Gary Savage: How Mercedes-Benz UK rebuilt its dealer relationships

By Tim Rose
|
28 December 2015

Manufacturer insight

Those relations are currently at an all-time high. Mercedes-Benz won the AM Award for Best Franchise in February, voted for by dealers, and has been the highest-rated franchise in the past two consecutive Dealer Attitude Surveys conducted by the National Franchised Dealer Association. The results breakdown suggests Mercedes-Benz retailers see strong profit potential for the future, are not overburdened by standards and are happy with communication and support from the manufacturer.

It’s a marked change from the last decade. In 2008, Mercedes was rated bottom for profitability and second from bottom for new car target negotiations.

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Author: Tim Rose

Editor

tim.rose@bauermedia.co.uk

01733468266

An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.

Comments (4)

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Comments

fed up customer - 10/05/2016 16:44

you pay nearly £28.000 for a used mercedes-benz . from the minute you walk into the dealer ship terrible service and constant lies . car had no service history was told it had . never checked before delivery many faults , delivered un cleaned and filthy , then i get stopped of the police 4 days later as they had not taxed the car i had paid them for . receptionist constantly argued with me ..called mercedes-benz customer service these were the worst of all . totally useless . wait 5 days wait 5 days . i have now returned this car for a full refund . now im going to try and loose as many customers to mercedes-benz as possible as im out of pocket due to there poor service .your going to here lots from me
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Ms Roberts - 02/06/2016 08:55

It's always sad when someone has nothing but negative things to say about previous employers or standards that went before them. When you build a new golf course for example you accept the hardships and cost...then when the Golf course becomes mature you reap the rewards. Mercedes-Benz was always a huge success in the UK for decades before Mr Savage jumped on board... Mercedes Benz was always ahead of the likes of Audi..BMW and VW. With that never criticise what came before you...because one day no doubt someone will criticise the way you did business.. It just shows a complete lack of class and ignorance. In this business it's about the power of the Brand and the hard work of a many individuals that make a brand successful and not just one individual!
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Dr L Southee - 17/02/2017 20:34

Terrible crabby £49,000 GLC coupe and the PR disaster for Mercedes Benz continues to grow and grow. Luxury premium car with a "COMFORT ISSUE" who are you trying to fool? The car has inherent design fault and you refuse to acknowledge this in your deluded sense of superiority over Audi and BMW.
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NORMAN FINDLAY - 22/12/2017 16:54

HI,I HAVE A C CLASS WITH FULL MB history LAST SERVICE 9/17 REAR BRAKES STARTED TO STICK AFTER APPROX 6WKS WARNING ME HAND BRAKE,AFTER APPROX 6WKS PHONED NEWBURY MERCEDES.TO KEEP THIS SHORT,WOULD BE A COST AS NOT PART OF SERVICE,YOUR VEHICLE IS AUTO SO NO NEED TO APPLY FOOT BRAKE???
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