Mercedes-Benz Announces Its Corporate Sales Person Of The Year

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – May 4, 2010: Mercedes-Benz has announced its Corporate Sales Person of the Year using the most stringent criteria ever, and setting a real benchmark across the industry. The programme has been running for three years, and for the first time this year even the candidates customers were asked to provide feedback, demonstrating the company’s confidence in the excellent levels of customer service provided by its teams

The title of Corporate Sales Person of the Year was awarded to candidates at two different levels. Frank Smith from Mercedes-Benz Corporate Sales in Manchester was the Key Account Manager awarded the title of Corporate Sales Person of the Year and James O’Neil of Mercedes-Benz of Bristol was the Sales Manager crowned with the same accolade.

Frank and James, along with other corporate sales staff took part in a rigorous three-phased assessment programme under DRIVE UP 09, the Mercedes-Benz Cars Corporate Sales Reward Programme.

During the first phase James and his fellow Sales Managers were ranked on areas such as performance vs. targets and growth in their market area for 2009 vs. 2008. While Frank and the other Key Account Managers were assessed on total sales volume, the number of trading accounts and the number of new accounts they won.

For the first time in the three year history of the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Sales Person of the Year Awards candidates were assessed by not only Mercedes-Benz UK field teams, but also the candidates’ own corporate customers.

Colin Niklas, National Corporate Sales Manager Mercedes-Benz Cars said: “Our customers were delighted to be involved in the process, and their feedback ensured that the worthy winners had excelled in every area. This customer input adds real credibility to the Corporate Sales Person of the Year title.”

Customers scored the candidates on the management of their account as well as the individuals understanding of their business, their fleet needs and demands, the service back-up and their ability to communicate and plan ahead.

Niklas continued: “The Corporate Sales Person of the Year programme is a great way of raising standards across our network and we are delighted to have had so many high-calibre candidates this year. Frank and James’ remarkable performances have raised the bar yet again this year and I am confident that this will motivate and inspire everyone in Corporate Sales to continue to further improve our levels of customer service.”

In the final phase candidates attended an assessment day where they had chance to impress the judges first hand. Through a number of activities finalists have an opportunity to demonstrate team work, deliver a presentation and be interviewed by a panel of judges including Colin Niklas and respected fleet journalist Julian Kirk.

James O’Neil commented: “Winning Corporate Sales Manager of the Year, is an amazing achievement. My team and I set the objective of being best in the network at the beginning of 2009 and winning demonstrates the importance of partnerships, you cannot build a department that is best in class by yourself. Winning the award has only further strengthened my resolve to deliver even better results this year!”

Both winners are very proud of the achievements and recognition of their efforts. Frank Smith was delighted to win, and said: “It is not only a tribute to me but also to my colleagues here at Manchester Corporate Sales. This award recognises the strength of my relationships and the loyalty and commitment my customers have given to me.”

Both Frank and James concluded that the rigorous assessment process was challenging but very worthwhile and are now looking forward to looking to using this as a springboard to further sales success in 2010.