Fletcher Jones Motorcars has reported record-breaking sales of new and previously owned Mercedes-Benz automobiles and is expecting the trend to continue through the end of 2002. According to Garth Blumenthal, general manager of the Newport Beach dealership, 4,802 vehicles (3,609 new and 1,193 previously owned) have been sold thus far this year generating $333 million. Its next closest competitor, Ray Catena Mercedes-Benz of Edison, New Jersey, trailed Fletcher Jones Motorcars with sales of 3,475 vehicles (3,122 new and 353 previously owned).

Among the factors cited for the increased sales revenue across the board are the introductions of several new Mercedes-Benz models including the redesigned SL500 and CLK sport coupe, as well as the availability of a number of C-Class models with sticker prices starting below $25,000. Blumenthal says that Fletcher Jones Motorcars’ success includes the introduction of the new and redesigned models along with the dealership’s exclusive commitment to offering its clientele an additional amenities package that can add as much as $5,000 to the value of their purchase.

Supplemental to factory warranties, the amenities package known as the Preferred Owner Benefits Program is provided to all Fletcher Jones Motorcars clients who purchase or lease new or Starmark-certified vehicles. The program includes unlimited car washes, free car rentals during periodic maintenance, shuttle service to and from John Wayne Airport and, for those with SL convertibles, hard top removal and storage services.

“In spite of uncertain economic times, we are delighted that the public is recognizing the value of purchasing or leasing an automobile that has proven to be a sound investment,” said Blumenthal. “While sales have proven steady for most Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country, we believe that it’s the unwavering dedication of our sales and support staffs, maintenance and service personnel and the entire Fletcher Jones Motorcars family as well as our ongoing efforts to improve our clients’ overall dealership experience that has contributed to our success.”

Blumenthal said that this year’s sales figures are more than 10 percent higher than last year’s and that the dealership is expected to continue with strong sales throughout the remainder of the year.

Established in 1991, Fletcher Jones Motorcars says it is the nation’s number one Mercedes-Benz dealership with annual sales in 2001 surpassing $420 million. Specializing in both new and previously owned vehicle sales, service and parts, the dealership is situated near the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach on Jamboree at the 73 Freeway. Fletcher Jones Motorcars features a 180,000-square-foot travertine and glass showroom, gourmet coffee/cappuccino bar, television lounge, work stations with telephones and computer hookups, retail shop with a complete line of Mercedes-Benz accessories and a putting green. Fletcher Jones Motorcars has a staff of 400 and maintains 77 service bays and a full-service collision repair center to meet the needs of its clientele. Its complimentary car wash facility hand washes as many as 2,000 automobiles each week.

Open daily, Fletcher Jones Motorcars is located at 3300 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California 92660. For more information contact (949) 718-3000 or visit www.fjmercedes.com.