As with all major projects, construction of the new Mercedes-Benz Pinetown showroom had its challenges, but the state-of-the-art dealership is now open and reflects the very best the brand has to offer
“Exceptional” is a keyword at Mercedes-Benz Pinetown, where average just isn’t good enough. “We have set the bar high and are determined to exceed our clients’ expectations,” says general manager Wilanda Stubbs. Light and spacious, with sleek black finishes, the new dealership embodies all that Mercedes-Benz stands for.
Set on the corner of Caversham and Hagart Roads in Pinetown, the 14 500m2 site is also home to Jeep, Fiat, Fiat Professional and Abarth, with a fully fledged Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned offering.
Originally scheduled to open on April 1, 2016, the motor complex has been semi-operational since April 4. “During the huge storm that hit Durban on February 26, the building sustained structural damage and we weren’t happy to have staff or clients on site until it was repaired. So we made the very difficult decision to delay opening,” Wilanda explains. “In the interim, we took steps to minimise disruption to our 11 000 clients, including vehicle collection and delivery, and outsourcing services to nearby dealerships.
“We can’t thank our clients enough for their patience, but we are confident that they will be very happy with our new facilities.”
For 13 years, Mercedes-Benz (previously NMI-DSM) Pinetown was based in “Motor Town” in the centre of Pinetown. However, the dealership had outgrown the site and the team wanted to create a landmark to better suit their brands. “This is the first Mercedes-Benz dealership in South Africa to carry the new international brand identity – the biggest and best of what we have to offer.”
The showroom is home to 29 Mercedes-Benz model derivatives, with that number set to grow to 41 by the end of 2018. There are exciting developments in the pipeline, including a Mercedes-Benz bakkie!
Since the launch of the A Class, the definition of a Mercedes-Benz customer has changed to include a younger, more tech-savvy demographic, along with the executive for whom only the best will do. As a result, the sales and management teams are equipped to deal with any request. “Mercedes-Benz clients know what they want and it’s our job to deliver the premium service they expect.”
The project represents an investment of R125-million and created approximately 300 semi-permanent jobs during the 18-month construction phase, excluding sub-contractors. “We were committed to making minimal impact on the environment during construction and into the future,” Wilanda continues. “Both buildings have been designed to include the latest technology for Green Buildings and sustainable development, from recycling the crushed material obtained from the previous buildings on the property to water recycling and rainwater harvesting.”
The Mercedes-Benz building covers 10 500m2 over four floors, with 22 workshop bays and 80 staff, while the Jeep/Fiat building is spread over 3 500m2, with seven workshop bays and 30 staff. The site boasts 360 parking bays and two wash bays, which make use of harvested water. The entire site is access controlled, with 24-hour monitored CCTV. Easy access to the M13 makes it convenient for the dealership’s many clients in the Upper Highway area.
“We are thrilled to present the new home of Mercedes-Benz Pinetown and can’t wait to welcome our clients, old and new!”
The official launch for media and selected stakeholders will take place on May 31, 2016.
Mercedes-Benz Pinetown 031 717 1333
Corner of Hagart and Caversham Roads, Pinetown
