Motortrak Appointed to Launch New Dealer Website Program for Mercedes-Benz USA

MONTVALE, New Jersey, October 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA has launched an all-new dealer website platform through digital retail marketing specialist, Motortrak. A core objective of the new, factory-sponsored program was to eliminate the need for its 350 (plus) dealers to double up and invest in multiple retail websites.

The innovative new website platform provides unprecedented flexibility for dealers to market their stores online, significantly improves SEO performance and will deliver increased conversion across both fixed operations and vehicle sales. More importantly, the platform has the potential to improve the customers' dealership experience, as well as their perception of the brand.

"Our dealers have invested heavily in their showroom environments over the past three years and this new website platform will provide a premium online showcase to complement these efforts," said Stephen Cannon, vice president of marketing for MBUSA. "We are constantly innovating through our digital marketing channels and this brings that level of innovation and integration to the dealerships and their customers."

A key aim of the program is to channel the customer seamlessly from brand to dealer. As customers dislike being bounced from site to site, the new websites neatly integrate with existing and future infrastructure. To make the site experience as integrated and useful as possible for customers, embedded brand content from http://www.mbusa.com includes new vehicle information, car configurator, used vehicle search and national news, events and promotions.

"Dealers do not need a second site when it's this good," said Jennifer Sweet, Communications Manager with Friendly Motorcars. "Motortrak provides a great content management system - we needed the ability to better promote all parts of our business and react rapidly to market opportunities. The new system does all that."

Early on in the roll out, dealers discovered huge advantages in using a platform that allows them to build their own custom content.

"We have built a customized, brand commensurate site that also highlights the unique dealer voice. So we can now deliver vital, relevant content for all cost centers; sales, service and parts" said Robin Holloway of Holloway Automotive. "The site is visually clean and information rich, especially the inventory push throughout the entire site. No wonder initial analytics have shown a significant improvement in all of our key performance indicators, resulting in increased conversion. The leads from our website, not third party sites, now boast enviable closing ratios."

Mercedes Benz USA selected digital retail marketing specialist Motortrak to provide the new platform to its dealer network. Motortrak has managed the MBUSA online used car program since 2007.

"We were looking for a business partner with a strong track record in this space as well as a deep understanding of the premium automotive market," said Cannon. "Motortrak excels in both these areas."

Motortrak Chief Operating Officer David Cox says that the new platform offers a much more effective way for Mercedes-Benz and its dealers to do business cooperatively online: "Compared to other 'traditional' website vendors, the combination of our ability to translate brands effectively at retail, the flexibility of our platform and our focus on conversion is unique in this sector. Even just four weeks into the program all KPIs are very positive."

Motortrak also provides similar services to the new Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter networks.

Notes to Editors:

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 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.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at http://www.mbusa.com and http://www.mbsprinterusa.com.

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    About Motortrak

Motortrak is a specialist provider of online retail marketing systems to manufacturers and dealers world-wide. Founded in 1995, Motortrak has over 15 years sector expertise in the provision of highly customizable online marketing services and applications ranging from inventory management systems and B2B remarketing platforms to B2C services including dealer and OEM content management websites, used vehicle locators, social and mobile solutions.

Motortrak currently provides services in over 60 markets and 25 languages and has offices in London, New York and Melbourne. Other clients include Ferrari, Maserati, Maybach, Penske Automotive Group and smart. For further information please visit http://www.motortrak.com.

SOURCE Motortrak