TruckStore is a first for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and will soon become one of the largest used-vehicle dealers for commercial vehicles.

Introducing TruckStore from Mercedes-Benz

TruckStore, the used commercial vehicle specialist from Mercedes-Benz South Africa, is ready to commence construction of a brand new facility for the Southern African market. Preparing for the necessary earth works, and then commencement of construction, the TruckStore team is kicking-off with an official ground-breaking ceremony on site at Highway Business Park, Centurion.

The roll-out

TruckStore is a first for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and will soon become one of the largest used-vehicle dealers for commercial vehicles – vans, trucks, buses and trailers. TruckStore sells vehicles of all brands, body configurations and ages. Conveniently situated off the N1, on 30 000 m² of prime real estate, the facility will have ample parking for large vehicles and is well-situated in Gauteng – between the two major airports (OR Tambo and Lanseria) for the convenience of its clients.

TruckStore is one of the largest used commercial dealer networks in Europe and will now officially be launched to the Southern African marked by the middle of 2012. In the Daimler Group, TruckStore is responsible for the professional, international used truck business, involving trucks of all brands and ages, and with all body types. TruckStore in Europe is growing constantly and already has 30 locations in 14 European countries and has a rolling stock of around 4 000 vehicles, selling more than 20 000 vehicles annually.

Construction preparation

Following numerous geometric tests, it was identified that the ground works require a significant amount of preparation due to the dolomite in the area. A fair amount of excavation will take place – 15 000 cm³, which equates to 1 500 truckloads of earth – after which the area will be compacted and the earth returned to the site. Following the earthworks, construction will commence. The builders will be laying around 1.25 million paving blocks to complete the professional display area.

Consideration has been taken into the design of the building, which will be both functional and environmentally friendly. Certain eco-friendly measures will be put in place, such as retaining the rainwater for irrigation and installing solar geysers to minimise electricity costs.

Architect Boorgertmann & Partners is also the contract manager of the building project, while building contractor JC van der Linde and Venter is the main contractor.

A proven concept

TruckStore is a Daimler initiative that began operations in 2002. This proven model concept has been adapted to suit the local market. TruckStore accepts commercial vehicles of any vehicle type or brand in part exchange; the condition of every vehicle is thoroughly checked and assessed on the basis of uniform standards. Vehicles are then sub-divided into the product categories: gold, silver and bronze. This ensures that every vehicle delivers what is promised.

TruckStore will also have a dedicated reconditioning centre based at Zandfontein, which will also serve as the national return centre for the finance house: Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Dedicated technicians and service staff will bring these used commercial vehicles up to set standards, at the Zandfontein facility, ensuring that these vehicles meet TruckStore benchmark standards. As part of the Mercedes-Benz South Africa commercial vehicle value chain, TruckStore customers will benefit from a range of services specifically for used commercial vehicles, such as finance, insurance and warranties.

Online product offering

This TruckStore initiative will ensure significant growth in the used commercial vehicle segments and the close collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz South Africa dealer network will be strengthened.

For product information, visit www.truckstore.co.za. The website recently went live with full details for customers to familiarise themselves with the new and exciting TruckStore concept. Once the TruckStore facility is officially opened, the website will be upgraded to an internet platform that will enable customers to find their ideal vehicle even faster, thanks to easy navigation functions. The new functionality will be user-friendly with its clearly structured sections, simple controls and optimised contact functions. In addition to the new design, users will also benefit from a photograph gallery of the used commercial vehicles together with full specifications.

TruckStore is able to meet increasingly demanding customer requirements and continue to extend its lead at the very forefront of innovation.