Mercedes-Benz Dealers Use Apple iPad

Mercedes-Benz Financial announced today it has become the first automotive finance company to give dealers mobile access to its point-of-sale dealer system. The company has decided to make the Apple iPad available to its US dealer network.

This also makes Mercedes-Benz Financial one of the first companies to adapt the consumer-oriented iPad as a mobile business tool.

Dealership employees will therefore benefit of instant access to marketing programs for specific models, quicker turn time on the credit application process, and increased speed and efficiency on the return of lease vehicles.

“We see the iPad providing wireless mobility, information and flexibility on the showroom floor,” said Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial. “The iPad will provide a competitive advantage to our dealers by increasing their service levels through a more flexible financing process.”

Mercedes-Benz Financial will distribute iPads to 40 selected dealers throughout the United States to test iPad as a business tool. The company will monitor iPad usage and collect feedback.

“With the exciting, new products coming out from Mercedes-Benz, the iPad with MB Advantage gives us tremendous credibility with our clients,” said Bernie Moreno, President of Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted, Ohio, near Cleveland.

The company launched its iPhone app last October and has had more than 13,000 downloads, approximately 5,000 payments and $3.6 million in payments received since then. This was followed by the launch of a similar app for smartphones last March that resulted in over 15,000 visitors, more than 2,000 payments and $1.5 million received in payments.