TO THE EDITOR:
Regarding “Mercedes retools U.S. dealer ops to ‘right-size,’ enhance field support,” autonews.com, June 3: This is similar to the very successful market manager structure of the mid- to late 1990s and early 2000s where the market team controlled their areas from soup to nuts with advice and consent from a regional vice president, except streamlined. This was developed by U.S. management and consultants. And it was very successful in that it resurrected the Mercedes brand from 68,000 to 120,000 sales in five short years and improved the dealer body.
The next generation of European managers almost single-handedly turned Benz models into “commodity” vehicles!
When in America, do as the Americans do! They know how to handle American luxury buyers!
RICK COMFORT, Owner, Comfy Consultants, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. The writer retired from Mercedes-Benz USA as a market manager in 2006. Comfy Consultants provides consulting and training to automakers and dealership groups.