A business founded on Service.
When the First World War finished in 1921, Mr. E. J. (Ted) Worrell founded the business in premises beside the Toorak Hotel, trading under the name of Albury & Worrell. New car franchises held were the famous Italian and British makes Lancia, Hispano Suize and Talbot.
In 1932, the Great Depression, forced the virtual closure of the business as it was known. Mr. Worrell moved to Carters Avenue to continue servicing local customers’ cars at a site which was previously a stable with a cobblestone floor (now the Mercedes-Benz showroom).
In 1943 Mr. John Worrell joined as an apprentice mechanic, where he remained throughout his entire working life. Over the next 20 years, the business grew rapidly. In 1953, the VW franchise was acquired and in 1963 Mr. Karl Hagen became a partner in the business (the workshop then employed 24 mechanics).
Significantly, the Mercedes-Benz Service franchise was first awarded to Worrells in 1969 followed by Sales in 1971, when a new workshop was built.
In 1973, the Used Car yard was acquired by exchanging titles on a house in North Balwyn.
In the mid 1970’s, the commitment to service growing customers’ needs was recognised when a building to commence a paint and panel repair shop was acquired in Church Street, Richmond and then relocated to High Street, Prahran. More recently, the paint and panel facility was replaced by Mercedes-Benz Autobody, a brand new state-of-the-art facility at Wharf Road , Port Melbourne.
In 2004, after 61 successful years in the business, Mr. John Worrell and Mr. Karl Hagan decided to retire. The year marked another momentous change in the history of Worrells. The business was sold to DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd - guaranteeing the future and development of Worrells for staff and customers.
In response to Worrells’ continued growth, the business has dramatically expanded. The Worrells business has welcomed the addition of a second branch site at Camberwell Junction. This showroom houses over 80 Executive Driven, Demonstrator and Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz, as well as the “smart” range of vehicles. In addition to the showroom facilities, this site also offers full Service and Parts Departments.
On Friday 12 June 2009, Worrells was renamed to Mercedes-Benz Toorak and Camberwell by President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific. A name change event was held to celebrate the end of a chapter in Worrells history, and the start of a new era as Mercedes-Benz Toorak. Both John Worrell and Karl Hagen were in attendance to mark the occasion.
More recently Mercedes-Benz Toorak, one of Victoria ’s longest-running new car dealerships, has now consolidated its entire retail operations. With extensive renovation work now complete at their Toorak-based showroom and workshop, the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership has now integrated its satellite Camberwell facility into its updated Toorak site.
Situated at Melbourne ’s five-way Burke Road / Riversdale Road intersection, Mercedes-Benz Camberwell was established as a temporary Mercedes-Benz customer sales and service centre whilst the dealership’s Toorak home-base underwent extensive refurbishment works. With these enhancements now finished, dealership operations have now returned to their usual format at Toorak.
Customers familiar with Mercedes-Benz Camberwell will find the same high-level service and support at Mercedes-Benz Toorak, located ten minutes’ drive away at 11 Carters ave, Toorak Village. 2011 saw Mercedes-Benz Toorak celebrate its 40th year as an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer.
2012 has brought more exciting changes, with Mercedes-Benz Toorak Service & Parts and Pre-Owned vehicle sales moving from Toorak to 29 Madden Grove in Richmond. The move came as a welcome change with the spacious, state-of-the-art facility ensuring our customers receive a service that is second to none.
Keep an eye out for further developments planned at Mercedes-Benz Toorak in 2012.
- Category:
- Automotive