(Photos courtesy of Jennifer Fauci)
The Mercedes-Benz of Massapequa dealership located in Amityville, has recently undergone a change in ownership, now in the capable hands of General Manager Lance C. Cotten.
A grand opening VIP party allowed guests to view all of the new 2015 models that Mercedes has issued for lease and purchase, highlighting the GLA Class SUV and C-Class sedan.
After 23 years in the business, Cotten hopes to achieve a clear objective in selling cars in his new role.
“The previous company owner was not able to give us the guidance that we needed to sell cars to Mercedes customers and give them the experience that they needed,” said Cotten. “We’re looking to give the customer that unique experience when they walk out of here; so they continually want to come back over and over again.”
While all Mercedes-Benz employees receive the privileged opportunity to drive any and all cars in the fleet, Cotten has admitted to a favorite.
“I can’t be selective in just one model because I drive all of them, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would say it’s the new coupe; it’s totally redesigned and really sexy,” said Cotten. “The car is just out of this world. What Mercedes has put behind the engineering in that car is like no other; the ride, the handling the performance, the seating, especially for me because I’m a big guy so it’s comfortable.”
Cotten has been at the Massapequa branch for six years and has been there through the company’s transition. He has hired about 40 percent of the employees, and like Mercedes-Benz itself, Cotten believes that his staff is the best.
“Our staff right now is probably the best team that I have ever worked with in my 23 years of doing this,” he said, looking forward to working with the community as well. “I believe in doing everything for the community.
We actually helped build the park along the sound in Amityville, so we donated money to that and our name was actually on the park.”
Among the events that Mercedes-Benz hopes to get involved with is youth sports in Amityville, and more work with the Amityville Kids for Diabetes Swim.
“As far as charities and things that are local, to me that’s near and dear to my heart,” said Cotten, who also takes part in a Christmas program that gives donations and gifts to children. “It’s important to give back if you can.”
As for future goals under the dealership’s new management, Cotten is most looking forward to becoming the number one Mercedes store on Long Island.
“I have never missed a target in my entire career, so I’m excited about seeing how fast it will take me to reach this one.”
