Sandown News 11 19

News News from Sandown Mercedes-Benz

Positive charge

EQC leads the way to electric era

Chill out

Get ready for winter with Sandown

WINTER 2019/20

Introduction A very warm welcome to Sandown News and many thanks for your continued custom.

This issue contains the latest news from the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands that we’re so proud to represent as well as some of the seasonal products and services available from our seven Retailers as we approach the winter months.

Anticipation is mounting for the imminent arrival of the first purely battery-electric vehicle to wear the famous three-pointed star – the Mercedes-Benz EQC. As a manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz is committed to a future of sustainable, emission-free mobility and the EQC paves the way for a host of new models under its EQ programme that will see electric options in every segment by 2022. We expect the EQC to arrive in our showrooms before the end of the year, so we invite you to take a look and enjoy a test drive to experience this new technology for yourself – I’m confident that you’ll be impressed. smart is also now all-electric and is the first motor manufacturer to switch completely from the combustion engine, so these really are exciting times.

Please pop into one of our smart Retailers so that you can explore these exciting vehicles further.

Around the Sandown Group, our Retailers are committed to delivering the highest standards of

service and customer care to a rapidly increasing number of customers. I’m very pleased to report that our new Farnborough site is going from strength-to-strength following its February opening; your loyal support of our latest Retailer is sincerely appreciated.

With Poole and Guildford established as official centres for renowned performance and styling brand Brabus, both locations are generating huge interest amongst customers. Each has a formidable G800 demonstrator that has been turning heads at various local events over the summer.

You can read more about our Brabus status inside this newsletter, which also includes details about how our expert after sales teams can assist you with not only your winter motoring but your Christmas shopping too.

On behalf of every member of the Sandown team, I hope that you enjoy this edition and we look forward to being of service to you again soon.

Gavin Gavin McAllister Managing Director

Follow us Sandown Mercedes-Benz/ Sandown smart @SandownMercedes/ @sandownsmart

Sandown Group

Sandown-Group

Sandownmercedesbenz @sandownbrabus

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Electric drive

Electric dreams become reality A new era of mobility begins with the arrival of the first in a new generation of Mercedes-Benz electric cars at Sandown.

The EQC combines the know-how from more than 130 years of automobile engineering with the mobility requirements of the future and is the pioneer for a wave of fully-electric vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz technology brand, EQ, which stands for Electric Intelligence.

Billed as a crossover SUV, the EQC is powered by an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery which has a range of 259 miles (WLTP) and an output of 408 hp and 765

Nm of torque. It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 111 mph.

The EQC 400 4MATIC is the launch model that will be unveiled in Sandown showrooms imminently and it comes with a choice of four trim lines plus a pair of special editions – Edition 1 and Edition 1886. Standard features include the MBUX multimedia system that boasts numerous EQ-specific functions such as optimised navigation, Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera and ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours.

On-the-road prices start from £65,640.

Future Vision Powering ahead

The Vision EQS show car gave an insight on what the large, electric luxury Mercedes-Benz saloons of the future might look like at this year’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

Mercedes-Benz is pushing ahead with the development of its plug-in hybrids with the addition of A-Class and B-Class models under the EQ Power label.

The launch of the A 250 e and B 250 e models, which offer electric operating ranges of between 43 and 47 miles approximately, form part of a commitment to unveil more than 20 plug-in models by 2020.

Sandown News 3

New models Range adds compact companion The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the new compact and confident SUV that is expected to debut in Sandown showrooms in December.

The first model to arrive will be a five-seater with seven-seat versions due early 2020.

Owners can take their pick from four model lines plus a trio of powerful yet efficient, four-cylinder engines and have the choice of 4MATIC or front-wheel drive options.

Offering generous space that includes segment-leading

headroom in the first seat row and 1,755-litre load compartment capacity for the five-seat option, the GLB promises a first-class driving experience that is further enhanced by an impressive and extensive specification.

In addition to driving assistance systems from the S-Class and the intuitively-

operated MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment package, owners are assured of the feel-good factor even on the longest of trips. The optional ENERGIZING comfort control networks various comfort systems and uses musical and lighting moods plus massages to guarantee driver relaxation on every journey.

The S-Class of SUVs Mercedes-Benz’s largest and most luxurious SUV makes its debut this autumn and is a model that cannot fail to make a big impression.

Longer, wider and more spacious than its predecessor, the new GLS offers up to 2,400 litres of boot capacity with the third row of seats lowered.

With three fully electrically-adjustable seat rows offering cosseted comfort to all passengers, this supreme SUV is sumptuous too.

Occupant opulence is second-to-none thanks to 4 Sandown News

a raft of other comfort features that include the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System that features a pair of 11.6-inch touchscreens for movie, music and internet enjoyment and five-zone automatic climate control.

The range launches with the GLS 400 d and its 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine producing 330 hp and 700 Nm of torque. There are three model lines available plus more engine options to follow.

SUVs A summary of our SUVs One in three Mercedes-Benz cars is now an SUV. As the range expands with the new models shown opposite, Sandown News summarises the incredible choice now on offer.

GLA Models: GLA 180, GLA 200, GLA 250 4MATIC Lines: Urban Edition, AMG Line Edition OTR price from £25,500

GLC Models: GLC 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 300 4MATIC, GLC 300 d 4MATIC, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC/GLC 63 4MATIC+/GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Lines: Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, AMG Line Ultimate OTR price from £39,500

GLC Coupé Models: GLC 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 300 4MATIC, GLC 300 d 4MATIC, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC/GLC 63 4MATIC+/GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ Lines: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, AMG Line Ultimate OTR price from £44,125

GLE Models: GLE 300 d 4MATIC, GLE 350 d 4MATIC, GLE 400 d 4MATIC, GLE 450 4MATIC Lines: AMG Line OTR price from £55,385

GLE Coupé Models: GLE 350 d 4MATIC, GLE 43 4MATIC, GLE 63 S 4MATIC

G-Class

Lines: AMG Night Edition

Models: G 350 d AMG Line, Mercedes-AMG G 63

OTR price from £65,165

OTR price from £94,580

Sandown News 5

Mercedes-AMG Getting to know you Customers buying a new Mercedes-AMG from any Sandown Retailer can enjoy a driving lesson with a difference that will equip them with the knowledge and skills to obtain the most from their performance model.

New owners are now offered complimentary driving academy training* at Mercedes-Benz

World in Brooklands, where they will be treated to one-to-one tuition in a similar Mercedes-AMG model to the one that they have purchased.

Available Monday to Friday by pre-booking only, the AMG training includes slalom handling and cornering as well as mastering oversteer and understeer on a wet skid circle.

*Full terms and conditions apply – ask a member of the Sandown sales team for details.

A sports car named desire Does open-top sports car ownership get any better this?

Mercedes-AMG has combined its flagship model brimming with motorsport technology with the freedom of the open-air driving experience to create the jaw-dropping AMG GT R Roadster.

Powered by a hand-built, biturbo 4.0-litre V8

6 Sandown News

engine, which has an output of 585 hp and 700 Nm of torque and breezes from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, the Roadster features a triplelayered lightweight fabric soft top. It can be opened and closed within 11 seconds and operated at speeds of up to 31 mph.

AMG Tour

Line of beauty The three-pointed stars aligned for invited guests who attended the Group’s AMG Tours earlier this summer.

The events provided Mercedes-AMG customers with the chance to meet their fellow owners, view one another’s cars along with a selection from Sandown Mercedes-Benz and take part in a spectacular cavalcade.

Tylney Hall Hotel in Hook was the rendezvous on the first date when 24 customers met for a hearty breakfast. After networking with their like-minded AMG enthusiasts, the guests convoyed together through the Hampshire countryside to Champneys Forest Mere, where they relaxed with afternoon tea and a mini-massage.

AMG Tour locations (clockwise from the top): Tylney Hall, Champneys Forest Mere, 10 Castle Street and Ferndown Golf Club Two days later, the second AMG Tour began with bacon rolls at Ferndown Golf Club. The 22 customers in attendance then travelled for a delightful lunch at the stunning 10 Castle Street near Wimborne.

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Winter motoring

£19.99 – a small price for peace-of-mind When the temperature drops this winter, don’t let your confidence.

Book your car in for a peace-of-mind winter check at your local Sandown Retailer and you can rest assured that it is perfectly prepared for whatever weather and driving conditions lie ahead.

Our expert technicians will inspect the key features of your vehicle - including the tyres, lights brakes, suspension, steering and fluid levels – and present you with a full health report so you can chill out knowing that everything is in order.

A Sandown winter check costs just £19.99.

Vital ‘roll’ for winter tyres Get to grips with hazards such as snow, freezing temperatures and icy roads by equipping your car with genuine Mercedes-Benz winter tyres.

Delivering improved safety and performance when temperatures dip below 7°C, the tyres are made from a special natural rubber compound and feature a different tread pattern to provide better grip and additional traction.

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Winter wheels can accommodate these higher profile tyres and offer increased strength to stand up to the extra rigours.

For advice on the winter tyres and wheels available for your particular model, please speak to a member of the service team at your local Sandown Retailer.

Mercedes me Act fast for free connectivity If you have an older Mercedes-Benz without connected functionality that was built after 2002 then you’ve still got time to take advantage of our free Mercedes me adapter offer.

Until 31st December 2019, the devices are available free-of-charge from any Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer – enabling owners of these models to connect with their cars like never before via their smartphones.

With access to the Mercedes me app, you will be able to enjoy a host of benefits and link to your vehicle from wherever you are.

You will have vital data from your Mercedes-Benz at your fingertips from its mileage reading to fuel level

and be able to set reminders and alerts for its servicing and maintenance.

Other helpful services mean that you can keep a record of the routes, distances and times taken on each trip. With the help of the Park & Find function, you can navigate back to your vehicle easily and effortlessly and even keep an eye on your remaining parking time, whilst the app also enables you to raise the alarm for assistance in the event of an accident or breakdown.

To check if your car is compatible for a free Mercedes me adapter, please contact the service team at your nearest Sandown Retailer.

Sandown News 9

Brabus partnership gathers pace Sandown’s exclusive partnership with Brabus is accelerating on many fronts, including out on-the-road and online.

Following its appointment as the official representative for the performance and styling brand for the south of England, Sandown has established dedicated Brabus centres within its Poole and Guildford showrooms. From here, customers can call upon a concierge service provided by Carl Winston and Tim Cooper-Wren respectively, who can advise and

assist with any aspect of Brabus motoring – from buying a new or Approved Used model, enhancing an existing Mercedes-Benz with an engine upgrade, full conversion or addition of after-market products from carbon fibre aesthetics to exclusive leather interior finishes.

Both Retailers have formidable Brabus 800 WIDESTAR

demonstrators which have been creating quite a stir with their presence at various events attended by Sandown over the summer.

Further interest for the Sandown Brabus partnership has been generated by some well-known faces, who have been reviewing the formidable four-litre, eight-cylinder, 789bhp 4x4 on the Group’s dedicated Instagram account, which has already gained more than 1,500 followers. Check out automotive vlogger Tatbels,

Sandown’s G800 demonstrator at the launch of the Brabus partnership at Sunseeker Poole (left) and at a Brabus VIP tour in Bottrop, Germany (above and top) 10 Sandown News

former England rugby player James Haskell and current Harlequins forward Matt Symons @sandownbrabus, where you will receive regular updates and stunning images and videos.

There is a new website too, where information can be found on the latest models for sale plus the conversion packages available.

To find out more, please visit www.sandown-brabus.co.uk

Pictured with Markus Eisele (centre), Regional Sales Manager for Brabus, at the Help for Heroes in Churt (see page 16 also) are Sandown representatives (left to right): Carl Winston, Gavin McAllister, Laura Dolan, Keith Jackman, Mia Redfern and Tim Cooper-Wren

Sandown News 11

Bodyshop The benefits of approved repairs Whilst we hope you never need to use a Bodyshop, it’s a fact of life that accidents do happen.

Whether your car repair is an insurance claim or you just want a dent or scratch repaired, we understand that you want your car restored to pre-accident condition, with no tell-tale signs of the work that’s been carried out. You also need the confidence that you’ve received a quality, manufacturer-approved repair, maintaining your car’s residual value and body warranty should you choose to sell it.

By choosing our Mercedes-Benz approved paint and body centres, you can enjoy total peace-ofmind that your vehicle has been repaired correctly by industry experts who will restore its appearance and, more importantly, repair those critical safety

12 Sandown News

features you can’t see that can protect you and your passengers in the event of any future incidents.

Unlike other bodyshops that may offer a 12-month or three-year guarantee, our Mercedes-Benz approved Paint and Body Centres happily offer a lifetime guarantee on all repairs.

So, whether it is a small scuff or accident damage, your fault or not, our free and friendly experts are available to offer help and advice – they may even help to save you from making a claim on your insurance if you call them first.

Accessories

It’s a wrap We’re making your Christmas shopping easy with this round-up of gifts from the Mercedes-Benz accessories collection – all of which are available from your local Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer or online at www.sandownpartsshop.co.uk.

Wine Stopper Gift Set £45

Prices shown are inclusive of VAT.

Large Golf Gift Set £40.80

Mercedes-Benz Tree Baubles £18.12

Thermo Mug: £27

Guest Umbrella: £42

Scooter £182.40

Wash Bag £22

Cuddly Bear: £39

Golf Team sets sights on Trophy Sandown will once again be represented in the UK Final of the MercedesTrophy after a trio of customers won through to the home of golf at St Andrews.

Ian Broom, Young Kwon and Callum Maher will travel up to Scotland in mid-October to enjoy three days of golf and Mercedes-Benz hospitality.

They formed one of two Sandown teams that reached the tournament’s national final qualifier at St George’s Hill in Surrey.

Their participation began at the Group’s golf day at Ferndown Golf Club in early June, where more than 80 customers teed off following a draw

Looking forward to St Andrews (left to right): Callum Maher, Ian Broom and Young Kwon for the highly-sought after entry places. Thanks to the generosity of golfers at this event, £900 was raised for the Lewis-Manning Hospice in Poole.

Golf shorts Sandown supported business partners Lester Brunt Wealth Management with a vehicle display at the company’s golf day at Ferndown Golf Club in June.

The winner of the Came Down Golf Club Men’s Invitation competition will switch his driving from the tee to the road after receiving his prize – the weekend’s use of a car donated

by Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester.

A new partnership has teed off which will entitle Ferndown Golf Club members to exclusive motoring offers at Sandown Retailers and the Group increase its presence at the Dorset course.

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Motability

We’re ready to assist you If you qualify for a Motability allowance or can access the scheme on behalf of someone else who is eligible then there’s a dedicated team at Sandown that would be delighted to help you to find the Mercedes-Benz that’s exactly right for you.

Motability specialists are available at each Retailer – all of whom have been speciallytrained to assist customers with their Government-funded vehicle lease.

Amongst them is Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury’s, Richard Parker, who has helped dozens of drivers into the Mercedes-Benz of their dreams.

He offered some expert advice for anyone contemplating a car via the Motability scheme and said that preparation was key.

“As there are so many cars to choose from, it’s important to think about the mobility needs you have, the types of journeys you’ll be making and what, if anything, you will be transporting as well as any adaptations you might require,” Richard explained.

“Visit several dealers to gain a clear idea of which type of car

Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury’s Motability specialists - Richard Parker (left) and Reece Friend

is suited to you and if possible make an appointment as, from my own experience, this will help the Motability specialist to understand your requirements and plan for your visit as we understand that everyone’s needs are different.”

He continued: “Taking a test drive is imperative, particularly for gauging comfort, access and visibility, as is asking questions – make the most of your Motability specialist’s expertise and knowledge. Also, always feel free to bring someone with you for extra advice and support

but especially if they are a nominated driver so that they can test drive too.”

What’s included with your Motability lease?

• Insurance • Servicing • Maintenance • Breakdown • Tyre/windscreen repair and replacement Sandown News 15

Events Classic shows supported Motoring enthusiasts were in their element at two vehicle shows held over two days in August when more than 1,000 stunning cars were displayed – including several from the past and present by Sandown.

Models ranging from a Brabus 280 SL Pagoda to Mercedes-Benz Brabus G800

were showcased by the Group at the annual event hosted by Robert and Tanya Lewis at their motor museum in Churt, where almost £100,000 was raised for the Help for Heroes armed forces charity.

The Sandown cars then

travelled across Surrey for the Cranleigh Classic Car Show organised by the local Lions Club. Here Mercedes-Benz of Guildford donated the weekend’s use of a C-Class Cabriolet as a prize in the charity raffle.

Sand-tastic Thousands of people attended two huge summer events on the internationally-famous Sandbanks beach and many of them arrived in style, thanks to Mercedes-Benz of Poole.

A fleet of eye-catching, luxury cars was provided by the Retailer to ferry a host of DJs, acts and VIP guests to the SandFest music festival and Sandpolo, the world’s largest beach polo event, which were held over three days in mid-July.

Beaulieu dates Sandown enjoyed its presence at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, where it attended the Supercar Weekend and Simply Mercedes events in August with vehicle displays.

Double bill Mercedes-Benz of Guildford has enjoyed a starring role with its support of the local Harbour Hotel’s Movie Nights.

The Retailer’s involvement included social media competitions to win tickets to the outdoor screenings of The Talented Mr Ripley and Crazy Stupid Love 2 which were attended by more than 50 film fans.

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Service Charity

Hospice helped with fund-raising drive Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester is continuing to be a driving force for Weldmar Hospicecare as the charity celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The Retailer has provided Weldmar with a signwritten CLA and staff have been involved in a host of fund-raising events including those on two wheels and two feet.

Parts Advisor Phillip Lane was amongst the 120 cyclists who rode 26 miles in the Great Dorset Challenge in June, whilst 500 women stepped out in the Midnight Walk around Weymouth in July when Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester supplied a V-Class support vehicle.

The Biggest Dorset Cuppa event saw the Retailer join dozens of other Dorset businesses by hosting a cake sale in its showroom and further support came with the donation of a prize voucher

for a ‘guess the amount of balloons in the Mercedes-Benz’ competition at last month’s summer fete where over £20,000 was raised.

With the charity needing to generate over £18,000 every day to continue delivering its vital services, Fiona Hansford, Weldmar’s Business Development Fundraiser, said that the partnership with Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester and its ongoing support was invaluable.

“We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to them,” she added. “Their willingness to get involved is fantastic whilst their vehicle donation not only helps us to get our brand recognised when we are out and about in Dorset; it also saves us a significant amount of money in staff mileage claims over the course of the year – meaning we can spend more on patient care.”

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smart electric smart switches to all-electric smart has showcased the models that will see it become the world’s first automotive manufacturer to switch from combustion engines to totally electric drive.

Since 2007, smart has offered an all-electric option in every generation but next year is shifting entirely to emission-free, batteryelectric powertrain technology. The manufacturer chose September’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt to reveal the revised range that will enable the landmark vehicle production to be achieved.

The new fortwo coupé, cabrio and forfour models promise a truly electrifying ownership experience as they deliver instantly available torque, seamless acceleration and a drive that is both

smooth and almost silent.

Charging is simple and speedy thanks to the standard 22 kW on-board charger with rapid-charging function that increases the range from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in under 40 minutes.

Even charging at home via a conventional socket will provide enough charge for the average daily driving distance.

What’s more, the smart EQ control app ensures owners can check their vehicle’s status in an instant from their smartphone so always

know its range and the battery charge level.

Whilst smartphone integration takes connectivity to another level, the new smart line-up benefits from a sharpened appearance both inside and out with pronounced wheel arches, shorter overhangs, integrated optional full LED headlamps, redesigned radiator grilles and expanded stowage options.

For further information, please contact the sales team at your local Sandown smart Retailer.

The switching of the entire product range to all-electric powertrains marks the start of a new chapter in the story of the smart brand.

Daniel Lescow, Head of Brand and Product Management smart

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News Surgeon opens up A smart EQ is certainly filling the motoring requirements of a Poole dental surgeon.

Dr Ian Erbetta bought the car from smart of Poole last autumn having always been an admirer of the brand.

“I’d always fancied a smart because of their compact size and ease of parking,” he said. “As I wanted a car purely for my 12-mile commute and short journeys but not long distances, I opted for the electric version and the Nightsky Edition that I liked the look of.

“It’s great to drive, smooth and surprisingly nippy, whilst charging is simple and I do overnight via a regular 13-amp socket.”

Despite some initial scepticism about his purchase amongst his nearest and dearest, Dr Erbetta said the views of friends and family changed once they had experienced the smart for themselves – so very much a case of ‘once

bitten, forever smitten’.

“Once they’ve been in the car, they love it,” he added. “My wife Tania and son Tom are always taking it out around town and to them, without the need for petrol, it’s like free motoring.”

Landmark model Ahead of its move to all-electric next year, smart has revealed an exclusive and strictly limited special edition of the final #21 combustion-engined vehicles.

The Final Collector’s Edition celebrates 21 years of smart and the beginning of a new era for the brand and is a collaboration between internationally-renowned industrial designer Konstantin Grcic and Brabus.

The colour scheme pays homage to the firstgeneration smart and its original ‘hello yellow’ shading gives way to the tag style 21 and matt black rear.

“#21 commemorates something special.” said Grcic. “For me, it also symbolises much of what being 21 is about: being free, breaking boundaries, breaking out, showing your rebellious side.”

Sandown News 19

Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke

Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester

Mercedes-Benz of Farnborough

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead

Mercedes-Benz of Poole

Edison Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 6YH

Hawley Lane Trade Centre, Hawley Lane, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 8EH

Seven Thorns Lane, Bramshott Chase, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DF

Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury Southampton Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2JS

Millers Close, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1SS

Slyfield Industrial Estate, Moorfield Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1RU

Holes Bay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2BD

Sales: 0330 0175 297 Service: 0330 0175 299

www.sandown-group.co.uk