Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has officially announced the opening of a cutting-edge facility in Jacksonville, Florida, marking a significant expansion of its operational footprint in the United States. This strategic move consolidates key business units under one roof, enhancing support for both Mercedes-Benz dealerships and customers across the Southern region. A cornerstone of this new establishment is a state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz training center, poised to become a vital hub for automotive education and professional development within the Mercedes-Benz network.
Located conveniently near Jacksonville International Airport at 13470 International Parkway, this newly constructed, leased facility spans an impressive 415,000 sq. ft. Mercedes-Benz took occupancy in July, bringing together four crucial business units: the Sales Operations Southern Regional Office, a Parts Distribution Center (PDC), the Quality Evaluation Center (QEC), and the Learning & Performance Center (LPC) – the dedicated Mercedes-Benz training center. Approximately 160 employees are based at this location, which boasts an innovative and environmentally conscious design.
Ernst Lieb, CEO of MBUSA at the time of the announcement, emphasized the facility’s alignment with Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to excellence. “The new state-of-the-art facility incorporates Mercedes-Benz Autohaus design, mirroring the contemporary aesthetic adopted by many of our dealerships nationwide. This unified look and feel across our regional corporate operations strengthens our brand presence,” Lieb stated. He further highlighted the operational efficiencies gained by centralizing core functions, ultimately benefiting the dealer network and enhancing the customer experience.
A Hub for Automotive Excellence: The Mercedes-Benz Training Center
The Learning & Performance Center within the Jacksonville facility stands out as a premier Mercedes-Benz training center. This advanced educational environment is specifically designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of both dealership personnel and MBUSA employees. Each year, this center hosts over 120 classes, welcoming around a thousand participants from Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout the Southeastern United States.
Alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-Benz training center in Jacksonville, Florida, showcasing modern classrooms and workshop areas.
The Mercedes-Benz training center is thoughtfully equipped with classrooms, specialized workshops, a computer lab, and a virtual classroom for webcasts. Features also include a comfortable student lounge, administrative offices, and a cafeteria, all integrated to create an optimal learning atmosphere. This comprehensive design not only prioritizes the comfort and effectiveness of training participants but also enhances overall operational efficiency for Mercedes-Benz’s training programs. MBUSA operates a network of five such Learning & Performance Centers across the U.S., strategically located in Houston, TX, Itasca, IL, Jacksonville, FL, Montvale, NJ, and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, underscoring the brand’s nationwide commitment to continuous professional development.
Supporting Dealerships and Ensuring Quality Across the South
Beyond the Mercedes-Benz training center, the Jacksonville facility houses other vital operations. The Sales Operations Southern Region office plays a crucial role in supporting 102 Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This regional hub oversees sales and service operations across a vast 12-state territory, including Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Texas, as well as Puerto Rico. This office is one of four regional offices nationwide, with counterparts in Parsippany, NJ, Rosemont, IL, and Costa Mesa, CA.
The Parts Distribution Center (PDC) represents a significant enhancement to Mercedes-Benz’s Jacksonville operations. This new PDC is dedicated to supporting approximately 70 Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the Southeast with efficient parts supply. Holding about 15 percent of MBUSA’s total parts inventory, the PDC is projected to handle over 1.3 million order lines annually. This strategic distribution point is one of five PDCs in the U.S., complementing existing centers in Carol Stream, IL, Fontana, CA, Fort Worth, TX, and Robbinsville, NJ.
Alt text: Operations within the Mercedes-Benz Parts Distribution Center, illustrating the logistics and scale of parts handling and shipping.
The Quality Evaluation Center (QEC) in Jacksonville is a unique asset, being one of only two such facilities operated by Mercedes-Benz outside of Germany. With a team of over 70 specialists from diverse engineering and logistics backgrounds, the QEC plays a critical role in maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s renowned quality standards. The presence of Daimler Quality personnel at this location brings engineering expertise closer to the U.S. market and the dealerships it serves. This proximity accelerates parts evaluation, enhances feedback to Daimler development teams, and improves diagnostic tools and technical information. Ultimately, the QEC contributes to faster issue resolution for dealerships and improved “Fixed First Visit” performance, a key driver of customer satisfaction.
Commitment to Innovation and Service
Alan McLaren, Vice President of Customer Services at the time of opening, emphasized the facility’s forward-thinking design. “We have meticulously planned and constructed this new facility with cutting-edge systems and design to empower our associates in delivering exceptional products and services throughout the region,” McLaren stated. “It unequivocally represents a Mercedes-Benz facility, embodying our unwavering dedication to quality and innovation in a tangible and significant manner.”
Alt text: Exterior of the new Mercedes-Benz facility in Jacksonville, Florida, showcasing modern architecture and Mercedes-Benz branding.
The Jacksonville facility and its Mercedes-Benz training center represent a substantial investment in the U.S. market, underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing commitment to providing outstanding support to its dealer network and ensuring exceptional service for its customers. This strategic expansion reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in the luxury automotive sector and its dedication to continuous improvement and innovation across all aspects of its operations.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach vehicles in the United States. MBUSA offers a comprehensive range of luxury vehicles, from the C-Class to the flagship S-Class, as well as Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans. For more information, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.
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