Early in the New Year, we will see a new Mercedes-Benz main dealership appointment in Galway. This announcement is expected in January and comes with further new dealership appointments for this marque in Cork and Wexford, writes Padraic Deane.
The year ahead will be one of significant development for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland. With the introduction of a range of new models coupled with the impact of major price reductions across a range of popular models, the company is facing 2009 with optimism.
Major developments in the pipeline include the arrival a new E-Class, E-Class coupe, and revamped S-Class, the introduction of low-emission Blue Efficiency models in the C-Class and new E-Class segments, and the appointment of a number of new dealers
In the line-up for 2009 are face-lifted versions of the popular A-Class, B-Class and M-Class ranges along with revamped SL, SLK, CLS, and CLC models, all of which can now be seen in dealer showrooms. Later in the year a number of new models will make their appearance beginning with a new E-Class, E-Class coupe, and face-lifted S-Class. Target date for the arrival of the new E-Class is late summer. Also arriving mid-year will be the revamped S-Class. Following them will be the new E-Class coupe whose volume-selling 250 diesel version is set to arrive in September/October.
Another model to be rolled out in greater numbers is the new M-Class Business - a model adapted from the popular M-Class SUV. Visually identical to its SUV sibling, the M-Class Business sells at an ex-works price of €39,500 (excluding VAT ) with road tax of €200 per annum.
Pitched at those who seek style and luxury up front matched to a practical load space at the rear, the new M-Class Business will appeal to vets, trades people, farmers, and other professional and commercial users. Inside, rear seats have been removed and replaced by a flat floor, while rear side windows are blanked out to obscure the view of the load area.
Price reductions introduced in the wake of recent VRT and road tax changes have seen the price of C-Class, E-Class, and new CLC diesel models drop by significant amounts.
In the C-Class range, the popular C200 CDI has gone down to €40,070 ex works (from €48,630 ).
In the current E-Class (pictured ) range, the volume-selling E220 diesel has dropped to €45,670 (from €61,000 ). Other models to benefit from these reductions include the CLK220 CDI at €46,655 (from €64,415 ), the CLC200 CDI at €33,640 (from €44,235 ), together with A-Class and B-Class diesels, SLK, and M-Class
While forecasting a tough year for the motor industry in general, Mercedes-Benz believes its combination of price reductions, the introduction of Blue Efficiency low-emissions technology, and the arrival of new and face-lifted models will combine to provide greater opportunity in the year ahead.
Chief executive Stephen Byrne says as the swing to lower emission vehicles gains momentum, customers can look forward to a new generation of passenger cars that will feature even more advanced CO2 technology and even greater price/value appeal.
Another development that Mercedes-Benz believes will advance its market position is its emphasis on build quality as evidenced by the success in recent JD Power customer satisfaction surveys in which some 10 awards have been won by them in the past two years.
Former Mercedes-Benz main dealership in Galway, Western Motors, continues as a Mercedes-Benz authorised repairer/ service dealer.
