Mercedes-Benz, synonymous with “The Best or Nothing,” is seeing its slogan come to life in Flagstaff as Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff breaks ground on a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facility. This exciting development signifies the dealership’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled, customer-focused Mercedes-Benz experience, right here in Flagstaff. The current location on Switzer Canyon Drive, having served its purpose for less than two years, has been outgrown, prompting this significant expansion.
“At our current location, we haven’t been able to fully provide the Mercedes-Benz concierge experience our customers deserve,” explains Trampus Mansker, owner of Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff. “We have a need for more staff to enhance our service, but space is limited. This new facility marks a fresh start – a real breath of fresh air for our operations and customer interactions.” The groundbreaking ceremony, held in late July, took place at the new site on the southwest corner of Marketplace Drive and Test Drive, within the Flagstaff Auto Park, conveniently located behind the Flagstaff Mall. The event was attended by approximately 40 individuals, including key figures from Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff, City of Flagstaff officials, representatives from the Flagstaff Mall and Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Northern Arizona Healthcare, and the construction team.
Michael Martin, principal owner, addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude and enthusiasm: “We are dedicated to establishing the Mercedes-Benz brand in Flagstaff in a manner that truly represents its prestige. Thank you to everyone for your patience and support as we’ve grown. Trampus, myself, and the entire Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff team are incredibly excited to see this facility come to fruition. It’s still a bit surreal!”
Even prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, site preparation was underway, with excavation and groundwork commencing two weeks prior. As guests arrived, the sounds of dump trucks and excavators filled the air, a testament to the rapid progress already being made on the project.
Martin also highlighted the positive collaboration with Mike Loven and his team at Loven Contracting of Flagstaff, the project’s general contractor. Loven Contracting is partnering with a California-based architect specializing in automotive dealership design to bring this vision to life. Martin, who also owns dealerships in Page, Arizona, Simi Valley and Glendora, California, and Alamogordo, New Mexico, emphasized the commitment to local businesses, noting, “Eighty percent of the subcontractors are local to Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.” Loven, president of Loven Contracting, echoed this sentiment, naming local partners such as Dan Burke, P.E. at The WLB Group (civil engineer), Dial Mechanical Company, Ignace Brothers Drywall, and Block-lite.
The decision to invest in a larger, more advanced facility is also driven by the robust local market. “Flagstaff has a strong appetite for luxury vehicles,” Martin stated. “We aim to serve this market directly and prevent customers from needing to travel to Phoenix or Las Vegas for their Mercedes-Benz needs.” Mercedes-Benz, a globally recognized luxury brand, is celebrated for its exceptional performance, elegant design, and innovative technology within the automotive industry.
Greg Ring, General Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff, further emphasized the brand’s appeal, particularly for businesses: “Mercedes-Benz vans offer unmatched hauling capabilities compared to competitors. Moreover, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles are excellent choices for businesses, providing both luxury and significant tax advantages under Section 179 of the federal tax code. Notably, we are the sole automaker offering a four-wheel drive van in our class, boasting superior cargo capacity.”
Julie Pastrick, CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and a recent Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV 350 purchaser from the Flagstaff dealership, also attended the groundbreaking. “I chose Mercedes-Benz to avoid the constant recalls I experienced with my previous vehicle from another manufacturer,” Pastrick shared. “And we have a long-standing, positive relationship with Trampus and his family.”
Jimmy Halbison, Sales Manager, speaking from the construction site in Flagstaff Auto Park, noted the strategic advantage of the new location: “While our current Switzer location benefits from hospital traffic, this Auto Park location is truly the prime destination for automotive retail in Flagstaff.”
Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff provides a comprehensive suite of automotive services, including new and used vehicle sales, expert service, leasing options, genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, and financing solutions, all soon to be offered in their enhanced, state-of-the-art facility at the Flagstaff Auto Park.
By Stacey Wittig, FBN
Mercedes-Benz of Flagstaff
Current Location: 525 North Switzer Canyon Drive
Future Location (as of March 15): 5171 N Test Drive, Flagstaff Auto Park
Flagstaff, AZ
Phone: 928-220-7440
Website: mercedesofflagstaff.com
