Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg breaks ground on new larger dealership facility

TORONTO, May 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, together with company executives, recently joined Winnipeg Acting Deputy Mayor, His Worship Grant Nordman, City Councillor Paula Havixbeck and Brian Lowes, President and General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg, to turn over the first shovelful of soil, inaugurating a brand new location for the already well-established dealership in Winnipeg.

This retail sales facility, located at 23 Rothwell Road, will soon become the new home of Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg, ultimately replacing the facility located on Portage Avenue which has been in operation for more than 13 years. This new build has become necessary to keep pace with the brand's growing product portfolio as well as to continue providing Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg's existing and future clients the best automotive experience possible.

Conveniently located on an extremely busy thoroughfare in the heart of the city's growth and expansion, the 3.28 acre site will significantly increase the dealership's overall capacity. Scheduled to be fully operational in spring 2015, the 52,000 sq ft building will feature ample space over two floors, incorporating two separate new and pre-owned vehicle showrooms totaling 35,000 sq ft. The new facility will also house a dedicated AMG Performance Centre and display areas for both smart vehicles and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans.  A great percentage of the overall car, light truck and van inventory will be conveniently housed indoors, away from inclement weather.

An additional 16,000 square feet has been earmarked for the service area that will feature sixteen state-of-the-art work bays, including four bays dedicated to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, as well as an additional three-bay detail centre. Furthermore, a six-vehicle customer drive-thru reception area will efficiently serve the needs of after-sales customers while a generously appointed Mercedes-Benz lounge will provide them with a comfortable and productive waiting environment.

Consistent with the design of other dealerships in Mercedes-Benz Canada's nationwide retail network, the layout of the new facility will follow the Mercedes-Benz proprietary Auto Haus design concept, which promotes the widespread use of glass to maintain transparency and create a bright, open concept feeling. The dealership will also integrate the new Mercedes-Benz retail corporate identity where black will replace the blue colours traditionally seen in Mercedes-Benz stores.

Conscious of the importance of incorporating sustainable development practices into its operations, Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg has ensured that the overall design of the building will integrate numerous measures that will maximize energy efficiencies all while reducing its overall environmental footprint.

"Brian Lowes is a dynamic partner who has successfully established the dealership into the Winnipeg community at large since joining our Mercedes-Benz Canada dealer network six years ago," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "I congratulate Brian and his entire team for their hard work and dedication at their current facility. I am confident that Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg's new larger home and convenient location will provide an ideal platform to represent our brands and more effectively serve the needs of existing and potential customers in this burgeoning market."

From his side, Brian Lowes, President of Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg added, "Over the years, we have experienced tremendous growth and this brand new facility is a very important milestone in our company's development. We look forward to continue providing our customers an overall purchase and ownership experience that is commensurate with the Mercedes-Benz brand when we are fully operational in our new home in the spring of next year."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,450 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 12 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 43 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 37,018 vehicles in 2013, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

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

Image with caption: "Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, together with company executives, recently joined local dignitaries and Brian Lowes, President and General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg, to turn over the first shovelful of soil, inaugurating a brand new location for the already well-established dealership in Winnipeg. L-R: Bruce Danylchuk (Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg), Robin Lee (PreCon Builders), Rob Scaletta (Shindico Properties), Jeff Hawryluk (PreCon Builders), Brian Lowes (Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg), Tim A. Reuss (Mercedes-Benz Canada), Robert Wissenz (Mercedes-Benz Canada), Grant Nordman (City of Winnipeg), Doug Danylchuk (Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg) (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140513_C8144_PHOTO_EN_40251.jpg

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For further information:

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [e-mail]
Nathalie Gravel  416-847-7509 [e-mail]