For those of you who know Ed Owen- the friendly and trustworthy face of the old Hatch and Sons in Wayland- you may be glad to know that he is starting his own independent shop along with two of the top MB Tech's from Hatch and Sons. While I don't know all the details, from speaking with him, I know that it's called European Auto Solutions and will be located at 838 Moody Street in Waltham. They plan on top quality service that meets or exceeds their former employers' business with high end customer care and mercedes loaner cars. Opening in June. To reach them in the meantime, call 978.771.4568.

Also, since Hatch was bought out and has since become a Bentley Dealer, you may like to know that Hatch and Sons still exists and have relocated to their original address (from years' past) in Hudson, MA. I understand that they are primarily focused on sales of top notch used MB and other makes (as before).

I don't represent either parties, but have been a long time customer of Hatch's former service department, and can tell you that Ed Owen is trustworthy, knowledgable, and knows the business well. Pass the word and give him a try this summer.

If anyone knows more or has different info, feel free to add or correct!

It seems like whoever gave you this information led you to believe that the service department at the wayland location is no longer operating. That simply isn't the case. Hatch and Sons service department has always, and continues to be, headed up (as it has always been since its inception in Hudson back in the 80's) by Ken Hatch and his experienced techs. It continues to operate and be located in Wayland under the new name Heritage Motorwerks. I have been told it is sharing the storefront with Bentley at the facility. I still see Mercedes for sale out front as well. I also know that Bob Hatch has moved his sales portion to the old Hudson location (as agplate had stated). I don't think they will have service there though- it looks like it is a large showroom only. The body shop has since been closed in Wayland, but I know that the service department continues to put out superior quality and customer service as I just had two of my cars serviced there just last week and couldn't have been happier with the experience.

It will be interesting to see if Ed and his associates can imitate the real deal, especially with Ken Hatch and his lead techs still turning out top quality work out of the Wayland facility. I too have always found Ed to be very friendly and helpful, but I think I'll stick with Ken and his lead tech as they are the ones who through years of perserverence and hard work earned the reputation of one of the top independent Mercedes service departments in the country. I guess I just take comfort in the fact that the person that I talk to about my car actually can fix them themselves! Having that said I do wish Ed and the other techs luck in their new business. Branching out is never easy and it will be interesting to see if they have the goods to back up their claims of being as good as Hatch and Sons. Again, good luck to them.

As with agplate, I too am a longtime customer (from back in the days of the Hudson facility) and do not have affiliation with either parties on a personal basis, but I was bothered by the ongoing rumors that Hatch and Sons was bought out and no longer operating a service department. I am a business owner myself and know how frustrating these inaccurate rumors can be.

Hatch and Sons was bought out by Foreign Motors West. Heritage Motor Werks and Bentley df Boston are owned by FMW not Bob Hatch. Ken Hatch is still the Service Manager , but does not own Heritage.

John

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President Minuteman Section MBCA
www.mbca.org/minuteman

This is the pitfall of posting under a couple of different topics! I did say elsewhere on this discussion board that FMW did acquire Hatch and Sons and in no way did I mean to lead others to think otherwise. My prior post was purely to clarify that the people and philosophy that made Hatch and Sons service great are still there and operating under a different name (owner). Bob Hatch is in no way associated with Heritage Motorwerks. New owner - same great service. Although Ken doesn't own the business anymore, he sure stands behind his work as though he did! I know Ken and his family don't own it anymore- sorry it didn't come across clear enough in my last post.

Ed is indeed doing just fine at European Auto Solutions. They have more and more customers learning about them by word of mouth now that Hatch changed hands a couple of times. Hatch mostly does sales now, from what I heard. I've brought my 300CD to EAS for things I couldn't do on my own.

After they replaced my AC about two months ago, the compressor turned out to be defective and went south about a week after bringing the car home. Ed said they'd swap it out no problem and he did not charge me for the escaped freon. The shop doesn't get reimbursed by the manufacturer for the lost freon, even though the compressor was sold to them in a defective condition. Ed probably didn't make any money off the deal since had to replace the compressor under warranty, but the service was so good and properly done that I'll be back for sure. If you want to ensure you have a loaner though, book as far ahead as you can - the place is very popular.

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Gil

2004 ML350
1984 300CD; Ivory (sold)

UPDATE:
I've been a customer of Ed and EAS since my last post (up top) and have been very happy with the shop and the operation. There's a feeling of team spirit when dealing with any of the staff there, as though they have ownership (many of them do) and concern and I'm always treated with respect even though my car is 20 years old and I'm not an open checkbook customer. Ed understands MB owners like no one else and shares in the enthusiasm for new and old models alike.

When I was sure my alternator was shot, EAS found that it was just the voltage regulator and saved me $500 (or something). I can think of many shops who wouldn't necessarily be so ethical and concerned for the customer.

When I had two nearly bald tires on the front, but had to wait a while before I could buy new ones, Ed installed some adequate (but much better) used tires to help me get by. And charged me only for mounting and balancing. Of course I bought my new tires from EAS- based on Ed's recommendation of good Michelins at a reasonable rate.

When I cheaped out for a local yokel oil change, and found out how crappy the filter was- Ed and the guys swapped out an OEM filter that I had brought from home. With no fuss or complaint.

I don't want to give the impression that they just give away free stuff and service all the time. Truth is, I've spend a few bucks with them over the past year, but my point is that they KNOW how to treat customers and I'm certain that they run an honest, professional business.

Additionally, they have complimentary internet access, plasma TV in the clean, quiet waiting lounge (Ed, get some better lighting in there- make it a little more homey, homie), and a kids lounge with this funky wall that's a huge chalkboard. Practice your graffiti tags while waiting. Oh, and a free coffee bar.

Again, I don't represent EAS, but am sincere in my review and recommedation. I've recently moved to Arizona and can only pray to God that I can find a shop that's even half as good as Ed and Tim's.

Yes, I must also recommend EAS. I don't know what it is but it must just be enthusiasm for anything and everything Mercedes-Benz. I have MB dealers do repair work for me (Starmark), but for everything else, I go to EAS.

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe