Lookers Mercedes-Benz Newsletter

Mercedes-Benz
news
SUMMER 2012
Latest news from Lookers Mercedes-Benz
OPENING SOON
Stunning, new SL Roadster on the way
NUMBER ONE Group named Retailer of the Year
SERVICE CARE Popular scheme enhanced
APPRENTICES Training scheme gets MP’s vote
#LookersMercedes

F O R E W O R D
T E C H N O L O G Y
Welcome to
our latest
newsletter,
which comes
at a very
exciting time
and features
great news for
everyone involved with Lookers
Mercedes-Benz.
Whatever your requirement,
we’ve always strived to provide
you with the best possible retail
experience. Many businesses
may claim to do this, but in
our case, you can rest assured
that this is 100% fact as we
have been selected as the
Mercedes-Benz Retailer of
Year. This award is recognition
from the manufacturer that we
are considered to be the best
Mercedes-Benz Retail group.
In addition to our awardwinning
service, you’ll also
find that the Mercedes-Benz
range has never been so
outstanding. This year we’ve
already welcomed the new
B-Class and M-Class SUV, while
the forthcoming new SL-Class
will certainly be the car of the
summer. But, following its debut
at the Geneva Motor Show,
it’s the new A-Class that has
really got people talking and
you will find details of how
you can receive news on this
groundbreaking car inside.
Of course, the best way to
get all the latest Mercedes-Benz
news is to call into our Retailers.
A warm welcome is guaranteed
and our teams will show what
sets our customer care apart.
Iain MacMahon
Brand Director
Information innovation
Lookers Mercedes-Benz has
made a ‘B’ line for the very
latest technology to help provide
showroom visitors with in-depth
information on the exciting new
B-Class.
In a first for Mercedes-Benz
and epitomising the advanced
nature of the stylish new sports
tourer, the B-Class showroom
display features a high-tech, 3-D
simulation that projects images
and details onto the car via a
specially-developed app for the
iPad.
Featuring state-of-the-art
Augmented Reality 3-D, the
WEB OF INTRIGUE
You will now get more clicks than
ever before from the national
Mercedes-Benz website, which has
recently been enhanced.
The site has been made much
more user-friendly for visitors
to navigate whether they are
searching for details about
a specific model, including a
configuration for their desired
specification, or information about
the various After Sales services
display’s video and text are
triggered by hotspots around
the car that are activated as
customers walk around it.
The innovative approach to
highlighting the many merits of
the B-Class is already proving a
hit with customers, especially as
research has shown that a large
percentage of potential buyers
are very interested in the latest
technology.
If you’ve yet to experience the
innovative B-Class interactive
display, please call in to one of
our showrooms and prepare to be
amazed.
available from our Retailers.
To explore the new-look website
for yourself, please visit
www.mercedes-benz.co.uk
2

A W A R D S
Iain MacMahon (second left), Brand Director, is presented with the Mercedes-Benz Retailer of the Year award by
Gary Savage (middle), Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars and TV presenter Myleene Klass
Simply the best
Lookers Mercedes-Benz is the best place for all your
Mercedes-Benz requirements… and that’s official!
The group has won the overall Mercedes-Benz
Retailer of the Year award, which commends
excellence across the entire operation and is
considered to be the ultimate accolade for the 32
Mercedes-Benz market areas that make up the
manufacturer’s retail network.
It secured the top award by not only performing
consistently well in all business areas, but by
featuring in the upper quartile levels for customer
satisfaction as measured by the demanding net
promoter score. The guidance of its settled and
THREE CHEERS
experienced management team also helped Lookers
to secure the number one spot.
Iain MacMahon, Brand Director for Lookers
Mercedes-Benz, was delighted with the win and
said: “Being totally focused on every aspect of our
business is behind this success, but while this
award is a great achievement it’s also an excellent
base to take our service to an even higher level.
“With our commitment to first-class service
greater than ever and a very exciting product range,
we’re looking forward to providing our customers
with a retail experience that is even better than the
award-winning one they already receive.”
A trio of staff were honoured
in the annual Lookers Guild of
Excellence, which celebrated
the achievements of 4,500
employees from across the car
retailing giant’s UK operations. Receiving their awards are (L-R): Nigel Barber, Dave Currin and Lee Castle
Held in Manchester, the gala
evening brought together winners of leagues based named Sales Manager of the Year, whilst the title
on retailer size, with the overall victors revealed of top Business Manager went to Lee Castle from
according to their showing on various performance Mercedes-Benz of Ashford.
measures including profit contribution as well as Nigel Barber, Fleet Sales Director, was presented
customer satisfaction.
with a Special Merit Award, in recognition of his
Prices shown are per month, inclusive of VAT and over the period stated. ^ Excluding SLS.
Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone’s Dave Currin was contribution to the business.
*Only available if the period of cover exceeds that of the payment schedule.
3

N E W M O D E L S
New A is coming
The new A-Class is on its way, the striking
hatchback having been officially unveiled at this
year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Since the covers fell away from its athletic
exterior the model has created a massive stir in
the motoring world.
The new A-Class marks the arrival of a new
generation of Mercedes-Benz and we want you to
be one of the first to discover why it’s one of the
most exciting cars to be launched in 2012.
So fresh is the car that the UK specification
and pricing are yet to be announced, but you
can hear of these as they happen by simply
registering your interest with us by e-mailing
mercedes-benzmarketing@lookers.co.uk
We look forward to introducing you to the new
generation of Mercedes-Benz and bringing you
all the latest news and official updates on a car
that is destined to raise the bar in the compact
car sector.
Model featured is for illustration purposes only.
#NewGenMB
Opening soon
With its forthcoming new SL, Mercedes-Benz has
ensured that the iconic sports car will continue
its legacy as one of the most sought-after and
exciting roadsters in the world.
Since Mercedes-Benz took the sports car sector
by storm with the creation of its original SL in
1952, the model name has become synonymous
with dynamism, style, luxury and comfort.
Groundbreaking innovation has always been
at the heart of the acclaimed roadster and the
latest SL is no exception. Notably, Mercedes-Benz
has taken the meaning of its famous letters “SL”
– super, lightweight – literally. For the first time
and as part of an extensive programme to reduce
weight in the interests of agility and efficiency,
the SL has been produced almost entirely from
aluminium and weighs up to 140 kilograms less
than its predecessor.
The new SL is available to order now from our
Retailers.
4

Perfection within reach.
Spring Offers
Experience it for yourself in a new Mercedes-Benz this Spring with our exclusive offers.
A-Class.
B-Class.
C-Class Saloon.
C-Class Coupé.
From just
Per
£159 Month*
From just
Per
£295 Month*
From just
Per
£299 Month*
From just
Per
£299 Month*
C-Class Estate.
E-Class Cabriolet.
The SLK-Class.
E-Class Saloon.
From just
Per
£309 Month*
E-Class Estate.
From just
£469
Per
Month*
E-Class Coupe.
From just
Per
£365 Month*
R-Class.
From just
Per
£349 Month*
S-Class.
From just
Per
£359 Month*
CLS-Class.
From just
Per
£439 Month*
SL-Class.
From just
£469
The GL-Class.
Per
Month*
From just
Per
£499 Month*
CL-Class.
From just
Per
£645 Month*
From just
Per
£659 Month*
From just
Per
£705 Month*
P.S We also have Service Contracts available from less than £1 per day. That’s cheaper than your daily cup of coffee.
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Mercedes-Benz range: urban 13.0(21.7)-52.3(5.4),
extra urban 22.4 (12.6)-74.3 (3.8), combined 17.8(15.9)-64.2(4.4). CO2 emissions: 378-115 g/km.
Business users only. Similar retail options available. Advance payment applies. For full terms and conditions please contact a member of our sales team.
From just
Per
£1089 Month*

S E R V I C I N G
TAKING THE VERY BEST CARE
OF YOUR SERVICING NEEDS
Adding even more genuine value to your ownership
experience is Service Care, which enables customers
to budget affordably and conveniently for their future
servicing from just £23 per monthˆ.
And whilst the cost of living is rising, the flexible
plans mean that owners can pay today’s servicing
prices for the next four years without any concerns
about inflation affecting their outgoings.
Labour and parts costs, the replacement of service
items and all mandatory parts, such as spark plugs
Mercedes-Benz Service Care - New Vehicles*
and air filters, are all taken care of as part of the
increasingly popular programme.
Separate Service Care schemes are now in place
for both new and Approved Used Mercedes-Benz aged
up to seven-years-old, with owners able to pay for via
a single lump sum, spread by monthly direct debit or
incorporate into their initial finance agreement.
For further details or to take out a plan, please talk
to the service department at one of our
Mercedes-Benz Retailers.
*
2 Services 3 Services 4 Services
12 Mths 24 Mths 12 Mths 24 Mths 36 Mths 12 Mths 24 Mths 36 Mths 48 Mths
A-Class £46.00 £23.00 £69.00 £34.50 £23.00 £92.00 £46.00 £30.75 £23.00
A-Class (Auto) £62.00 £31.00 £93.00 £46.50 £31.00 £124.00 £62.00 £41.50 £31.00
B-Class £54.00 £27.00 £81.00 £40.50 £27.00 £108.00 £54.00 £36.00 £27.00
C-Class £54.00 £27.00 £81.00 £40.50 £27.00 £108.00 £54.00 £36.00 £27.00
E-Class £60.00 £30.00 £90.00 £45.00 £30.00 £120.00 £60.00 £40.00 £30.00
SLK-Class £55.00 £27.50 £82.50 £41.25 £27.50 £110.00 £55.00 £36.75 £27.50
CLS-Class £60.00 £30.00 £90.00 £45.00 £30.00 £120.00 £60.00 £40.00 £30.00
ML-Class £66.00 £33.00 £99.00 £49.50 £33.00 £132.00 £66.00 £44.00 £33.00
S-Class £76.00 £38.00 £114.00 £57.00 £38.00 £152.00 £76.00 £50.75 £38.00
R-Class £76.00 £38.00 £114.00 £57.00 £38.00 £152.00 £76.00 £50.75 £38.00
CL-Class £76.00 £38.00 £114.00 £57.00 £38.00 £152.00 £76.00 £50.75 £38.00
GL-Class £76.00 £38.00 £114.00 £57.00 £38.00 £152.00 £76.00 £50.75 £38.00
SL-Class £110.00 £55.00 £165.00 £82.50 £55.00 £220.00 £110.00 £73.50 £55.00
Officially the best
‘Specialists’ and independent garages may
present what seems a cheaper option than a
Mercedes-Benz Official Workshop, but it could well
be a false economy.
Our technicians are manufacturer-trained, use
specialist equipment and genuine parts, which
come with a two-year guarantee. There is also the
opportunity to enjoy total peace-of-mind over your
future servicing costs by taking advantage of our
Service Care fixed pricing.
With all these factors and more to consider,
it’s not a question of can you afford to use a
Mercedes-Benz Official Workshop, but can you
afford not to?
6

Mercedes-Benz Service Care - Used Vehicles †
2 Services 3 Services 4 Services
12 Mths 24 Mths 12 Mths 24 Mths 36 Mths 12 Mths 24 Mths 36 Mths 48 Mths
A-Class £46.00 £23.00 £69.00 £34.50 £23.00 £92.00 £46.00 £30.75 £23.00
A-Class (Auto) £62.00 £31.00 £93.00 £46.50 £31.00 £124.00 £62.00 £41.50 £31.00
B-Class £54.00 £27.00 £81.00 £40.50 £27.00 £108.00 £54.00 £36.00 £27.00
B-Class (Auto) £62.00 £31.00 £93.00 £46.50 £31.00 £124.00 £62.00 £41.50 £31.00
C-Class £62.00 £31.00 £93.00 £46.50 £31.00 £124.00 £62.00 £41.50 £31.00
CLK-Class £68.00 £34.00 £102.00 £51.00 £34.00 £136.00 £68.00 £45.50 £34.00
E-Class £68.00 £34.00 £102.00 £51.00 £34.00 £136.00 £68.00 £45.50 £34.00
SLK-Class £70.00 £35.00 £105.00 £52.50 £35.00 £140.00 £70.00 £46.75 £35.00
CLS-Class £74.00 £37.00 £111.00 £55.50 £37.00 £148.00 £74.00 £49.50 £37.00
ML-Class £72.00 £36.00 £108.00 £54.00 £36.00 £144.00 £72.00 £48.00 £36.00
S-Class £86.00 £43.00 £129.00 £64.50 £43.00 £172.00 £86.00 £57.50 £43.00
R-Class £86.00 £43.00 £129.00 £64.50 £43.00 £172.00 £86.00 £57.50 £43.00
CL-Class £86.00 £43.00 £129.00 £64.50 £43.00 £172.00 £86.00 £57.50 £43.00
GL-Class £86.00 £43.00 £129.00 £64.50 £43.00 £172.00 £86.00 £57.50 £43.00
SL-Class £110.00 £55.00 £165.00 £82.50 £55.00 £220.00 £110.00 £73.50 £55.00
ˆBased on an A-Class manual. Service Care for AMG models is available separately. Prices correct at time of going to print, May 2012. Prices subject to
change without prior notice. *New vehicle – up to 12 months old and before first service. † Used vehicle – over 12 months old.
VALUE SCHEME PUTS OWNERS IN SEVENTH HEAVEN
Growing older does have its benefits, particularly
for owners of certain Mercedes-Benz models over
seven-years-old.
The group has introduced the fixed price
Mercedes-Benz Value Service † specifically to
provide peace-of-mind to owners of these older
vehicles. They can now see from the outset how
much they will have to pay to have their car worked
on by the trained technicians of a Mercedes-Benz
Official Workshop.
The Value Service includes a full inspection,
oil and filter change, the use of Mercedes-Benz
Genuine Parts, free service measure updates and
a free car wash. Any additional work identified
will not be carried out without the customer’s
authorisation.
The pricing is as follows:
A-Class £119
C-Class/CLK-Class/SLK-Class £139
E-Class £149
M-Class/S-Class/CL-Class/SL-Class £159
†
Value Service is not to the full manufacturer’s recommended service schedule.
7

N E W S
MOVING ON UP
Mercedes-Benz of Gatwick is
taking off for a new home, which
although only a short distance
from its present location in County
Oak Way will be miles apart in
comparison.
The Retailer is moving less
than a mile to a 3-acre site at
Manor Royal, which will provide
customers with state-of-the-art
facilities and easier access from
Junction 10 of the M23 motorway.
Built on the plot of a former
go-karting centre, the threestorey
development will feature a
much more spacious and stylish
showroom, a more extensive
Approved Used Car display and
improved customer parking.
After Sales facilities will be
second-to-none and will include an
impressive 18-bay Mercedes-Benz
Official Workshop incorporating
the very latest diagnostic
technology and a drive-through
service reception. Also included
in the plans are facilities for
My ® Service, a new approach
to servicing that will provide
Mercedes-Benz owners with even
greater choice, flexibility and value
over the maintenance of their car.
“Building work will commence
in June and it is planned that
we will be taking up our new
residency in Spring next year,”
said Keith Jackman, Marketing
Director, Lookers Mercedes-Benz.
“The move is long overdue and
the premises will be much more
befitting of the Mercedes-Benz
brand and will ensure that we can
provide customers with an even
better retail experience.”
Off-road prize for online winner
A lucky Mercedes-Benz of Gatwick customer has
proved to be a true social climber after winning
our online competition and scooping a 4x4 driving
experience at the demanding Mercedes-Benz World
off-road course.
Simon Higgins will be taking to the challenging
ascents and descents of the 10-acre terrain and
enjoying professional instruction in a formidable
M-Class after following us on Twitter and ‘Tweeting’
his name and the phrase ‘Off-Road’. The exclusive,
free-to-enter competition was also featured on
Facebook.
We now also have our own channel on YouTube,
which only went live in October but has already
generated a fantastic response with over 15,000
views. We are in the process of uploading a series of
bespoke videos designed to enhance your
Mercedes-Benz ownership, the first of which will be
‘How to change your oil’ and ‘Why choose Lookers
Mercedes-Benz’, so please keep an eye on our
YouTube channel for our latest footage!
• Search ‘Lookers Mercedes-Benz’ on facebook.
• Follow ‘@LookersMercedes’ on Twitter.
• Find ‘Lookers Mercedes-Benz’ on YouTube.
8

M-pressive in every respect
Now available to test drive, the stunning,
third-generation M-Class showcases substantial
improvements in fuel consumption and
emissions over its predecessor and eclipses
its rivals with a specification and streamlined
design that set a new precedent in its sector.
Whether tackling the toughest terrain or
travelling on tarmac about town, owners are
sure to be impressed by this formidable 4x4’s
performance – power output is equalled or
improved across the range despite the significant
efficiency gains.
The new four-cylinder diesel ML 250 BlueTEC
Sport rewrites the rules of full size SUV
efficiency and can be acclaimed as the most
efficient diesel engine in its class. The model
returns 44.8 mpg (combined) and emissions of
only 165g/km whilst capable of the same power
and torque – 204hp and 500Nm respectively – as
the previous ML 300 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. And
another impressive figure is the first registration
fee of the entry-level M-Class – just £165
compared to the previous £790.
Other improvements aboard the latest
M-Class is an enhanced standard equipment
specification, which includes LED daytime
running lights, 3-stage ESP®, Adaptive brake,
electric parking brake, and aluminium roof
rails. Athletic AMG bodystyling, 19” AMG
5-spoke alloy wheels, perforated sports brakes,
and Dinamica/Artico leather upholstery are all
standard too.
IT’S GOOD TO TALK
Customer convenience is being taken to new heights by
the group’s popular online ‘live chat’ service, which will
soon be expanded to include sales enquiries.
Following its increased usage by customers to book a
service or MoT, the text-based system will enable users
to communicate with a member of the sales team in real
time, even out of normal working hours.
To utilise the handy service, please visit
www.lookers.co.uk/mercedes-benz and click the relevant ‘Live Chat’ buttons. A window will then appear
onto which customers can type a message which will be responded to in an instant by a member of the team.
9

A M G
In the seat of power
John Dudeney (right), one of Mercedes-Benz of Brighton’s AMG specialists,
and Andrew Melbert, the Retailer’s General Sales Manager
Left to right: AMG Specialists – Simon Ward (Brighton), Adam Highwood
(Maidstone) and Justin Ruck (Tonbridge)
A high performance car is far
from ordinary, so the experience
of buying one should be equally
unique.
At Lookers Mercedes-Benz we
have dedicated sales operations
for the ever-increasing array of
phenomenal Mercedes-Benz AMG
models. Our AMG Performance
Centres are located at our
Retailers in Brighton, Maidstone
and Tonbridge.
Each of our Centres has an
AMG Specialist (pictured), who
has received extensive training
in what sets a Mercedes-Benz
AMG apart and the knowledge
to answer the complex queries
that potential customers have.
For example, they will be able
to explain how each AMG has
a handbuilt engine, the four
modes of the AMG Speedshift
MCT 7-speed transmission that
is common to the latest models,
and even how best to optimise the
car’s specification for your desired
use – whether it’s purely on the
road or will include occasional
track days.
A number of demonstrator
models are available for test drive
at each AMG Centre and a sample
of accessories can be viewed too.
PERFORMANCE
WEEKENDS
AMG events at the group’s
Retailers in Ashford, Maidstone
and Tonbridge have introduced
even more motorists to
the amazing experience of
Mercedes-Benz AMG motoring.
The Kent retailers
welcomed the breathtaking
AMG Performance Fleet
over weekends in March
and May and the arrival of
the powerhouse collection
certainly got visitors revved up.
Those who attended the
fast-themed events were able
to peruse and even test drive
AMG models that included the
SLS Roadster, SLS Coupé,
C 63 Saloon, C 63 Estate,
C 63 Coupé, CLS 63,
E 63 Saloon and SLK 55.
All the events were very well
received and Lee Castle, Sales
Manager of Mercedes-Benz of
Ashford was thrilled with the
response from both new and
existing customers.
“Nearly 90 customers visited
us specifically for the rare
opportunity to see the AMG
range together and it was
excellent for them to be able
to experience this phenomenal
line-up of cars on their
doorstep,” said Lee.
10

A P P R E N T I C E S
APPRENTICE ADDITIONS
Three of the group’s Retailers are
building for the future and boosting
local employment prospects by
adding six apprentices to their
sales teams.
The appointments followed a
successful and very well-attended
recruitment day at Sussex
Downs College, which resulted in
18-year-olds, Jay Strutt and Shaun
Bosley, and Daniel Read, aged 17,
being taken on at Mercedes-Benz
of Brighton; Claire Dutton and
Nick Hook joining the team at
Eastbourne and Phil Harris being
appointed at Gatwick.
All of them took part in a series
of individual and team-based
exercises and assessments during
the day and then underwent
a one-to-one interview at the
respective Retailer in order to
land the 12-month apprenticeship,
which is one of the first of its kind
to be established and will offer
on-the-job learning to NVQ Level 2
standard.
“I have always been
passionate about cars
so I’m delighted to have
got this opportunity and
my first two weeks have
been really enjoyable,”
said Daniel, who has just
completed a business
studies course at the
College’s Eastbourne
campus. “At my age and
without any experience,
I probably wouldn’t be
taken seriously if I applied
for a sales position so the
apprenticeship is ideal
as it enables me to work
whilst developing the required
skills at the same time.”
Commenting on the
appointments at Mercedes-Benz
of Brighton, Sales Manager Andy
Melbert added: “We have every
faith that Daniel, Jay and Shaun will
become invaluable members of our
team and we are very excited to
begin working with them.
You’re hired… Mercedes-Benz of Brighton’s
apprentices (left to right): Jay Strutt, Daniel
Read and Shaun Bosley.
“With prospects and a salary,
these are genuine apprenticeships
which will develop the skills and
expertise necessary to help them
embark on what we’re confident
will be highly successful careers.”
Across the group, there are
already apprentice technicians
at every site whilst the marketing
department has also welcomed
Alexia Holland in a similar role.
VIP visitors
The group’s sales apprentice scheme has generated
considerable interest not only among prospective
candidates but also local dignitaries.
Stephen Lloyd, MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon,
visited Mercedes-Benz of Eastbourne to meet the
Retailer’s apprentices, Claire Dutton and Nick Hook.
He was particularly keen to meet the duo having
recently spearheaded a hugely successful ‘100
apprenticeships in 100 days’ challenge, which led to 181
new apprenticeships being started in his constituency.
Similar VIP visits will be made to Mercedes-Benz of
Gatwick and its sister site in Brighton by Henry Smith,
MP for Crawley, and Councillor Bill Randall, the new
Mayor of Brighton respectively.
Stephen Lloyd MP (third left) with (from left to right):
Jane Landells, Mercedes-Benz of Eastbourne’s
Retailer Co-ordinator; apprentices Claire Dutton and
Nick Hook; Graeme Dengate, General Sales Manager
and Jo Fowler from Sussex Downs College
11

N E W S
Chauffeur
Programme
arrives in style
The new Mercedes-Benz Chauffeur Programme is
able to make every journey a stress-free occasion
for aspiring and established executive travel
businesses.
Through the dedicated programme, chauffeur
firms can enjoy an unrivalled level of support and
take advantage of exclusive offers that encompass
the provision of a vehicle and its after sales
requirements, including routine servicing, MoTs to
PCO requirements and roadside assistance.
Operated by professionals for professionals, the
Mercedes-Benz Chauffeur Programme provides:
- An extensive range of award-winning vehicles,
including S-Class, E-Class and Viano, that
are recognised to be the benchmark in the
chauffeuring sector, offering industry-leading
levels of safety, comfort and specification
- Unprecedented cost efficiency through attractive
Whole Life Costs and finance opportunities that
are designed to meet the needs of individual
businesses
- Full after sales support spanning from
accessories to service packages
- Invaluable assistance with photography to
illustrate websites and brochures
For further information on the Mercedes-Benz
Chauffeur Programme, please contact the Lookers
Fleet Sales department.
BE A COOL CUSTOMER
Take the heat out of your
summer motoring and chill out
instead by taking advantage of
our seasonal air conditioning
service and spring health
check offer for just £50.
Regular servicing of
your car’s air-con system
is recommended by the
manufacturer. This procedure
includes recharging the
refrigeration gases, a full
visual inspection, gas pressure
testing, an efficiency check
and an air conditioning refresh.
As part of this seasonal
check, our expert technicians
will also undertake a visual
inspection of your car’s vital
features.
What’s more, we will also
present you with a free car care
product of your choice to keep
your car looking at its best.
To book, please call one of
our Mercedes-Benz Official
Workshops now.
12

LAUNCH EVENT
MAKES ALL THE
RIGHT NOISES
Mercedes-Benz of Brighton added
even more sights and sounds to
the launch of the area’s premier
audio-visual retailer.
The Retailer enhanced the
excitement of the March opening
of the new, groundbreaking
Bang & Olufsen of Brighton &
Hove showroom by bringing along
the ‘gullwing’ SLS AMG and a
top-of-the-range S-Class. Visitors
to the event were able to try the
stylish Mercedes-Benz for size,
both of which can be specified
with high-powered Bang & Olufsen
sound systems.
Mike Sparkes, Dealer Principal
of Bang & Olufsen of Brighton
& Hove, was delighted with the
arrival of the automotive guests.
“Having the Mercedes-Benz on
show added an extra edge to the
launch’s exclusivity and prestige,”
explained Mr Sparkes, who has
represented Bang & Olufsen for
over 24 years. “The cars helped
make the evening a great success
and were very well received by our
customers, Mercedes-Benz being
a firm favourite with them as the
quality brand shares a fantastic
synergy with Bang & Olufsen.”
The customer lounge of
Mercedes-Benz of Brighton is
now also ‘picture perfect’ thanks
to a super slim, 40” BeoVision
10 television being supplied as
part of the link between the two
premium businesses.
• Bang & Olufsen of Brighton &
Hove, 56 Church Road, Hove,
BN3 2FP.
Toasting a great event… (from left to right) Chris Noakes, Senior Sales
Executive at Mercedes-Benz of Brighton, with members of the group’s
marketing department, Alexia Holland, Sarah Morrison and Keith Jackman.
Pic credit: Graham Franks.
DID YOU KNOW?
There is a genuinely colourful
story behind the circumstances
of how Mercedes-Benz Grand
Prix cars derived their nickname
of the Silver Arrows.
In 1934, when German race
officials scruntinised the new
Mercedes-Benz W25 the day
before its debut, the car weighed
1kg more than the permitted
750kg.
It is claimed that team
manager Alfred Neubauer and his
driver Manfred von Brauchitsch
ordered their mechanics to
scrape off the car’s white paint
to achieve the required weight.
With its bodywork exposed
and resembling a Silver Arrow,
the car raced to victory and a
legendary motor racing tale was
born.
13

A C C E S S O R I E S
This summer’s hottest accessories
The Mercedes-Benz accessories range has recently been updated with a host of new items, which make great
gifts for a loved one or a treat for you. The items below and many more can be purchased in person through
our parts departments or via our increasingly-popular online shop, which can be visited at
www.lookersshop.mercedes-benz.co.uk
Perfect
paintwork
Watch out!
Money matters
SLK owners can now show
their true colours in every
sense with this nail polish in
the Roadster paintwork colour
of designo Zircon Red.
Nail Varnish £10 (B66957803)
Dress to
impress
You will have plenty of stylish
time on your hands with these
his and hers watches – just two
of the extensive selection now
available.
Men’s Funky Elegance Watch £337
(B66955140)
Women’s Sports Chic Watch £134
(B66955477)
Super store
There is no better way to
keep your finances under
control than with this very
accommodating business
wallet, which is crafted from
Italian calfskin.
Men’s Leather Business Wallet £72
(B66955145)
The eyes have it
There is plenty in store with
this USB stick, which is both
PC and Mac compatible.
4GB USB stick £36 (B66041486)
You’ll certainly shade it for
style with either of these
superb sunglasses.
Unisex Sunglasses £207 (B66955152)
Women’s Sunglasses £104 (B66955170)
Look cool but keep warm
in this superb gilet, which
features a hood in the collar
for those unexpected summer
showers.
Men’s Classic Gilet £57
(B66957647)
Computer drive
You will get plenty of clicks
with this eye-catching 300
SL wireless mouse with LED
headlamps and tail lights.
Wireless Computer Mouse £43
(B66041450)
All prices shown include VAT.
14

E V E N T S
Tournament tee-off
The MercedesTrophy golf tournament is about to swing into action again,
when it is hoped that success will be enjoyed both on and off the tee.
Once again, the group will be staging another combined golf day
for Kent, Sussex and Surrey customers at Lingfield Park Golf Club on
Thursday 19th July when the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Children (NSPCC) will be supported once more.
The top three players from each region will progress to a
MercedesTrophy regional final at the New Zealand Golf Club in Surrey,
where they will be battling it out for a trip to the UK Final at St Andrews.
Places for this year’s golf day are now taken. Please contact us at
mercedes-benzmarketing@lookers.co.uk to register your interest in next
year’s event.
ANYONE FOR
TENNIS?
One for the ladies
The group will be putting ladies first at a series of special events
this summer.
After several requests from female customers, we will be
staging some ladies only workshops, which will offer practical
advice on basic vehicle maintenance –
from changing a tyre to topping up fluid
levels – and provide driving tips to ensure
they get the most from their cars.
Some serious sporting action
will be served up to customers at
this year’s AEGON International
tennis event, which takes place
at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne
between 16th and 23rd June.
Invites have already been sent
out for the tournament, which
takes place the week before
Wimbledon. Please let us know if
you would like to attend next year.
If you would like to be involved in any of the events featured on this page, please register your interest by
e-mailing mercedes-benzmarketing@lookers.co.uk
15

Retailer
of the year
2011
Awarded by Mercedes-Benz UK
#LookersMercedes
Sales: 0844 649 9280 After Sales: 0844 649 9281
Lookers plc
Mercedes-Benz of Ashford Monument Way, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HB
Mercedes-Benz of Brighton Victoria Road, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex BN41 1DY
Mercedes-Benz of Canterbury Broad Oak Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7PX
Mercedes-Benz of Eastbourne Eastbourne Road, Westham, East Sussex BN24 5NH
Mercedes-Benz of Gatwick County Oak Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7ST
Mercedes-Benz of Maidstone Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9YN
Mercedes-Benz of Redhill 12 Brighton Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6QL
Mercedes-Benz of Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB
Sales: 0844 649 9280 After Sales: 0844 649 9281
www.lookers.co.uk/mercedes-benz
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Mercedes-Benz range: urban 12.5(22.6)-
45.6(6.2), extra urban 22.2(12.7)-70.6(4.0), combined 17.8(15.9)-64.2(4.4). CO2 emissions: 378-116 g/km.