Mercedes Dealers
Within Mercedes First Class products, wheel-and-tire, paintless dent repair and windshield replacement together in what is called the First Class Appearance Package.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ U.S. insurance unit is gearing up to train more dealership F&I managers to sell its First Class-branded F&I products, says Don Berry, the insurance unit’s senior manager. Lease penetration is high for Mercedes-brand vehicles, so the insurance unit specializes in F&I products suitable for lease customers, such as prepaid maintenance and coverage for excess wear and tear.
M-B Financial’s insurance unit launched branded F&I products in 2010. Berry discussed the status of the business with Automotive News Special Correspondent Jim Henry last week on the sidelines of the New York auto show. Mercedes is very dedicated to this service and keeping their vehicles looking new and ready for resale. And will have PDR Techs in there dealerships daily if needed to take care of work on used cars, lease return buy backs for stock items.
The first session begins the end of April. They’re sending dealer representatives to regional offices in Jacksonville. It’s a big commitment on the part of dealers. 2014 was a great year for Mercedes, for the aftermarket products as well. The aftermarket products are all branded with the First Class brand, like wheel-and-tire, paintless dent repair, windshield replacement, GAP, lease protection products and interior and exterior protection.
Financial Services says they are working on a new product but not yet ready to announce it. Financial Service says we have what we consider an entire slate of products, but, of course, there are always opportunities. Based on the feedback we have gotten, maybe there are some opportunities on the lease side of the house. Our guess is PDR will be on the top of the list of F & I products for leased vehicles. After all Mercedes spares no cost at repairing there owned vehicles for resale and they are strong believers in paintless dent removal services.
So if you are a paintless dent removal company and one of the few to hold a contract with Mercedes dealerships then expect a boost in sales in the near future. They are not releasing all the details at this time but PDR is in the works as a new sales to new customers.
