Penske Automotive Group recently celebrated the Grand Opening of its new Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield’s Showroom, located on 165 Commerce Drive. Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, trucks and coaches. It is currently a division of its parent company, Daimler AG, (formerly DaimlerChrysler AG), after previously being owned by Daimler Benz. Mercedes Benz has its origins in Karl Benz’s creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz patent motorwagen, patented in January 1886, and by Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybachs conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine, later that year.
The Mercedes Automobile was first marketed in 1901 and the first brand named vehicles were produced in 1926. Mercedes-Benz is one of the most well-known and established automotive brands in the world and is also one of the world’s oldest automotive brands, still in existence today. MBUSA, LLC, a Daimler Company founded in 1965, is responsible for the distribution and marketing of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.
The Penske Automotive Group bought the Mercedes dealership on Commerce Drive ten years ago (October 16th). This location has recently been completely renovated, specific to and compliant with, Mercedes Benz Auto Haus Design. The new showroom boasts nearly 16,000 square feet with high ceilings and a bright open feeling, and is able to accommodate thirty vehicles within. In addition, the Group has doubled its land footprint, from one acre to two full acres, giving them one hundred and twenty additional parking spaces. One hundred and fifty cars will be on display outdoors, including both new and pre-owned vehicles. Nearly three hundred people attended this Grand Opening celebration, enjoying caviar delectables along with champagne and live music.
Roger Penske the Chairman of the Penske Automotive Group brought two Mercedes from his own personal collection into the showroom, to be enjoyed by all. A red 1955 Gullwing 300 SL, the iconic Mercedes (adorned with ivory embellishments) topped the A-list, along with his black 2010 Gullwing. “It was a phenomenal event, celebrating with our customers, our team (employees) and Mercedes Senior Management, it was a great time,” said Randall Seymore, Area Vice President for the Penske Automotive Group. “Mercedes Benz speaks for itself. They continually come out with the best quality and best performing vehicle out there. Business has been good; we’re up 29 percent year to date. We realize how we are treating our client is going to be #1, and from a management side, how we’re treating our employees transfers through to how we are treating our clients. We’ve put a lot of focus on that.” In addition to the new showroom, MB renovated their repair shop (450 Scofield Avenue) in July 2005, increasing its size to an impressive 100,000 square feet. The Smart Dealership is also owned by the Daimler Company. Amongst the cars displayed in the opening celebration, was a fully electric (smart car) vehicle, a full production car that has a 90 mile range. “We’ve made quite an investment here on Commerce Drive (we own the Porsche – Audi dealerships on Commerce Drive as well). We’re excited about this end of town and about the new train station opening. The town has been wonderful, Mark Barnhart’s been a great partner from the Economic Development side, the P & Z boards have been great, the town’s been a huge supporter, it’s mutually beneficial to clean up Commerce Drive.
At the end of the day, however, this is a by product of our team, our employees and customers who have been loyal to us, so those are the big winners,” continued Seymore. Subsequent to this grand opening celebration, Mercedes Benz is conducting a month long sale throughout the month of October. A portion of sales will benefit the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
The full line of new and certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz automobiles is on display for viewing Monday – Saturday. For more information please visit www.fairfieldmercedes.com or call 203-368-6725.
[Source: minutemannewscenter.com]
