The exterior of M-B of Albuquerque in the desert night
Star Dealer
Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque
Article Jo Chase
Mercedes-Benz’s presence in Albuquerque, New Mexico, began in the early 1960s and has undergone several incarnations through the years. First established in the early 1960s as part of Albuquerque’s Studebaker dealership, Enyart Motors was sold toward the end of the decade and became Don Zimmer Imports. In the late 1970s and ’80s, the dealership was sold several times to be renamed European Imports and then Premier Motorcars.
In February 1995, a family-owned partnership purchased the business, today known as Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque. The partnership also includes Audi Albuquerque and Porsche of Albuquerque, and is located off Interstate 25 directly across the freeway from the Balloon Fiesta Park, the globally famous launch location for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
While sales and profit are important to Managing Partner David Baker, providing quality products and services to his customers are his No. 1 priorities, he said, as well as being a respected and valued part of the Albuquerque community.
The dealership maintains an ongoing spirit of philanthropy, supporting many worthwhile organizations in the state. One major event is the Concours du Soleil, which the business sponsors with the goals of gathering the community to celebrate an amazing collection of automobiles displayed by New Mexico owners while raising funds for local charities. A portion of the $125,000 raised at the 2013 show was donated to the Cinco Amigos Fund of the Albuquerque Community Foundation, with the remainder of the proceeds granted to other local charities. For 2014 event information, visit www.seehotcars.com.
Another major fund-raiser is the local Mercedes-Benz Championship Golf Tournament, where the winner moves on to participate in the national MBCG tournament: Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque is pleased to have hosted the local tournament for the past three years, all proceeds of which are awarded to the Presbyterian Ear Institute. This private non-profit organization offers individualized education and services to New Mexico residents dealing with hearing loss.
Moreover, dealership employees annually team up to support the local Susan G. Komen breast cancer fund-raiser, putting their best feet forward in the annual runs in the race for a cure.
The MBCA’s New Mexico Section has always enjoyed and appreciated support from Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque. At the start of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each year, section members and their guests enjoy a burrito breakfast, hosted in the dealership showroom across from the launch park. What a great photo-op spot – and no traffic or parking problems to face on the first Saturday launch morning.
The Section board meets monthly at the dealership location, and contributes items for the dealership’s monthly electronic newsletter. Conversely, Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque is the sole sponsor for New Mexico Section’s newsletter, “The Enchanted Star,” which is published several times each year.
The Section hosted a dealership appreciation day in December during which the employees of Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque enjoyed being treated to lunch and had an opportunity to interface with New Mexico Section members on an informal basis. The event was a success in that we all got to know our partners a little better during the holiday celebration.
Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque, NM
8920 Pan American Freeway NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113 888.234.3299
www. albuquerque.mercedesdealer.com
The main showroom vehicle display.
New Mexico Section hosted an employee appreciation Day and lunch in December.
New Mexico Section members gather at the dealership for Balloon Fiesta breakfast.
