Mercedes-Benz USA has announced the grand opening of its cutting-edge facility in Jacksonville, Florida, a strategic move designed to centralize key business operations and significantly enhance support for both customers and dealerships. This impressive 415,000 sq. ft. leased building, situated conveniently near Jacksonville airport at 13470 International Parkway, is set to become a hub for several critical Mercedes-Benz units. Official occupancy began in July, bringing together Sales Operations Southern Regional Office, a new Parts Distribution Center (PDC), the Quality Evaluation Center (QEC), and a state-of-the-art Learning & Performance Center (LPC) – a key Mercedes Training Center for the region. Approximately 160 employees are now based at this location, which boasts innovative environmental systems and a design reflective of the Mercedes-Benz commitment to excellence.
Ernst Lieb, CEO of MBUSA, highlighted the facility’s design, stating, “The new state-of-the-art facility incorporates Mercedes-Benz Autohaus design that many dealers have adopted throughout the U.S. Now we have one common look and feel for our corporate operations in the region across all our key business units.” He further emphasized the operational benefits, “By linking our core operations in one building, we can also create better efficiencies that will benefit our dealer network and our customers.”
The integration of these business units under one roof is a significant step towards streamlined operations and enhanced support. Among these units, the Mercedes training center, known as the Learning & Performance Center, stands out as a crucial resource for dealership and MBUSA personnel across the southeastern United States.
Southern Regional Sales Operations
The Southern Region Sales Operations office plays a vital role in supporting 102 Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Their reach extends across a vast 12-state area, 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 hubs for MBUSA, ensuring localized support and understanding of regional market dynamics.
New Parts Distribution Center (PDC)
A significant addition to Mercedes-Benz’s Jacksonville operations is the new Parts Distribution Center. This PDC is strategically positioned to support approximately 70 Mercedes-Benz dealers in the Southeast with efficient parts supply. Holding about 15 percent of MBUSA’s total parts inventory, the center is projected to ship over 1.3 million lines annually, ensuring quicker access to necessary parts for dealerships in the region. This enhanced parts availability is critical for maintaining vehicle service quality and customer satisfaction.
Quality Evaluation Center (QEC)
Unique in its scale and function, the Quality Evaluation Center in Jacksonville is one of only two such operational units outside of Germany. Staffed by over 70 professionals from diverse engineering and logistics backgrounds, the QEC plays a crucial role in maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s renowned quality standards. The presence of Daimler Quality personnel in Jacksonville brings engineering expertise closer to the US market and the dealerships it serves. This proximity allows for quicker evaluation of parts and faster feedback to Daimler development, directly addressing market-specific issues. Local parts analysis also contributes to improving diagnostic tools and technical information, ultimately enhancing dealer diagnostic skills and improving “Fixed First Visit” performance—a key driver of customer satisfaction.
Learning & Performance Center: A Premier Mercedes Training Center
The Learning & Performance Center (LPC) in Jacksonville is a state-of-the-art Mercedes training center designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of both dealership personnel and MBUSA employees. This facility is a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional service. Annually, the LPC facilitates over 120 classes, welcoming around a thousand participants from across the Southeastern United States. The center’s intelligent and integrated design includes classrooms, workshops, a computer lab, and even a virtual classroom webcast area, ensuring a comprehensive and modern learning environment. Features like a dedicated student lounge, comfortable offices, and a cafeteria are thoughtfully included to enhance the learning experience and operational efficiency.
This Mercedes training center is one of five such centers in the U.S., with other locations in Houston, TX, Itasca, IL, Montvale, NJ, and Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The Jacksonville LPC plays a vital role in delivering specialized training programs that cover a wide range of topics, from technical vehicle diagnostics and repair to customer service excellence and sales techniques. By providing accessible, high-quality training, Mercedes-Benz ensures that its dealerships are equipped to deliver the exceptional service and expertise that customers expect. The Mercedes training center in Jacksonville is not just a building; it’s an investment in the skills and knowledge that drive the Mercedes-Benz brand forward.
Alan McLaren, vice president of customer services, emphasized the forward-thinking design of the facility, stating, “We have planned and built this new facility with cutting edge systems and design for our associates to deliver the best products and services throughout the region. It’s unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz facility that showcases our dedication to quality and innovation in a significant way.”
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 products in the United States. MBUSA offers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment, featuring 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US. More information can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.
