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Lookers has opened a new Mercedes-Benz dealership in Tonbridge on Thursday.

The mayor of Tonbridge and Malling Owen Baldock and David George, sales director Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz UK, joined customers at a special event to mark the opening at the Vale Rise showroom.

A new showroom and workshop have been built on additional land on-site, whilst an 80-car approved used display area has been created where the former showroom once stood – enabling Mercedes-Benz of Tonbridge to showcase twice as many vehicles than previously.

The new showroom can accommodate up to 14 new cars and also features an ‘AMG pit lane’ to show off a high performance Mercedes-AMG model together with a car configurator zone where visitors can explore the various vehicles and specification options available in an “immersive digital environment”.

There is also a business area with free Wi-Fi.

The new 16-bay workshop has increased the retailer’s servicing capability by almost 50%.

Other developments include the introduction of an approved smart repair centre and paintshop.

A variety of eco-technologies have been integrated into the new building, such as heat recovery units for highly efficient climate control and a water recycling plant situated under the vehicle wash bay that recycles 95% of water used with the help of PH neutral environmentally-friendly detergents.

Energy-efficient lighting is also used throughout the site, which features motion detection sensors in staff areas that turn lights on and off automatically. As a security measure, employee movement around the building is accessed using fingerprint recognition.

Work began in January 2015.

David Currin, Mercedes-Benz of Tonbridge’s sales director, said: “The success, expansion and ever-increasing popularity of the Mercedes-Benz range meant that we had completely outgrown our surroundings as they were.”

“Fortunately we have been able to expand on this site where the brand has been represented for many years to create a dealership that offers the very best in vehicle retailing whilst being totally befitting of the Mercedes-Benz marque.”

“There was considerable excitement amongst customers whilst the build was taking place, but now that we are fully operational and they can experience the exceptional facilities and service on offer, I’m confident that they will agree that the wait has been worth it.”