Bauer Millett to sell Corvette And Cadillac in Manchester
Discussion
General Motors has appointed a Manchester-based independent dealer to its Cadillac and Corvette retail network.
Bauer Millett, which has been an official importer of the carmaker’s Hummer brand since last year, is the only independent dealer among the five retail sites in the UK representing the three American car brands.
Steve Catlin, operations manager for Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer in the UK, said: “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with Bauer Millett in the past and are very pleased that we can bring our relationship closer.
“With a more comprehensive support structure from GMUK provided by this new agreement, and a range of new products, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer in the north-west are better placed than ever before to compete with established premium brands.”
GM strategy change
The latest appointment is part of a raft of changes GM is making to the way its three brands are sold in the UK.
Last September GM said Cadillac and Corvette, which launched in the UK in November 2004, would no longer be sold exclusively by Pendragon through its Stratstone network and would be open to other dealer groups.
Poor sales had led to an amicable parting of the ways, according to the US carmaker.
“The results were unsatisfactory for all concerned. There was not enough return for Pendragon, which invested in nine sites,” said Jonathan Nash, managing director of Saab GB and director of Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer in the UK.
Bauer Millett, which has been an official importer of the carmaker’s Hummer brand since last year, is the only independent dealer among the five retail sites in the UK representing the three American car brands.
Steve Catlin, operations manager for Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer in the UK, said: “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with Bauer Millett in the past and are very pleased that we can bring our relationship closer.
“With a more comprehensive support structure from GMUK provided by this new agreement, and a range of new products, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer in the north-west are better placed than ever before to compete with established premium brands.”
GM strategy change
The latest appointment is part of a raft of changes GM is making to the way its three brands are sold in the UK.
Last September GM said Cadillac and Corvette, which launched in the UK in November 2004, would no longer be sold exclusively by Pendragon through its Stratstone network and would be open to other dealer groups.
Poor sales had led to an amicable parting of the ways, according to the US carmaker.
“The results were unsatisfactory for all concerned. There was not enough return for Pendragon, which invested in nine sites,” said Jonathan Nash, managing director of Saab GB and director of Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer in the UK.
Cuban,
The existing Stratstones sites will continue to look after Cadillac and Corvette. However, there are no plans for any further expansion of the dealer network for the time being. There is also revised pricing for 2008, but it is always difficult as an authorised dealer to constantly stay ahead of grey market imports.
Mitch
The existing Stratstones sites will continue to look after Cadillac and Corvette. However, there are no plans for any further expansion of the dealer network for the time being. There is also revised pricing for 2008, but it is always difficult as an authorised dealer to constantly stay ahead of grey market imports.
Mitch
Edited by mitch_ on Thursday 3rd January 09:54
mitch_ said:
Cuban,
The existing Stratstones sites will continue to look after Cadillac and Corvette. However, there are no plans for any further expansion of the dealer network for the time being. There is also revised pricing for 2008, but it is always difficult as an authorised dealer to constantly stay ahead of grey market imports.
Mitch
Thanks for the clarification Mitch and congratulations on your new Corvette dealership status. The existing Stratstones sites will continue to look after Cadillac and Corvette. However, there are no plans for any further expansion of the dealer network for the time being. There is also revised pricing for 2008, but it is always difficult as an authorised dealer to constantly stay ahead of grey market imports.
Mitch
Do you know what the 2008 prices are as yet as I'd like to keep my site updated? (www.c6zo6.co.uk)
I understand it's hard (impossible?) to "stay ahead of grey market imports" but I hope the gap will
have been brought down by the new prices as they were simply too far apart in 2007 and despite
wanting to support UK sales, I waited and pushed for changes for six months before I finally opted
to import myself.
Although it might appear hypocritical given I imported, I still wish to support, promote and endorse
the UK dealer network as they (you) are vital to the survival of Corvette in the UK.
Please feel free to send any Corvette related news through as and when you have it and I look
forward to hearing of increased UK Corvette sales.
This is like de ja vu with Bauer millett GM takes it away from them then when they are stuck they get it again. When all the GM pulled the plug in 2001 from the Vauxhall dealers Bauer's was left the warranty work because nobody else was about! Then Stratstone took over in 04 and again when GM's in trouble they need helping out with somebody who knows what they are doing! They had a Stratstone site in Manchester which closed. I like the way GM makes a big deal that they have signed a new dealership we all know they could sell the cars anyway! How can Chrysler have got it so right from 1991 they have had Jeep in the UK had a good dealer network all over had the right products in RHD! GM really need more Diesals if they are going to stick with Cadillac in the UK/Europe.
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