Social Media Marketing

The following post is a prime example of the coming age of Social Media, in terms of how it is effecting ecomomies. Read and develop a forward thinking about the future of Social Media marketing. 

Jeff Knittel • I facilitate a "Social Media 101" class and have witnessed both ends of the spectrum. Some dealerships are totally bought in and using Social Media effectively while other Dealers have the old school mentality, "if salespeople are on computers they are playing around", in fact some dealerships actually forbid it. The only thing I can say to those dealers is, "Remember Oldsmobile?" If you are not evolving and adapting to the current customer base in the market, you will fail.
The problem with Social Media from a Dealer's standpoint is that there is no instant gratification, Social Media is not about selling a vehicle "TODAY". It's about building relationships with your customers, it's about customer retention and keeping your customers engaged.
Generation Y is the "New" generation and will be both your customers and your employees, they are the most educated generation ever and also the most tatooed, pierced and technologically advanced. But if you don't think they can have an effect on your dealership and you want to totally dismiss them, think about this. What have they done to the newspaper industry? The recording industry? Technology?
Evolution is the key and I would suggest you be proactive and be a leader and a pioneer, don't sit back and let your competition pass you by!
One last note, if you watched 60 minutes on Sunday February 13th you would have seen the segment where Social Media actually caused the downfall of the Egyptian government....need I say more?

Mercedes Now – The All-New C-Class

Mercedes-Benz first launched its all-new C-Class sedan for the 2008 model year, complete with the brand's latest design language. Designed to compete with the BMW 3-Series, models in the U.S. range include the C300 and C350.

The new C-Class is a comprehensive modernization. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the optional high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasizes the premium character of the interior. Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 percent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control are now available for this model series. The new-generation telematics include internet access and a 3D navigation display with plastic city views.

In the rough and tough world of upscale midsize cars, competition is as hot as ever. Reviewer favorites like the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G and Hyundai Genesis mean that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has to make up a lot of ground to stay competitive. But, reviewers are saying that the 2011 Mercedes is only getting better with age.

“The drive system and safety systems in the new-generation C-Class offer the comfort, efficiency and safety of our luxury vehicles. The new telematics generation connects the C-Class with the internet. Plus, with many significant details in the interior, the vehicle calls to mind the new CLS and sets totally new standards in its segment where value and quality impression are concerned”, remarks Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars Management responsible for Sales and Marketing. This modernization of the interior is rounded off by the new telematics generation, which not only includes totally reworked displays; it also facilitates in-car internet access

If cachet appeals to you, then the C-Class should win you over in a heartbeat. With a unique look and a prominent grill decked out with the legendary three-pointed star, there’s no mistaking the C-Class for anything but a Mercedes-Benz. While there are plenty of elements borrowed from its six-figure S-Class sibling, the C-Class is priced with a wider range of buyers in mind.

Though much of the C-Class’s competition favors performance over luxury, the C-Class is weighted towards comfort. However, don’t count the C-Class out yet: the more-powerful C350 comes equipped with a robust engine that lets it run with the pack. It’s not going to win a drag race, but it’s still more than most consumers need on their daily commute.

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2011 Mercedes Benz e550 Convertible - Mercedes Now!

Mercedes Now - While so many other cars have moved towards folding-metal hardtops, the ‘E’ uses a traditional three-layer fabric top that powers down quickly with one button. That also means a reasonable 11.5 cu.-ft. trunk that loses less space when the roof is stowed than its rivals.

Perhaps the most aesthetically questionable new feature is Benz’ AIRCAP system, which is essentially an electronically activated spoiler that pops up off the windshield header to divert airflow over the cabin. It does work more deftly than the bulky screens and blockers that usually cover the rear seats in competitors’ models, but when deployed, looks a little foolish, especially in a brighter color.

At the launch of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible, the German carmaker brought along some classics from its past. We were thus reminded that golden oldies such as the 1971 280SE 3.5 were great four-place convertibles that could be hustled at reasonable speeds but couldn’t be considered sports cars.

The E-class cabriolet doesn’t feature a folding hardtop, using instead a traditional cloth roof that’s nearly an inch thick. The top is sealed well and seemed to be nearly as quiet at highway speeds as a metal roof. It takes about 20 seconds to furl and unfurl, with another five seconds added for all four windows to chug up or down. One benefit of the cloth top is that it allows for decent trunk space: 11 cubic feet with the top down and 14 with it up. That’s a great deal more commodious than the trunks of folding-hardtop convertibles when their tops are lowered.

Scorching acceleration meets sunny accommodations for four in the new E550 Cabriolet. Brimming with technological advances and innovative luxuries, it's also the most affordable V-8 4-seat convertible on the market. From its AMG-design lower bodywork to its paddle-shifted 7-speed transmission, every element of the E550 Cabriolet exudes power and control.

• 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V-8 engine
• 18-inch wheels and Dynamic Handling suspension
• Power all-season soft top

Technology At It's Best Mercedes Now

Mercedes-Benz mbrace Mobile Application allows you to access mbrace services from beyond the limits of your vehicle. Using your Apple iPhone® or BlackBerry®*, mbrace services are readily accessible at your fingertips. Whether you would like to remotely lock your vehicle parked miles away or make a service appointment at your preferred dealership, these innovative services and more are instantly available - wherever you may be.

The mbrace Mobile Application supports the following functions:

• Send2Benz (includes Drive2Friend)
• Remote Door Lock and Unlock
• Vehicle Finder
• Contact Assistance
  • Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
  • Mercedes-Benz Customer Services
  • Mercedes-Benz Financial Client Care
  • Mercedes-Benz Concierge
  • View Dealer Information
• Find Local Dealer
• View Account Information

The Mobile Application is available on the Apple iPhone (models running OS 2.2.1 or later) and BlackBerry Curve (8300 series with GPS) and BlackBerry 8820 and 8830 (models running OS 4.5 or later). The latest list of compatible BlackBerry devices can be found at BlackBerry App World or in Owners Online. Download mbrace Mobile Application

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Mercedes Now

Recent press Release dated March 4, 2001 from Mercedes-Benz USA verifies that Now Is The Time to invest in piece of history.  Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has reported February sales of 16,176 vehicles, a 5.1 % improvement over February 2010 and the highest February volume since 2008. Mercedes Now are the local efforts of Capitol Imports Of Florence, Florence County Neighborhoods and Fans Of The Brand, to help encourage and educate local professionals, neighbors and current Mercedes-Benz owners to take a second look at Mercedes Now!  The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – lead the pack with sales of 4,479, up 5.5% over February 2010.

Mercedes Now is just now another ad campaign, but a movement or shift to enlighten car enthusiast that this automobile has remained at the top of its class in durability, reliability and always worth the investment. The 9th generation E-Class continued its strong momentum with sales of 4,203, up 4% over February 2010. Mercedes Now has excited the market place with innovative technology, luxury and safety…..match by very few in the industry. MBUSA’s versatile SUV, the M-Class, followed in volume with sales of 1,924, up 16.3% compared to February 2010 while the compact GLK SUV trailed closely with sales of 1,853.

MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar. Mercedes Now still states to those owners who choose to make the investment, that “I have Arrived” At the high end, the iconic SL-Class was up 83.7%, followed by the commanding G-Class, up 40% and the CL flagship coupe increased by 35.1%.  The company also sold 83 of its supercar — the SLS AMG — bringing its year-to-date sales to 153.

Through Mercedes Now, we remind the enthusiast of what drives Mercedes to engineer vehicles to not just to pass countless trials of endurance, safety, comfort and performance, but to stand the test of time? It begins with the same passion and ingenuity that invented the first car, won the first auto race, and built an unmatched 125‑year legacy of driving innovation. Mercedes heritage is not just where they have been, though — it’s who they are. And it’s what inspires Mercedes-Benz to keep making new history, and to set the pace for an industry.

Mercedes Now

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