I returned from Germany about a month ago now. Sorry for the delay in posting!

The trip was fantastic! I can't believe how much we were able to see in such a short period of time. You can see the day by day in the slide show above.

There are no pictures from the Test Track at Unterturkheim, the Mercedes-Benz Engine Production Plant in Cannstatt, or from inside the AMG factory in Affalterbach, which were certainly some of the best parts of the trip. Mercedes closely guards their secrets and we were not allowed to take pictures there. I have included an old stock picture from Unterturkheim because I couldn't put into words what we got to experience there!

The Engine Plant was striking in how clean and efficient it was. They pride themselves on high standards for the workers, including a 35-hour workweek, over a month of paid vacation, facilities that are non-toxic and empowering the workers to fix things and stop problems. Here the engines start down the production line and both the workers and the robots add parts, adjust tolerances and test the components. I found it very interesting that the engines come down the line mixed together. It isn't 200 right-hand-drive V-6's one day and 200 diesel V8's the next. It is one of each of whatever is needed. They are currently expanding the facility because they also produce engines for some of our competitors and demand has grown.

At AMG, the facilities are just as impressive but the production of the engines is kind of opposite. The block is mounted to a cart and the single technician moves that cart from station to station adding the components and testing as he goes. After the engine is complete all of the V12 engines and a selection of the V8's go to the test bench and are put through their paces. We saw a V12 race around the track virtually and it shook the room! At this location they also do customization for an elite clientele. We saw elongated G-wagons, an ML with a royal blue and yellow interior and a CL with more security features that an embassy!

The day we were scheduled to go to the Production Plant in Sindelfingen the plant closed for a meeting! (The meeting was to discuss reducing production by 35,000 units for the rest of the year.) We were able to go to the European Delivery Center in Sindelfingen instead and see where our clients would pick up their vehicle. In Germany it is popular to pick up your new vehicle from the factory rather than the local dealership!

I had not been to Germany before and was surprised by the beautiful countryside and vineyards. It reminded me of upstate New York in the fall. The trip was a wonderful mix of the Mercedes production and history I was looking forward to and a tour of Germany that I wasn't expecting. Thank you to Mercedes-Benz Training and Education for arranging the trip and to Fred Schoeninger, our fantastic guide!

Labels: Awards, Newsletter

GLK Training was held at Atlanta Classic Cars today. We received a full introduction to the 2010 GLK350 and were able to compare it to the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX.

The GLK is quite impressive! You can tell that Mercedes put a lot of work into developing this model specifically for drivers who want a small SUV, rather than just adapting a current model to fill a niche. From the outside it has its own distinctive styling - it does not look like a shrunken ML or a GL. It also has a presence - this is a car that you would notice driving down the road. On the inside, I was impressed with the seating position. It is smaller than a traditional SUV but the upright seating position and great visibility make it feel very commanding on the road. It was also a pleasure to drive. The V6 engine is plenty of power and the car felt very agile. It even has a 3500 lb towing capacity!


As we compared the GLK to the BMW X3 I was shocked to realize that the X3 navigation system is the same system that was in my 2003 MINI Cooper S! That leads me to believe that BMW really hasn't devoted enough attention to the specific needs of their X3 driver. The character in the X3 also seemed to be lacking. It does look just like a small X5 and does not catch your eye on the road. I know that the X3 will be our main competitor and I really look forward to showing people how much more quality you'll get in the GLK.

I was unfamiliar with the Acura RDX (and I still probably couldn't pick it out of a line-up!). This car is a re-outfitted Honda CR-V. I can't believe that people would pay close to $40,000 for this vehicle. The RDX lacks all of the insulation, finishing, and attention to detail that makes a Mercedes a good value at any price. On the road the Acura has some torque steer, lets in a lot of road noise and is just not a compelling vehicle.

Overall I was thrilled with the GLK! I think Mercedes is really demonstrating a commitment to quality and serving their customers. I know that this vehicle will be an excellent choice for people who want more room than a sedan offers but don't need a huge SUV. Also, the pricing is fantastic. I was expecting it to come in only slightly lower than the ML350 and it turns out it is going to be very close to the price of a C350! Base MSRP is $35,900 and I think you max out around $47,000 if you get all the bells and whistles. I would guess that the most common set-up, Premium 1 Package, ipod and heated seats would be around $39,500.

We expect to get a demonstrator vehicle at the dealership in December and the GL350 will be for sale in January of 2009. If you live in the Atlanta area please let me know if you would like to be notified when the demo vehicle arrives. I can't wait to introduce you to the newest member of the Mercedes family!

Labels: GLK-Class, Newsletter

It's here! The 2008 Winter Event has been launched. We have excellent Lease and Finance specials on the 2009 models, The Pre-Owned finance rates have been expanded to additional models and the Loyalty Program this month is the best it has ever been.

Did you know we sell almost twice as many cars during the winter event as in any other month? It is because the deals are twice as good!

Finance Specials on New 2009 Models*
3.9% for up to 36 months and 4.9%for up to 66 months on:
C300 and C300 4matic
E350 and E550 including 4matic
CLK350 Coupe and Cabriolet
CLK550 Coupe and Cabriolet

3.9% for up to 66 months on the R350

Finance Specials on New 2008 Models*
These rates can be combined with the available rebates
4.9% for up to 66 months:
C300 & C350
E550
CLS550
CL550 & CL600
CLK550
ML320, ML350 & ML550
R320 & R350
GL320 & 550
S550 & S600

2.9% for up to 66 months:
E320 & E350
CLK350

3.9% for up to 66 months:
GLK450


Lease Specials on New 2009 Models*
Our lease specials are 10,000 miles per year, with about $4000-$6500 due at signing. I would be happy to supply you with the fine print.

C300 Lease $429/month - 39 Months
C350 Lease $539/month - 39 months
E350 Lease $699/month - 36 Months or $549/month - 48 months
ML350 Lease $579/month - 33 Months or $539/month - 48 months
R350 4WD Lease $659/month - 36 Months or $629/month - 48 months
GL450 Lease $739/month - 36 Months or $719/month - 48 months
CLK350 Coupe Lease $449/month - 36 Months or $409/month - 48 months
(this is $100 less than last month on the CLK coupe!)
CLK350 Cabriolet Lease $669/month - 36 Months or $609/month - 48 months
CLS550 Lease $1039/month - 39 months or $979/month - 48 months
SLK300 Lease $529/month - 36 months or $479/month - 48 months

Finance Specials on Certified Pre-Owned Cars*
2005-2007 C-Class: 3.99% for up to 36 months, 4.99% for up to 66 months
2005-2007 E-Class: 3.99% for up to 36 months, 4.99% for up to 66 months
2006 R-Class: 3.99% for up to 36 months, 4.99% for up to 66 months
2005-2006 ML-Class: 3.99% for up to 36 months, 4.99% for up to 66 months
*for qualified buyers

These lease and finance deals can be used in conjuction with the 3 or 5 payment Loyalty Program for November.

Labels: Current Specials, Finance Specials, Lease Specials, Newsletter

Finally, after 6 months of preparation it is time for the 3-Day walk! Thanks to the generous support of Atlanta Classic Cars, clients, friends and family the ACC Breast Friends team has raised more than $31,000! We are excited to attend the event and see if the more than 600 miles of training walks have prepared us for 3 days and 60 miles. Wish us luck!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Newsletter

I'm flying to Stuttgart this afternoon for my Mercedes-Benz Master Guild trip. I'll be back in a week and I'll post a bunch of photos.

Labels: Awards, Newsletter

Mercedes has just annouced that the 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will qualify for the federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. This is the same tax credit that has been avaliable on most hybrid vehicles. One interesting thing is that because Toyota and Lexus have already sold their total of eligible vehicles none of their hybrids will qualify for this credit. Here are the details from Mercedes-Benz.

• Any qualifying vehicle (MY09 BlueTEC GL, ML & R- Class) must be purchased - Leased vehicles will not qualify for the credit.
  
• Credit is not realized at retail purchase, but must be applied for individually by the customer, and claimed on their Income Tax Return (1040). Each respective customer should contact their individual tax advisor for more details.
  
• Unfortunately, the 40 state MY09 E320 BlueTEC does not qualify for this credit.
  
• Maximum tax credit amounts: -- 2009 ML320 BlueTEC: $900 -- 2009 R320 BlueTec: $1,550 -- 2009 GL320 BlueTEC: $1,800 -- Please note: amount is based on a somewhat complicated formula, and since the ML is the lightest of the three vehicles, it is held to a higher standard for fuel economy improvement, but has the smallest improvement of the three vehicles. Therefore the maximum is relatively lower vs. the GL & R- Classes.
  
• The credit begins to phase out via a rather complicated tiered structure once the manufacturer sells 60,000 eligible vehicles, (hybrids/diesels) and is then subsequently eliminated.
  
• Toyota /Lexus already reached the maximum number of hybrids sold in October 2007, so anyone purchasing a Toyota or Lexus hybrid is no longer eligible for the above mentioned tax credit.

Better fuel economy and a tax credit! Seems like a no-brainer.

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, Newsletter, R-Class

It's official! I just booked my flight for the Master Guild trip from September 26th through October 3rd! There were 40 dealership employees from around the US invited on the trip.

The highlights include:

• A day in Luzern and Zurich Switzerland
  
• AMG factory in Affalterbach
  
• Production plant in Sindelfingen
  
• Fuel Cell Development Center in Kirchheim
  
• The Test Track at Unterturkheim
  
• The New Mercedes-Benz Museum in Untertuerkheim
  
• Engine Development in Cannstatt
  
• Tour of the Heidelberg Castle

I can hardly wait!

Labels: Awards, Newsletter

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz models are just around the corner and we are starting to get a little information for the following model years. This information is preliminary and by no means is it set in stone. It is the best information I have available at this time.

August 2008 - Facelifted 2009 ML - Photo - Options

October 2008 - BlueTEC SUV's with 50-State emissions

January 2009 - 2010 GLK arrives in the 300 and 350 gasoline V-6's

January 2009 - SL63 Black - Only 200 for the US! 600 hp and 722 lb/ft torque

June 2009 - All new CLK Coupe

June 2009 - Facelifted GL

August 2009 - All new 2010 E-Class

Mid 2009 - ML450 Gas/Electric Hybrid

Mid 2009 - S400 Gas/Electric Hybrid

Late 2009 - Facelifted S-Class

Late 2009 - G550 MY2010

Mid 2010 - All new CLK Cabriolet

2010 - E320 Bluetec in new body style

2010 - C-Class diesel...maybe the C250

2010 - GLK diesel (maybe a diesel hybrid)

2011 - S-Class diesel

If you're interested in one of these vehicles, and plan to purchase from Atlanta Classic Cars, please let me know and I will notify you as more information becomes available.

Labels: Diesel, Future Models, Newsletter

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for the trailer hitch on ML and GL vehicles, 2006 through 2008 with a VIN ending in A419399 and lower. It is recommended that you do not tow anything until the recall work is performed! When you bring the vehicle in for the this work, a certified welder will reweld the seams connecting the trailer hitch receiver to the attachment bar used to secure the trailer hitch to the body frame. It should take about 2 hours to complete.

If your vehicle is part of this recall you should have received this letter from MBUSA. However, I know sometimes people move or purchase the car privately and Mercedes may not have your address.

Safety first!

Labels: Newsletter, Owner Resources

The AJC International Auto Show is scheduled for, April 19th-27th, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Admission to the Auto Show is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 6-12 years old. Children under 6 are admitted free.

I will be working the Mercedes-Benz area on Saturday, April 26th from 4pm-10pm. Come by and say hello!

Labels: Newsletter

I am excited to say I am almost half way to my fundraising goal for the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk on October 24-26th here in Atlanta!

Team ACC Breast Friends is at almost 20% of our overall goal of $20,000!

Thank you to my clients, family and friends who have been generous in supporting this cause. I will be carrying all the names of the women who have inspired my donors to give. It has been an honor to hear their stories.

If you want to learn more about donating to or participating in the walk please let me know. I am eager to spread the word!

Next up...ACC Bake Sale!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Newsletter

I am proud to say that I have signed up to walk in the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk. This is a 60 mile walk over the course of 3 days! Our team, the ACC Breast Friends, will be 8 women from the dealership and we plan to raise almost $20,000 to find the cure! The walk is October 24-26th here in Atlanta.

If you would like to donate towards my goal of $2200 I would be very grateful! Please sign the honor roll if you donate!

Thanks in advance and wish me luck!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Newsletter

Here at Atlanta Classic Cars we want to take great care of your Mercedes-Benz! Our detail department is top notch and we offer several great packages to keep your car looking pristine! You can schedule a detail through the appointment desk by calling 770-279-3600 or just ask your service advisor to add one on next time you are in for regular maintenance. (Please allow for extra time...Perfection can't be rushed!)

Classic Car Wash - Free with any service or $14.95
Includes basic car wash, tire cleaning and dressing, window cleaning, vacuum and a shampoo of the four floormats.

Impeccable Interior - $79.95
Includes the Classic Car Wash plus cleaning the hard to reach areas between the seats, rear window area and brake light area, center console, dash and seats. We shampoo the carpets, mats, door panels, headliner and trunk.

Gorgeous Exterior - $89.95
Includes the Classic Car Wash followed by a premium paint sealant for a long lasting finish. All exterior trim and the tires are cleaned. This is all done by hand - No buffers!

Complete Detail - $149.95
Combines the Impeccable Interior with the Gorgeous Exterior at a value added price.

Executive Detail - $249.95
The Complete Detail plus a thorough cleaning of the engine and engine compartment.

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Newsletter, Owner Resources

I am pleased to announce that I have been chosen to receive Master Guild Recognition this year! There are four levels of achievement with Mercedes-Benz -- Certified, Star Certified, Master Certified and finally, Master Guild. The first three levels are based on time with the company, keeping up with certification requirements and attending training classes. Master Guild members must already be Master Certified and then are chosen by the Regional Managers. Only 160 employees from the whole US market are picked for this recognition each year!

This also means I will be traveling to Germany!

"In recognition of this achievement, these individuals will be invited to participate in an all expense paid, once in a lifetime trip to Germany, an extraordinary opportunity through which they will experience the heritage and passion behind the Mercedes-Benz brand. Participants will visit various Mercedes-Benz facilities in Stuttgart, the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz, as well as be immersed in the local culture, history and traditions."

It looks I'll be making the trip in October but I'll post more details when it's finalized.

Labels: Awards, Newsletter

Labels: Newsletter

The time has come to reset the clock in your vehicle. Some of your vehicles may have automatically reset...some may have done so on the wrong day...and some might not do it at all! Here are some of the standard ways to reset the clock.

Setting the Clock Using the Multifunction Steering Wheel
Vehicles without COMAND VEHICLES WITHOUT NAVIGATION UNIT
Changing dashboard clock:
1. With engine running and car in Park, press left side lower button on steering wheel until Settings appears in the lower display of speedometer. Do not press Reset at this time.
2. Press the up arrow button located on the left side of steering wheel and a menu will appear in the lower display of the speedometer. Scroll down to Time or Time/Date using the (+) or (-) button on the right side of steering wheel.
NOTE: You must continue tapping the (+) or (-) button on steering wheel until menu appears. On some models, the Time/Date option is listed under submenu Vehicle.
3. Ensure Time is highlighted and press the up arrow to view Clock Hours then press (+) or (-) to adjust the hour. If minutes do not require adjusting, skip to step 5.
4. Press the up arrow (steering wheel) until Clock Minutes is displayed. Press (+) or (-) to adjust minutes.
5. Press the Reset or R button (small round button to the left of the fuel gauge). Clock will now run backward to 12 noon then automatically advance to the correct time.
6. Press the Page button on the left side of steering wheel to exit.

Setting the Clock Using the COMAND Controls
VEHICLES WITH NAVIGATION UNIT - not connected to Tele Aid
1. Ensure engine is running.
2. Press the SERV button on the left side of COMAND (3rd button down on left side next to TEL).
The system screen will appear. If not, click the SYSTEM soft key.
3. Press the TIME soft key.
4. Use the left or right arrow keys to select hours or minutes.
5. Press the up or down arrow keys to set the minutes and hours.
6. Each time the up or down arrow is pressed, the time will change in 30-minute increments.
7. Press the BACK soft key button or OK button.
8. Time is set. Analog clock on dash will automatically change also.
If the analog dashboard clock does not change along with the COMAND unit clock, turn engine off and on again or ensure the TIME SYNC is checkmarked ON in the settings menu under TIME/DATE sub heading.
If the Time Sync menu is missing, or Time Sync is on and the analog clock does not change, follow these instructions:
1. With engine running and car in Park, press left side lower button on steering wheel until the Settings display appears in the lower display of speedometer. Do not press Reset at this time.
2. Press the up arrow button located on the left side of steering wheel. A menu will appear in lower display of speedometer. Scroll down to Time or Time/Date using the (+) or (-) button on the right side of steering wheel.
NOTE: You must continue tapping the (+) or (-) button on steering wheel until menu appears. On some models, the Time/Date option is listed under submenu Vehicle.
3. Ensure Time is highlighted and press the up arrow to view Clock Hours then press (+) or (-) to adjust the hour. If minutes do not require adjusting, skip to step 5.
4. Press the up arrow (steering wheel) until Clock Minutes is displayed. Press (+) or (-) to adjust minutes.
5. Press the Reset or R button (small round button to the left of the fuel gauge). Clock will now run backward to 12 noon then automatically advance to the correct time.
6. Press the Page button on the left side of steering wheel to exit.

Setting the Clock for Vehicles without COMAND and GPS
1. To set the hours, pull out the right knob in the instrument cluster and turn it counterclockwise.
2. To set the minutes, pull out the right knob in the instrument cluster and turn it clockwise.
3. To set the clock by a single hour or a few minutes, turn the knob a few degrees in the direction indicated for hours or minutes.

Labels: Newsletter, Owner Resources