Mercedes-Benz continues rollout of nationwide network strategy by celebrating
another five dealership grand openings

TORONTO , Nov. 12 /CNW/ - By celebrating the grand openings of five dealerships in as many weeks, Mercedes-Benz continues to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining and further developing an unparalleled network across the country. Mercedes-Benz Canada's 53 dealerships, which include a combination of Mercedes-Benz owned retail stores and authorized dealerships, are the main point of contact with customers and play a critical role in upholding the highest level of customer satisfaction for vehicle sales, service and parts across Canada .

These recent major investments continue to improve the already strong and extensive national network of Mercedes-Benz dealers. The latest projects were total makeovers or moves of existing facilities that were completed to better serve the growing needs of customers in their respective regions. The relocation of the Kamloops facility creates, for the first time, an exclusive Mercedes-Benz facility in the expanding Kamloops region. In the upscale market of Oakville, the renovated facility provides a beautiful new home prominently visible from the busy QEW highway. In North Vancouver , the project more than doubled the size of the facility. In addition, the major renovations at Franke Ste-Agathe provide a state-of-the-art facility to represent the brand in the Tremblant region, and the new facility in Boucherville adds a much needed new point south of Montreal .

The blend of privately-owned and corporately-held stores across Canada are all situated in prominent, highly visible and convenient locations and share common design elements that make them instantly recognizable. All modern facilities representing the brand share the corporate identity standards outlined in the Mercedes-Benz "Autohaus" concept. This proprietary standard promotes the use of glass to maintain transparency, and strict corporate guidelines ensure consistency and an outstanding experience regardless of the location.

"Mercedes-Benz remains committed to creating a national dealership network that will offer customers an unmatched ownership experience at every level," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada . "Our dealers have embraced and supported our vision for growth, and over the course of the last five years, most of our facilities have either been renovated or built from the ground up. Overall, this constitutes an investment of approximately $250-million coast-to-coast. By next year, all facilities will have more than doubled in size, which has allowed us to significantly improve both our sales and service processes to better serve our customers."

Breitschwerdt continued, "The most compelling product line-up in our history coupled with the support of our strong dealer network have been, and will continue to be, instrumental to our success. I would like to thank every one of our dealers across Canada for their confidence and unwavering commitment to the Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach brands in Canada ."

A photo of the new dealership locations is available at http://files.newswire.ca/358/newdealerships.jpg.

Additional photos are available at the following addresses:

Boucherville, Quebec

http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=c289f4188bfe27c

Vancouver , British Columbia - North Vancouver

http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=8340f7a627a6612

Ribbon Cutting

http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=e4a164b39deb8fb

Kamloops, British Columbia - Zimmer Autosport

http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=725b887d9d6a1c6

St. Agathe, Quebec - Garage Franke

http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=14f986b12a52c80

Oakville, Ontario - M-B Oakville Autohaus

http://webx.newswire.ca/click/?id=09c7f49041d2446

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada ; Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto , Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 1,250 people in 19 locations across Canada . Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 38 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 24,117 vehicles in 2008, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For further information: JoAnne Caza, [phone], [email protected]; Michael Minielly, [phone], [email protected]; Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca