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Mercedes now also believed to be considering agency sales model as it plans to sell its own dealer group

  • Dealers tell Car Dealer Mercedes-Benz is considering move to agency sales model
  • Comes as VW Group confirms agency sales for its electric models
  • Mercedes-Benz does confirm it’s considering selling off last remaining M-B Retail Group operation
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Time 10:04 am, May 21, 2021

Mercedes-Benz is consulting with its dealer network on plans to adopt an agency sales model for new car sales.

A handful of the German marque’s dealers have contacted Car Dealer about the move – and it comes as big rival Volkswagen Group confirms it’s implementing the revolutionary sales model.

Yesterday Car Dealer reported VW Group’s UK boss Alex Smith had written to its dealers across its Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Audi franchises.


Later in the day, the German giant confirmed it is planning on introducing an agency sales model for its electric vehicles.

Now dealers have told Car Dealer Mercedes-Benz is flirting with the agency sales concept too – the second time it has done so in recent years.

Mercedes-Benz declined to comment on ‘speculation regarding future business models’, however it said it is considering pulling out of its Mercedes-Benz Retail Group business (owned by M-B UK) by selling off its London operation.


A spokesperson told Car Dealer: ‘Mercedes-Benz has refocused its strategy and taken action on structural costs, targeting strong and sustained profitability.

‘As a result, the company is transforming its own retail business for Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans and is therefore assessing a potential divestment of Mercedes-Benz Retail Group in the UK.’

Marshall Motor Group, a strong Mercedes partner already, and acquisitive Vertu Motors are likely to be interested in the businesses.

The spokesperson added: ‘In the search for buyers, high priority is placed on their long-term economic success and the continuation of the Mercedes-Benz operations.

‘In doing so, we are fulfilling our social responsibility to safeguard jobs and ensure the best possible support for our customers.’

London is the last remaining area for the manufacturer-owned business after Mercedes-Benz had already sold off its Birmingham and Manchester operations to LSH Auto in 2016.

James Batchelor's avatar

James – or Batch as he’s known – started at Car Dealer in 2010, first as the work experience boy, eventually becoming editor in 2013. He worked for Auto Express as editor-at-large and was the face of Carbuyer’s YouTube reviews. In 2020, he went freelance and now writes for a number of national titles and contributes regularly to Car Dealer. In October 2021 he became Car Dealer's associate editor.



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