- 16,736
- Southampton, UK
- Pebb--
- Pebb
Source: 4car
Mercedes-Benz is investigating the possibility of setting up special AMG zones within some of its UK dealers in a bid to make the most of an unprecedented number of new models from its high-performance division.
As in the rest of Europe, the plan is to focus AMG sales on a number of Mercedes outlets around the country. The number is likely to be in double figures.
A Mercedes UK spokesman said: "Because AMG is becoming a more distinctive range, beyond just alloy wheels and tuned engines, we are working in partnership with our colleagues in Europe and our franchises here to clarify what AMG is all about."
Britain is the fourth largest market for AMG, accounting for 5% of its sales, behind USA (45%), Germany (12%) and Japan (8%). Last year's UK sales were a modest 671, less than half of the peak of 1,409 cars sold in 2003, but Mercedes views that as a blip caused by customers waiting for the new 63 engine to become available.
AMG introduced eight new models in 2006, and 2007's star arrivals include the CLK63 Black Series, the CL65 and a limited-edition 40th anniversary version of the CL65 with show-car paint. That 40-car run, in left-hand drive only, is sold out.
AMG's 750 employees now produce an 18-car line-up, but the division also offers the Signature Series - niche products, like the CLK DTM cabrio - as well as the Black Series of high-power, low-weight variants, plus performance packages and one-offs.
Speaking at the launch of the CL65 and CLK Black, AMG marketing director Mario Spitzner said that unlike most cars AMGs were bought rather than sold. 'Many of our customers are AMG enthusiasts who know exactly what they want before they arrive at the dealership. There's a different relationship between dealer and customer.'
Mercedes-Benz is investigating the possibility of setting up special AMG zones within some of its UK dealers in a bid to make the most of an unprecedented number of new models from its high-performance division.
As in the rest of Europe, the plan is to focus AMG sales on a number of Mercedes outlets around the country. The number is likely to be in double figures.
A Mercedes UK spokesman said: "Because AMG is becoming a more distinctive range, beyond just alloy wheels and tuned engines, we are working in partnership with our colleagues in Europe and our franchises here to clarify what AMG is all about."
Britain is the fourth largest market for AMG, accounting for 5% of its sales, behind USA (45%), Germany (12%) and Japan (8%). Last year's UK sales were a modest 671, less than half of the peak of 1,409 cars sold in 2003, but Mercedes views that as a blip caused by customers waiting for the new 63 engine to become available.
AMG introduced eight new models in 2006, and 2007's star arrivals include the CLK63 Black Series, the CL65 and a limited-edition 40th anniversary version of the CL65 with show-car paint. That 40-car run, in left-hand drive only, is sold out.
AMG's 750 employees now produce an 18-car line-up, but the division also offers the Signature Series - niche products, like the CLK DTM cabrio - as well as the Black Series of high-power, low-weight variants, plus performance packages and one-offs.
Speaking at the launch of the CL65 and CLK Black, AMG marketing director Mario Spitzner said that unlike most cars AMGs were bought rather than sold. 'Many of our customers are AMG enthusiasts who know exactly what they want before they arrive at the dealership. There's a different relationship between dealer and customer.'
