Like you, I've seen my share of change "fear mongers". I'm sure we'd hear how moving to manufacturers' interfacing directly with their customers on the sales/service end would bring them out in droves.
The usual rallying cries would be typical....
1. loss of jobs 2. can't trust the manufacturers to do what's right for the customer (as if the dealerships have such a sterling reputation to uphold in that regard) 3. higher prices....I personally think prices would go lower given the inefficiencies of having such a large dealer network and the infrastructure to support it 4. lack of service....see #2
I'm sure there would be more. But, I think it would be a good move for manufacuturers to start buying up franchises and closing them down in favor of factory stores.
To be fair, there are also some positives when you have network of independent contractors working on their own account. They will likely know a bit better about unique aspects of their market (what works, what does not) and they may potentially be much more motivated to sell product, as each sale is much bigger deal for them than the big company. However, seeing dealer networks consolidation and getting to size that starts rivaling manufacturers themselves (AutoNation, CarMax, etc.), I see same corporate nonsense there as you'd inside of Ford or Toyota. Some of those dealer networks start looking like crooked versions of Walmart. Both pay their salesforce nothing, treat them like s..t. The difference, Walmart employee is not forced to lie or push junk products on the customer.
What bothers me most in current car retail model is not as much the pricing, although it could be improved. It is all the rest - F&I, mop&glo, bogus claims in service departments, etc. "Customer focus" translates in using all possible tactics to sell more stuff of questionable value - sometimes literally zero value. When you pick up Chinese made cheap junk at Walmart, nobody is standing and pushing it to you. In local friendly car dealer, they act like if you don't buy that paint sealant, extended warranty, or wallet, err. coolant/brake fluid/power steering flush, your car will disintegrate upon exit from the gate - plus you just cost that poor pusher, errr "advisor" his job (or at least some kind of bonus). This bothers me much more than the fact that I might have paid five hundred or thousand bucks more for a new car than the other guy.
Dino, there are always flaws in my logic - you should know that by now!!!
What I was trying to convey has to do with the tremendous entanglements manufacturers currently have with franchised dealerships. Not only that, the large dealers franchises like Longo, Penske, Rick Case, AutoNation, etc., are the dealerships of the future, not the "mom and pop" dealerships of yesteryear. The small, independent dealerships will survive in small towns and villages, however in the cities and suburbs, it's the large conglamorates that have the edge for many reasons, but mostly because manufacturers would rather deal with large franchisees rather than the small ones.
As an example, AutoNation sells 12% of all Mercedes Benz Vehicles sold in the United States. That is a huge chunk, to be sure. They have cornered the market in Southeast Florida, Chicago & Vicinity, Los Angeles and Vicinity, Dallas and Vicinity, to name a few.
Manufacturers would prefer selling to high volume dealerships (100+ new vehicle sales per month) rather than to individual dealerships that sell only a fraction of that amount.
IMHO, I do not see manufacturers taking over the final sales points in the marketplace for many of the reasons I stated in my original post.
Saturn didn't go away because of the one price for new cars
No, it was a multitude of reasons, including what you outlined. However, "sticker pricing" was one of the reasons demand was low. Initially, GM had the right idea, however it ignored Saturn and their quality control suffered. Just before the demise of the company, they had begun to put out some darn good looking vehicles.
"The book sounds like fun, but I understand he makes fun of bmw drivers"
Driver--
He mainly makes fun of those 80s and 90s yuppies, and "Bobos" (Bourgeois Bohemians) and their search for "unpretentious exclusivity" which is an oxymoronic term coined by David Brooks of the New York Times.
The writer does poke fun at some of the trends, but it's mostly a even-handed, even reverent look at the automobile's influence on Americans.
It's not like each McD's is individually owned - it's mid size and large corporate owners that franchise McD's and they have the same sort of management structure.
Not sure that's true. I have two good friends who each own a McDonald's restaurant (franchise, of course). McD's dictates a lot of things, like the state of the restaurant (decor, cleanliness, certain features), and of course food supply/quality, but the owners are free otherwise to run as they see fit. They told me that the privately-owned ones do much better profit-wise and are nicer, better staff, better pay, etc., than the corporate-owned ones. I got the impression that McD's would rather franchise than own, but sometimes it just makes sense for them to own one in a location that no one is interested in franchising, so they don't miss the sales opp.
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You are right. Michaell and Rob are correct about questions #1 and #2. There is an abundance of automotive knowledge and trivia on this forum. It was the CVCC version of the Civic that met emissions standards, but it was the Accord that really influenced the marketplace. In the late 70s I used to think those Civic CVCCs were so cool. What the hell was I thinking?
I will give the Gremlin a little credit. It was the first car I can remember that sought cache by combining forces with another well known brand. The "Levis Denim Seats" option (or was it a separate edition?) predate all those Eddie Bauer and LL Bean versions of contemporary rods. Perhaps you, or others are aware of even earlier partnerships?
Back in the late 80s I read a book called McDonalds: Behind the Arches. It was really informative about the history, growth, franchising and merchandising of the brand. In the 70s Ronald McDonald was second only to Santa Claus as a recognizable "person" in surveys of children. That is scary, powerful, brilliant marketing.
Maybe it won't come as a surprise, but in The 70s and 80s most of McDonalds' wealth was in real estate. This coincided with the corporation becoming an international force well before their primary competitors. Of course partnerships with Coca Cola and exclusive partnerships with meat packers, potato growers, etc streamlined their food prep process and paid big dividends. You all can judge for yourselves whether having your burger made from 1000 cows as opposed to one from a local butcher is progress.
For a long period, and it may still be true, McDonalds often had their restaurants on the most desirable (i.e. highest traffic) corners in every small or mid-size city. Even if the restaurant failed the corporation had a lucrative parcel of land to sell.
Car dealerships can't even be operated with that model - in most states it is illegal due to franchise laws. I wish someone could try an Apple like model, where you can buy from the factory directly or from an assortment of re-sellers. I realize cars aren't exactly like electronics, but some of us get new cars more often than phones or computers
I remember when a local Nissan dealership's owner got caught on a hidden camera making inappropriate slurs. Nissan wanted to pull his franchise but not lose the business, so they had to find someone else to take it over and very quickly. I don't know the exact details of the deal they made, but it seems like the McDonalds model could have been used here - Nissan runs the store until a new rich guy is found to buy the franchise.
Chick-fil-a is run the same way. My wife has a friend who is a corporate store manager. When a franchisee wants out Chick-fil-a corporate takes over until a new person buys the franchise. My wife's friend moves into town to manage the store while it is corporate owned.
Sorry for the rambling post...
2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
Just before the demise of the company,[Saturn] they had begun to put out some darn good looking vehicles.
Well the the 2014 S-Class may not be that looking but it features cutting edge technology. According to this MB video, the list of gizmos and features include “LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, Air Balance air filtering with perfuming feature, Magic Body Control--Mercedes’ new predictive road surface scanning active suspension, and the First Class Rear Suite option, featuring an aircraft-style tray table, massage seats, mobile device integration, and built-in WiFi connectivity.” Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CLd6wSWmKKc
Here we are in Florida for a week, just checking on the ranch. I got an Impala rental car...costs about the same as a ride home and back to the airport.
This is a rental car Impala, not to be confused with 2014 consumer Impala.
The good, solid, comfortable, good room inside, pretty good steering, very solid, could live with this car.
Not so good; No remote with Alamo...just keys, so locking it up is a chore...first click all doors locked then use key on drivers door.
No key hole for trunk, open car, find button to open trunk, press button.
I came off the highway and have to cross 3 lanes of traffic within a short distance to make it before upcoming traffic. I put my foot down on the gas and the car just freezes...engine just freezes up...no power. Have to take evasive action and stay in right lane, turn to the right, make a U-turn and get to the street I was trying for.
Took the Passat for a spin when we got to our place. Just a lot more pleasant, nicer design, better handling, little engine hums, much nicer looking interior and controls are more conveniently placed, actually fun to drive.
Both cars were pretty good....I thought the Impala was much better than I thought it would be. I'd be OK with the Impala, though it doesn't bring much joy to life.
McDonald's is indeed reducing the number of corporate owned stores and multi unit operators are typically the ones buying them.
Interesting article about how McDonald's franchisees are getting tired of offering more low or no profit items and having to make more complicated menu items.
But 90% of the stores are franchises. Disharmony with franchisees would be a serious problem for McDonald's; franchisees operate 90 percent of the company's 14,000 U.S. restaurants. 90% of McD's franchised 90% McD's franchised
Relating to cars - it is very expensive to control a dealer network and have all those employees on the payroll.
what I can't understand is why anyone would ever step foot into a Mcdonalds (or in car terms, go through the drive thru) unless there was absolutely no other option. I am trying to make it my goal to never eat there again in my life.
and I had a rental impala once. Never again. Awful car. And I drove my FIL's once and it was nasty (and this was practically brand new). seats, everything.
I did have a Malibu last October for a 500 mile drive. I did like that one, much more than I expected.
what I can't understand is why anyone would ever step foot into a Mcdonalds (or in car terms, go through the drive thru) unless there was absolutely no other option. I am trying to make it my goal to never eat there again in my life.
I don't go often, but I do like McDonald's.
Also, it's good sometimes when you're travelling. You know exactly what you're going to get, and it won't get you sick.
We have a consumer column in our local paper, this one was good. I can't copy it so I'll do it in point form;
*Guy buys a brand new truck, don't know make *Windshield looks wavy when he drives into the sun *Takes the truck to dealer and service manager says there is nothing wrong with windshield *Consumer takes the truck to a glass place and they say the windshield was a replacement *Goes to dealer who says there was no record of the windshield being replaced. *Windshield gives the consumer a headache because of wavy affect.
Answer-Dennis O'Sullivan, Wheels:
*Service mgr was correct, he had no record of windshield being replaced, because the truck came from another dealer. *Had the SM checked and done some work and taken the complaint seriously he would have found out the windshield was damaged in transport, and the other dealer installed an after market windshield....which the manufacturer said was not right. *The manufacturer made sure the window was replaced correctly and this won't happen again at that dealership.
I had a rental impala once. Never again. Awful car. And I drove my FIL's once and it was nasty (and this was practically brand new). seats, everything.
Agree on the Impala. I had one as a rental while my Accord was in the body shop for a few days. It drove like a damn boat. The best phone call I got that week was when Enterprise needed to swap it out because it had been sold. They switched me into a Nissan Murano, which was a MUCH nicer drive!
Any of you catch the segment on NPR this morning about customers who are now renting tires? They aren't renting them in the way, say, you'd rent a power tool, carpet steamer or book (from a library), but instead are based on the Aaron's rent-to-own model for furniture and electronics. Everyone here recognizes why that business model is not beneficial to consumers.
Both folks interviewed bought from a franchise called Rent 'n Roll and both knew they were paying much more for the tires because of interest, but it was the only way each could afford replacement tires. Yikes! I think the interviewer said that interest was quite high and that the company was thriving.
Remember when retreads could be purchased? I guess they must not have been safe otherwise someone would still be doing it as an alternative. I have to admit that rent-to-own tires flies in the face of sensible spending. Many of the buyers are paying bi-weekly and can not afford $400-$600 for a new set. Actually the woman said she needed two truck tires and the lowest cost she could find was $400 and that was more than she could afford, but she could manage the bi-weekly payment. Naturally she has no credit card or sufficient credit score to get a credit card.
Do you think rent-to-own tire companies offer (require?) some kind of gap insurance for road hazard like what someone would get leasing a car?
What's next, rent-to-own filters and oil? Rent-to-own windshield wipers?
That is no different than the places that do payday loans at horrific interest rates. People are desperate and feel they have no other choices.
There is a commercial that runs here offering 10,000 to anyone who applies (?).
It is a Tribal company so rules don't apply. The fine print states it's for seven years at 89% interest! Payments are over 700.00 a month with a total payback of nearly 70,000!!
And, yes, I certainly remember retreads. Back when I was very young those were all any of us could afford. Never had a problem that I can remember with them.
Do you think rent-to-own tire companies offer (require?) some kind of gap insurance for road hazard like what someone would get leasing a car?
Good question. Nonetheless, this is just another usurious scheme that preys on the poor and the marginalized.
Perhaps I missed it, but can you return the tires? The word "rent" suggests the customer has the option to return the tires. If that option is NOT available then it is not a rental but rather an installment purchase. Hmm, I wonder who regulates these businesses?
The word "rent" suggests the customer has the option to return the tires.
I remember when rental TVs were a big thing...$1 an inch a month. So a 26 in tv was $26 a month to rent, so over 3 years you pay $900 for a $400 tv.
The tires will probably be the same, $25 a month for 3 years or $900 for a $400set of tires. If they want to return the tires they can, the rental company still makes a profit. The "poor" consumer just thinks about the $25 a month he will pay, less than a $1 a day.....much better than trying to come up with $400.
Just a few years ago MB thought that cup holders were too fancy and not needed. How times have changed!!
Not entirely their fault since automakers develop cool new car technologies faster than regulators can approve them. After running into so many roadblocks in the U.S. Mercedes was forced to launch many of its new technology in other countries before the US. I wonder if regulators in Canada are so rigid?
BMW had ABS on some of their European models back in 1981. BMW didn't install ABS across their US product line until 1985. I talked to some BMW engineers who told me that BMW was very concerned about the litigious business climate and therefore they did a considerable amount of on and off road evaluation and testing before they introduced ABS in the US market.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
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aunch many of its new technology in other countries before the US. I wonder if regulators in Canada are so rigid?
In Canada, we usually follow your lead in the US. Since we are only 10% of the market, we can't force too many changes. We do require front lights on during the day for one thing. There are some other modifications because these things have to be done if you buy a car in the US and then bring it across the border. Some people do this to save about 20%
One fellow I know bought a $100K Jaguar, 2 years old, low mileage, for $42K. He bought it from a dealer in the US who bought it at a wholesale auction....gave him a warranty as though the car had been bought from his used car lot.
Back many years ago, tire pressure monitors were introduced, but took quite a few years before it became a popular, if not standard, feature on many/most automobiles. The question is:
Which manufacturer was the first to come out with tire pressure monitoring for all 4 wheels?
How did the system function as opposed to the modern systems in most vehicles today?
Try not to google this until the responses are all in, OK?
2) Works off the ABS system to read differences in wheel speed.. Assumes that a wheel that is turning faster has a smaller diameter from loss of tire pressure..
2) Works off the ABS system to read differences in wheel speed.. Assumes that a wheel that is turning faster has a smaller diameter from loss of tire pressure..
That part is correct - but how does the above TPMS differ from the ones that are coming out now?
Works off the ABS system to read differences in wheel speed.. Assumes that a wheel that is turning faster has a smaller diameter from loss of tire pressure..
...and which auto manufacturer was the first to include TPMS's in it's cars?
It's not that the current version (active monitoring) is "modern" and the first version (wheel rotation) is "old". It's becasue the feds decided only active monitoring system will count toward their nanny-state requirement.
It's not that the current version (active monitoring) is "modern" and the first version (wheel rotation) is "old". It's becasue the feds decided only active monitoring system will count toward their nanny-state requirement.
That is correct - the original version measured tire rotation - the more a tire rotated, the less inflated it was, however it did not measure actual tire pressure.
Active monitoring systems have improved geometrically in the past 2 or 3 years. In my Mercedes Benz, there are individual transmitters in each wheel that send signals to the computer which then transmit to the driver the actual tire pressure, in pounds, to the read out in the dash. My car does not have to be moving to indicate tire pressure readings. If I pull in to the service dept, and tell them that the tires are over inflated, they actually use the sensor read-outs in the left dash to get to a tire pressure that is recommended - they no longer use a separate tire pressure gauge - they found out that those gauges are very inaccurate.
There is currently a 3rd generation system in the works that uses both wheel rotation and actual pressures to monitor inflation in each tire as well as tread wear in each tire.
When they replaced my wheels and tires after I bought my car, they did not have to change the wheel sensors from the old wheels to the new wheels (which they used to have to do in order to match the computer sensors). The sensors are now 3rd generation - they are interchangeable with any Mercedes E Class.
Now, for the very first question, which manufacturer was the first to utilize the tire pressure monitors in its vehicles?
"Active monitoring systems have improved geometrically in the past 2 or 3 years. In my Mercedes Benz, there are individual transmitters in each wheel that send signals to the computer which then transmit to the driver the actual tire pressure, in pounds, to the read out in the dash."
MB has a very sophisticated system, one which I hope will filter down to more mainstream brands, but which will add another expense. I, for one, don't mind paying more for safety.
Our two cars (Scion and Mazda) both have tire pressure sensors in each tire, but a low tire warning light doesn't tell you which tire. Call me lazy, but I would like a system that would tell me which tire--or even better--one like Mike's MB so I know when to refill. I know that we are supposed to check once per month at minimum, but... Recently, I discovered my wife's car's front tires had been overfilled by 10 psi. No telling for how long. I think it was the "helpful staff" at the one full service gas station in town. I hope it wasn't the dealership. Maybe they took her for someone who wouldn't check for three or four months, so better to over inflate than risk having it run too low before her next visit. Of course, they'd be correct about her failing to check.
For all I know newer mainstream cars may already have this feature.
I have a air compressor so that I can pump air into my car tires at home. As a cyclist I can tell you that I have to pump up (by hand) my high pressure tires on my road bike (120 psi) every day (or before every ride) as they lose about 10 psi per ride and more over the course of a week just sitting. When a low tire means expending extra physical energy I'm right on it, but when it simply leads to early wear, poor gas mileage and the greater likelihood of an accident I'm not as diligent. How dumb is that?
Now, for the very first question, which manufacturer was the first to utilize the tire pressure monitors in its vehicles?
Without a google reference I'll take a shot from my first experience with tire pressure sensors. My 98 Corvette had them and listed each tire's pressure so it must have been actual sensors.
For all I know newer mainstream cars may already have this feature.
Most of the newer monitoring systems show the exact tire pressure for each of the 4 tires. If one of my tires is underinflated by 4 pounds or more, not only do I get a flashing tire warning, but on my info screen, it shows which tire, the air pressure of that tire, and a warning to inflate tire to normal range.
It shows a picture of the car from above, showing all 4 tires, and the tire pressure for each tire.
If the tires "overinflate", I also get a warning. Right now, with the higher heat on road surfaces, my rear tires show 40 lbs. and my front tires show 37 lbs. Cold inflation for them is 34 front and 36 rear, which is factory settings for the tires on my car.
No cigar, mako. Quite frankly, I did not know the answer to that question (first manufacturer to employ tire pressure monitors on their cars) until 2005 when I took 4 of my sales personnel to a manufacturers training session in Houston. The manufacturer I worked for had a session on their newly installed tire pressure monitors in their 2007 model luxury cars showing actual inflation pressure, not just that a tire might be underinflated some where on the car.
I like the system in my Buick. It tells you exactly how much air is in each tire. My Genesis didn't give you the amount of air but did have a graphic indicating which tire was actually the one with low pressure.
I actually think TPMS is a good idea, especially when temps start to drop and so does the pressure in your tires. Most non-car people never check tire pressure.
My Explorer has a TPMS sensor. To be honest, it's never gone off except when my winter tires are on the vehicle so I have no idea if it tells me the specific tire. When leaving the house in the winter, it's fine because the summer tires with the sensors are close by in the garage. I get about 10 minutes away and the light goes off.
Personally I think those tire pressure monitors are a PITA
I agree that without providing you with the exact tire pressure for each tire and the position of that tire on the car, it can be a pain - however the newer monitors provide exact pressure, the pressures in each tire, and the position of that tire on the vehicle.
Down here in the extreme heat, the monitors can be helpful in alerting you to overpressure. And when it starts to get colder here in the winters (below 65 degrees), it can alert you to severe under inflation of tires due to the cold air. The worst thing you can do to low profile sport tires like I have on my car is to drive on them with less than 30 pounds of pressure. It wears them out quickly and can damage the rims on quick turns and stops.
Which manufacturer was the first to include tire pressure monitors on their cars?
It was Volkswagen! Interestingly enough, back in the 80's and 90's, Volkswagen was not considered a very "techy" manufacturer, however they were the first to adopt this "new" invention. If you google this, you will see that it was first developed by a couple of inventors - Volkswagen bought the rights to the new inventions for their cars.
There were some patent problems with the invention(s), but eventually these were settled.
Remember the story of the guy who first invented the intermittent windshield wipers which Chrysler stole from him and the ensuing massive court case that subsequently upheld that Chrysler had stolen the invention from this guy? I believe there was a book written about it and it was turned into a Hollywood film, as well.
Don't have a clue but I would guess Mazda. This brings up another interesting question, do run-flat tires have the TPMS as well? By the way, a manufacturer (can't remember the brand) was promoting its advanced TPMS that not only indicated that your tire pressure was low but would also prevent over inflation.
All great technologies but isn't nitrogen filled tires supposed to negate the need for a TPMS?
Remember the story of the guy who first invented the intermittent windshield wipers which Chrysler stole from him and the ensuing massive court case that subsequently upheld that Chrysler had stolen the invention from this guy?
That was Ford that copied the idea but I get the point.
Comments
Like you, I've seen my share of change "fear mongers". I'm sure we'd hear how moving to manufacturers' interfacing directly with their customers on the sales/service end would bring them out in droves.
The usual rallying cries would be typical....
1. loss of jobs
2. can't trust the manufacturers to do what's right for the customer (as if the dealerships have such a sterling reputation to uphold in that regard)
3. higher prices....I personally think prices would go lower given the inefficiencies of having such a large dealer network and the infrastructure to support it
4. lack of service....see #2
I'm sure there would be more. But, I think it would be a good move for manufacuturers to start buying up franchises and closing them down in favor of factory stores.
What bothers me most in current car retail model is not as much the pricing, although it could be improved. It is all the rest - F&I, mop&glo, bogus claims in service departments, etc. "Customer focus" translates in using all possible tactics to sell more stuff of questionable value - sometimes literally zero value. When you pick up Chinese made cheap junk at Walmart, nobody is standing and pushing it to you. In local friendly car dealer, they act like if you don't buy that paint sealant, extended warranty, or wallet, err. coolant/brake fluid/power steering flush, your car will disintegrate upon exit from the gate - plus you just cost that poor pusher, errr "advisor" his job (or at least some kind of bonus). This bothers me much more than the fact that I might have paid five hundred or thousand bucks more for a new car than the other guy.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Dino, there are always flaws in my logic - you should know that by now!!!
What I was trying to convey has to do with the tremendous entanglements manufacturers currently have with franchised dealerships. Not only that, the large dealers franchises like Longo, Penske, Rick Case, AutoNation, etc., are the dealerships of the future, not the "mom and pop" dealerships of yesteryear. The small, independent dealerships will survive in small towns and villages, however in the cities and suburbs, it's the large conglamorates that have the edge for many reasons, but mostly because manufacturers would rather deal with large franchisees rather than the small ones.
As an example, AutoNation sells 12% of all Mercedes Benz Vehicles sold in the United States. That is a huge chunk, to be sure. They have cornered the market in Southeast Florida, Chicago & Vicinity, Los Angeles and Vicinity, Dallas and Vicinity, to name a few.
Manufacturers would prefer selling to high volume dealerships (100+ new vehicle sales per month) rather than to individual dealerships that sell only a fraction of that amount.
IMHO, I do not see manufacturers taking over the final sales points in the marketplace for many of the reasons I stated in my original post.
However, FLAWS IN MY LOGIC continue to abound!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
No, it was a multitude of reasons, including what you outlined. However, "sticker pricing" was one of the reasons demand was low. Initially, GM had the right idea, however it ignored Saturn and their quality control suffered. Just before the demise of the company, they had begun to put out some darn good looking vehicles.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Driver--
He mainly makes fun of those 80s and 90s yuppies, and "Bobos" (Bourgeois Bohemians) and their search for "unpretentious exclusivity" which is an oxymoronic term coined by David Brooks of the New York Times.
The writer does poke fun at some of the trends, but it's mostly a even-handed, even reverent look at the automobile's influence on Americans.
Gogiboy
Not sure that's true. I have two good friends who each own a McDonald's restaurant (franchise, of course). McD's dictates a lot of things, like the state of the restaurant (decor, cleanliness, certain features), and of course food supply/quality, but the owners are free otherwise to run as they see fit. They told me that the privately-owned ones do much better profit-wise and are nicer, better staff, better pay, etc., than the corporate-owned ones. I got the impression that McD's would rather franchise than own, but sometimes it just makes sense for them to own one in a location that no one is interested in franchising, so they don't miss the sales opp.
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You are right. Michaell and Rob are correct about questions #1 and #2. There is an abundance of automotive knowledge and trivia on this forum. It was the CVCC version of the Civic that met emissions standards, but it was the Accord that really influenced the marketplace. In the late 70s I used to think those Civic CVCCs were so cool. What the hell was I thinking?
I will give the Gremlin a little credit. It was the first car I can remember that sought cache by combining forces with another well known brand. The "Levis Denim Seats" option (or was it a separate edition?) predate all those Eddie Bauer and LL Bean versions of contemporary rods. Perhaps you, or others are aware of even earlier partnerships?
Gogiboy
Maybe it won't come as a surprise, but in The 70s and 80s most of McDonalds' wealth was in real estate. This coincided with the corporation becoming an international force well before their primary competitors. Of course partnerships with Coca Cola and exclusive partnerships with meat packers, potato growers, etc streamlined their food prep process and paid big dividends. You all can judge for yourselves whether having your burger made from 1000 cows as opposed to one from a local butcher is progress.
For a long period, and it may still be true, McDonalds often had their restaurants on the most desirable (i.e. highest traffic) corners in every small or mid-size city. Even if the restaurant failed the corporation had a lucrative parcel of land to sell.
Gogiboy
I agree forces of status quo are very powerful, they will keep this the way it is now.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
There are single outlet franchisees but an article I read noted that the average McDonald's franchisee owns 6 restaurants.
I got the impression that McD's would rather franchise than own...
McDonald's is indeed reducing the number of corporate owned stores and multi unit operators are typically the ones buying them.
I remember when a local Nissan dealership's owner got caught on a hidden camera making inappropriate slurs. Nissan wanted to pull his franchise but not lose the business, so they had to find someone else to take it over and very quickly. I don't know the exact details of the deal they made, but it seems like the McDonalds model could have been used here - Nissan runs the store until a new rich guy is found to buy the franchise.
Chick-fil-a is run the same way. My wife has a friend who is a corporate store manager. When a franchisee wants out Chick-fil-a corporate takes over until a new person buys the franchise. My wife's friend moves into town to manage the store while it is corporate owned.
Sorry for the rambling post...
Well the the 2014 S-Class may not be that looking but it features cutting edge technology.
According to this MB video, the list of gizmos and features include “LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, Air Balance air filtering with perfuming feature, Magic Body Control--Mercedes’ new predictive road surface scanning active suspension, and the First Class Rear Suite option, featuring an aircraft-style tray table, massage seats, mobile device integration, and built-in WiFi connectivity.” Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CLd6wSWmKKc
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
This is a rental car Impala, not to be confused with 2014 consumer Impala.
The good, solid, comfortable, good room inside, pretty good steering, very solid, could live with this car.
Not so good; No remote with Alamo...just keys, so locking it up is a chore...first click all doors locked then use key on drivers door.
No key hole for trunk, open car, find button to open trunk, press button.
I came off the highway and have to cross 3 lanes of traffic within a short distance to make it before upcoming traffic. I put my foot down on the gas and the car just freezes...engine just freezes up...no power. Have to take evasive action and stay in right lane, turn to the right, make a U-turn and get to the street I was trying for.
Took the Passat for a spin when we got to our place. Just a lot more pleasant, nicer design, better handling, little engine hums, much nicer looking interior and controls are more conveniently placed, actually fun to drive.
Both cars were pretty good....I thought the Impala was much better than I thought it would be. I'd be OK with the Impala, though it doesn't bring much joy to life.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Interesting article about how McDonald's franchisees are getting tired of offering more low or no profit items and having to make more complicated menu items.
But 90% of the stores are franchises. Disharmony with franchisees would be a serious problem for McDonald's; franchisees operate 90 percent of the company's 14,000 U.S. restaurants.
90% of McD's franchised
90% McD's franchised
Relating to cars - it is very expensive to control a dealer network and have all those employees on the payroll.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
and I had a rental impala once. Never again. Awful car. And I drove my FIL's once and it was nasty (and this was practically brand new). seats, everything.
I did have a Malibu last October for a 500 mile drive. I did like that one, much more than I expected.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Best $5 lunch out there..
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I don't go often, but I do like McDonald's.
Also, it's good sometimes when you're travelling. You know exactly what you're going to get, and it won't get you sick.
Aren't we so lucky that not having a remote for the car is a chore!!
Oatmeal in the morning with real fruit to add....$1.99 ($4 to $6 in a restaurant)!
2 seniors coffees and it is good coffee, for about $1.20 (varies a bit).
I think a hot chocolate fudge sundae was $1.29.
I don't know how they make a profit on the things we buy.
Oh yes, usually clean washrooms on a long trip....McD's should win a public service award.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Almost as bad as not having a remote for the TV!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
*Guy buys a brand new truck, don't know make
*Windshield looks wavy when he drives into the sun
*Takes the truck to dealer and service manager says there is nothing wrong with windshield
*Consumer takes the truck to a glass place and they say the windshield was a replacement
*Goes to dealer who says there was no record of the windshield being replaced.
*Windshield gives the consumer a headache because of wavy affect.
Answer-Dennis O'Sullivan, Wheels:
*Service mgr was correct, he had no record of windshield being replaced, because the truck came from another dealer.
*Had the SM checked and done some work and taken the complaint seriously he would have found out the windshield was damaged in transport, and the other dealer installed an after market windshield....which the manufacturer said was not right.
*The manufacturer made sure the window was replaced correctly and this won't happen again at that dealership.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Agree on the Impala. I had one as a rental while my Accord was in the body shop for a few days. It drove like a damn boat. The best phone call I got that week was when Enterprise needed to swap it out because it had been sold. They switched me into a Nissan Murano, which was a MUCH nicer drive!
Both folks interviewed bought from a franchise called Rent 'n Roll and both knew they were paying much more for the tires because of interest, but it was the only way each could afford replacement tires. Yikes! I think the interviewer said that interest was quite high and that the company was thriving.
Remember when retreads could be purchased? I guess they must not have been safe otherwise someone would still be doing it as an alternative. I have to admit that rent-to-own tires flies in the face of sensible spending. Many of the buyers are paying bi-weekly and can not afford $400-$600 for a new set. Actually the woman said she needed two truck tires and the lowest cost she could find was $400 and that was more than she could afford, but she could manage the bi-weekly payment. Naturally she has no credit card or sufficient credit score to get a credit card.
Do you think rent-to-own tire companies offer (require?) some kind of gap insurance for road hazard like what someone would get leasing a car?
What's next, rent-to-own filters and oil? Rent-to-own windshield wipers?
Gogiboy
There is a commercial that runs here offering 10,000 to anyone who applies (?).
It is a Tribal company so rules don't apply. The fine print states it's for seven years at 89% interest! Payments are over 700.00 a month with a total payback of nearly 70,000!!
And, yes, I certainly remember retreads. Back when I was very young those were all any of us could afford. Never had a problem that I can remember with them.
Renting tires or furniture is nuts!
It's kind of funny how somebody may not be able to affor to pay less, but they can afford to pay more. It is possible only in America...
When I hear/read stories like that I always ask myself how is that possible this nation sent people to the Moon and remains a superpower.
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Good question. Nonetheless, this is just another usurious scheme that preys on the poor and the marginalized.
Perhaps I missed it, but can you return the tires? The word "rent" suggests the customer has the option to return the tires. If that option is NOT available then it is not a rental but rather an installment purchase. Hmm, I wonder who regulates these businesses?
The guys who get to the moon are the ones who started the tire rental business, not the one's who rent the tires.....capitalism is alive and well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I remember when rental TVs were a big thing...$1 an inch a month. So a 26 in tv was $26 a month to rent, so over 3 years you pay $900 for a $400 tv.
The tires will probably be the same, $25 a month for 3 years or $900 for a $400set of tires. If they want to return the tires they can, the rental company still makes a profit. The "poor" consumer just thinks about the $25 a month he will pay, less than a $1 a day.....much better than trying to come up with $400.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I remember stopping as a gas station in Florida and seeing rent to own sheds on display. "Really" I thought!!
Not entirely their fault since automakers develop cool new car technologies faster than regulators can approve them. After running into so many roadblocks in the U.S. Mercedes was forced to launch many of its new technology in other countries before the US. I wonder if regulators in Canada are so rigid?
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
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In Canada, we usually follow your lead in the US. Since we are only 10% of the market, we can't force too many changes. We do require front lights on during the day for one thing. There are some other modifications because these things have to be done if you buy a car in the US and then bring it across the border. Some people do this to save about 20%
One fellow I know bought a $100K Jaguar, 2 years old, low mileage, for $42K.
He bought it from a dealer in the US who bought it at a wholesale auction....gave him a warranty as though the car had been bought from his used car lot.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Which manufacturer was the first to come out with tire pressure monitoring for all 4 wheels?
How did the system function as opposed to the modern systems in most vehicles today?
Try not to google this until the responses are all in, OK?
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That part is correct - but how does the above TPMS differ from the ones that are coming out now?
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...and which auto manufacturer was the first to include TPMS's in it's cars?
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2018 430i Gran Coupe
That is correct - the original version measured tire rotation - the more a tire rotated, the less inflated it was, however it did not measure actual tire pressure.
Active monitoring systems have improved geometrically in the past 2 or 3 years. In my Mercedes Benz, there are individual transmitters in each wheel that send signals to the computer which then transmit to the driver the actual tire pressure, in pounds, to the read out in the dash. My car does not have to be moving to indicate tire pressure readings. If I pull in to the service dept, and tell them that the tires are over inflated, they actually use the sensor read-outs in the left dash to get to a tire pressure that is recommended - they no longer use a separate tire pressure gauge - they found out that those gauges are very inaccurate.
There is currently a 3rd generation system in the works that uses both wheel rotation and actual pressures to monitor inflation in each tire as well as tread wear in each tire.
When they replaced my wheels and tires after I bought my car, they did not have to change the wheel sensors from the old wheels to the new wheels (which they used to have to do in order to match the computer sensors). The sensors are now 3rd generation - they are interchangeable with any Mercedes E Class.
Now, for the very first question, which manufacturer was the first to utilize the tire pressure monitors in its vehicles?
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MB has a very sophisticated system, one which I hope will filter down to more mainstream brands, but which will add another expense. I, for one, don't mind paying more for safety.
Our two cars (Scion and Mazda) both have tire pressure sensors in each tire, but a low tire warning light doesn't tell you which tire. Call me lazy, but I would like a system that would tell me which tire--or even better--one like Mike's MB so I know when to refill. I know that we are supposed to check once per month at minimum, but... Recently, I discovered my wife's car's front tires had been overfilled by 10 psi. No telling for how long. I think it was the "helpful staff" at the one full service gas station in town. I hope it wasn't the dealership. Maybe they took her for someone who wouldn't check for three or four months, so better to over inflate than risk having it run too low before her next visit. Of course, they'd be correct about her failing to check.
For all I know newer mainstream cars may already have this feature.
I have a air compressor so that I can pump air into my car tires at home. As a cyclist I can tell you that I have to pump up (by hand) my high pressure tires on my road bike (120 psi) every day (or before every ride) as they lose about 10 psi per ride and more over the course of a week just sitting. When a low tire means expending extra physical energy I'm right on it, but when it simply leads to early wear, poor gas mileage and the greater likelihood of an accident I'm not as diligent. How dumb is that?
Gogiboy
Without a google reference I'll take a shot from my first experience with tire pressure sensors. My 98 Corvette had them and listed each tire's pressure so it must have been actual sensors.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Most of the newer monitoring systems show the exact tire pressure for each of the 4 tires. If one of my tires is underinflated by 4 pounds or more, not only do I get a flashing tire warning, but on my info screen, it shows which tire, the air pressure of that tire, and a warning to inflate tire to normal range.
It shows a picture of the car from above, showing all 4 tires, and the tire pressure for each tire.
If the tires "overinflate", I also get a warning. Right now, with the higher heat on road surfaces, my rear tires show 40 lbs. and my front tires show 37 lbs. Cold inflation for them is 34 front and 36 rear, which is factory settings for the tires on my car.
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No cigar, mako. Quite frankly, I did not know the answer to that question (first manufacturer to employ tire pressure monitors on their cars) until 2005 when I took 4 of my sales personnel to a manufacturers training session in Houston. The manufacturer I worked for had a session on their newly installed tire pressure monitors in their 2007 model luxury cars showing actual inflation pressure, not just that a tire might be underinflated some where on the car.
Here's a hint, it was NOT an American make.
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We can thank Ford and Firestone for these!
What next?
I actually think TPMS is a good idea, especially when temps start to drop and so does the pressure in your tires. Most non-car people never check tire pressure.
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I agree that without providing you with the exact tire pressure for each tire and the position of that tire on the car, it can be a pain - however the newer monitors provide exact pressure, the pressures in each tire, and the position of that tire on the vehicle.
Down here in the extreme heat, the monitors can be helpful in alerting you to overpressure. And when it starts to get colder here in the winters (below 65 degrees), it can alert you to severe under inflation of tires due to the cold air. The worst thing you can do to low profile sport tires like I have on my car is to drive on them with less than 30 pounds of pressure. It wears them out quickly and can damage the rims on quick turns and stops.
Which manufacturer was the first to include tire pressure monitors on their cars?
It was Volkswagen! Interestingly enough, back in the 80's and 90's, Volkswagen was not considered a very "techy" manufacturer, however they were the first to adopt this "new" invention. If you google this, you will see that it was first developed by a couple of inventors - Volkswagen bought the rights to the new inventions for their cars.
There were some patent problems with the invention(s), but eventually these were settled.
Remember the story of the guy who first invented the intermittent windshield wipers which Chrysler stole from him and the ensuing massive court case that subsequently upheld that Chrysler had stolen the invention from this guy? I believe there was a book written about it and it was turned into a Hollywood film, as well.
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Don't have a clue but I would guess Mazda. This brings up another interesting question, do run-flat tires have the TPMS as well? By the way, a manufacturer (can't remember the brand) was promoting its advanced TPMS that not only indicated that your tire pressure was low but would also prevent over inflation.
All great technologies but isn't nitrogen filled tires supposed to negate the need for a TPMS?
That was Ford that copied the idea but I get the point.