Rossetts Commercials, the Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer, has appointed Richard Wheeler as dealer principal.

Rossetts represent MB Vans with sites in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

Wheeler was with Lookers from 2005 to 2012 for Mercedes-Benz in Kent where he held the general manager position at two sites (Tonbridge & Ashford). He also spent three years as Mercedes-Benz aftersales director for Kent.

In his new role he will focus on growing the manufacturers’ share of the retail market. Wheeler said that his first priority in his new role is to visit each of the company’s branches and meet the staff.

He said: “I’ve inherited a terrific team of people and was impressed by their ethos of teamwork and togetherness – there’s none of the ‘them and us’ attitude between sales and aftersales which you can find in some dealerships.

“We’re all looking forward to ensuring that Rossetts Commercials customers benefit from the finest sales experiences, and our total commitment to keeping their businesses moving.

“Having spent my entire career in the car industry I was keen to take on a fresh challenge.

“Ultimately, my job is to provide strategic direction and leadership. The Mercedes-Benz Vans range is widely recognised as the best on the market, and there is plenty of experience within the business when it comes to supporting the fleet sector, where the Sprinter in particular has always performed so strongly.

“As a brand, however, Mercedes-Benz Vans is adopting a more car-like, retail-based outlook, which ties in perfectly with my own background.

"We have some issues to address in terms of our facilities, but I’m passionate about customer service and confident that the insights and skills which I bring will help to ensure Rossetts achieves its ambitious growth targets.”

Wheeler has appointed a new site manager for the Aldershot branch, Nick Thomas, who has been in the industry since 1976 and has spent most of his career working with Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans.