LET'S HEAR WHAT DECLAN O'HARA, GENERAL MANAGER AT MERCEDES-BENZ CORK, HAS TO SAY

05TH NOVEMBER 2018

Looking back on 2018, it was yet another incredible year for Mercedes-Benz Cork. We delivered close to 1,000 new and approved used Mercedes-Benz cars, all of which would not be possible without your continued support. I would like to personally take this opportunity to thank you, our MSL customers for your loyalty and support over the past year. Furthermore, I would like to commend my exceptional team, their commitment and professionalism shone through this year.

2018 was an incredibly busy year for Mercedes-Benz Cork. In February, Kenneth Kling, our long-serving Sales Executive of 16 years retired. In April, we celebrated another momentous milestone, Jim O’Sullivan in our Parts Department reached 40 years extraordinary service with Mercedes-Benz Cork – what an achievement! Also, four of our team members attended Global Training in Ibiza and Barcelona, fantastic trips to enhance their knowledge and expertise. Finally, our wonderful team expanded to forty-one, welcoming some new faces throughout the year.

Throughout the summer, our team were terrific advocates of Mercedes-Benz Cork - Pavol Ulicky and Dion McCarthy participated in the Spartan Race in Punchestown and Pavol also competed in the Epic Race in Slovakia. Jason Barry was shortlisted for the Customer Service Award at LIBA and our sales team showcased their golf skills at the St Lukes Golf Classic in Fota Island Golf Club, which we were proud to sponsor. Stephen Joyce in Parts competed in the Tour De Munster in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. Let’s not forget our ‘natural TV star’ Liam Mullane who was shortlisted for the CitNow Video awards in London, at which he won best overseas video – such a fantastic achievement and I can’t wait to see what he produces next year! MSL Cork also sponsored the Rebel Tour where Pat Keating and I took off on one of the wettest and windiest days of the year to smash the 160km challenge around the Beara Peninsula, all in aid of Cork Sports Partnership.

This year we saw some really exciting new models arriving in Mercedes-Benz Cork, all of which I am thrilled to tell you about. The completely redesigned A-Class with class leading technology of “MBUX”, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, is a real pleasure to drive! You really have to drive the car to believe it so if you haven’t, please feel free to drop by for a demonstration. One of my all-time favourites, the CLS Coupé was totally redesigned with a completely new range of engines. It pioneers a new design for Mercedes-Benz, which is recognisable by its clear contours and reduced lines. Last month, the new facelifted C-Class range arrived with an entirely new array of petrol and diesel engines. The C-Class is the most successful model series from Mercedes-Benz and boasts a wealth of enhancements. A new generation of four cylinder petrol engines, including a 1.5 litre petrol version in the C200 with an additional 48 volt system with a belt-driven starter/alternator have been introduced.

As I look forward to 2019, Mercedes-Benz Cork has a very exciting year ahead. The introduction of the all new B-Class, the GLE SUV (which for the first time ever will be available with 7 seats), the all new A-Class Saloon and the all new CLA. Later in the year, we will see the arrival of the GLB, a new 7 seater and last but not least, our most anticipated launch will be our first vehicle from the all new EQ range - the EQC. It certainly is an exciting year ahead!

Finally, I would just like to reiterate our appreciation and gratitude for your loyalty and support over the past year – it really hasn’t gone unnoticed!

Declan O’Hara
General Manager 
Mercedes-Benz Cork