Silver Star Motors, the authorised distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Jamaica, will no longer provide aftersales service support for vehicles imported outside of the manufacturer’s authorised distribution network.
It follows what the dealership called the influx of “grey market vehicles” and the risk this poses to the premium brand.
Richard Lechler, sales manager at Silver Star Motors, the Mercedes-Benz arm of Stewart’s Automotive Group, said the company was compelled to clarify its position after noticing an uptick in imported Mercedes-Benz units arriving through channels outside the manufacturer’s authorised distribution network. He described the issue as “moderately pressing”, stressing that the priority is protecting the Mercedes-Benz brand and safeguarding customers’ ownership experience.
On the weekend, Silver Star stated on its Instagram that it “deserves the right to accept or deny any grey market vehicles that were previously registered for service” within its workshop network. Also, they will “no longer provide aftersales services support for grey maket Mercedes-Benz vehicles”.
It’s more for self-preservation of the brand, Lechler explained in a Financial Gleaner interview. “As an authorised dealer, we want to ensure that we have the correct tools, the correct parts catalogues and the correct training to service vehicles,” he said.
“All we want to do is give our customers the best possible technical servicing. It’s to protect our Mercedes-Benz customers.”
Grey market vehicles are imported through unofficial channels, bypassing the manufacturer-controlled supply chain. They can originate from second-hand dealers, auction lots, accident write-offs, or vehicles with uncertain histories. “We’re seeing everything under the umbrella,” he said.
One of Silver Star’s concerns is that many grey market units were not engineered or approved for the Jamaican or Caribbean environment, making them incompatible with local fuel standards, climate conditions, or service infrastructure.
Lechler pointed to Euro 7 Mercedes-Benz engines, designed for Europe’s highest emissions and fuel-efficiency standards, now appearing in Jamaica through unauthorised imports. “Jamaica simply doesn’t have fuel that’s capable of operating properly within those engines,” he said. “If I were to import an engine up to Euro 7 standards … it may work sometimes and it may not work other times. It’s not approved by the manufacturer for use in our market.”
Because of this, no warranty or servicing support can be offered, and Silver Star would be prohibited from ordering critical replacement parts – especially theft-relevant components like ECUs, or ignition systems digitally locked to a vehicle’s VIN.
By contrast, customers purchasing through Silver Star Motors receive full manufacturer-backed warranty protection, certified servicing, and guaranteed access to genuine parts and Mercedes-Benz trained technicians.
Lechler emphasised that Silver Star is not trying to police the market or restrict consumer choice, but rather to ensure Jamaicans understand the risks.
“At the end of the day, we’re looking out for our customers who are making the investment of purchasing through the authorised dealer,” he said.
IMPLICATIONS FOR GREY MARKET BUYERS
• No manufacturer warranty: Buyers exposed to potentially high repair costs.
• Limited or unavailable servicing: Vehicles may fall outside Jamaica’s authorised specifications.
• Hidden histories and unknown risks: Units may originate from accident write-offs, salvage auctions, or other high-risk categories.
neville.graham@gleanerjm.com
