Merc's 'lost decade'
'AMG test drives for all' promises Mercedes' UK boss following frank 'we got it wrong' admission
Marcus Breitschwerdt says we had it wrong
Of course we know that the product was a bit shaky back then, but he says part of the issue lay with the dealers. Not going to happen again, he reckons, and listed improvements.
Being PistonHeads, we'll start with those improvements around cars with V8s.
No longer will AMG be represented in dealers by a single SLS off-limits to all by the lucky few, we're told. Now he says there's a C63 and E63 available in every major dealer.
Go on, take it for the weekend!
The boss also confessed to the practice that customers of most brands have long-despaired of - the shouty ads proclaiming a new car "from just £20,999!" or other tempting price. Only to find "an ugly car that is not supposed to be bought, small tyres, no chrome, underpowered engine - awful," according to Breitschwerdt. Add the options to improve it "after option three you can't afford it any more".
Well not any more. "Our philosophy changed - we created a sharp looking and well equipped base model."
Base cars will be ones you'd actually buy
To wit, one interesting fact he did tell us: 90 per cent of all Mercedes purchased privately are bought through PCP finance. That's the one where you pay a lump sum after the time's up to own it, or swap it for a new one. That's an amazing stat, but maybe not that surprising if PHer cydaps' experience that new AMGs are cheaper than used is anything to go by.
Nope, I've read this about five times and still don't have a clue what the f
k this meansAn AMG at every dealer you say, good can I borrow one when our E goes in for it's service then
Main thing for Mercedes in my eyes is that the "lost decade" of build quality returns to the how it should be.
It reminds me of that thing girls do, where they complain about something whilst paying themselves a compliment.
On the plus side, i'll be on the blower to the brother in law later to borrow the C63 from his place!
Bmw age group 25-40,Audi 30-55, Merc 45- 65 , these are the main age groups,as someone 47 the only mercs I like are the new SLK
The dealers are better, but not great, their 'business managers' still try to insure, your insurance of your gap cover..........
Try getting a loan car never mind an AMG to borrow.............
The warranty department is plain obstinate, and some of their product is definitely average.
And as for reasonable pricing my partner has just picked up an ex demo A200 Sport, it came with £9k of extras to make it a 'nice' car, as a £20k car they are great, a £30-35k car they are NOT. (The wind noise around the front doors, the squeaks from the seat belt adjusters).
As Len Goodman would say '6' try harder!
If only Audi could do the same thing. Problem is, even though Audi dealers in my experience are aloof and alien to the notion of customer service, they still sell a lot of cars so probably don't think they need to change..
My local MB emporium seems to be staffed with decent people. Everytime I go to Audi I get looked down on and subject to withering condescension from a youth with too much hair product and a stupid suit.
Bmw age group 25-40,Audi 30-55, Merc 45- 65 , these are the main age groups,as someone 47 the only mercs I like are the new SLK
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