Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The Bert Ogden Auto Group is proud to announce the grand opening of their Mercedes-Benz of Harlingen store! Located at 8522 W. Expressway 83, this new, technology-driven dealership offers the Rio Grande Valley a state-of-the-art automotive buying experience.
Mr. Robert Vackar, Chairman of the Board and Dealer Principal, Mrs. Janet Ogden Vackar, Chairwoman of the Board and President of Marketing, and Ms. Natasha del Barrio, Chief Executive Officer, are excited about this tremendous event that has been years in the making.
About Mercedes-Benz of Harlingen:
Bert Ogden’s Mercedes-Benz of Harlingen opened its doors in May of 2022 at its original location on Loop 499. With just a small amount of inventory on the lot, the Mercedes-Benz of Harlingen team, led by General Manager Michael Faul, managed to increase volume by 30% within the first year. With increased sales came an increase in community involvement. Mercedes-Benz of Harlingen proudly supports many Cameron County organizations such as:
- Harlingen Police Department
- Harlingen Greater Chamber of Commerce
- City of Harlingen
- Turkeys for Teachers
- Harlingen Area Educational Foundation
- Plus many more!
About Mercedes-Benz:
Mercedes began in 1900, founded by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG). The name Mercedes was inspired by brand investor Emil Jellinek’s daughter. In 1926, DMG merged with Benz & Cie, creating Mercedes-Benz.
In the 1930s, Mercedes-Benz introduced a series of luxury cars and cutting-edge technologies. The Mercedes-Benz 770 was used by dignitaries, while the Mercedes-Benz 500K became an icon of luxury. In the 1960s and 1970s, the brand introduced Diesel engines in passenger vehicles, enhancing fuel efficiency.
In the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz pioneered features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), crumple zones, and airbags. Today, the brand is shifting toward an electric future through its EQ sub-brand, including vehicles like the EQC and EQS, and aims to go fully electric by the end of the 2020s.
About The Bert Ogden Auto Group:
The Bert Ogden Auto Group includes 25 dealerships across the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Started in the 1970s by Bert and Dorothy Ogden, the group has grown significantly under the leadership of Robert and Janet Ogden Vackar.
What began in Edinburg, Texas, with a Buick/GMC/Pontiac store has expanded to include Mazda, Chevy, Nissan, KIA, and more. The group now holds over 30% market share in the RGV and is known for its strong community support.
Among their contributions is a major endowment to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) athletic program. The Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium will host the valley’s first Division I football team, the Vaqueros, in fall 2025.
