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Comments
Mack
We're experiencing a few postoperative glitches after upgrading our software - it should be remedied soon. I find that navigating up to the main "Smart Shopper" page (link at top of this page) and using the link on that page to navigate back to here seems to fix the problem.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
R U a fan of the movie Used Cars??
Cause it's funny, you & the now deceased actor Jack Warden share the same "legal"? name.... or is it just the name of *his* character ... or yours perhaps?
Cause you are a character ....
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/dec2007/db20071220_511151.ht- m?campaign_id=rss_daily
This article appeared in Wall Street Journal earlier today: A group representing Jaguar dealers warned Ford Motor company not to sell Jaguar to Tata or Mahindra Mahindra (both Indian Companies). The reason is according to Ken Gorin, a chairman of the Jaguar Business Operations Council is that the public in USA and elsewhere in the world is not ready to buy luxury cars from a company that is based in India.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119696854814016075.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Now THE WORLD WILL BUY JAGUAR from a Company in INDIA. Cheers!!
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/dec2007/db20071220_511151.ht- - - - m?campaign_id=rss_daily
Jaguar Dealers Take Sides
One Equity Partners
Draws U.S. Support
Over Offers From India
By STEPHEN POWER in Frankfurt and ERIC BELLMAN in Mumbai, India
December 6, 2007 4:17 p.m.
The head of a group that represents Jaguar car dealers in the U.S. is warning Ford Motor Co. against selling its premium Jaguar brand to either of two interested bidders from India, because of what he called "unique image issues."
Instead of selling to India's Tata Group or Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Ford should sell Jaguar to another final bidder, One Equity Partners, said Ken Gorin, chairman of the Jaguar Business Operations Council. One Equity Partners is a unit of U.S.-based J.P. Morgan & Co.
"I don't believe the U.S. public is ready for ownership out of India" of a luxury-car brand such as Jaguar, Mr. Gorin said in an interview this week. "And I believe it would severely throw a tremendous cast of doubt over the viability of the brand."
Mr. Gorin said he and his fellow U.S. dealers also prefer One Equity Partners because the man leading One Equity's pursuit of the brands is Jacques Nasser. Mr. Nasser championed high levels of investment in Ford's European luxury brands when he was CEO of the Dearborn, Michigan, auto maker from 1999 until 2001.
Mr. Gorin said he wasn't judging the management capabilities of Tata or Mahindra. "My concern is perception [in the marketplace], and perception is reality," he said. "It's about saying there are unique image issues with two of the bidders that the other one doesn't have."
He added that his concerns wouldn't be relevant if the car brand being sold was mass-market. "We're a luxury brand....There are a number of subjective items that create the luster of a brand," Mr. Gorin said. "I don't mean to be negative towards anyone. I don't think we could have a Chinese-owned Jaguar" either.
A spokesman for Tata declined to comment on Mr. Gorin's remarks. Representatives for Mahindra couldn't be reached. A spokesman for Ford declined to comment. Last year, Jaguar derived 29% of its sales from North America.
Mr. Gorin's comments illustrate how groups with a stake in the future of Jaguar and Land Rover are choosing sides as Ford approaches a decision on selling them. Last month, about 60 senior shop stewards representing workers at Jaguar and Land Rover voted in favor of a resolution supporting Tata's bid, should Ford choose to sell the brands. The vote occurred a day after representatives of Tata, Mahindra and One Equity met separately with British trade-union leaders. Union officials want assurances that a sale of the brands wouldn't lead to job losses or factory closures.
While Mahindra has tended to specialize in tractors and off-road vehicles, Tata is a highly diversified conglomerate with experience in upscale businesses; its Indian Hotels division took over management of the landmark Pierre hotel in New York City in 2005. Tata Group also owns former British stalwarts Tetley Tea and steel company Corus Group PLC, giving the company extensive links to U.K. business and political leaders.
Ford acquired Jaguar for $2.5 billion in 1989 and Land Rover for $2.75 billion in 2000. The company has put them up for sale as it seeks to refocus on its Ford brand and its North American business. Ford posted losses of $12.6 billion last year and has seen its revenue tumble this year.
I debated something similar to this with Sonor drums which are mostly made in Germany and are the Rolls Royce of drums as they put it. Sonor shipped the tools and dies and shell making machines to China to have their entry to mid level drums made there and the Sonor faithful went up in arms! My set is made in China and it's just as good if not better than the German made ones. When a company is supervised by the parent company things turn out alright. Look at what Toyota has done. Pretty soon we are going to have Chinese Camrys and Corollas made in China. Will people care? I doubt it.
Mackabee
Hell if they want to sell something sell the damn Lincoln Mercury Division. They are dead men walking any how. Actually I wish they would just shut it down. I read a couple days ago that they are going to cease funding TV advertising for the lines and leave it in the dealers hands.
To give you an example we make the Crown Vic, they have the Grand Marquis. basically the exact same car, they are built on the same line. We have had Vics come in with Marquis badging on them.
Yet at any given time the Marquis will have $2000 more in rebates on them then the Vic.
OK, I'll accept!
OK, I'll accept!
Mack,
Don't know if you this but here at Nissan we do 39 months leases on almost all our vehicles. The only rhyme or reason I have figured out is it just lowers a 36 month lease payment.
I am sure seasoned veteran like yourself probably knows that is what Nissan does
The only thing I could think of is that he is looking at a Pathfinder. Good Luck! :surprise:
GP
This may coincide with the release of new vehicles as well. The Altima had a crazy 24 month lease. Most of those ended around the time the new Altima came out. I'm sure this isn't just coincidence. I believe that's a ditto on the Murano. Incidentally, when do you expect to see those on your lot? January?
-moo
I think you answered why this can't be done:
basically the exact same car, they are built on the same line.
You pretty much can't sell those lines because they are rebadged products of core Ford vehicles.
I agree they should be done away with, however. At least Mercury, anyway.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Not defending it - but the Grand Marquis represents just about 30% of car and 17% of all Lincoln Mercury sales. Further, it is my understanding that it is the top selling Ford product in the state of Florida. You take away the Grand Marquis and you take away a huge seller for dealers.
Besides, now that the Crown Vic is fleet only you might see Grand Marquis sales jump even more.
IF????
They already did buy LR/JAG as of Dec 21.
24 month lease on Altima:
Remember that. Trading people out of it sucks though
Well at 0600 this morning when I posted that I had no idea
what is sad?
That TATA wins LR/JAG
or
that Mr.Gorin insulted India?
PS. we are having our store's xmas party in our lounge and meeting room. Should be interesting since there will be beer served. Rule is if you're going to imbibe than don't greet any customers. It's usually slow anyways during the party but sometimes we get the occasional stray customer that wanders in.
Mack
Plus lease expires at different time of the year, which may (or may not) be less subsidized than the initial - but I don't know if they're as sophisticated to play such a game
2018 430i Gran Coupe
You mean no more surfer babe with the MKX?
Port Outbound, Starboard Home (POSH) & all that.
-Thanks ahead of time
Sell a Car, Be a Star!
Mackabee
- oo
You do not need a script. Be yourself, introduce yourself and invite them in to the dealership. Periodically have a reason to contact them (real reason) to keep your name in mind.
Our records show that you purchased new car from us in 2004. Do you still have that car?
I will be brief, the reason for my car is to let you know that your sales associate Jimmy Jobjumper is no longer employed here and I have been assigned your account.
If you would be so kind as to write my name down I would be happy to help you with any of your future needs in Sales or Service.
While I have you on the phone would you mind if I verified the information we have on record? Do you still live at 123 needanewcar lane? Great, if you don't mind I am going to send out a quick letter to you introducing myself along with a business card and a coupon for a discount on your next oil change, when you come in for the oil change please stop by the showroom and ask for me so I can formally introduce myself.
Once again thanks for shopping at ABC Ford and I look forward to servicing you and your family's account for a long time to come.
The goal of any word track is to start a dialog with a customer on a cold call, you will know in the first 10 seconds if you have some one who really wants to listen or if they just want you off the phone. Stay positive though because the oil change coupon will sometimes hook a guy that had no interest till you said discount.
If you store will allow it try to make it a free oil change and change the word track to "Just to say thank you for the putting up with the inconvenience of having to change Sales Associates we would like to offer you a free oil change, just come in and ask for me and I will arrange it in Service when you come in"
Also never bad mouth the previous sales person, even if you know him to be a jerk or if the customer bad mouths him, just simply say he has moved on with his career. Chances are if he is still in the biz he has contacted these folks already and if you are calling one of his good customers they will tell him his old store called him and the conversation.
Good luck at your new store.
Joel,
I love the fact that you use "Dang". i always get a chuckle when I read it because it reminds me of the movie " Joe Dirt "... No disrespect.
Every region has a differant vocab
Even up here in New England we have a different vocab.
We say words like " Wicked " and " Packy "
Here's my question of the day. Does anyone know what a Packy is?
as in " I am going to the Packy do you need anything? "
I hope no New Englanders give it away. ( Lauras Dad )
Anyway if no one plays along I wish everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy Hannaka or Happy Kuawansa or a Happy Holiday!
GP
GP, your forgot Feliz Navidad! Just to let yous all know I was born on Christmas day in 1955 so I'll be a 52 years young! I am still accepting gifts through the 2nd of January, cash is ok too! Happy Holidays to all. E-mail me for my address.
:shades:
Mackabee
After you receive it you can let the rest of the crew here in on the joke.
So many times you'll get someone from not around here and say " hey were going to the Packy " And they are like " What's that? "
Happy Birthday Mack!!! I can get you a " Dealer Rebate on Beautiful new Altima
Dang Joel you really surprised me by knowing that answer. :surprise:
Right now I have 4 bottles of booze for Christmas gifts from other sales people. Jose Cuervo, Jack Daniels, Malibu Rum, and a bottle of Grey Goose.
That may be a sign that people think I am a alchoholic. Anyway Good Cheers!!
GP
Here's my question of the day. Does anyone know what a Packy is?
Well I know "Wicked" is a play (got tickets to it for the wife for Christmas, hopes she takes me :shades: ).
Isn't a packy a dirty low down Green Bay fan? :shades:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
LOL
You are from Chi-Town right?
If you are What part of Chicago are you from again?
GP
Well actually, the reason I knew is because I was stationed in Upstate NY when I was in the Army and they called the Liquor stores on post Package Stores.
Well very close to it yes.
If you are What part of Chicago are you from again?
I will give you a hint, our police are in the national news. :sick:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Ahh Bowlingbrook?
How far is that from Chicago the city?
Chicago is a real party town or at least is was when i went there to visit some friends for a week. Last call 5 AM. That doesn't happen here in Boston
Not that i can stay at the long anymore either :surprise:
Car business takes a toll on you
GP
Last call 5 AM.
There are a few burbs that have 24 hour licenses. These places can stay open 24 hours a day serving. :sick:
Car business takes a toll on you
That I know.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My opionon: Peterson is as guilty as OJ
GP
There is a long history. In the early 1900s, when Britain ruled India, the chairman of the colony's Railway Board, Sir Frederick Upcott, was so skeptical about TATA, then a young steel company, that he declared he would "eat every pound of steel rail" that it could produce to Britain's exacting specifications. His subsequent indigestion is not recorded, even though Tata was producing hundreds of tonnes a year by 1916. Earlier this year, Tata paid almost $14 billion to buy Corus, British Steel's successor.
http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=E1_RDRTSRD
On another note, the Indian-born Vikram Pandit is now appointed to head the troubled financial giant Citigroup.
http://www.citigroup.com/citigroup/profiles/pandit/index.htm
FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2006 - Mittal Steel, run by Lakshmi Mittal, an Indian-born businessman based in London, had swallowed Arcelor, a European steel company. A new steel giant is to be created out of a bitter battle, after Arcelor formally agreed on Sunday to a €26.5 billion takeover by rival Mittal Steel.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/25/business/steel.php
13 February 2007 - Indian business conglomerate Aditya Birla group-owned flagship company Hindalco Industries Ltd. has agreed to takeover Atlanta-based aluminum giant Novelis Inc. for US$ 6.4 billion, in what is seen as the second largest foreign acquisition by an Indian company.
http://in.ibtimes.com/articles/20070213/birla-039-s-hindalco-buys-aluminum-giant- -novelis-for-us-6-4-billion.htm
Indra Nooyi, (born October 28, 1955 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) is the chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo, the world's fourth-largest food and beverage company. Pepsi's brand-new chief (as of Oct. 1) is a powerful force behind the consumer giant's strong profit pipeline and $108 billion stock market valuation. Formerly CFO and president, the Indian-born strategist reached the top even though she never ran a line operation at Pepsi. Nooyi believes in constant reinvention: "The minute you've developed a new business model, it's extinct, because somebody is going to copy it."
http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/fortune/mostpowerfulwomen/1.html
The moral of that story is not lost on India's corporate captains. They say that Western companies had better get used to the idea of Indians taking over.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D