Buzz bucks

[Brons2]

I thought the VF9 was supposed to be a large SUV. Maybe there is different model numbers/nomenclature for different countries? Who knows. I am an EV geek but not that much of an EV geek to know their business plan.

 

[alarmguy]

I thought the VF9 was supposed to be a large SUV. Maybe there is different model numbers/nomenclature for different countries? Who knows. I am an EV geek but not that much of an EV geek to know their business plan.

I’m clueless. I didn’t even know this company existed until the page before this one.

 

[Brons2]

I’m clueless. I didn’t even know this company existed until the page before this one.

Their efforts have been mostly forgettable, so you can't exactly be blamed for not knowing who they are. I've only seen a couple of them in real life driving on the roads.

There's some pretty humorous videos on YouTube with EV reviewers trying to charge them and drive them. The operative word in that sentence being "trying". Some of the car mags reviewed the VF8 model, most said it was the worst, most broken vehicle they've ever tested.

Supposedly the software is much better now, but I'm not about to sign up to beta test it.

 

[Torrid]

From talking with VW reps at the 2017 Auto show when I mentioned I had seen this. Their response was to call the corporate office as VW dealerships are told that they can't price gouge. I foresee the VW bus being alot like when the "retro" Thunderbird or PT Cruiser came out. A few people got inline and paid the ridiculous mark ups then they had to discount what was left over.

I've been told by my local VW dealer that they're supposed to operate no haggle. No negotiated discounts and fair trade in deals. My deal with them was fair on both sale price and trade in.

 

[Torrid]

GREAT POST! I never knew about this. (Or forgot)
However Tesla can open direct sales dealerships here in NC and have one. NC tried to ban it a long time ago but it was scrapped.

There is a reason and this stuff will eventually fail I am sure. But maybe not. One reason given is China and other makes from overseas could offer direct sales. This would allow China an easy way in with company dealerships like Tesla.

At the right price in wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Chinese car. You can bet maybe if all these laws were struck down China might already be here? After all they are all over the EU. Complicated situation

This is a good explanation
https://247wallst.com/cars-and-drivers/2014/09/23/states-where-you-cant-buy-a-tesla/

Thus is a super updated article
https://www.teslarati.com/us-states-direct-vehicle-sales-banned/

Anyway not sure I can blame the states. Tesla is not banned, Tesla will not comply with the laws that apply to car dealerships. These are long standing laws and it is the will of Tesla to change them because Tesla doesn’t want to comply. I get it but that is the truth. At one time the legacies were going to try it too.

No matter what I guess over time the independent dealers will be out of business and corporations will rule. I’m not sure which system is corrupt. Independently owned dealerships? Or corporation owned dealerships? It will hammer the small guy (compared to a master corporation) once again but I do get it.

Covered this very well, thank you. I get the joy of the ban on direct to consumer laws being in Wisconsin. At least Illinois is only a couple hour drive to pick up a vehicle. I do wish they would change it. From my understanding there are 7 states that hold these restrictions.

With the issues some franchise dealers have caused for manufacturers with their crazy markups I don't think Tesla has any interest in playing in that realm, so they stick to having states where they can't deliver cars.

 

[97prizm]

Covered this very well, thank you. I get the joy of the ban on direct to consumer laws being in Wisconsin. At least Illinois is only a couple hour drive to pick up a vehicle. I do wish they would change it. From my understanding there are 7 states that hold these restrictions.

With the issues some franchise dealers have caused for manufacturers with their crazy markups I don't think Tesla has any interest in playing in that realm, so they stick to having states where they can't deliver cars.

I'm sure when all is well direct sales is fine. There are cases where having a buffer i.e. a dealership can have pull on your side. Direct sales like Tesla can hose you if they decide they're right or fail to disco information. A guy claimed he had purchase a Tesla Model s from a Mercedes Dealership. One article claims that after trying to get it repaired Tesla claims the vehicle was "salvage " and not covered under warranty. One article claims one accident was listed and disclosed at the Mercedes Dealership and was repaired. The defendant claims Tesla is trying to weasel out of repairs which is well documented. He had to get a lawyer to fight. The Scout brand is now seeing this fight, as VW claims it's a standalone brand and qualifies for direct sales. VW dealerships are now fighting the direct sales. I figured that some VW Dealerships would become a VW / Scout combination dealership. Unfortunately VW tends to make it difficult on dealerships by implementing weird rules. When VW added the hybrid Tuareg, Golf, and E Golf you had to go to specific dealerships vs Toyota servicing hybrids at all of their dealerships. When the VW Phaeton came out the VW Dealership I work for was given the option to sell them. VW required a separate wing dedicated to the Phaeton, one to two certified sales associates and $500,000 investment.

 

[Torrid]

I'm sure when all is well direct sales is fine. There are cases where having a buffer i.e. a dealership can have pull on your side. Direct sales like Tesla can hose you if they decide they're right or fail to disco information. A guy claimed he had purchase a Tesla Model s from a Mercedes Dealership. One article claims that after trying to get it repaired Tesla claims the vehicle was "salvage " and not covered under warranty. One article claims one accident was listed and disclosed at the Mercedes Dealership and was repaired. The defendant claims Tesla is trying to weasel out of repairs which is well documented. He had to get a lawyer to fight. The Scout brand is now seeing this fight, as VW claims it's a standalone brand and qualifies for direct sales. VW dealerships are now fighting the direct sales. I figured that some VW Dealerships would become a VW / Scout combination dealership. Unfortunately VW tends to make it difficult on dealerships by implementing weird rules. When VW added the hybrid Tuareg, Golf, and E Golf you had to go to specific dealerships vs Toyota servicing hybrids at all of their dealerships. When the VW Phaeton came out the VW Dealership I work for was given the option to sell them. VW required a separate wing dedicated to the Phaeton, one to two certified sales associates and $500,000 investment.

Dealerships are a mess. No thanks.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Dealerships are a mess. No thanks.

Wow, we agree on something! Small victories.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Dealerships are a mess. No thanks.

Wow, we agree on something! Small victories.

As the loyal voice of opposition, I have been dealing with Putnam Lexus in Redwood City since 2018 with 100% satisfaction. 4 cars...
Except their cars are expensive, so there's that.

 

[Torrid]

As the loyal voice of opposition, I have been dealing with Putnam Lexus in Redwood City since 2018 with 100% satisfaction. 4 cars...
Except their cars are expensive, so there's that.

I’ve had good ones. My local VW dealer is awesome. It’s the exception for me. The other was a Pontiac dealer in Phoenix 20 years ago. It’s possible the issues I’ve had with others may have been brand related more than anything, but something caused them to go sour. It didn’t start that way.

 

[shortyb]

The Scout brand is now seeing this fight, as VW claims it's a standalone brand and qualifies for direct sales. VW dealerships are now fighting the direct sales. I figured that some VW Dealerships would become a VW / Scout combination dealership. Unfortunately VW tends to make it difficult on dealerships by implementing weird rules. When VW added the hybrid Tuareg, Golf, and E Golf you had to go to specific dealerships vs Toyota servicing hybrids at all of their dealerships. When the VW Phaeton came out the VW Dealership I work for was given the option to sell them. VW required a separate wing dedicated to the Phaeton, one to two certified sales associates and $500,000 investment.

From what I've been able to learn, VW Corporate is still trying to figure out just how they will sell the Scout brand in the US, whether standalone brick and mortar, direct sales, or combination with corporate/franchised dealers. Prevailing thought is a totally standalone brick and mortar with own service centers because they have worked hard from the beginning to separate VW from Scout. They also realize that most US consumers prefer going into a dealership to pick a car and develop a relationship with them. However, they really like the direct sales advantages and have seen how successful Tesla has been with it. Just as in the past with those ventures @97prizm mentioned, VW will muck it up somehow .

 

[andrew_j]

When we bought the RX, the guy was sooooo sad I didn't spring for the paint protection. He even offered me, "a deal".

I never say no on things I don’t want. Just offer 10% which once they met me on for extended warranty. Never used the $200 item.