Stratstones?

[dean phillips]

Any one hear that Stratstones are getting rid of 6 out 10 Caddy / Corvette dealerships?

[SagMan]

Yes spoke to head of Leeds dealership yesterday and there is much truth in that story. Full details will be released shortly.

[Cuban]

Blimey, they only increased last year?
Not good news if it's true.

[LuS1fer]

I wonder if that's linked to the Corvette sales story which said GM weren't happy with the distribution network in Europe. If they've got Camaro coming too, they need to sort out a dealer network fast - the best way would be to have specialist sales centres but more trained mechanics in more Vauxhall dealers who could deal with servicing and warranty issues. They already have VXR dealers familiar with the LS engines.

They don't learn many lessons though. the last time we had Corvette and camaro, we saw very little advertising and that hasn't changed this time round either - I'll bet 99 out of 100 people still don't know they sell either in the UK.

[vetteheadracer]

LuS1fer said:

I wonder if that's linked to the Corvette sales story which said GM weren't happy with the distribution network in Europe. If they've got Camaro coming too, they need to sort out a dealer network fast - the best way would be to have specialist sales centres but more trained mechanics in more Vauxhall dealers who could deal with servicing and warranty issues. They already have VXR dealers familiar with the LS engines.

They don't learn many lessons though. the last time we had Corvette and camaro, we saw very little advertising and that hasn't changed this time round either - I'll bet 99 out of 100 people still don't know they sell either in the UK.

I spoke to a senior Stratstone employee about this recently and he said the Caddy was the problem in as much as GM over estimated the number they would sell in Europe by a lot (i.e. about 80%), whereas the vettes are out performing the sales estimates. I also belive that Stratstones will be dealing with GM direct therefore cutting out Cadillac Europe as they seem to be part of the problem.

[Colvette]

Agreed - I bought my current C5 from Stratstones in January, and when I was taking delivery there were 2 C6's and a Z06 waiting for their new owners - no cadillacs. David Slocombe (the salesman who sold me my car) suggested that the demand for C6's was outstripping supply, so unless they have unrealistic expectations, I don't think it's about the vettes.

I have Cadillac loaners when my Vette is in for Warranty work - not a good scene - the BLS feels very "Vectra"...

[Vet Guru]

De Ja Vu all over again well once again GM has cocked up! Last time a handful of Vauxhall dealers with no TV Adverts and this time all the right product and no tv adverts again. The Chrysler 300c has been on the TV and Billboards and hey loads on the road!

[anonymous-user]

Vet Guru said:

De Ja Vu ......

I reckon BMW, Audi and Merc have got their ranges priced just right to ensure only a very brave customer would venture into a Caddy. 300C has distinctive styling which makes it an "interesting" alternative to the larger good but dull Germans; the price is sharp and customers can feel comfortable that it's an E-class under the surface.

When I looked at Vette and Camaro side by side in the showroom back in 1999 the interior quality of Camaro was laughable compared with the Vette let alone the Europeans. The next one needs to be a big step up if it's going to achieve anything over here. IIRC there was big excitement when Monaro was launched in UK but they're mighty scarce on the road. I'm willing to bet there's more LHD Mustangs in the country than RHD Monaros.