Any news on the Blackpool/Smolenski situation?????
Discussion
Am i the only one that is eagerly awaiting any news about the developments over there? I think the time in which "they" PROMISED any updates has been long gone.
I heard at Zolder last weekend that TVR agreed with the local government in Blackpool to build the new factory on a piece of land next to the airport. Can anyone confirm this?
To be honest -and till now always giving the benefit of the doubt- i am getting a bit confused, the good messages (like the new ranges as proposed in the Autocar article) are a bit spoilt by the bad ones, like first promising to come up with SEVERAL new models on the show and then withdrawing that, but what really annoys me the very most is the way WE as (speaking for myself 15 year long) loyal customerbase are ignored and chucked around, like the brand doesn't need the best ambassadors anymore, namely the long time end-users and enthusiasts.
I am getting fed up with all the "promises" and am not to sure about enjoying a three year warranty on a new car, since the russian guy does not really seem to bother about keeping "promises". (or communicate with-and respecting his customers. In fact he is giving the impression of not needing them anyway)
I heard at Zolder last weekend that TVR agreed with the local government in Blackpool to build the new factory on a piece of land next to the airport. Can anyone confirm this?
To be honest -and till now always giving the benefit of the doubt- i am getting a bit confused, the good messages (like the new ranges as proposed in the Autocar article) are a bit spoilt by the bad ones, like first promising to come up with SEVERAL new models on the show and then withdrawing that, but what really annoys me the very most is the way WE as (speaking for myself 15 year long) loyal customerbase are ignored and chucked around, like the brand doesn't need the best ambassadors anymore, namely the long time end-users and enthusiasts.
I am getting fed up with all the "promises" and am not to sure about enjoying a three year warranty on a new car, since the russian guy does not really seem to bother about keeping "promises". (or communicate with-and respecting his customers. In fact he is giving the impression of not needing them anyway)
I see Cheeky just posted his thread when i was writing mine.
But apart from the fact that we all would really like some positive news about a new factory, i still don't like the way Smolensky is treating us.
My Ferrari dealer gives me the idea he likes me buying a 10 year old car, and Smolensky does not even seem to bother about the people buying his new cars. Must be something Russian, like Poetin not even ending his vacation when several people serving their and his country are drownend aboard the Koersk. (might be a bit exegerated, but i hope it ignites the discussion
)
But apart from the fact that we all would really like some positive news about a new factory, i still don't like the way Smolensky is treating us.
My Ferrari dealer gives me the idea he likes me buying a 10 year old car, and Smolensky does not even seem to bother about the people buying his new cars. Must be something Russian, like Poetin not even ending his vacation when several people serving their and his country are drownend aboard the Koersk. (might be a bit exegerated, but i hope it ignites the discussion
)infinity said:
I see Cheeky just posted his thread when i was writing mine.
But apart from the fact that we all would really like some positive news about a new factory, i still don't like the way Smolensky is treating us.
My Ferrari dealer gives me the idea he likes me buying a 10 year old car, and Smolensky does not even seem to bother about the people buying his new cars. Must be something Russian, like Poetin not even ending his vacation when several people serving their and his country are drownend aboard the Koersk. (might be a bit exegerated, but i hope it ignites the discussion )
But apart from the fact that we all would really like some positive news about a new factory, i still don't like the way Smolensky is treating us.
My Ferrari dealer gives me the idea he likes me buying a 10 year old car, and Smolensky does not even seem to bother about the people buying his new cars. Must be something Russian, like Poetin not even ending his vacation when several people serving their and his country are drownend aboard the Koersk. (might be a bit exegerated, but i hope it ignites the discussion
)There may be soemthing in what you say about Russians, I live with one!
They can be quite ruthless in some areas.
Might be it has to do with the fact that over the years the people over there couldn't "afford" themselves sensitivity, since the struggle for (communistic) life seemed to be too tough. It must have "formed" the people over the generations. I used to do a lot of Far East business and i see the same in a country like China.
However, for a hobby that TVR is to me, i don't like to be exposed to ruthless people and/or behaviour.
However, for a hobby that TVR is to me, i don't like to be exposed to ruthless people and/or behaviour.
infinity said:
However, for a hobby that TVR is to me, i don't like to be exposed to ruthless people and/or behaviour.
I think there lies the crux with many of TVRs communication problems. By and large, TVR lives by virtue of a strong fanbase to whom the marque stands for much more than just a sports car - much like supporters of a sports club. Owners and non-owning enthusiasts alike are keen to asscociate themselves with what TVR stands for, but I don't get the feeling this is a two way street - not now and not in the PW days either.
of course you're right, but from a business point of view he should have an interest in keeping his customers satisfied, otherwise they turn the back on him indeed and he might lose money.
Or do you see that as his same right, i mean to throw away money by behaving like this and therefore jeapordising his own investment? Doesn't make sense to me.
If i, for example, go racing cars for a hobby i know it costs money, but when I invest in a business case i have to obey the rules of the game to make a profit.
Or do you see that as his same right, i mean to throw away money by behaving like this and therefore jeapordising his own investment? Doesn't make sense to me.
If i, for example, go racing cars for a hobby i know it costs money, but when I invest in a business case i have to obey the rules of the game to make a profit.
greenie said:
Well I guess that TVR is his company and he can do pretty much what he wants.
Rather like the money in your bank belongs to you and you can spend it on whatever car you want.
Rather like the money in your bank belongs to you and you can spend it on whatever car you want.
No one's arguing that, but given the market niche he's in I'd say building/nurturing a community around your product would actually make sound business sense IMO - especially as you'd retain some control over your product's/company's image with the general public as well as the target audience. IMO as it is, TVR's biggest problem that it has close to none.
I don't think anyone can say that he is not wasting the goodwill that comes with the TVR brand. And I agree that it is a poor business decision.
However the first post gives the impression of an emotional relationship and about broken promises etc. If you don't like what he is doing the only thing you can do is buy another make. He owes you/us nothing and is not required to keep his promises. He is a supplier you are a customer-end of. If you don't like it don't buy TVRs.
However the first post gives the impression of an emotional relationship and about broken promises etc. If you don't like what he is doing the only thing you can do is buy another make. He owes you/us nothing and is not required to keep his promises. He is a supplier you are a customer-end of. If you don't like it don't buy TVRs.
Edited by greenie on Thursday 15th June 11:54
that's exactly my and other people's point, if we were not emotionally attached to TVR and therefore learned to live with, what we learned to call "minor issues" (like for the fifth time blown up engines)but what normal people would call "maior problems" then TVR could never have been where it is now. Also during the PW-period there were broken promises, but in the end-of-the-day it was much more a give-and-take situation than it turned out to be now, now it seems like 900T-R calls it a one way road.
Of course i also like all (or at least) most of the people currently involved in everything that comes with the TVR-hobby, like the wonderfull days we had during the Continental meeting last weekend, i think it is perfectly normal to be concerned if somebody is endangering this. Even if it is HIS money, he might spoil OUR hobby, and of course people will therefore turn their backs to TVR, but that will eventually destroy our hobby and the social life that comes as part of it. If you don't understand that this bothers me and several people i am on a friendship-base with, i am wondering whether you have some russian chromosones in your own DNA as well??
Of course i also like all (or at least) most of the people currently involved in everything that comes with the TVR-hobby, like the wonderfull days we had during the Continental meeting last weekend, i think it is perfectly normal to be concerned if somebody is endangering this. Even if it is HIS money, he might spoil OUR hobby, and of course people will therefore turn their backs to TVR, but that will eventually destroy our hobby and the social life that comes as part of it. If you don't understand that this bothers me and several people i am on a friendship-base with, i am wondering whether you have some russian chromosones in your own DNA as well??
I'm no Russki! Just realistic. I understand your concern but there is nothing you can do about the situation at the factory so why let it bother you? Seems like a waste of emotional energy.
And evens if his lack of foresight does bring TVR down it won't mean that someone will pick up your car and throw it into the sea does it. Us ethusiasts (yes I am) will just continue to enjoy our cars with other TVR owners. The parts will continue to be made and all will be well with the world.
And remember some of the biggest car clubs in this county are the MG Owners and TSSC (Triumph). They aren't made anymore but it doesn't spoil their enjoyment.
And evens if his lack of foresight does bring TVR down it won't mean that someone will pick up your car and throw it into the sea does it. Us ethusiasts (yes I am) will just continue to enjoy our cars with other TVR owners. The parts will continue to be made and all will be well with the world.
And remember some of the biggest car clubs in this county are the MG Owners and TSSC (Triumph). They aren't made anymore but it doesn't spoil their enjoyment.
greenie said:
I'm no Russki! Just realistic. I understand your concern but there is nothing you can do about the situation at the factory so why let it bother you? Seems like a waste of emotional energy.
And evens if his lack of foresight does bring TVR down it won't mean that someone will pick up your car and throw it into the sea does it. Us ethusiasts (yes I am) will just continue to enjoy our cars with other TVR owners. The parts will continue to be made and all will be well with the world.
And remember some of the biggest car clubs in this county are the MG Owners and TSSC (Triumph). They aren't made anymore but it doesn't spoil their enjoyment.
And evens if his lack of foresight does bring TVR down it won't mean that someone will pick up your car and throw it into the sea does it. Us ethusiasts (yes I am) will just continue to enjoy our cars with other TVR owners. The parts will continue to be made and all will be well with the world.
And remember some of the biggest car clubs in this county are the MG Owners and TSSC (Triumph). They aren't made anymore but it doesn't spoil their enjoyment.
Well said
infinity said:
My Ferrari dealer gives me the idea he likes me buying a 10 year old car, and Smolensky does not even seem to bother about the people buying his new cars.
With respect, Smolenski is not a used car dealer. Neither is your Ferrari dealer a car manufacturer. I don't suspect Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa gives a toss whether you buy a 10 year old Ferrari either. To be honest I don't think either of us has the faintest idea about either NS's or AF's feelings about their customers.Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff