemberg, i.e. Stuttgart and surroundings (where Daimler/ Mercedes Benz are from and have their HQ and where the most development is done ) it' s forbidden to ride on trails and paths that are smaller than 2m. So practically when i ride in the woods around here and i'm on Singletrails i'm actually acting against the law. Normally you don't have problems, but it makes building new trails and training more difficult. Some germans also love to whine around about everythi g and with that law they also have a legal base for doing so...
  • 3 0
 @thewasp: in the region where merceds benz is from , mtbing is forbidden on trails narrower than 2m..those funny schwaben Big Grin
  • 2 0
 @Mocope: Thanks. What a weird situation. Whats the rest of Germany like? We're super luck here in Canada regarding trail access
  • 2 0
 @thewasp: the situation, or better, the actual law gives you full access to every path you can ride on. Sometimes, there are local restrictions but when people bring this to court, the restrictions are gone. This is why you con actually ignore any signs, saying its not allowed to ride a trail. There is only one country (Bundesland) that has this aditional 2-Meter-rule. Unfortunatly, it would be one of the best MTB-regions in germany...
  • 1 0
 @thewasp: it might even be worse than the 2m rule.
here around wiesbaden you are allowed to ride, walk or whatever in paths , larger than 2m that are passable all year long w/o an offrad vehicle.. so every smallest smart should be able to pass, even though it is forbidden to drive in the woods... but whatever...
you can imagine how our forests look like with flattened and gravelled paths...
  • 1 0
 @Mocope: Are you talking about Slovenians? It's exactly the same here...
  • 11 0
 They know their shit:
shop.mercedes-benz.com/de-de/collection/pdp/Mountainbike/e0b2a497-5d13-4d22-8603-c9e296b673b7?variantCode=B67876176
  • 9 0
 Previous decade called, they want their bike back.
  • 2 0
 They presumably sell this "all mountain" 120 mm 26er for goons who want a bike that matches their car, so where is all the 3 point star branding?
  • 5 0
 Now you can have a matching dentist truck to go with your dentist bike. But joking aside, keep the big name sponsorship coming. MTB needs more moneys and promotion.
  • 3 0
 Cool. Does the winner win a Metris, Sprinter, or one of these Nissan pickups? Either way, sweet to see such a high profile brand sponsoring MTB racing.

As a van guy, I like the Sprinter, but it's pretty big. The Metris looks about the perfect size.
  • 1 0
 I thought the Metris would be a cool stepping stone to a Sprinter so I tested one out. Sad to say it's not really ready for primetime, IMO. If you opt for one with the rear bench seats, take note that the only windows that open are the ones on the front driver- and passenger doors. I feel claustrophobic just thinking about it.
My thoughts: venivelovici.kinja.com/first-drive-2016-mercedes-benz-metris-passenger-van-1734838222?rev=1444094218069
YMMV
  • 7 2
 Might as well have a $100,000 truck to go with your $10,000 bike.
My bike is worth more than my car at this point.
  • 2 2
 Base price for the X-Class with 4wd looks to be about $43,000 in Germany. More expensive than a 4wd Colorado or Tacoma, but not ridiculous
  • 3 1
 Who says this truck will be $100K?
  • 1 0
 @sngltrkmnd: Don't take the comment so literally. It's a joke to imply the high end of the sport.
  • 3 0
 With people paying upwards of $12k for a bicycle, I wonder what took a company like Mercedes so long to get into cycling?

Be prepared for PPV MTB events in the near future. Thanks UCI!
  • 5 1
 Nice to see another big company supporting mtb after HSBC supporting British DH series
  • 3 0
 Yeah while bankrolling rainforest deforestation.
  • 3 1
 @jclnv: Yeah amazing how western people are still blind to capitalistic methods.
  • 5 0
 Remember the Mercedes Amp bike anyone?
  • 2 0
 sure do! Drooled over that one for a while. Cantilever in the front suspension!
  • 1 0
 I am sure RC rode and reveiwed the B-3 back in the MBA days... Mongoose Amplifier... See Horst Leitner, and somethin called the Horst link...
  • 1 0
 @oneplanka: B4, dude
  • 1 0
 @nitronorth: then why do you refer to the bike as a mercedes ? dude... since you know all there is to know about the Mongoose Amplifier B-4 ? It was a Mongoose..... 'dude
  • 1 0
 @nitronorth: Before the B-4 existed, there were earlier versions... aka B-1, B-2 got it there Einstein ? or, uhh Dude ?
  • 1 0
 I had an AMP Research fork on my XC bike back then. Still one of the best/worst forks I've ridden...
  • 1 0
 Reminds me of the time at the Deer Valley NORBA race years ago when Chevy trotted out the Avalanche to promote it. I thought "Who's gonna buy THIS hideous thing? It's named for a natural disaster!" Haha. What do I know. The Syclone and Typhoon were cool, after all.
  • 6 0
 I prefer the Canyonero myself.... smells like a steak and seats 35
  • 2 0
 @oneplanka: +1 for you. Hee-yah!
  • 2 0
 @oneplanka: cannyoonnnneeeerrrrooo!
  • 2 0
 Working as an automotive journalist in Europe, im not surprised at all to see this, it matches perfectly the launch of the new X Klass. Mercedes apparently counts on the rise of the popularity of the MTB.
  • 1 0
 audi too busy trying to win the 24hr le mans? we all know by the youtube videos quattro is superior to 4matic, though depending on who’s driving of course (sometimes). anyways it’s the mercedes g63 amg 6x6 we all want to see
  • 4 0
 Who are they replacing - Shimano?
  • 9 0
 I guess they'll have to Grundig deep to afford it...
  • 3 0
 So you better not be showing up for DH races in any other van or you won't be racing!
  • 4 0
 LMAO at the Mercedes-Benz truck.
  • 4 2
 Dope! Are we seeing the beginning of the resurgence of the haydays mountainbiking (mid 90's) with huge external (non-bike related) sponsors?
  • 2 0
 when I first read it I say to myself " putain deconne c'est pas vrai" . It will put money and view on our sport . I'm convince we will have positive impact by it
  • 4 1
 I came here just for the comments. Grabs his tea, takes a sip and begins to scroll
  • 1 0
 Nice to see a big name sponsoring the series. Shame about the X Class being a Dressed up Nissan Navara....should be used to M/B collaborations, lokk at the Citan...a rebadged Renault Kango...P.O.S !!!
  • 5 3
 The "sport" I would associate with Benz is golf. But I guess you have to promote your new pickup truck somehow.
  • 5 1
 Actually, in Europe they've been pretty heavily pushing their action/adventure sports portfolio. Title sponsor for the German Professional Windsurfing Association tour stop, Title sponsor for a bunch of Stand Up Paddle racing, promotional events around ski resorts and beaches and such.
  • 2 1
 I thought it’s a volvo porsche and jaguar for Golf. Benz is for showing off in town. BMW on the highway. Bu what do you know about golf you Polish brute
  • 1 0
 @g-42: I pickup DOES make sense for all these sports.
  • 2 0
 @sngltrkmnd: does for me - bit it's a Tacoma (since it's the law and all that...)
  • 3 0
 Well I for one would associate golf with volkswagen.
  • 1 0
 @dj100procentenduro: Well-played. Enjoy an upvote and a golf clap.
  • 1 0
 well I'm playing golf and biking and I can tell you that the second one is way more expensive... If anyone is willing to pay 10k for a Bike, he's not so far away from buying a V-Class...
  • 4 2
 So if everyone complains about expensive bikes, does it make sense to sponsor mountain biking with a unobtainable vehicle?
  • 3 0
 Shuttling in a Benz is the definition of living a privileged life.
  • 10 0
 Shuttling is the definition of living a privileged life. FTFY.
  • 2 0
 This is really cool. There, I said it. Great to see a large brand like MB join the sport.
  • 3 1
 They should sponsor the series with Unimogs, AMG wagons, and Sprinter vans.
  • 1 0
 No doubt they'll roll out an AMG X-Class. (See Ford's Ranger-based mini-Raptor is already in the works, and the Chevy Colorado ZX2 is a hit.)
  • 1 0
 Don't hold your breath to get it in the USA...
I'll go Tacoma anyway.

www.businessinsider.com/mercedes-benz-pickup-truck-x-class-america-2017-7
  • 1 0
 I'm still confused why he's loading his rig in the bed....one drives a Mercedes and no tailgate pad?...and....still confused Wink
  • 1 1
 You know you’re paying you builder too much when they arrive in this!

Good to see them getting behind the sport though - wonder if they will bring out a DH bike to match?!
  • 2 0
 Looks like it wants to be a Hilux....
  • 2 1
 Now when I think "getting rowdy", I will think "Mercedes-Benz". Makes sense.
  • 2 0
 dunno if they advertise in north america, but in europe their marketing and the style of their cars focus on "wealthy bad boys on their 30s"
  • 7 0
 @ismasan: ah, that makes sense. in Canada they are for 50-somethings who wish they were wealthy bad-boys in their 30s, which I guess is the same thing?
  • 1 0
 @jeffrocx: yeah, probably the ads are similar. My point is they have the classic line for 60+, and the younger bad boy line, which is the one they focus on right now
  • 3 1
 does this mean no more red bull tv?!
  • 2 0
 I'm with "xpatwompz" Yeah, yeah, yeah, Mercedes is now sponsoring UCI WC events. But where and will I be able to stream future WC DH events live on my computer FOR FREE?!
  • 3 0
 Sprinters rule
  • 6 3
 But Tacomas are law :'(
  • 3 0
 Idiots downvoting you don't know the rules.
  • 3 1
 You thought bike parts were expensive now, Oh buddy just wait
  • 2 1
 What exactly do you mean? Do you think Mercedes is getting into bike production somehow?
  • 1 0
 @sngltrkmnd: I'm pondering once we start seeing Mercedes here Mercedes there we might start seeing Mercedes prices soon, maybe?
  • 3 0
 @nfa2005: There is no basis whatsoever for that suspicion. What are "Mercedes prices", anyhow? Mercedes makes more than just $200,000 supercars. It makes cars at nearly every price point above ~$35,000, just like its primary competitors, Audi and BMW. Their car prices have NOTHING to do with bike prices. Second, Mercedes PAID to be a title sponsor. It isn't taking money from the sport - it's ADDING to it. It's promoting, ostensibly, MORE riding. More riders -> more bike sales due to increased demand. Ever hear of economies of scale? More bikes is better for all of us.
  • 1 0
 @sngltrkmnd: I was trying to be funny for the most of it. I was just thinking that the whole Mercedes being a white collar Gucci product and bikes are now are in the same field nowa these days I just see prices of the parts going Gucci down the road now with evidence of Mercedes getting their foot in the door. I've never look into the whole economies of scale but I'm sure it's close to what you just explained or any suggestions on a good read?
  • 1 0
 Good to see non-bike industry sponsors getting involved. Maybe the industry isn't dying after all
  • 1 0
 meanwhile, juniors are getting cut, and closing doors for people trying to get to the factory level.
  • 2 0
 Who needs 29ers when you got those amg63s
  • 2 0
 Expensive but nice. Check out the G-Class
  • 1 0
 Yeah, why does M-B even mess around with new tooling for parts on a Frontier when really all we want is this?
topclassiccarsforsale.com/uploads/photoalbum/1991-mercedes-benz-230ge-pickup-w460-g-wagen-1.jpg
  • 1 0
 Screw Benz and their BS HILUX wannabee! Uppity snob POS whip. we are dirtbag riders
  • 1 1
 Great news. Always good to have big names on board. Now if they could only drop the UCI and form the Benz-DWS...
  • 1 0
 we'll all miss rocky roads, ehhhh
  • 2 0
 Looks like a taxi
  • 2 2
 I like this partnership. Mercedes would not get involved if they thought that the event would be run half ass'd.
  • 1 0
 good news ...finale some sponsors outside the bike bizz
  • 2 1
 The beginning of the end.
  • 1 0
 The dentist will be happy
  • 1 0
 They are putting their bikes in that truck wrong.
  • 2 1
 All the dumb comments aside this is great news for mountain biking.
  • 1 0
 so whyd they drop the tailgate to put bikes in?
  • 1 0
 I bet its an awesome diesel... Id take one.
  • 1 0
 Mercedes, bring on the g63
  • 2 0
 Very very good news
  • 1 0
 This truck looks more like a European Ford Ranger if anything.
  • 1 0
 1990 C3500 flatbed, 6.2 and manual. lol.
  • 1 0
 Lol poor mercedez they don’t know what they got into!
  • 1 0
 That's one way to try and top the tacoma.
  • 1 0
 Now I want to see Lewis Hamilton riding Val di Sole!
  • 1 0
 This is what is called a douche bags vehicle
  • 1 0
 cmon ditch the roll bar.. this isn't the 80s
  • 1 0
 Isn’t that a Honda ridgline?
  • 1 0
 Still coverage paid for by Red Bull right? That's really all I care about.
  • 1 0
 If it ain't got a 6 ' bed minimum, it is useless as a "truck".
  • 2 2
 Still looks better than a Honda Ridgeline.
  • 1 1
 Well there's the upside to F1 being so boring this year
  • 2 0
 But Alfa is joining the fray, right? That could be cool.
  • 2 0
 @sngltrkmnd: Alfa engines are rebadged Ferrari engines that only Sauber is gonna use. FCA group are desperate to increase the sales.
  • 1 0
 @petrospit: +1. I know some of the Alfa and Maser road cars used Ferrari motors. Didn't know the specifics of the F1 car.
  • 1 0
 Great news!
  • 1 0
 GREAT NEWS!!!
  • 1 0
 What happens to redbull
  • 1 0
 Nissan Navara...Lol
  • 1 0
 Datsun for ever
  • 1 3
 If a Tacoma and ridgeline had a child, this is what it woul look like
  • 1 3
 That means Red Bull is out of the game? Not that I would be sad about it.
  • 1 4
 Looks like a Session.
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