End of Aston Martin Stourbridge

[JonV8V]

Just been emailed to say its closing and they're recommending owners use the Stratstone Jaguar garage for serving - might not be news to others but it was to me.

I'm a little surprised the official line from a franchise dealer is to say use Jag - that sounds just wrong!

And doesn't sound a great advert for AM although the site was never very pretty and needed something doing.

[JonV8V]

Agree about the servicing - I imagine AM and Stratstones aren't on speaking terms at the moment and shows Stratstones don't care much about their customers to recommend out of franchise servicing.

I have not enjoyed my dealings with the chain at all - from the day I picked up the car to the day they wouldn't even offer me a price to buy it back (an unmolested, 1 owner, 2 year old, 10k miles, V8VS that another dealer bought). Others have had better experiences I'm sure. I can see them losing all their AM dealerships if they have any left.

[JonV8V]

woodsypedia said:

Actually, it's keeping it within the franchise - hence the reason they're doing it. It's likely they don't have any other Aston showrooms in the group close by - so by recommending you to Jag they're keeping it in the franchised group. From what I've seen, Stratstones share the same facilities and space. it's likely that although the dealership has gone, the Aston trained staff are still there as they're on the franchise payroll. So, although you'll be sending your car to Jag (officially), it's likely the staff from the Aston side of the business will work on the car.

Chris.

Franchise was the wrong word then - they've recommended out of brand. Whatever you call it Aston should be telling owners what to do not a closed dealership do you not think?

[JonV8V]

sportie said:

Use Derby they say....

2016 marks the 95th year of Stratstone, and we have a long history of customer focussed excellence in the automotive industry since our founders sold their first vehicle in central London in the 1920s. Through our dedicated and passionate teams, we are able to offer the highest standards of customer experience across the UK.

As of Saturday 30th April we will be consolidating our Aston Martin location in Hagley into our other Aston Martin retailers. Stratstone have significant representation across the UK and are committed to ensuring that you continue to receive our outstanding levels of service as well as the latest information on new models and important product details.

As a valued customer, we will be very happy to continue to offer a full Aston Martin approved aftersales experience via our efficient collection and delivery service. We are also delighted to be able to provide you with the full range of new and pre-owned Aston Martin vehicles as we remain an Aston Martin dealer from a number of locations across the UK.

We believe our nearest Aston Martin retailer is Derby. However please visit our website
www.stratstone.com/aston-martin/ should you wish to find an alternative location.

Aston Martin Derby
Sir Frank Whittle Road
Derby
DE21 4LT

Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact: Iain Randall

We would like to thank you for your business so far, and look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

They've changed the wording...!! I took the 'consolidation...' stuff as no more than trying to make it sound better than it was. My email was about 4pm.


2016 marks the 95th year of Stratstone, and we have a long history of customer focussed excellence in the automotive industry since our founders sold their first vehicle in central London in the 1920s. Through our dedicated and passionate teams, we are able to offer the highest standards of customer experience across the UK.

It is important to us that our customers are kept informed of changes to our retail network, and offered convenient solutions for all their motoring needs.

As of Saturday 30th April 2016 we will be consolidating our Stratstone Aston Martin retailer in Hagley into our other Stratstone retailers. As a valued customer, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of customer care and are dedicated to ensuring there will be no disruption to the servicing of your vehicle. Your nearest location for future aftercare requirements will be Stratstone Jaguar Stourbridge:

Stratstone Jaguar
Grange Lane
Lye
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY9 7HH

Edited by JonV8V on Saturday 30th April 06:00

[JonV8V]

tonyhall38 said:

Flugplatz said:

tonyhall38 said:

Nothing is free....

Well it was for me.

Ive just had my fixed price annual service and it was the same price as elsewhere and they picked it up and dropped it off so in my book that is free

If you think you didn't pay for the transport in one way or another.....you are very naive ....or just stupid....I would hope the latter.....

If fixed price servicing is the same whether they pick the car up or not, it's not cost you any more. It's no different from refusing their coffee and expecting a discount as a result - we all pay one way or another. Although as AM in general lose money, it's the shareholders who are paying.

Back on topic... it all just seems very odd. Other than Wilmslow, what other AM dealerships do Stratstone have?

[JonV8V]

Andyt25 said:

Must say the Bristol dealership is looking good.....Look forward to it opening in the summer. I have dealt with Dick Lovett a number of times and found them to be very good. Plus I see right next door there is a Mclaren, Bentley, Rolls Royce and Lambo dealer opening as well......Plenty to look at...

As the Cardiff dealer is Stratstones is that going as well.....Must say it is looking a little tatty these days as its a very old building.

I don't know but as said before, I have a problem with stratstones so I wouldn't be sad if it went. If Wilmslow is the best performing dealership in the country, or even just one one of the best, why is there so little investment in the site? You simply can not park there and it is more likely a site people sell two grand bangers from. If Astons policy is to squeeze the dealers to upping their game and that means Grange or whoever build new while Stratstones slowly close, then so be it.