Mercedes-Benz opens first Centre of Excellence in India
Mercedes has opened their first Centre of Excellence in the country at their plant outside Pune. This initiative is the first of its kind in the country and it is targeted at the company's exclusive customers.
The Centre is essentially a large showroom where the company shows off the range of their specialty cars like the AMG monsters and imports like the CLS-Class. However the Centre is also a point where potential customers can come and personalise their vehicles using the 'iConfigurator' that allows for the customisation to be digitally experience the different range of materials, stitching, paint schemes and alloy wheel options. There is also a collection of leather and wood samples for customers to get a physical idea of what they look and feel like.
Mercedes-Benz VP (sales) Matthias Luhrs and Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Eberhard Kern inaugurate the Centre of Excellence outside Pune
Besides showing off cars and customization of options, customers can also get a guided tour of the production facilities at the plant. For those interested in experiencing the off-road abilities of Merc's SUVs a there's also the chance to take a ride in the off-road test track also situated at the plant. In keeping with the luxury theme the centre has a helipad and a helicopter service for clients who wish to fly in.
Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, "Our customers love to experience our brand closely and personalize it with their style. At Mercedes-Benz we are driven by passion and it has been our untiring endeavor to create newer benchmarks in modern luxury for our customers. Our efforts towards creating customer fascination and addressing increasing customer differentiation for the brand has resulted in the creation of many industry best practices and infrastructure. 'Centre of Excellence' is one of them. It's designed to provide an unique and immersive luxury experience of the Mercedes-Benz dream cars portfolio to our esteemed customers who value our brand promise The Best or Nothing."
Kern further added, "2013 has been the 'Year of Offensive' for Mercedes-Benz India and we are pleased with the numerous fascinating experiences we have created for our customers this year. Our product offensive, network spread, financial programmes and after-sales offerings have created excitement for our customers and also added immense value. The increased customer confidence and traction amidst difficult market challenges, reiterates the fact that we continue to remain a fundamentally strong brand which is trusted and valued by customers and brand enthusiasts across markets."
