Mercedes‑Benz plans to establish a global network of over 10,000 high‑power charging stations to support its all‑electric strategy. The North America plans include a network size of more than 400 charging hubs and more than 2,500 DC high‑power chargers. Significant investments in network development and partnerships with industry experts like MN8, one of the U.S.'s largest solar energy and battery storage owners and operators, will help ensure exceptional service and maintenance. The public charging network will be open and available to all vehicle brands. We sat down with Geoff Meeker, general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead, to catch up and get his take on electric vehicles (EVs).
BuckHaven City Lifestyle: What do you find are common misconceptions about EVs in general?
Geoff Meeker: Charging will be complicated and inconvenient. Whereas if you have a home charger, you plug it in like a phone or earbuds and forget about it overnight. Going to a gas station is inconvenient.
BCL: Your staff is full of successful professionals. What kind of training and professional development happens each year to keep them on their game?
GM: Mercedes-Benz has a certification program that all of our staff must follow. This includes online, in store, and sending the team to the Jaxonville training center. More recently they have added the plant in Tuscaloosa for very specific EV training that includes on-road, off-road and autocross driving, as well as a tour of the assembly plant to see how the vehicles are produced.
BCL: We know your team is always giving back. Are you still involved in Soccer in the Streets?
GM: Yes, very much so. We just had the Nations Cup tournament that is held each year as a fundraiser. Next, we will be working on how to leverage the upcoming World Cup that will have matches here in Atlanta. We want to use the excitement around this to help draw attention to the organization and what they are doing for children in Atlanta.
BCL: This month, you'll be celebrating Father's Day. Tell us about your family.
GM: I have been married for 20 years to my wife Cristin. We have two girls, aged 15 and 12. The youngest is in her last year at Schenck School and will be joining our oldest at Woodward Academy next year. I was recruited by Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead from another Mercedes-Benz dealer in Chicago almost 20 years ago and have been at Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead ever since.
