Mercedes-Benz of Henderson welcomes new customers

Bravely bucking the trend of scaling back, Mercedes-Benz USA decided Las Vegas needed a second dealership for its premier lineup of sedans, coupes, SUVs and roadsters. Mercedes-Benz of Henderson has been open and ready for business since May 1.

"I think this is a very welcoming and comfortable place," said General Manager Steve Beecher. "We wanted to avoid being overly ostentatious."

Situated on the 7-acre site of the former Findlay Toyota, Beecher explained it took about 10 months to complete the transformation into a signature Mercedes-Benz dealership. The spacious 67,000-square-foot facility includes a showroom that accommodates the German manufacturer's top models; an Internet customer lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi access; a full coffee, beverage and snack bar; Mercedes-Benz boutique (what fashionista can resist the pink, seatbelt-woven Mercedes-Benz purse?); and private service, sales and finance areas.

"We really want people to come see this new facility and roam around," said Beecher, whose offer of a free car wash to any Mercedes-Benz owner stands anytime.

If you're in need of repairs or maintenance, Mercedes-Benz of Henderson boasts 27 service bays and 15 Mercedes-Benz certified technicians, with more to be hired, according to Beecher. For certain services, Mercedes-Benz of Henderson also offers loaner cars.

"Our customers need to know, first and foremost, that we'll always try to be flexible and straightforward," said Beecher, whose own 20-plus years in the automotive industry started by washing cars. "This is a new management team with a new philosophy. We're customer focused, so what that really means is you don't have to go out of state to buy a Mercedes."

From the start, the Mercedes-Benz name has been synonymous with automotive excellence. For Beecher, one of the highlights of the current Mercedes-Benz collection is the new SUV, the GLK. "Everybody can buy a Mercedes," Beecher explained, noting the GLK's under-$40,000 price tag. "The same goes for the C class, which starts as low as $30,000." From there, customers can move into the luxury and performance models with the S class and AMG products.

Beecher estimated he has about 100 new vehicles on the property and access to inventory all over the country. Trade-ins are always welcomed and the selection of preowned makes and models is also notable.

Mercedes-Benz of Henderson is located at 926 Auto Show Drive. Call 485-3000 or go to www.mbofhenderson.com for more information.