Mercedes-Benz breaks ground and commences construction of a new dealership in London

TORONTO, July 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, and senior company executives joined Brian and Ryan Finch of Finch Automotive Group to celebrate the official ground-breaking of their new landmark dealership in London, ON. Construction of the new retail facility will begin immediately on the 3.13 acre site, which is conveniently located on Southdale Road East near Wharncliffe Road.

The 34,900 square foot structure is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year. When complete, the new facility will feature a 13,000 square foot open concept showroom and an expanded 13,980 square foot service area that will include 4 vehicle detailing bays and 16 state-of-the-art service bays, including 2 oversized bays designed to accommodate the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. In addition, a 6 car drive-in service area will help the dealership more effectively serve the needs of after-sales customers.

The layout of the new facility follows the proprietary Mercedes-Benz "Autohaus" concept, which promotes the widespread use of glass to maintain transparency and create a bright, open concept feeling. This signature design also guarantees a consistent brand identity for each dealership in the company's extensive cross-Canada network.

"We are honoured to represent the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands in London. This is our home, and we feel there is a significant opportunity for continued growth in every aspect of the market from new, pre-owned and corporate vehicle sales right through to after-sales, parts and accessories, and everything in between," said Ryan Finch, President of Mercedes-Benz London. "We are proud to celebrate this major milestone with Mercedes-Benz Canada, and look forward to opening our modern new facility that will help us improve the overall customer experience while showcasing some of the finest vehicles in the premium luxury segment."

"I am extremely pleased that the Finch Automotive Group has demonstrated their continued commitment to the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands with this significant investment that will erect a beautiful new facility for Mercedes-Benz London," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "The three-pointed star has a long and successful history in the area, with roots dating back to the early 1960s. This much larger new structure will provide an ideal environment from which we can better serve our existing customers and also welcome many new ones to our brands."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,300 people in 19 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 13 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 32,914 vehicles in 2011, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, and senior company executives joined Brian and Ryan Finch of Finch Automotive Group to celebrate the official ground-breaking of their new landmark dealership in London, ON. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120727_C3150_PHOTO_EN_16471.jpg

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For further information:

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [email protected]

Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [email protected]

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca