Merc IKEA-style store opens

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Mercedes has opened the first of its new-look showrooms and boutiques which are set to transform the manufacturer's network within the year.

The showroom in Exeter is the first of 35 main dealers to get the makeover, and was built at a cost of £4 million.

Inside, 17 new models are on display, backed up by another 175 new and used cars on the site, which features a coffee shop and children's play area, too.

Mercedes also says new servicing systems will reduce the time it takes to overhaul a car or pinpoint a problem.

Customers drive into a dedicated bay, in which their car is hooked up to the diagnostic equipment that determines any necessary work to be done.

Meanwhile, the new Bluewater Retail Showcase in north London is also open for business, selling a range of branded merchandise as well as new and used cars. Customers can take one of eight cars parked nearby for a test drive. If the showcase is a success, Mercedes plans to open more of the themed boutiques nationwide.

Originally, Merc aimed to wrest control of the most of its UK network from its franchised dealers. Now the car maker says 70% of the network will still be run by independent franchises.

In partnership with the franchise holders, the car maker will spend £330 million over the next year revamping the network. A handful of supersites, featuring hundreds of cars and dedicated test-driving facilities will also be opened.