The decision applies to 20 branches with 80 Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Germany and around 8,000 employees. According to the Handelsblatt newspaper, which first reported on the carmaker's plans, Mercedes is currently considering selling the showrooms to experienced and well-known dealer groups.
The carmaker has made it clear: the reorganisation does not mean that the concern is experiencing financial difficulties. There are no plans to close showrooms or cut staff: potential buyers of the dealerships must guarantee the preservation of jobs. Mercedes-Benz excludes the sale of all showrooms to one company. The requirements for buyers are strict: firms that are ready to invest, have no economic problems and are able to co-operate with trade unions will be able to take part in the auction.
The cost of each branch is estimated at up to 40 million euros. The planned sale will take place in "waves", and this process is likely to stretch over several years.
In this way Mercedes intends to free itself from the cost factor in its operations. Own sales outlets are often seen as an additional burden in the industry. The focus now is on becoming more flexible and manoeuvrable by relying on independent dealers
This is not the first time the Stuttgart-based company has sold its car centres. Mercedes has already taken a similar step in many other European countries. After the sale, the car dealerships continued to operate under the Mercedes-Benz brand as official representatives, but in fact the concern no longer owns them.
Source: Handelsblatt
