And this is why dealerships can screw people out of their Bronco.

[mcon33]

Encouraging for Illinois/Rivian. Now if Ford could folllow suit.

Judge rules in Rivian's favor in lawsuit over direct sales to consumers | WGLT

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[Karl_in_Chicago]

Encouraging for Illinois/Rivian. Now if Ford could folllow suit.

Judge rules in Rivian's favor in lawsuit over direct sales to consumers | WGLT

A bit surprising for anyone familiar with how much clout the IADA wields but then I guess their biggest strength is in the legislature and not the bench.

 

[Ramble_Offroad]

Good.

IMPO the Dealer franchise sales model no longer represents the best interest for the end consumer.

If this does become national, I would recommend that the government force direct sales brands to have widespread service locations available. That part will be tricky.

 

[mcon33]

A bit surprising for anyone familiar with how much clout the IADA wields but then I guess their biggest strength is in the legislature and not the bench.

Agree. They will appeal it to Illinois Supreme court so not exactly over just yet.

 

[mcon33]

Good.

IMPO the Dealer franchise sales model no longer represents the best interest for the end consumer.

If this does become national, I would recommend that the government force direct sales brands to have widespread service locations available. That part will be tricky.

That's where they make a large piece of their money anyhow.

 

[2023bronco]

Dealerships are virtually worthless. We just need the parts and service. The rest just costs the consumer more money.

 

[MayhemMike]

Dealerships want to be associated with a manufacturer for the service and warranty work. In normal economic conditions new vehicle sales don’t account for the majority of their profit. Trade ins and the resulting used car sale is where they make the big bucks. IMO, If the manufacturers all went direct from factory sales, way more independent auto repair and service operations would be created in order to meet the new demand.

 

[Sherminiator]

The thing is the dealership model is going to implode in the next 15-20 years anyways.

BEVs don't have as much maintenance to them-they don't need regular oil changes and brakes even last longer due to regenerative charging. So that will be huge impact to dealerships bottom line.

Large Dealership groups like Lithia are going to become real estate companies because they'll have attractive areas to build things in where car lots are currently.

 

[Sherminiator]

IMO, If the manufacturers all went direct from factory sales, way more independent auto repair and service operations would be created in order to meet the new demand.

What would happen is that you'd have more onsite repair with mobile repair vehicles like Tesla or more centralized repair areas-Tesla took over a strip mall a few towns over from me to build a "dealership" that you can order vehicles from and do service at.

 

[8oncoPete]

I bought a Tesla direct, and it was one of the best car buying experiences I have ever had. No sitting at a desk waiting for the sales manager, or sales associate. Trade is done via uploading pics and vin, and paperwork is all digital. All you do is go to the location to drop off and pick up. Zero hassle and saved so much time.

 

[twryan3]

I bought a Tesla direct, and it was one of the best car buying experiences I have ever had. No sitting at a desk waiting for the sales manager, or sales associate. Trade is done via uploading pics and vin, and paperwork is all digital. All you do is go to the location to drop off and pick up. Zero hassle and saved so much time.

I came here to say this. I had one hiccup with the customer service folks in Nevada, that the showroom/distributor in Nashville personally apologized for and handled, getting me my car. My experience with Ford, and particularly my dealer until a couple of folks took control over the complete FUBAR of my order, was 180 degrees away from my Tesla experience. I still say that I would abolish the dealer franchise laws and monopolies, but my lack of faith in Ford does not instill me with hope on the direct to customer model--from them.

 

[mcon33]

Dealerships want to be associated with a manufacturer for the service and warranty work. In normal economic conditions new vehicle sales don’t account for the majority of their profit. Trade ins and the resulting used car sale is where they make the big bucks. IMO, If the manufacturers all went direct from factory sales, way more independent auto repair and service operations would be created in order to meet the new demand.

And there is still the used car market. I doubt we would all go direct to consumer when getting rid of our old rides. Certainly there would still be used car lots. I could be premature with that guess though.

 

[Sherminiator]

And there is still the used car market. I doubt we would all go direct to consumer when getting rid of our old rides. Certainly there would still be used car lots. I could be premature with that guess though.

Its already happening with places like Carvana (if they stay in business LOL) and others.

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