AMG celebrates 50 years

2017 marks the 50^th anniversary of the high-performance AMG division of Mercedes-Benz. Founded in 1967 by Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, the sports car brand based in Affalterbach now employs 1600 staff. AMG’s 50^th year in operation follows record sales figures in 2016, with international growth of more than 40 per cent to over 100,000 vehicles. Sales in New Zealand also broke records last year, spokesman for Mercedes-Benz Matt Bruce told Autofile, and as a percentage of sales, New Zealand represents the highest-selling AMG market in the world. To commemorate the anniversary, the car maker plans to release the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 50, with a unique colour concept and paint finish, restricted to just five cars worldwide. The 6.2-litre V8 supercar was released last year, and had a quadruple victory in the 24-hour race at Nürburgring. Locally, AMG is celebrating 50 years with a series of unique experiences. “Mercedes-Benz New Zealand is providing 1 VIP, Festival of AMG experience each month to a buyer of a new or demonstrator AMG vehicle,” said Bruce. “12 total experiences will be awarded throughout 2017.” These include a snow experience in Queenstown, and a day at the Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit. “In addition, globally, Mercedes-AMG are launching an ‘Edition 50’ of the Mercedes-AMG GT, and we look forward to introducing this locally,” he added. After a record 2016, AMG’s New Zealand operations have no plans to slow down. 29 models are currently available in the range, and plans are underway to add the new GT Roadster, and GLC 63, to the line-up. “We’re really confident that the AMG brand will continue to grow from strength to strength,” Bruce said.