mccdeuce

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The issue is that dealers need to change their business model. Get rid of the large lot. Get rid of way too many sales reps who know nothing about the cars. Build better service centers.

This is how some non American dealers have been doing business for years. All cars were “special” orders. So what I am relying on a dealer for is a knowledgeable service center - and based on posts in this forum we know that’s not currently the case.
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Guss-E 2021

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I do want a personal relationship with that dealer though so that, if I have a complex service issue, I can count on them.
Right. I've been going to the same independent mechanic for years. Someone who had a history with my car, etc. That being said, I'm not sure how much I trust him with the nuances of this car.

I don't love the idea of paying more for dealer service but at least with my dealership, I feel there will be more culpability and better knowledge of the vehicle. Maybe that's naïve but maybe not. This dealer gets excellent service reviews (one reason I picked them).

I say "my dealer" but in truth buying my MME was the first time I've ever done business with them. So far so good (purchase and HVBJB update).
 


Guss-E 2021

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We have been on a low inventory model for over a year now. Have gone from a 90+ day supply to a 7 day supply with no signs of increase...
You say "we". Do you work at a dealership?
 

Guss-E 2021

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Yeah, there are challenges for sure. But he's already committed to it publicly so I'd imagine he's beginning to work through the hurdles.
So just how big is the dealership lobby 🤔😏
 

RickMachE

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RickMachE

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franchisees can be a corporation and therefore a corporate entity and some are part of very large corporations
And some are not. And none are Ford corporate.
 

Rfehl62

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You say "we". Do you work at a dealership?
Yes sir...Ford has been cutting allocation to the bone for dealer stock. They have made it clear that we will never go back to the 90+ day supply of inventory that we used to have. Made to order is the only way.
 

RickMachE

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So when you said this, you meant Ford corporate?
RickMachE said:
Couldn't agree more. I never want to have to deal with corporate directly if I don't have to.
Yes. I deal directly with the GM of my dealership, he is one of the family owners. No bullcrap.
 

kennethjk

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Yes. I deal directly with the GM of my dealership, he is one of the family owners. No bullcrap.
generally speaking better to deal with local family business (even if a corporation) than big business with headquarters somewhere else.

my local Ford dealer has been family owned for over 50 years, no BS From them. For the most part a pleasure to deal with.

my local BMW used to be the same but was taken over by big entity. Just not the same. I used to be able to give a check in any amount and they would take it. several years ago I went in with a check to buy a car and they told me I had to get it certified. I explained never before did I need to do that, they said not anymore. New ownership.

local is just better even if not the cheapest.
 

Mach1E

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...this after Ford substantially raises the price of EV's...🤔
Yeah while true, consider these facts:

Dealers- significant record year over year profits for a few years running.

Ford? Not so much.

https://www.motor1.com/news/589765/dealership-profits-at-record-levels-q1-2022/amp/

“The average gross profit per new vehicle sits at $6,244. That's a whopping 180 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, and with supply chain problems still a major issue due to COVID-19 and the chip shortage, the trend is expected to continue through this year at the very least.”

https://ycharts.com/companies/F/revenues

Ford’s revenue has been basically flat for a decade.
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