SPORTING LUXURY
Mercedes puts the top down
This has been a year of change and opportunity for Mercedes-Benz Canada.
When I returned to Canada to take on the position of president and chief executive officer in May, it was immediately apparent that I would be leading a great team with an established track record for driving unprecedented growth. The first trimester had seen consistent, record-breaking sales. I am pleased to say that subsequent results have been just as stellar.
Mercedes-Benz Canada has also dedicated immense effort into implementing a new program called Best Customer Experience, which means going above and beyond to delight our customers. Placing them at the forefront of our decision-making just makes sense, and is at the heart of our commitment to offer an excellent experience.
In Canada, Mercedes-Benz customers can choose from an incredible selection of more than 100 models. We are uniquely positioned to cater to each customer’s needs — personal or commercial — with a vehicle for every lifestyle and price point. These are backed up by compelling offers from MercedesBenz Financial Services, programs like Pre-Paid Maintenance, and the peace of mind that each vehicle is as meticulously well-designed as it is safe, with the performance and reliability our customers have come to expect.
As I look at our impressive lineup, it strikes me that in many respects 2016 has been the Year of the Convertible. For those with a love of the open road, MercedesBenz has yet again hit just the right mark with the new SLC and SL roadsters and the all-new C-Class and S-Class Cabriolets, not to mention the next generation Smart Fortwo cabrio.
Their seamless mix of muscular sportiness and modern luxury make Mercedes-Benz convertibles stand out in a crowd. The C-Class Cabriolet serves as the perfect entry-level model, while the first S-Class convertible in nearly half a century incorporates pioneering innovations in luxury, safety, and responsive performance with a bold expression of modern elegance. This year, the 20th anniversary of the SLK was marked by the launch of the face-lifted SLC, a sporty new take on the classic roadster, while the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL was refreshed with stunning design and enhanced technical features. Last but not least, the introduction of the agile, fun to drive next-generation Smart Fortwo cabrio means we are now able to offer the ideal vehicle to suit a new age of urban mobility.
These are only a few examples of the vehicles on offer and, with several additional launches in the works, I look forward to sharing more exciting news in the near future.
The year 2016 has also been defined by major technological advancements in the automotive industry. Whereas once they were relegated to the realm of science fiction, semi and fully autonomous vehicles are now consistently making the news. An achievement that is 30 years in the making, the semi-autonomous, 10thgeneration E-Class Sedan is an outstanding example of how Mercedes-Benz delivers vehicles that are equipped with cutting-edge technologies that place us at the foref ront of leading market trends.
The revolutionary new E-Class comes equipped with systems that are designed to increase your quality of life by enhancing your driving reflexes and actively intervening when it matters most. In fact, systems such as Drive Pilot bring us closer than ever to autonomous driving by allowing the E-Class to automatically maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle ahead, and using radar and cameras to help the driver safely switch lanes on multi-lane roads.
Another key assistance system, Active Brake Assist with CrossTraffic Function, can help prevent or mitigate the consequences of accidents with approaching vehicles or pedestrians by issuing a visual and audible warning, increasing braking pressure, or initiating autonomous braking. Additionally, Evasive Steering Assist can add extra steering torque, helping you to safely navigate around an obstruction before returning you to your original course.
We believe that an autonomous driving future — one that makes the world safer for all of us — is a dream worth pursuing. Thanks to technological innovations that make the E-Class the most intelligent sedan in the world, it is a dream that we can deliver today.
The sheer number of exciting products and programs we have in the works is truly impressive, and I wish I could share details of each and every one of them today. Suffice it to say that MercedesBenz Canada will continue to work closely with employees, dealers and external partners to maintain its impressive momentum through to the end of 2016.
It has been an incredibly rewarding team effort so far, and I could not be more proud to be a part of Mercedes-Benz Canada.