When you tell a dealer the 'c' word...

[Edinburger]

I'm thinking about joining the company car scheme after many years of opting out, and I've recently visited several dealers looking at various new models.

Plenty helpful staff around. Until I say the 'c' word - as soon as I say it might be a company car they have no interest at all.

I get that they won't be directly paid on the sale but they still represent the brand. BMW put me in touch with a sales guy who is the named contact for this particular lease company and he grudgingly spoke to me and promised to email info and organise a test drive but - predictably- I haven't heard a dickie bird. Similar story from Mercedes and Audi. Never heard anything from VW.

Only Tesla staff were interested and helpful and offered test drives.

You really are on your own when considering a company car!

[Edinburger]

Wilmslowboy said:

Tesla owns all its retailers, where as the others are franchises (in the most part).

The franchise dealerships gain nothing from supporting you - other than a bit of good karma.

Bit like asking your local John Lewis to demo a product for you, when they know you plan to buy from Amazon.


I suggest you don't mention the c word

I'm very aware of the different between Tesla's business models and other manufacturers/ dealers.

[Edinburger]

Rich_W said:

Jimmy Recard said:

Why would their franchise not get paid?

We usually arrange company cars through the local car dealer. A mix of Audis, Land Rovers and Mercedes right now. All from the local dealers.

I daresay the OP is going through "LEX" or whoever. Whereas you go through whoever your local dealers fleet sales person* is. Who WILL make money on the deal, so worth them making an effort. The Amazon John Lewis thing is spot on. Imagine it like buying a Sony TV. Who you buy from is who will make the effort. Not who makes it.

(*As a rule fleet sales men are pretty odd! )

I did contact the BMW named person for company car sales and she's never even had the courtesy to return my calls or reply to my emails, and absolutely no one else at the BMW dealer has any interest in answering my questions (mainly around the forthcoming 530e).

The funny thing is, I've bought two cars from this dealer over the years and their service has been decent.

Very different when it's a company car though!

[Edinburger]

Wilmslowboy said:

Edinburger said:

I'm very aware of the different between Tesla's business models and other manufacturers/ dealers.

Did me spelling it out offend you ?

No, course not.