mercedes cars Mercedes is Giving Away a Lease on a 2013 SLK250

Mercedes-Benz Best Summer Sweepstakes

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND WHERE PROHIBITED.

ELIGIBILITY: The Mercedes-Benz Best Summer Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open and offered only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States of America and the District of Columbia (“USA”) who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older at the time of entry with a valid driver’s license. Do not enter this Sweepstakes if you are not a legal resident of the USA at the time of entry. Employees and officers of Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC and its affiliates, GO! Productions LLC, Razorfish, and American Sweepstakes & Promotion Company, Inc., their immediate families (parent, child, sibling or spouse, regardless of where they live) and/or household members and any other persons or entities associated with this Sweepstakes are ineligible to enter or win.

SPONSOR/ADMINISTRATOR: The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, New Jersey, 07645 (the “Sponsor”) and administered by American Sweepstakes & Promotion Company, Inc., 300 State St. Suite 402 Rochester, NY 14614 (the “Administrator”).

AGREEMENT TO OFFICIAL RULES: By participating, Entrants agree to abide by and be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

ENTRY PERIOD: The Sweepstakes begins at 12:00pm (ET) on July 19, 2012 and ends at 11:59am (ET) on September 10, 2012 (“Entry Period”). Sponsor’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes.

HOW TO ENTER: During the Entry Period, go to www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzusa (the “Website”). At the Website, “like” the page, and follow the links and instructions to complete the Sweepstakes registration page. To enter, you must provide your first name, last name, complete mailing address, phone number, email address, and upload a photo showcasing your best summertime interaction with the Mercedes-Benz brand (the “Theme”). All photo submissions must contain Mercedes-Benz brand likeness and must show reference to Sponsor in some fashion. Submitting a Theme-applicable photo submission is a mandatory part of the entry process. Photo submissions will not be judged or graded. A completed registration form and Theme-applicable photo submission will generate one (1) Sweepstakes Entry (“Entry”). There is a maximum of one (1) Entry per person per Facebook account and linked email per day during the Entry Period.

Once submitted, an Entry cannot be deleted, canceled or modified. In order to be eligible, Entries must actually be received by Sponsor during the Submission Period. For purposes of this Sweepstakes, an Entry is “received” when the Website’s servers record the Entry information. Those who do not follow all of the instructions, do not provide the required information in their entry form, or do not abide by these Official Rules or other instructions of Sponsor will be disqualified. All Entries become property of Sponsor and will not be returned or acknowledged.

Photo entries may not contain any image or depiction of the following: (i) materials which include or constitute trademarks, trade names or copyrighted works created or owned by any person or entity other than Entrant or for which the Entrant has obtained owner’s written permission to use (Sponsor’s discretion); (ii) materials bearing profanities, or bearing the name or likeness of any celebrity, living or dead; (iii) materials which contain visible identifiable or potentially identifiable information, including but not limited to, phone numbers, website links, street addresses, e-mail addresses or license plate numbers; (iv) inappropriate behavior for a general audience; (v) any depiction of real or simulated sexual acts; (vi) violence in any form; (vi) materials which violate anyone’s reasonable privacy expectations, violate any known agreement, or which are defamatory in nature; (viii) materials which are derogatory to Sponsor, or any affiliated entity or person; (ix) materials which are discriminatory based on race, religion, national origin, physical disability, age, sex, or sexual orientation or preference; (x) materials in which any person identifiably appears unless Entrant has obtained an appropriate written release from such person granting all rights required herein; and, (xi) materials which do not comply with all other requirements in these Official Rules. Entries that do not conform to these guidelines will be disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to reject or disqualify any entry which Sponsor, in its sole and absolute discretion, determines to be inconsistent with the letter or spirit of the Official Rules or potentially damaging to its, the Sweepstakes, or another’s image or reputation.

Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to feature entry photographs on its Facebook page during and after the Entry Period. Photographs chosen to be featured do not increase chances of winning.

GENERAL CONDITIONS: If for any reason the operation or administration of this Sweepstakes is impaired or incapable of running as planned for any reason, including but not limited to (a) infection by computer virus, bugs, (b) tampering, unauthorized intervention, (c) fraud, (d) technical failures, or (e) any other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, the Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes in whole or in part, at any time, without notice and award the Grand Prize using all non-suspect eligible entries received as of, or after (if applicable) this cancellation, termination, modification or suspension date, or in any manner that is fair and equitable and best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual deemed to be (a) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or Sponsor’s Website; or (b) acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON (S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a winner based on an e-mail address, the winning entry will be declared by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, on-line service provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

RELEASE AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: By participating in the Sweepstakes, Entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, GO! Productions LLC, Razorfish, the Administrator and Facebook, Inc., their respective parents, employees, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, sales representatives, advertising and Promotional agencies (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of any prize, receipt and ownership of the 13 month lease of the Vehicle or use of the Vehicle, including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors that may prevent an entrant from submitting an entry; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; (c) printing errors; (d) errors in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; or (e) injury, death, or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt of any prize, unless prohibited by law. Released Parties assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. Released Parties are not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or telephone lines, computer on-line systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail or entry to be received by Sponsor on account of technical problems, human error or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participation in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties’ liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event shall the Released Parties be liable for attorney’s fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION: The potential Prize Winners will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible Entries received by the Administrator whose decisions are final and binding. The Prize drawing will be conducted on or about September 20, 2012. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of eligible entries received throughout the Entry Period. Each potential Prize Winner will be contacted by telephone (a message will not be left), email, and USPS mail (or overnight mail in Sponsor’s sole discretion).If a potential Prize Winner cannot be contacted within three business (3) days after the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining entries.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Sponsor reserves the right to conduct a background check on the potential Grand Prize Winner and reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify the potential Grand Prize Winner based on the results of such background check, if the Sponsor determines in its sole discretion that awarding the prize to such Grand Prize Winner might reflect negatively on Sponsor. Factors that would result in disqualification as the Grand Prize Winner include, without limitation, the Grand Prize Winner having been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, being delinquent on a government-ordered payment, such as child support, spousal support, alimony, tax payments, etc., or any other criminal or civil offense determined at the sole discretion of the Sponsor.

PRIZES/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES: There will be one (1) Grand Prize and fifty (50) First Prizes awarded following the conclusion of the Entry Period. Subject to the restrictions and limitations below, the Grand Prize consists of (i) a thirteen (13) month single-pay lease of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 (the “Vehicle”), and (ii) a single cash payment of seven-thousand five-hundred U.S. Dollars ($7,500 USD) to assist in payment of taxes and insurance costs associated with the Grand Prize. The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of the Grand Prize package is seventeen-thousand nine-hundred ninety-one U.S. Dollars ($17,991 USD).

The interior and exterior colors and all vehicle options (if any) are the Sponsor’s sole discretion. Lease mileage limited to 15,000 miles per year.

The Grand Prize Winner will be required to sign a vehicle lease through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services which may have additional terms and conditions. The Grand Prize Winner will incur certain costs in receiving the 13 month single-pay lease of the Vehicle. These costs may include, but are not limited to, federal and state income taxes, ad valorem and sales tax liability, registration costs and insurance costs. The Grand Prize Winner will be responsible for payment of all costs and any other expenses, associated with the ownership and use of the Vehicle. The Grand Prize Winner will be solely responsible for all income taxes, liability and collision insurance premiums, scheduled routine maintenance charges, excess wear and use charges, damage to the vehicle charges, early termination fees, excess mileage charges, gasoline, use taxes, license, title, registration fees, other operating expenses, and other government fees and expenses incurred as a result of receiving and/or using the Vehicle.

Pictures, display vehicles or other representations of any vehicle used in connection with this Sweepstakes are not depictions or promises of the Grand Prize which may differ substantially. The Sponsor will not provide any additional verbal or written warranties other than the standard written New Vehicle Limited Warranty provided with the Vehicle. The Grand Prize Winner must possess automobile insurance required under the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services First Class Lease program prior to receiving prize. No cash or vehicle substitutes and no cash rebates. Lease must commence no later than December 31, 2012. Lease cannot be assigned or transferred to a third party. Vehicle delivery is through an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and conditional upon winner’s execution and return of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ customary motor vehicle lease documentation (including its standard consumer single-pay motor vehicle lease agreement and credit application). The vehicle must be returned at the end of the 13 month lease term, purchase option will be made available. Winner will be responsible for pick up and return of Vehicle at time and location determined in the sole discretion of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

The Grand Prize Winner eligibility requires credit check and is subject to credit approval by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. In order to be eligible, the selected individual must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and meet Mercedes-Benz’s driving and credit underwriting guidelines, and sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and publicity/liability release (as described below) prior to receiving prize. In the Sponsor’s sole discretion, a selected winner may be required to forfeit the prize and an alternate winner may be selected in accordance with these Official Rules from the remaining eligible entries if selected winner (i); declines or cannot accept, receive or use the prize for any reason; or (ii) fails to comply with these Official Rules. The maximum value of the prize set forth above represents the Sponsor’s good faith determination of the maximum ARV thereof and the actual fair market value, as ultimately determined the Sponsor, cannot be challenged or appealed.

Fifty (50) First Prize Winners will each receive one (1) pair of SLK Unisex Sunglasses (ARV - $130/per).

ALL EXPENSES OR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCEPTANCE OF A PRIZE PACKAGE NOT MENTIONED HEREIN ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBLITIY OF THE PRIZE WINNERS. ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STATED APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE OF ANY PRIZE AND THE ACTUAL VALUE OF SUCH PRIZE WILL NOT BE AWARDED. The Sponsor reserve the right in its sole discretion to substitute any prize package with another prize of equal or greater value in the event that the prize (or any component thereof) is not availableas determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. All cash prizes are in United States Dollars without consideration to the rate of exchange.

ADDITIONAL PRIZE CONDITIONS: Any local, state or federal taxes associated with any prize awarded in connection with the Sweepstakes are the sole responsibility of the Prize Winners. The Grand Prize Winner will also be required to disclose his/her social security number for the purpose of issuance of a Form 1099 for tax purposes. The Released Parties are not liable for the payment of any taxes associated with such prizes. The potential Prize Winners will each be required to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release to be returned within ten (10) business days of written notification, or prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected. In Sponsor’s sole discretion, if a prize or prize notification is returned as unclaimed or undeliverable to a potential winner, if a potential Prize Winner fails to return requisite document within the specified time period, or if a potential Prize Winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules, then such person shall be disqualified and an alternate winner will be selected for the prize at issue.

GENERAL: By accepting a Prize, where permitted by law, the Prize Winners grant to the Released Parties and those acting pursuant to the authority of Sponsor and the Released Parties (which grant will be confirmed in writing upon Sponsor’s request), the right to print, publish, broadcast and use worldwide IN ALL MEDIA without limitation at any time a Prize Winner’s full name, photo submission, portrait, picture, voice, likeness and/or biographical information for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further payment or additional consideration, and without review, approval or notification. IN NO EVENT WILL RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES) ARISING OUT OF PARTICIPATION IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES OR THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE, OR MISUSE OF, OR ANY HARM RESULTING FROM THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF THE PRIZES. By participating, Entrants release and agree to hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all liability for any injuries, death or losses or damages to persons or property AS WELL AS CLAIMS/ACTIONS BASED ON PUBLICITY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION, AND/OR INVASION OF PRIVACY that may arise from participating in this Sweepstakes or its related activities or the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of, or any harm resulting from the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the Prize(s). Prize Winners also acknowledge that Released Parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the Prize.

USE OF DATA: All information submitted by Entrants will be treated according to Sponsor’s privacy policy, available at http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/policies/privacy_statement. By participating in the Sweepstakes and providing any personal information, Entrants hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

DISPUTES: All aspects of the operation of the Sweepstakes, as well as the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, as well as the respective rights of the Sponsor of, participants in, and winners of the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, regardless of any choice-of-law or conflict-of-law rules that would result in the application of any other law. By participating in the Sweepstakes, all participants agree that any dispute they may have with the Sponsor of the Sweepstakes or any other person or entity involved in the development, advertisement or operation of the Sweepstakes, or that they may have with respect to the award of any prize(s) offered in the Sweepstakes, will be resolved individually, without the resort to any form of class or representative action, in accordance with New Jersey law.

In the event that any dispute cannot be resolved informally, any and all disputes with regards to the Sweepstakes, including but not limited to disputes over winner selection, must be resolved exclusively through private and confidential binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association, under the rules for commercial disputes, before one neutral arbitrator and not in a court proceeding. By entering, Entrants agree to waive any rights to join or participate in a class action or representative action, act as a private attorney general or a representative of others, or otherwise consolidate any claim with the claims of others.