Though iconically the preserve of battered old Volkswagen T2 vans, Mercedes-Benz has marked its interest in the world of the surfer, writes Brian Byrne.
The company took a stand for the first time at the world's largest aquatics exhibition, in Dusseldorf.
It featured in a 'Surfer's Village' with the centrepiece vehicles being the V-Class and the Marco Polo campervan.
The hall included a ten metre high static wave inviting visitors to try out indoor surfing. Beach bars, surfers' fashion and the latest board trends form the additional framework
Sonni Hönscheid, Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador and stand-up paddling world champion, provided her celebrity support as the patron of the indoor surfing events and surfing competitions.