Mercedes-Benz Delivers Value to Fleet Nat - Fleet

Mercedes-Benz Delivers Value
With a renewed
focus on fleet, the
Mercedes-Benz USA
Fleet Program provides
businesses with
fleet-specific solutions
to their vehicle needs,
as well as national
account management
assistance.
Alaska
A
t the turn of the 21st century,
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA)
made a commitment to the commercial fleet market to become the Number One Luxury brand within the fleet
community. Today, the manufacturer’s
vehicles dot the corporate landscape
around the U.S., gaining a stronger presence each year on selector lists, in rewards and recognition programs, and as
the vehicles preferred by executives and
senior management.
The company’s Fleet Program success
comes in large part from its mission to
deliver the value that drives fleet selection
decisions. The program is also designed
to meet the specific needs of corporate
customers and provides businesses with
impressive fleet incentives, higher-thanaverage residual values, responsive customer service, a national field force, and
a diverse, technologically rich product
range to satisfy executives.
Mick Morris, MBUSA Department
Manager of Fleet Operations, joined the
company in August 2008 and leads Fleet
Operations, along with Employee, European Delivery, Military, and Diplomat
Sales. Having more than 17 years in the
fleet business, including rental, lease company, and manufacturer experience, Morris believes MBUSA’s renewed focus on
fleet will only intensify.
“Our growing footprint in the corpo-
Alaska
Washington
Montana
North Dakota
Vermont
Minnesota
Oregon
Idaho
South Dakota
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Utah
Hawaii
Michigan
Nebraska
Nevada
California
Arizona
Iowa
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Colorado
New York
Kansas
Oklahoma
New Mexico
Missouri
Indiana
Ohio
West
Virginia
Washington D.C.
Virginia
Maine
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New Jersey
Delaware
Maryland
Kentucky
North Carolina
Tennessee
Washington D.C.
South Carolina
Arkansas
Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
Texas
Louisiana
Frank Gomez
National Account Manager - Western
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (714) 435-3160
34
Florida
Marc Stone
National Account Manager - Mid-West
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (847) 384-4632
Andrew Hamilton
National Account Manager - Southeast
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (904) 443-2123
Bob Rock
National Account Manager - Metro NY & NJ
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (201) 573-2571
Michael Hottinger
National Account Manager - Central-South
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (469) 287-2145
Marc C. Sears
National Account Manager - Mid-Atlantic
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (302) 376-6141
John Buxton
National Account Manager - New England
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (617) 477-4299
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET 500 / 2009
to Fleet Nationwide
rate fleet market gives strong testimony
to the strength of the value, service, and
satisfaction we provide customer by customer, vehicle by vehicle,” Morris said.
Targeting commercial type sales can
be challenging for such a strong brand,
particularly in a tough economy. But the
brand also represents success and stability, something many MBUSA commercial customers recognize and want to
project. As evidence, the company realized a 22-percent increase in 2008 commercial sales.
MBUSA Continues to Grow
Fleet Customer Support
to-delivery times, as well as upgrades to
the back office administration are among
operational improvements that will be
implemented for the 2010 model-year.
Fleet Programs Aimed at
Meeting Executive Needs
MBUSA provides companies across
the U.S. with its Fleet Program for corporate fleets and the Executive Allowance Bonus (EAB) program.
Business customers must be approved
by MBUSA to participate, but once accepted into the program, they can purchase new Mercedes-Benz vehicles
through any authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer. Qualified companies/customers with a Corporate Account Number
(CAN) receive an incentive on eligible
vehicles purchased through the program,
Another core mission for the MBUSA
Fleet Program includes quality customer
support and a recently expanded field
staff. In fact, the company has increased
its National Account
Manager (NAM) staff
from three to seven,
based out of Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, Florida, Illinois,
Texas, and California.
Also, Rich Maksym,
Lead National Account
2010 E350 Sport Sedan
Manager, is tasked with
ensuring the NAMs
make best use of the many resources and the applicable corporate fleet incenavailable to them for the benefit of fleet tive is deducted from the transaction
clients.
price by the Mercedes-Benz dealer.
“A Mercedes-Benz customer is a top
MBUSA’s EAB is an enhancement to
the
Mercedes-Benz Fleet Program. Availperformer, they expect excellence in
return. No other product compares, the able exclusively to executives, managers,
level of service has to be unsurpassed and sales representatives with individual
vehicle allowances, EAB provides signifias well,” Morris said.
With an emphasis on sales and service cant incentives on individually purchased
value, MBUSA says its partnerships or leased Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
According to Morris, business drivers
with all major fleet management companies help ensure a seamless order-to- feel valued and recognized when their
delivery experience. The more than 300 company puts them behind the wheel
MBUSA dealers nationwide are always of a Mercedes-Benz. He also pointed
ready to assist fleet managers, employ- out participating in the Mercedes Fleet
ees, and company executives on selec- Program can be a strong retention and
recruitment tool.
tion, delivery, and post-sale service.
“It’s the ultimate reward or incentive
Ordering upgrades, improved order-
By Cheryl Knight
for your most valuable assets,” Morris
stated.
Moving Into the Future
“With a larger field presence, we will
be touching more customers. Our National Account Managers have a tremendous
amount of latitude to implement a program right for your fleet needs. MBUSA
created a value statement too significant
to be ignored. We are a stable, viable alternative to traditional fleet providers,”
Morris said.
MBUSA remains committed to supporting the NAFA Fleet Management
Association and offers renewed interest,
sponsorship, and participation support
for local NAFA chapters in 2009. Chapter members can look forward to new
event/educational activities sponsored
by MBUSA for NAFA.
“For decades, customers have relied on Mercedes-Benz for groundbreaking technology,
service, functionality,
safety, and style,” Morris
stated. “In building your
fleet, count on us for all
of these qualities and
great value.”
MBUSA will continue to shine in 2009
with the currently available 50-state approved clean diesel R, ML, and GL320
BlueTEC SUVs, launch of the S400
HYBRID, along with the highly anticipated, entirely new E-Class sedan and
coupe. Alternative-fuel vehicles (CNG,
hydrogen, etc.) are also on the agenda
with factory demo vehicles to be made
available to appropriate fleets.
Morris confidently believes the tremendous amount of enthusiasm, especially surrounding this next generation
iconic E-Class sedan, will continue the
momentum as one of the best selling
fleet vehicles for Mercedes-Benz. Refer to the “Vehicle Showcase” for more
details and specs.
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET 500 / 2009
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