In a significant development, Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA) and Simon, a global leader in premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, have announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance.
This collaborative endeavour is poised to reshape the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape in the US and Canada.
Mercedes-Benz HPC NA is on a mission to establish a network of premium EV charging hubs across North America. These hubs are envisioned to provide EV drivers with a fast, reliable, and safe charging experience, all within close proximity to appealing amenities. For Simon, known for curating exceptional customer experiences, this partnership aligns seamlessly with its commitment to delivering unparalleled quality to its patrons.
Mercedes-Benz HPC North America president and CEO Andrew Cornelia said: “We’re thrilled to announce this alliance with Simon, who has consistently set benchmarks in customer service delivering excellence in the retail experience across its properties nationwide.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering a high-quality charging experience to every driver – which extends beyond the vehicle and to the amenities and experiences that drivers can access while they charge.”
The pivotal highlights of this strategic partnership include:
1. Deployment of Mercedes-Benz Branded EV Fast Chargers: One of the key outcomes of this alliance is the deployment of Mercedes-Benz branded EV fast chargers at no less than 55 Simon retail properties. This strategic move seeks to make high-quality charging more accessible to a broader range of EV drivers.
2. Mercedes-Benz Advertising Integration: As part of the collaboration, Mercedes-Benz will utilize Simon’s out-of-home media infrastructure for advertising, further strengthening the brand’s presence and reach.
3. Simon Centers as Mercedes-Benz Showcase: Simon’s multifaceted venues, where individuals converge for shopping, living, working, and leisure, will become platforms for Mercedes-Benz to launch vehicles, display their latest offerings, and offer test-drive opportunities. This integration aims to bring the world of EVs closer to potential customers.
This multifaceted partnership not only symbolizes Mercedes-Benz HPC NA’s commitment to expanding its EV charging network but also signifies the brand’s emphasis on providing a value-based approach to customers. The company aims to build charging hubs where EV drivers are most likely to visit, seamlessly integrating charging into their daily lives.
Moreover, this initiative will contribute significantly to the communities where Simon properties are situated, generating hundreds of construction jobs, and supporting local economies.
Mercedes-Benz’s endeavour to enhance its public charging infrastructure is not limited to North America. The company has also ventured into Europe with the IONITY joint venture, which already features approximately 3,000 charging points.
Furthermore, the recent joint venture with six other automotive OEMs underscores the company’s commitment to expanding the North American high-power charging network.
Mercedes-Benz’s Charging Network, featuring branded charging hubs, is a pivotal element of the brand’s electrification strategy, focusing on sustainable, 100% clean energy solutions.
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz HPC NA and Simon holds the promise of revolutionising the EV charging landscape in North America, ultimately shaping a more sustainable and promising future for electric transportation.
Simon Media & Experiences senior vice president Chip Harding said: “We are committed to building EV charging sites across the Simon portfolio. Moreover, we look forward to continuing that growth with Mercedes-Benz, a brand that shares our vision to deliver best-in-class experiences for customers and for the communities that we serve.”
