Monday, December 14, 2015

Why We Show Car Prices Online & Some Dealerships Don't

You may agree that one of the best things about shopping online is comparing in an instant. After decades at the mercy of retailers, the power is finally in the hands of the consumer. For Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa, this changes very little. We have ALWAYS put the consumer first, delivering value and quality for generations in the North Bay.

Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa makes it easy to shop & compare online.
Now that our inventory is online (check out the new website!), showing our prices along with it is right in line with the Smothers way. It's only fair to know the price we're asking for a vehicle so that as you shop, you can compare as YOU see fit.

Just know that should you decide to visit our showroom for a test drive, you can expect a genuinely warm, patient, caring experience. You will find this unique to the car-buying experience and we hope it makes you feel comfortable, like part of the Smothers European family.

Why Some Dealerships Hide Prices Online:

1. They want the upper hand by knowing a buyer is interested (forcing an inquiry).
2. They prefer to size up the buyer before giving a solid price. 
3. They want to get you into the showroom for an easier upsell.

Why Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa Shows Prices Online:

1. We respect how challenging the car-buying process can be for people and want to provide all the assistance we can to make it as easy as possible.
2. Our staff genuinely cares about the comfort level of our customers. When you're happy, we're happy!
3.  We feel that should you decide to shop around, you will find Smothers European's prices fair.

We are family owned and operated and take pride in treating our customers like we would treat our own family buying a car. If you agree, we encourage you to leave us a positive review on Yelp! or Google and, as always, we thank you sincerely for your business.

Buying a car should be exciting & fun, not complicated!

Happy holidays from the Smothers European family to yours!

Monday, November 2, 2015

Mercedes-Benz's Big Expected Announcement!


Idaho in November

SoCal in November
On an annual basis,auto enthusiasts eagerly await the L.A. Auto Show in November because, aside from scoring the first glimpse at new industry line-ups, who wouldn't want to be in sunny California in late-November?


The 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show show is expected to center around (what else?) technology. We can't help but notice that all things retro have done well in the recent past--new compact and muscle car throwbacks, for example. It will be interesting to see if more of that prevails in years to come. Mercedes-Benz has always been a leader in technology and classic design, even with brand new models, like the B-Class Electric Drive. So we're most excited about an expected announcement from Mercedes-Benz that may validate leaked photos for eager families that the 2016 GLS is truly the mother of all SUVs.

Leaked photo of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV
From what we've read and heard, you can expect sedan-like comfort and handling with the power of a truck (V6/V8 and up to 550 horsepower) and plenty of space for your team and their gear. We're suckers for it--check out that design! Gotta' love the classic MB sedan-like front end and sporty hood.

But wait, there's more! Did someone mention technology? Word is, Mercedes-Benz has designed the new GLS to include their top-of-the-line infotainment system (complete with high res screen). 

Mercedes-Benz to announce new GLS at 2015 L.A. Auto Show

Keep your eyes peeled for this beauty on our lot next year! We'll post more pics on Facebook and Twitter after the L.A. Auto Show, which opens to the press on November 17th and to the public on November 20th. 

As always, thanks for reading our blog and thank you sincerely for your business and referrals. Check out new inventory anytime online--we list prices and offer live chat for your convenience at MBofSantaRosa.com

-Your Friends at Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa

Friday, July 3, 2015

Breaking Down Car Buying Barriers at Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa

Ready to find your perfect Benz!
We often hear from our customers about how easy our team at Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa makes
the car buying process. It has always been a goal of ours that our customers feel comfortable enough with their experience here that they would refer their mother, or daughter. When we get referrals from you and your family, it means we have done our job to satisfaction...not just for you but for our own aspirations.

In the spirit of breaking down barriers, we will be publishing short videos over the next several months to introduce you to our staff so that when you walk into our showroom or service department, you see familiar, friendly faces.

If you have any questions about our sales process, deals or current inventory, feel free to contact us through instant chat on our website, by phone or in person on Corby Avenue in Santa Rosa.

Without further ado, we'd like to introduce you to Sheila Hampton, part of our sales team. Sheila enjoys her job very much and one particular aspect of Mercedes-Benz cars...



Thursday, June 4, 2015

Intelligent Cargo Design: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class


The 2015 MB E-class wagon has 57 cubic feet of cargo space!
Cargo space is a common problem when it comes to the family car. Mercedes-Benz has been working for decades to attain the perfect marriage of design, durability and functionality. Tah dahhhh! We think the 2015 E-Class wagon will impress you with its 57.4 cubic feet of cargo space. 

You want your car to represent you--your life. Your family vehicle should be able to handle all that you throw at it...dogs, cleats, kids, groceries, luggage...and do so with grace and brilliance. With split-folding second- and third-row seats, hands-free trunk lid option, and Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system, the E-Class wagon sets a new standard in family car.

This family car delivers a ride that will represent you well and gives you all the cargo space you would expect from the leader in intelligent design. 

  • "...the wagon offers up to 57.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume in addition to its trademark rear-facing (and strictly-for-kids) third-row seat that gives it seven-passenger capacity in a pinch." -- Edmunds
  • "Luggage space is impressive..." -- Kelley Blue Book

Visit us online or come in for a test drive and compare! We're proud to live in Sonoma County where the cars may be a little dirtier, but the people are a little happier. :)

Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa
707-542-4811

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

How Did Mercedes-Benz Save This Stuntman's Life? Check it out!

Stuntman Richard Marrero credits his life to being in a Mercedes-Benz

It is well known that Mercedes-Benz is one of the safest vehicles on the road. Innovating
safety technology has been a focus of this luxury manufacturer since it's inception. It's a brand built on safety. From braking to steering to reinforced crumple zones and now intelligence, Mercedes-Benz leads luxury cars in its ability to save lives in emergency situations. Even professional stunt performers, who consistently push the limits of safe.

For one driver, being behind a Mercedes-Benz was the difference between life and death in a stunt. And, after his many stunts behind the wheel, we are inclined to believe him.

This video tells the whole story--the true story--of Richard Marrero's survival. Is everyone in your family driving a Mercedes-Benz? Aren't they worth it?




Driving a Mercedes-Benz is no longer just for the elite few. With models starting under $29,900, and a huge inventory of certified pre-owned sedans, SUVs and Crossovers, everyone can afford to drive one of the most notoriously safest cars on the road. 

Mercedes-Benz is the ONLY auto manufacturer without a recall since 1985. That's how serious your safety is to Mercedes-Benz. They take no chances. 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Dissecting the Design, Technology & Performance of the All-New Mercedes-Benz GLA Compact SUV

At Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa, are so excited about the new GLA-class, we thought it warranted its own blog article. Any true car lover will appreciate this model (and hopefully this article!). Our fascination with the GLA250 (and the GLA45 AMG) is that it is the perfect super modern, luxurious family vehicle.

We've broken it down for you here by design, technology and performance. 

Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa strives to be a resource of information and support for the North Bay. Let us know if you have any questions by chatting online, visiting or calling.


Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLA250 4MATIC compact SUV


DESIGN

Exterior Elegance

The most compact SUV to wear the Star earns it in a big way.
- Bold design fuses function with passion
- Nimble size delivers an ideal mix of flexibility, fuel-efficiency and fun
- Advanced engineering delivers true SUV capability with industry-leading innovations


Intelligent Interior

The cabin of a Mercedes-Benz is where the most rigid standards are the most rewarding to touch.
- Generous with space, style and substance, from its winglike dash to its power liftgate.
- Power driver seat adjusts 14 ways
- Split rear seats make way for 43.6 cubic feet of cargo

Interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 compact SUV



Keeping A Classic Low Profile

The GLA250 is made to carve up the corners, not to cut them.

- Comes standard with beefy 18-inch wheels and an agile 4-wheel independent suspension engineered to shine on any surface
- Standard chrome roof rail
- Choice of 19-inch wheel options, accessory racks and carriers for the roof



PERFORMANCE


Muuuuwaaahahaha (Power At Your Command)

The "power domes" on the GLA250 hood are a Mercedes-Benz tradition. So is the progressive power beneath.
All the power you could want + agility beyond belief.
- 208-hp turbo inline-4 teams 3rd-generation Direct Injection with advanced rapid-multispark ignition
- ECO Start/Stop can automatically shut off the engine at red lights to save fuel, then restarts the instant you're ready to move out




Torgue’n

A new generation of 4MATIC® all-wheel drive combines on-road agility with off-road ability.
- Lightweight and fuel-efficient, the variable-torque system monitors grip at each wheel, and instantly sends up to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels as required
- One-touch Off-Road mode tailors numerous driving systems to the terrain


Sporty Meets Comfy

The fuel-efficiency and fun of a manual. The relaxing comfort of an automatic.
- 7-speed DCT transmission gives you both manual and automatic
- Racing-derived dual-clutch design shifts more quickly and precisely than is humanly possible
- Three driving modes (ECO, Sport and Manual) and shift paddles on the steering wheel let you take the power in your hands

OMG, it’s an AMG!

What happens when you put the most powerful 4-cylinder in production into a compact SUV? You get the GLA45 AMG…
- Class-leading 355 handcrafted horsepower and 26.1 psi of maximum turbo boost.
- Hugs the road with torque-vectoring AMG Performance 4MATIC® and 19-inch AMG® wheels


2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG Performance 4MATIC...the road beckons.

TECHNOLOGY


Maximum Attractions, Minimum Distractions

With a freestanding color screen and intuitive central controller, the GLA puts a world of entertainment and information within reach.
- 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth® audio streaming are standard*
- Innovative multimedia options for navigation, music and online features, including a big 7-inch screen, make going anywhere easier and more fun**



Tech Specs

From your car, computer or smartphone, mbrace connects you and your GLA. And it does it in the ways you already connect with the world:***

Apps, remote features, emergency assist, search help & more!
- An ever-growing array of apps
- Remote vehicle features
- Search help of Google® and Yelp
- Assistance in an emergency. Standard mbrace® includes a trial subscription to the three mbrace Packages



Innovative Safety, A Mercedes-Benz Tradition

Standard Safety Innovations Include:
- Radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with autonomous braking 
- ATTENTION ASSIST® to help sense a drowsy driver

Optional Safety Bells & Whistles:
- Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assists help make highway driving easier and safer
- DISTRONIC PLUS® cruise control automatically adapts to the flow of traffic


Reduce the odds of an accident with Collision Prevention Assist Plus. The GLA-class comes standard with it!


Give us a call, chat online (MBofSantaRosa.com) or visit us with any questions about the all-new GLA-class from Mercedes-Benz!

--------------------------------- 
*Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

**While the navigation system provides directional assistance, the driver must remain focused on safe driving behavior, including paying attention to traffic and street signs. The driver should utilize the
system´s audio cues while driving and should only consult the map or visual displays once the vehicle has been stopped in a safe place. Maps do not cover all areas or all routes within an area.

*** Some services are only available on select vehicles. Your PIN is required in order to use certain services. Some services may be limited or restricted in some areas. Driver is responsible for complying with traffic and other laws. See your dealer or MBUSA.com/mbrace for details.