stlippert

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"Farley said Tesla has a cost advantage of $2,000 a car because the electric automaker has a direct sales model that doesn’t include car dealers."

If the dealer model costs the consumer $2,000, isn't there a better way? And why should that $2,000 be protected by state franchise laws. IMHO, if a dealer truly adds value, then consumers would embrace them. Not so much on this forum. But regardless, let the consumer decide.
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exact33

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"Farley said Tesla has a cost advantage of $2,000 a car because the electric automaker has a direct sales model that doesn’t include car dealers."

If the dealer model costs the consumer $2,000, isn't there a better way? And why should that $2,000 be protected by state franchise laws. IMHO, if a dealer truly adds value, then consumers would embrace them. Not so much on this forum. But regardless, let the consumer decide.
I agree - let manufacturers and dealers compete against one another for customer business.

Dealers have the obvious advantage in that they control stock but do not have the service infrastructure that dealers have. I think instead of consolidation the likely outcome may be specialization
 

Illinibird

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Agreed. Hope the experience moves towards a Lexus type model. We had three of them before the Mach-e and the after sales experience is what kept us coming back more than the cars. If they had an EV...
Agreed! I had a Lexus RX 300 and the service experience was embarrassing in that they almost kissed your butt! I have never been so spoiled and pampered as when I took the car in for service. I had to tell them once to lighten up as it was too much trying to please me; I was already very happy with the car and their service. Ford has a way to go in this department IMHO. I had a Lincoln MKS and the treatment for that car was actually worse than my Ford experience and I had to switch back to my local Ford dealer for service on that car. Granted, the Lexus is more expensive than my Fords were (maybe with the exception of the Mach E) and one would expect better treatment from them but Ford needs to follow their model in customer satisfaction after the sale.
 

AhardFSU

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Agreed! I had a Lexus RX 300 and the service experience was embarrassing in that they almost kissed your butt! I have never been so spoiled and pampered as when I took the car in for service. I had to tell them once to lighten up as it was too much trying to please me; I was already very happy with the car and their service. Ford has a way to go in this department IMHO. I had a Lincoln MKS and the treatment for that car was actually worse than my Ford experience and I had to switch back to my local Ford dealer for service on that car. Granted, the Lexus is more expensive than my Fords were (maybe with the exception of the Mach E) and one would expect better treatment from them but Ford needs to follow their model in customer satisfaction after the sale.
Yes I had a RX350 before I got the Mach E and the Lexus service was impeccable. From sales to services the experience was top notch.

I didn’t expect a Ford dealership to provide that level of service, but I do expect them to be knowledgeable about the product they’re selling and supposed to service.

Still a long ways to go for the non-Telsa car manufacturers that are selling EVs. They’ll eventually get there bc it’s still earlier days in the US for EV acceptance and adoption.
 

jlauro

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"Farley said Tesla has a cost advantage of $2,000 a car because the electric automaker has a direct sales model that doesn’t include car dealers."

If the dealer model costs the consumer $2,000, isn't there a better way? And why should that $2,000 be protected by state franchise laws. IMHO, if a dealer truly adds value, then consumers would embrace them. Not so much on this forum. But regardless, let the consumer decide.
Personally, I am fine with it costing $2,000 more. Dealers do help with the quality control far better than Tesla sales offices do, plus more service centers, etc. is worth some extra. $2,000 is a bit steep, but I think most of us agree consumers and manufacturers should be able to decide and not have dealers protected by state franchise laws.
 

HuntingPudel

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I guess the “Supercharge your summer” ad was approved and created before the no more EV advertising edict. I just saw an ad featuring a Mach-e frunk filled with ice and edible goodies. 🤪🐩
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