M-B dealer revamp
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• in a move that will affect several van outlets, as well as those truck dealers which also hold car franchises, Mercedes-Benz is restructuring its entire car network.
The change involves the manufacturer setting up its own sites In London, Birmingham and Manchester.
"They will be supported by a
national network of Market Area Concepts, each featuring main dealers, satellites, service stations, and high street retail outlets," says the company.
Industry Insiders believe one consequence will be that as many as 60% of the firm's 156 existing car dealers will ultimately lose their franchises.
There will be no direct impact on the truck network, however, a Mercedes-Benz spokesman Insists.
"The programme has been deliberately structured so that it won't affect truck dealerships," he explains. "They underwent restructuring two years ago, when the number of dealership owners was reduced from 56 to 26. The number of outlets on the ground remained the same, however."
a See industry news, CM18-24 Jan.