BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (FOX 2) – Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills is facing accusations of unethical pricing practices after allegedly attempting to charge a customer an exorbitant $120,000 over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a vehicle. This incident has sparked outrage and drawn scrutiny from consumer advocates and legal authorities.
The vehicle in question was a Mercedes G63, originally carrying a sticker price of $184,000 in 2019. After a considerable wait for the custom-ordered car, the customer was reportedly stunned to discover that Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills was demanding an additional $120,000 on top of the agreed-upon price.
“They’re taking advantage of a consumer, and it’s just unacceptable,” stated attorney Azzam Elder, representing the disgruntled client. Elder highlighted the long-standing relationship between his client’s family and the dealership, noting, “For 25 years, my client and his family bought 11 cars from them.” This history of loyalty further exacerbated the client’s disappointment and sense of betrayal.
Despite the absence of a written contract or down payment, the customer had successfully arranged for Mercedes-Benz to custom-build a unique vehicle featuring an olive green mango exterior and a striking red and black interior. The lawyer suggests the client believed that due to current market conditions influenced by events like Covid, the custom vehicle might hold its value. “Because we have Covid he actually bought a car two years ago and now he can drive off the lot, and maybe it’s going to retain its value. I mean is that too much to ask for, of Mercedes-Benz? I don’t think so.”
In response to the allegations, Mercedes-Benz USA issued a statement clarifying their position on pricing. “The MSRP is a suggested price,” the statement read. “While we do not encourage markups for specific, high-demand models, the final sale price is ultimately negotiated between the dealer and the customer.” This statement, while acknowledging the MSRP as a suggestion, does not explicitly condone or condemn the actions of Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills.
Automotive industry expert John McElroy weighed in on the controversy, describing the dealership’s actions as “price gouging.” “It may not be illegal, but it’s definitely unethical, and they shouldn’t be doing this sort of thing,” McElroy asserted. He further noted that major automakers like GM and Ford have recently sent warnings to their dealerships against similar practices, indicating a growing concern within the industry regarding inflated prices.
The Michigan Attorney General’s office has confirmed its awareness of the allegations surrounding Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills. According to FOX 2, the corporate oversight division intends to “examine the matter,” suggesting a potential investigation into the dealership’s pricing practices.
When questioned by FOX 2 about the dealership’s integrity, attorney Elder responded cautiously, “Not all of them,” but added, “Based on the reviews, in this case, I believe they are being crooks. You made a promise keep your promise.” The incident raises serious questions about ethical conduct within luxury car dealerships and the extent to which manufacturers are willing or able to control pricing practices at the dealer level. The final outcome regarding the olive green Mercedes and its inflated price remains unclear, as the dealership reportedly declined to disclose the final selling price they were seeking above the sticker.
