“Selling and servicing high-line European cars since 1982 and treating our clients like family and friends has been the only way to do business for the Smothers Family.”—Jerry Reid, general manager
Smothers European’s Mercedes Benz and Volvo sells more than cars, according to John Alilovich, a satisfied customer. As Alilovich puts it, “[The Dealership] sells memberships to their family.” Perhaps that’s why Smothers European has been voted Best Luxury Car Dealership by NorthBay biz readers for more than five years in a row.
Over the years, the dealership has earned the reputation of selling precision-made, German and Swedish-engineered cars. It’s also well known locally for its outstanding sales staff and excellent service. Smother European sells new and pre-owned Mercedes Benz and Volvo cars. Pre-owned vehicles must pass vigorous high-quality assurance tests, to ensure their standards for excellence are upheld. “We understand the market and price cars at the market value,” says John White, vice president of operations. “Even our new cars have pre-discounted prices to make shopping easier. We sell some of the best automobiles in the world, and both the manufacturer and the customer deserve the service to match, whether they’re buying their first car, their children’s first car or bringing their cars in for maintenance.”
Like so many other businesses, the October 2017 wildfires greatly impacted the business, employees and clientele. Some clients lost everything they had and many came to the dealership because they had a car and nowhere to go, says Jerry Reid, general manager. “We assisted them with obtaining records for the vehicles for insurance purposes, and helped them with their immediate needs. Our employees suffered as well,” adds Reid. “Five lost their homes and three others had damaged homes.” Smothers European raised more than $65,000 in corporate and other donations to assist its employees with their recovery efforts. “Our company values taking care of the clients and our families, and [that] speaks volumes to our company vision.”
The staff of Smothers has more than 30 years of experience, and the financial staff at Smothers European Volvo offers expert advice for those seeking a great Volvo in Santa Rosa. What’s more, service doesn’t stop there. Santa Rosa customers can come in and take advantage of its knowledgeable Volvo car repair technicians and a fully-stocked inventory of car parts. The dealership also includes a full-access garage to members. At Smothers, that means highly-skilled Volvo and Mercedes Benz mechanics, an excess stock of parts, and the ability to cater to any problems customers might experience with their cars.
As for the future, Smothers European will continue to meet the automotive needs of its client base. “All of our brands—Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter Vans—are moving more into the hybrid and electrical power trains,” says Reid. “By 2020, we will have a large selection of products to meet the needs of our clients.”
When it comes maintaining a car, service is the key to keeping customers satisfied. "Mark Smothers of Smothers European has always treated me like family,” says Alilovich. “Since my first purchase in 1978, he’s always making sure that I get what I need when I need it."
Once again, Smothers European has won the Best Luxury Car Dealership by being forward thinking and treating their customers like family. How does it feel to be a multiple-time winner? “On behalf of the entire staff at Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa and Smothers European Volvo Cars, we are thrilled to be voted a five-time winner by our North Bay clients,” says Jerry Reid, general manager. “Selling and servicing high-line European cars since 1982 and treating our clients like family and friends has been the only way to do business for the Smothers Family.”
www.smotherseuropean.com
