In September 2009, Mercedes-Benz has published its own version of the GBC’s well-received publication “Facts about HIV and AIDS”. The booklets were distributed to employees together with the corporate newspaper “Mercedes-Benz Messenger.” The booklet was a shortened version of “Facts about HIV and AIDS” with a different layout, Mercedes-Benz logo and an address by the President and CEO, Jürgen Sauer. In his address Mr. Sauer underlined the importance of health for Mercedes-Benz employees and their families.

Earlier this year Mercedes-Benz developed an HIV/AIDS policy with expert support from GBC and signed it. Publication of “Facts about HIV and AIDS” is the next step of the company to protect employee health and to fight stigma and discrimination. The company is also taking a leadership position in HIV advocacy: Mr. Sauer became a co-chair of the National Business Coalition “Business for Healthy Society.” Taking seriously employee health and safety, Mercedes-Benz will also publish another GBC publication developed in the framework of the HEALTH@WORK alcohol abuse prevention program “Myths and Facts about Alcohol.”

HEALTH@WORK innovative prevention program has been successfully implemented in numerous Russian and multinational companies. Collaboration with Mercedes-Benz is one of the ways the Program disseminates its successful practices and experience into workplace.  

About HEALTH@WORK

The HEALTH@WORK Employee Education Program —Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC) initiative — helps companies raise awareness among employees, safeguard their health, decrease stigma and discrimination and reduce the economic losses caused by HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, and other preventable diseases. The program, which builds on internationally accepted workplace standards for health education, non-discrimination and prevention, includes specialized seminars for workers, medical staff and human resource managers. GBC experts also provide professional consulting services to help company executives develop corporate policies and health education strategies that reflect the company’s unique corporate values and maximize the use of program resources.

About Mercedez-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Russia SAO (former Daimler-Chrysler Automotive Russia SAO) is a Russian enterprise with 100% foreign capital. It was founded on October 8, 1994 as an affiliated company of Daimler AG concern (called Daimler-Benz AG at the time of its establishment) in Russia. It was the first foreign automotive company to appear in Russia. At present, around 500 highly qualified experts work for Mercedes-Benz Russia.

The company’s most important lines of activity are the promotion of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach trademarks in the Russian market via official dealers, aftersale service expansion, enhancement of the company’s dealer network and improvement of its contacts with regional partners. By the end of 2007, the dealer network included 47 partners that sold Mercedes-Benz cars and replacement parts, and also provided service maintenance.