Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA) and Simon, a global leader in premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, have unveiled a transformative strategic partnership. This collaboration centers around Mercedes-Benz HPC NA's endeavor to establish a network of premium EV charging hubs across the United States and Canada, with Simon providing the ideal platform for these charging facilities.
The agreement between these two esteemed brands signifies a significant milestone in their shared commitment to delivering top-notch experiences to their customers. For Mercedes-Benz, this initiative reaffirms its dedication to providing a high-quality charging experience to drivers of all electric vehicle (EV) brands, emphasizing speed, reliability, safety, and proximity to attractive amenities. Notably, this expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network to Simon locations will contribute to creating hundreds of construction jobs in the communities where these hubs will be situated.
Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “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.”
Chip Harding, Senior Vice President of Simon Media & Experiences, welcomed Mercedes-Benz as a premier EV charging provider within Simon's network, stating, “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.”
The essence of this strategic alliance includes several key initiatives:
- The deployment of Mercedes-Benz branded EV fast chargers at a minimum of 55 Simon retail properties.
- The incorporation of Mercedes-Benz advertising across Simon's out-of-home media infrastructure.
- The utilization of Simon centers for Mercedes-Benz vehicle launches, vehicle displays, and test-drive opportunities, seamlessly integrating EV charging into the daily lives of drivers who frequent shopping, living, working, and recreational areas.
This partnership serves as one of Mercedes-Benz HPC NA's initial steps toward realizing its commitment to expand the EV charging infrastructure across North America in a value-driven approach. The company is strategically establishing charging hubs in locations where EV drivers live and travel, ensuring that high-quality charging services meet the practical requirements of today's EV owners, all while using 100% clean energy sources.
Mercedes-Benz has been consistently broadening its public charging offerings worldwide. Initiatives such as the Europe-wide fast-charging network joint venture IONITY and a North American high-power charging network expansion, in collaboration with other automotive manufacturers, are evidence of the company's electrification strategy. The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, featuring branded charging hubs, represents another crucial step in Mercedes-Benz's commitment to EV infrastructure expansion.
