i’m done with dealerships. i wish ford and gm had created clean-sheet, direct-to-consumer sub brands for their electric products. and didn’t gm do something pretty radical when they rolled out saturn in the 80s (separate dealers with non commissioned staff)? they could have at least done that. instead we get markup and sleaze.
MDWolinski|3 years ago
That being said, Ford has announced they're splitting their company into two: One for ICE vehicles, one for all electric. They're not saying much about who'll be handling the selling/distribution of the electric vehicles in the future. And dealer associations are rattling their legal sabers looking for answers.
Also, VW and their announced release of an all new Scout, under it's own brand, has also made little comment if current VW dealerships will carry it or what...
So there seems to be a move by Ford and VW to try (with new brands) the direct sales route with delivery/service centers similar to Tesla. However, that may be a long time coming with all the potential legal battles, etc.
I, however, also wonder if this move by VW/Ford is just to get the dealer associations to spend more lobby money and get direct-to-consumer car sales illegal in many more states, which seems the likely move by Dealers. This, then, would be a feign by the Manufacturers to hurt on particularly strong brand in the EV space.
xeromal|3 years ago
I hate having to wheel and deal. I usually go through craigslist or some other marketplace since I buy used and it's so much better than having to worry about coatings, etchings, addons, and warranties.
RickJWagner|3 years ago
EVs won't have oil changes, regular brake work, oil leaks, etc. There will be occasional air-conditioner repairs or window problems, but the bread-and-butter service revenue from ICE vehicles will be gone.
Dealerships might not be profitable enough to stay.
enragedcacti|3 years ago
If a dealer does bad work or tries to scam you, you can find another one. If Tesla denies your warranty claim you're out to dry.