Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Gone are the days that one would stroll into one of the scant dealerships in the middle of a desert on a sunny Bahraini summer day and just buy a car.
Today’s jet setting gentleman and lady demand more from their elite cars. It is not just about the body, the engine or the ride. It’s about the relationship that comes with it.
For Al Haddad Motors, their relationship with Mercedes customers that they have built through the sands of time is what is most important.
And as these customers brave what has been a record hot summer in Bahrain, Al Haddad has been busy rejuvenating their service facility to provide world-class offerings to their beau monde clientele.
GulfWeekly toured the facility and sat down with Ian Beattie, the after sales manager to discover what makes being a Mercedes owner a truly privileged experience.
The Salmabad facility, which services almost 40 cars per day, provides a range of services from regular maintenance to in-depth engine check-ups.
But while this is top-of-the-class, what truly sets the company apart is its award-winning individualised customer service.
Al Haddad, which nabbed two of the highest awards at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East Customer Services Conference, pays attention to the every part of the client’s journey with the badge.
As customers walk into the facility, one of the service advisors will sit down with him or her to discuss their concerns. After listening to the buyer’s distresses, if any, and after talking to the technicians who took a look at the car, the advisor will walk him or her through the timelines of what to do. The technicians will discuss the car’s service history that is found on file and what exactly will be changed, renewed or serviced in the car. Most servicing can be done on the same day, sometimes even sooner. And this isn’t a regular service. Al Haddad’s maintenance goes in-depth into the machine, ensuring only GenuineParts are used and the customer service is nothing short of magnificent.
Ian said: “With prior booking, we can offer express service for regular maintenance, and this can be done within a couple of hours, depending of course, on the amount of work that needs to be done.”
There is also enough to keep customers entertained while they wait. A comfortable lounging area, with a TV and complimentary beverages and dates, has now become the minimum, which of course Al Haddad excels in. There is a wide array of products available for purchase, for those that have a shopping itch that needs to be scratched or for those that just want to show off the MB love, including caps, clothing, watches, key rings and the famous Mercedes Miniatures.
Of particular note is the collection of opulent aromas available for men and women. The brand has a scent for everyone with overtones ranging from wood-chypre and the ocean-esque cascalone to Kashmir wood and orange blossom in creatively designed bottles. Just don’t confuse the new perfume bottle for the fob.
Al Haddad has outdone itself, elevating its regular service to an experience worth looking forward to. And this summer, they are running several specials, to ensure their clients’ cars are in top condition. Customers can stop by for a free AC inspection if it is being stretched thin by Bahraini summers and can also avail up to 30 per cent in savings on AC repairs and disinfection.
Safety comes first, which the German marquee knows all too well. Mercedes-Benz brake discs and pads are now available with savings of up to 35 per cent, installed, of course by MB-certified technicians.
Also, nothing compares to the Al Haddad service contracts which offer savings of up to 30 per cent on the total service maintenance costs for the duration of the contracts. Not only do customers get the guarantee that all the maintenance has been done to the highest Mercedes-Benz standards using only genuine MB products and parts, but they also get a complete service history of the vehicle. Those wanting to part with their current Mercedes ride can take advantage of the same level of service too.
The highlight of the experience is the loyalty programme. The newly launched Al Haddad Mercedes Benz loyalty programme is free to join and open to anyone who owns a Mercedes. It caters completely to a customer’s needs with exclusive rewards, collection items, free safety checks, free car polishing and more. For example, those with cars older than three years can enjoy discounts of up to 30 per cent on genuine parts. Al Haddad has tailored its offerings to individual tastes.
To book an appointment, customers can call 17785999, send an enquiry through the website or walk in to the Salmabad facility.
