Alternative Factory Open Day
Discussion
Hi All
This is not a pop at the factory just some of my views which im sure others will have an opinion on!!
Can Am Dave has asked me if im going to Sundays Open day and while it is nice to see lots of other Ultimas (even the Can ams
)it is not the most interesting of days imo. I have been for the last 3 years and as im not in the market at the moment(maybe one day) for a new Ultima i cant get motivated to attend.
I know a lot of things have cost implications but would not a day/half day at a circuit (Mallory, donington, oulton) be a lot more interesting for potential customers and existing owners?? I for one would chip in for a chance to attend and what a spectacle it would be!! The 720 factory GTR could be seen in action and give possible test rides (insurance permitting) im sure selling the kits etc would be easier in this format.
The Ultima is a performance based vehicle and this is the way it should be seen, it can be seen at a number of shows in a static form so why is there a need to see it again at the factory in this form? If someone is wanting to buy a car they will go to the factory for a demo etc, so again another format for selling would be of interest to many undecided customers. Even with Ted's driving it isnt possible to show the cars full potential on the road
Im very proud to be an Ultima Owner and please do not think im moaning as im not. I just think it would be a hugely exciting day for everyone concerned (owners, potential owners and the factory) has it been done before?
A lot of other Factories sell their cars this way (Marlin, Adrenaline, Raw etc etc) so why dont Ultima?? What do you think Richard??
This is not a pop at the factory just some of my views which im sure others will have an opinion on!!
Can Am Dave has asked me if im going to Sundays Open day and while it is nice to see lots of other Ultimas (even the Can ams
)it is not the most interesting of days imo. I have been for the last 3 years and as im not in the market at the moment(maybe one day) for a new Ultima i cant get motivated to attend.I know a lot of things have cost implications but would not a day/half day at a circuit (Mallory, donington, oulton) be a lot more interesting for potential customers and existing owners?? I for one would chip in for a chance to attend and what a spectacle it would be!! The 720 factory GTR could be seen in action and give possible test rides (insurance permitting) im sure selling the kits etc would be easier in this format.
The Ultima is a performance based vehicle and this is the way it should be seen, it can be seen at a number of shows in a static form so why is there a need to see it again at the factory in this form? If someone is wanting to buy a car they will go to the factory for a demo etc, so again another format for selling would be of interest to many undecided customers. Even with Ted's driving it isnt possible to show the cars full potential on the road
Im very proud to be an Ultima Owner and please do not think im moaning as im not. I just think it would be a hugely exciting day for everyone concerned (owners, potential owners and the factory) has it been done before?
A lot of other Factories sell their cars this way (Marlin, Adrenaline, Raw etc etc) so why dont Ultima?? What do you think Richard??
Its not a bad idea so long as its complimented with a demonstration of the 'normal road' manners of the car at some point. I suppose the factory have to be cautious not to sway the sales of their GT type 'road product' into a 'mainly track car'. But very true that it is difficult to appreciate and considerably riskier on a normal factory road test.
It does not seem to make any difference how many times Ultima say their cars are Road Cars people are still not listening.
All of the records and even the times on track (Top Gear) have been driven in road trim and road tyres (albeit carefully selected).
I will put money on a track type sales/openday never happening.
Steve
All of the records and even the times on track (Top Gear) have been driven in road trim and road tyres (albeit carefully selected).
I will put money on a track type sales/openday never happening.
Steve
Steve_D said:
It does not seem to make any difference how many times Ultima say their cars are Road Cars people are still not listening.
All of the records and even the times on track (Top Gear) have been driven in road trim and road tyres (albeit carefully selected).
I will put money on a track type sales/openday never happening.
Steve
What a shame!!All of the records and even the times on track (Top Gear) have been driven in road trim and road tyres (albeit carefully selected).
I will put money on a track type sales/openday never happening.
Steve
Seems to me that the overwhelming advantage of a day at a track is that people could get the chance to TEST DRIVE the car.
The Ultima Sales Prevention Department wants potential buyers to stump up £60/70k and a year or two in labour and refuses to let you drive the thing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you imagine that happening at the BMW or Porsche shop..
Wot no customers .....
A gentle fun day at North Weald would be an excellent way of introducing interested folk to the cars without the stress of going on track for road drivers. North Weald (or similar) is dead cheap to hire. Maybe some around the cones stuff and a little sprint to finish off. Most important though is to allow folk to drive demo cars.
The downside of the factory doing some marketing is that they would probably be forced into modernising the design and binning some of the rubbish bits and I guess that's another story ...........
The Ultima Sales Prevention Department wants potential buyers to stump up £60/70k and a year or two in labour and refuses to let you drive the thing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you imagine that happening at the BMW or Porsche shop..
Wot no customers .....A gentle fun day at North Weald would be an excellent way of introducing interested folk to the cars without the stress of going on track for road drivers. North Weald (or similar) is dead cheap to hire. Maybe some around the cones stuff and a little sprint to finish off. Most important though is to allow folk to drive demo cars.
The downside of the factory doing some marketing is that they would probably be forced into modernising the design and binning some of the rubbish bits and I guess that's another story ...........
Rusti Evo said:
....The Ultima Sales Prevention Department wants potential buyers to stump up £60/70k and a year or two in labour and refuses to let you drive the thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........
You may not be aware that Ted (I believe) and the company demonstrator were put in a ditch by the last potential customer to have a test drive.I expect Ted's nervous disposition and an insurance company unwilling to pay for another write-off is the reason there are now no test drives.
Steve
I agree with Kyle and think it's a great idea.
BMW, Mercedes, Porsche often have closed track/airfields sessions for potential customers so they can experience what their road cars are capable of in a controlled environment with little risk of major damage.
Rusti is probably also correct.
BMW, Mercedes, Porsche often have closed track/airfields sessions for potential customers so they can experience what their road cars are capable of in a controlled environment with little risk of major damage.
Rusti is probably also correct.
Steve_D said:
You may not be aware that Ted (I believe) and the company demonstrator were put in a ditch by the last potential customer to have a test drive.
I expect Ted's nervous disposition and an insurance company unwilling to pay for another write-off is the reason there are now no test drives.
Surely this goes to show that Kyle's idea of a track/airfield day is so sensible.I expect Ted's nervous disposition and an insurance company unwilling to pay for another write-off is the reason there are now no test drives.
Minimum risk for the factory, maximum fun for existing/potential owners.
Steve, the road car/track car misunderstanding could be further reduced if the factory were to present one of their cars fully trimmed. I know several guys who have looked closely at the car over the last couple of years but were put off by the sparse interior.....Yes, its part of the cars original appeal but many now look for a few more creature comforts when spending 60-70k.. another 1.5 -2.0k on a bit of factory interior may well have swung the deal!!!!!. The FOD does give potential new owners the chance to see what other owners have done with their interior but it only happens once a year. Logically its right in the middle of the holiday season when many are either away or preparing to go.
On the flipside though, if big numbers were sold would you still want one?
On the flipside though, if big numbers were sold would you still want one?
Well.... last weekend I went to the BBWF (Big bad wedge fest) which is for TVR owners - only for the Tasmin (wedges as they are called because Tasmin is too much of a girly car name!) Around 150 cars turned up - met in a (nice) hotel car-park near stratford-upon-avon, had a great day comparing exhaust pipes etc (they did loudest car, best turned out car etc, then a few beers, bar-b-q and on sunday a fantastic drive out for about 2 hours all around some of the best country in england. Total cost £55 hotel (4 star) £15 b-b-q , event zero (buy a few raffle tickets which helped raise a load for the air ambulence fund) Fantastic weekend will little outlay or cost. total petrolhead heven. The wives and girls went for a swim etc whilst we played. I am sure we could do such a thing? Cost to organise minimal but great fun.
Plus last year wend drag racing on the sunday at Shakespeer dragstrip - £20 for as many runs as you wanted.
By the way - I went (in my spyder) because my son has a Wedge 400SE. Which is 20 years old, but had a list price of £35k 20 years ago! - no wonder they went bust. Great car though....
Photos are on the TVR wedges pages if anyone wants to see the sort of weekend we could do.....
Plus last year wend drag racing on the sunday at Shakespeer dragstrip - £20 for as many runs as you wanted.
By the way - I went (in my spyder) because my son has a Wedge 400SE. Which is 20 years old, but had a list price of £35k 20 years ago! - no wonder they went bust. Great car though....
Photos are on the TVR wedges pages if anyone wants to see the sort of weekend we could do.....
Edited by s
thotfast on Wednesday 30th July 11:51
thotfast on Wednesday 30th July 11:51Is there anyone here that has been for a test ride, has the funds and NOT bought an Ultima?
I doubt it.
I remember when I went for my test fright, I told Ted I fully understood why they dont offer people test drives.
There's very few people that I would trust to drive mine. They need to be good drivers AND have enough cash to pay for a new one if they break it. I only have one friend that fits BOTH of those criteria.
I doubt it.
I remember when I went for my test fright, I told Ted I fully understood why they dont offer people test drives.
There's very few people that I would trust to drive mine. They need to be good drivers AND have enough cash to pay for a new one if they break it. I only have one friend that fits BOTH of those criteria.
crafty said:
Is there anyone here that has been for a test ride, has the funds and NOT bought an Ultima?
I doubt it.
I remember when I went for my test fright, I told Ted I fully understood why they dont offer people test drives.
There's very few people that I would trust to drive mine. They need to be good drivers AND have enough cash to pay for a new one if they break it. I only have one friend that fits BOTH of those criteria.
We are moving away from the point i was trying to make...I doubt it.
I remember when I went for my test fright, I told Ted I fully understood why they dont offer people test drives.
There's very few people that I would trust to drive mine. They need to be good drivers AND have enough cash to pay for a new one if they break it. I only have one friend that fits BOTH of those criteria.
Im sure there are people who have not bought because they are totally convinced.
The Open day just could be a bit more interesting and focused!! it is only one day a year it should be special.
Steve_D said:
Rusti Evo said:
....The Ultima Sales Prevention Department wants potential buyers to stump up £60/70k and a year or two in labour and refuses to let you drive the thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........
You may not be aware that Ted (I believe) and the company demonstrator were put in a ditch by the last potential customer to have a test drive.I expect Ted's nervous disposition and an insurance company unwilling to pay for another write-off is the reason there are now no test drives.
Steve
Trouble is, offering the chance to test drive at a track would attract a whole bunch of tyrekickers with a low power to skill ratio.
A personal visit to the factory allows Ted & Co to assess whether you're a serious buyer or not and usually results in a demo drive.
I'd bought 2 before I got one!
deadscoob said:
I agree with Kyle and think it's a great idea.
BMW, Mercedes, Porsche often have closed track/airfields sessions for potential customers so they can experience what their road cars are capable of in a controlled environment with little risk of major damage.
Rusti is probably also correct.
Yes - but they can afford the losses if someone prangs one.BMW, Mercedes, Porsche often have closed track/airfields sessions for potential customers so they can experience what their road cars are capable of in a controlled environment with little risk of major damage.
Rusti is probably also correct.
Stig said:
Trouble is, offering the chance to test drive at a track would attract a whole bunch of tyre kickers with a low power to skill ratio.
Easiest way to deal with this scenario is to charge say £500 for a test drive that is fully redeemable upon ordering a kit, that will keep the plebs away 
GTWayne said:
Stig said:
Trouble is, offering the chance to test drive at a track would attract a whole bunch of tyre kickers with a low power to skill ratio.
Easiest way to deal with this scenario is to charge say £500 for a test drive that is fully redeemable upon ordering a kit, that will keep the plebs away Stig said:
GTWayne said:
Stig said:
Trouble is, offering the chance to test drive at a track would attract a whole bunch of tyre kickers with a low power to skill ratio.
Easiest way to deal with this scenario is to charge say £500 for a test drive that is fully redeemable upon ordering a kit, that will keep the plebs away Gassing Station | Ultima | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff