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Mercedes-Benz USA Opens New Vehicle Preparation Center

19 April 1999

Mercedes-Benz USA Opens New Vehicle Preparation Center in Carson, California

    CARSON, Calif., April 19 -- Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. (MBUSA)
officially opened a new state-of-the art vehicle preparation center (VPC) in
Carson, California today that will prepare vehicles for wholesale delivery to
103 Mercedes-Benz retailers in 18 western states, servicing approximately
3,000 to 4,000 vehicles per month.  The new Vehicle Preparation Center, a
110,000-square-foot facility, represents an investment of $10 million.
    "Our new state-of-the-art facility will enable us to get cars to our
clients as quickly as possible by reducing the overall time it takes to get
vehicles from production to market," said Hal Whiteford, vice president of
operations, MBUSA.  "Our daily processing capacity has improved significantly
allowing us to get vehicles from the port to the retailers quicker.  The
results are more cost effective and there is less waiting time for the
client."
    VPCs are the final quality check by MBUSA to ensure that all vehicles meet
the company's high standard for quality prior to shipment to retailers.   VPCs
also install optional accessories such as cellular telephones and CD players.
The new facility houses an automated car wash, testing and inspection
stations, and state-of-the art mechanical and body repair shops.
The New Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Preparation Center is located in the Watson
Industrial Center South, at 22707 Wilmington Avenue in Carson, Calif., and
employs 50.
    Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. operates two other VPCs; one is located in
Belcamp, Maryland, the other in Jacksonville, Florida.