Mercedes-Benz Australia is trialling the agency model via its new electric SUV, the EQC.
Nine Mercedes-Benz Dealers have been operating under the model since the EQC 400 4MATIC went on sale on December 9, 2019.
The agency model only applies to sales of the EQC, not regular Mercedes-Benz sales, however the OEM is monitoring the results with a view to potentially switching to the agency model for all its retail outlets.
Mercedes-Benz has studied the agency model for two years, and this trial is the next logical step.
The EQC agents are:
- Mercedes-Benz Sydney
- Mercedes-Benz Melbourne
- Mercedes-Benz Adelaide
- Diesel Motors Perth
- Mercedes-Benz Brisbane
- Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast
- Mercedes-Benz Canberra
- Mercedes-Benz Parramatta
- Mercedes-Benz Waverley
While the above dealerships will be the ones trialling the agency system, all 54 Mercedes-Benz franchises around the country will service the new EV range.
While the agency model only applies to the sales of the EQC, participating Dealers are still buying their normal stock from Mercedes-Benz.
Agents have EQC stock on-site, but it is owned by Mercedes-Benz, who also set the price, which is the same at all dealerships. Consumers buy the car from Mercedes-Benz, who pay the agent (Dealer) a commission. Commissions vary depending on KPIs and targets.
Dealers retain control of the other aspects of their operations, including trade-ins.
Mercedes-Benz intends that by 2023 every vehicle in its range will have some degree of electrification, with seven to be completely electric.