Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff is taking its commitment to “The Best or Nothing” to a new level with the construction of a cutting-edge dealership. Driven by the Mercedes-Benz slogan, which serves as a constant call to action for excellence, the Flagstaff team is building a facility designed to redefine the customer experience. This expansion addresses the dealership’s rapid growth and underscores its dedication to providing a truly premium Mercedes-Benz service in Flagstaff.
Owner Trampus Mansker explained the necessity for this significant upgrade, stating that their current location on Switzer Canyon Drive no longer meets the demands of their clientele. “We haven’t been able to give customers the Mercedes-Benz concierge experience in our current location,” Mansker admitted. The limitations of their existing space have impacted staffing and service capabilities. This new facility promises to be a game-changer, offering ample room for both staff expansion and an enhanced customer journey.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in late July, marked the official commencement of the project. Around forty attendees, including Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff executives and owners, city officials, representatives from the Flagstaff Mall, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Northern Arizona Healthcare, and various construction partners, gathered to celebrate this milestone. The chosen site, situated at the southwest corner of Marketplace Drive and Test Drive within the Flagstaff Auto Park, behind the Flagstaff Mall, is strategically positioned for accessibility and visibility.
Principal owner Michael Martin expressed his enthusiasm at the event, acknowledging the initial limitations and thanking the community for their patience. “We want to bring the Mercedes-Benz brand to Flagstaff in the right way. Thanks for hanging in there with us,” Martin stated. He further emphasized the collective excitement of the Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff team, adding, “Trampus, myself and our team at Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff are excited to get this facility done. I’m still pinching myself.”
Even prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, site preparation was underway, with excavation and groundwork commencing two weeks prior. Heavy machinery was already active on the lot, a tangible sign of the project’s momentum. Loven Contracting of Flagstaff, led by Mike Loven, was selected as the general contractor. Martin praised the collaboration, noting, “Working with Mike Loven and his team is great.” The architectural design is being handled by a California-based firm specializing in automotive dealerships, ensuring a facility that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally optimized for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Loven highlighted the local economic benefit of the project, mentioning that “Eighty percent of the subs are local,” including firms like The WLB Group, Dial Mechanical Company, and Ignace Brothers Drywall.
Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff recognizes the strong luxury market in the region. Martin pointed out the dealership’s aim to serve local clientele who would otherwise travel to Phoenix or Las Vegas for luxury automotive needs. Mercedes-Benz, synonymous with luxury, is renowned for its superior performance, sophisticated design, and innovative technology within the automotive industry.
General Sales Manager Greg Ring emphasized the practical advantages of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly their vans. “Our vans haul more than our competitors,” Ring stated, highlighting their cargo capacity and versatility. He also noted the broader business appeal of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, citing their luxury features and potential tax benefits under Section 179 of the federal tax code. Ring further added, “We’re the only automaker that provides a four-wheel drive van, and it carries more cargo than anyone in our class,” emphasizing a unique selling proposition for Mercedes-Benz in the commercial vehicle sector.
Julie Pastrick, CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and a recent Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV 350 purchaser from the dealership, also attended the ceremony. Pastrick shared her positive customer experience and decision to switch to Mercedes-Benz, stating, “I was tired of all the recalls on my previous vehicle [by another manufacturer], so I chose Mercedes-Benz.” Her long-standing relationship with the Mansker family further solidified her choice to support the local Mercedes-Benz dealership.
Sales Manager Jimmy Halbison highlighted the strategic advantage of the new location within the Flagstaff Auto Park. While acknowledging the existing traffic flow at their Switzer Canyon Drive location, he affirmed, “But this is the place to be,” indicating the superior long-term potential of the Auto Park location for Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff.
Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff is a comprehensive dealership, offering a full suite of services including new and used vehicle sales, service, leasing, parts, and financing. The new state-of-the-art facility signals a significant investment in the Flagstaff community and a renewed commitment to delivering an exceptional Mercedes-Benz experience to its growing customer base.
