Mercedes-Benz is leaving NJ

[KenO]

Considering Atlanta is the #1 sales market in the world for MB, it makes perfect sense.

Also - Road Atlanta. One of the best racetracks in the country. Porsche has had an HQ here for years, and just built their new test facility on the south side of Atlanta. I bet they'll see more corporate exec's renting RA for test days now with them being so close.

 

[Mr Nice]

Lots of affluent folks, pro athletes , lawyers, business owners, doctors , Hip Hop stars, celebs, ...etc..... living in the Atlanta area.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Lots of affluent folks, pro athletes , lawyers, business owners, doctors , Hip Hop stars, celebs, ...etc..... living in the Atlanta area.



Yeah but I never really buy that because there is tons more money in the NE. Atl real estate is 80% of the national average, which is why more less affluent folks can buy their cars. The big money is still elsewhere, and the most business friendly places are also elsewhere.

But I posted the numbers for the deal. Is what it is.

 

[FowVay]

MB is going to relocate up the Ga. 400 corridor in Alpharetta for those familiar with the area. Porsche relocated on the property of the former Ford Taurus factory in Hapeville right at the Atlanta airport.

Atlanta is an excellent location for Mercedes-Benz. Three major interstates, rail, port, and air cargo all serve to make it a positive move. An excellent resource in the local German Consulate gives dignitary support. BMW has been using the benefits of this area for years. Granted, Tuscaloosa is approximately 220 miles to the west of Atlanta but this isn't a deal-breaking logistical reality.

I look forward to seeing M-B corporate move to town. They're in for an eye-opener with the GA. 400 traffic though.

 

[FowVay]

ohh, and did I mention the daily non-stoppers from ATL-STR? And also for BMW we offer daily non-stoppers from ATL-MUC.

 

[Astro14]

A German consulate?

Didn't know that...wonder how much that factored into the decision...

 

[MalfunctionProne]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
So now the question is, what is their plan? I have to wonder if their plans are to expand bus and heavy truck operations or what. I've seen more and more MB Setra busses in the USA, which never used to be used here.

Reason why I speculate heavy truck or bus, is that though they're starting to fill "downmarket" cars, but have kept pretty high price points. There is no basic a and b class with wheel covers and cloth seats, just these cla and the gla cars.

If they built a U.S. plant and started building b class diesels, I might buy one. But they try to keep "exclusivity" in the USA (including no taxis, police cars, etc - I'm surprised they sell sprinters with their marque on them), so I'm guessing they don't want to build lots of 300,000 car plants the way Kia or vw might.


No more M-B Sprinters, JHZR2.

 

[MalfunctionProne]

And the CLA.... Doesn't look right. It looks like butt. The GLA looks better but ill take a GLK.

Why buy a GLA when you can get a C250. Or a used C...

 

[Mr Nice]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Lots of affluent folks, pro athletes , lawyers, business owners, doctors , Hip Hop stars, celebs, ...etc..... living in the Atlanta area.

Yeah but I never really buy that because there is tons more money in the NE. Atl real estate is 80% of the national average, which is why more less affluent folks can buy their cars. The big money is still elsewhere, and the most business friendly places are also elsewhere.

But I posted the numbers for the deal. Is what it is.


NE USA does have the most $$$ per square mile, no doubt.

Off topic: I know some wealthy people that don't drive a fancy European vehicle, but a $20,000 car.

 

[Astro14]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette


Off topic: I know some wealthy people that don't drive a fancy European vehicle, but a $20,000 car.



Ever read "The Millionaire next door"?

Inexpensive vehicles are common among those with high net worth.

It's important to understand the difference between net worth, and consumption. Lots of folks driving expensive cars with little or no net worth. Lots of high net worth folks driving inexpensive cars.

I don't think Mercedes cares about your net worth, they care about the sale.

 

[FowVay]

The local news had a short comment this morning on M-B's relocation and cited being closer to their 'growing' market as being one reason for the relocation. They purchased land that has a MARTA (metro rail system) station in very close proximity so their employees can commute on public transport also.

I hope this move works well for them. I can't afford their products so it doesn't matter one way or the other to me but I guess it brings money to the area which is good for everyone.

 

[Mr Nice]

Never read the book, but I see average cars driven by doctors.