RE: All change at TVR
Wednesday 15th September 2004
All change at TVR
PR man moves over, other management changes in the wind.
In an exclusive interview with Pistonheads, Ben Samuelson, previously PR man at TVR Engineering and TVR Tuscan driver, said he will be moving to what he called 'an expanded role' with in the newly-acquired car company. He said he would be staying with the company but that the new press relations man is Ian Law.
Samuelson intimated that other changes would be taking place but could neither confirm nor deny what they might be. Speaking yesterday (Tuesday), he promised a press release including full details would be issued 'either tomorrow or probably on Thursday.'
TVR was acquired on 27 July by Nikolai Smolenski for an estimated £15 million, although previous owner Peter Wheeler was retained on a consultancy basis. Original story here.
Discussion
I agree with LA, the comment above is a little harsh. People seem to either like or loathe Ben, but there is no doubting his ability to get TVR good constant press coverage. I think with the limited resources at his disposal, he's done a very good job over the years.
If the rumours amongst the dealers are correct, you shouldn't talk about TVR's new Managing Director like that.
Ian Law has been at the Factory 8+ years, so it's good to see that they are appointing young people from within.
If the rumours amongst the dealers are correct, you shouldn't talk about TVR's new Managing Director like that.
Ian Law has been at the Factory 8+ years, so it's good to see that they are appointing young people from within.
And that's a fine looking track car.GCerbera said:
CiderwithCerbie take note, your requested press release is imminent.
Typical - I'll be in Italy on Thursday - and no I'm not going to buy one of those four wheeled hairdyers from Modena!
However some progress, but an expanded role for BS?
Has he been to see 'Super Size Me'?
fatbuttfast said:Likewise this year, although they decided not to offer beer out
I was very impressed with Ben when we met at the TVR bus during Le Mans 03. He even shared their nice cold beer with me and my mate
We did the parade and Ben was great, providing space to wash the car away from the Houx dustbowl and was very friendly in general.
I know it is (or was) his job to be civil to us TVR owners, but when you consider at the time I had a 13 year old S worth a 1/10 of some of the new cars he was still interested and took time to talk to me.
You wouldn't see his equivalent from Porsche, Ferrari, Aston etc. roughing it with us commoners I'd wager, or taking a swim in a paddling pool that PW's children had just peed in either
I have met Ben a few times and he seems a very nice guy. Little doubt there is more he could be doing for the company. Speaking as someone who had a TVR and would think twice before buying another due to the usual concerns over quality, I would suggest the factory needs someone at the helm who can bring insight in from outside, helping to get the quality and reliability up though. I am a bit concerned that Ben at the helm would bring us more of the same.
I, for one, am glad to see Ben getting a leg up within the company. I have always found him to be accommodating, cooperative, and pleasant and he certainly has done an admirable job promoting the TVR marque over the years.
Let's hope he is listened to by the new owner and that this, among other changes that will, no doubt, be coming, will bring TVR into a whole new era with improved quality control, even better marketing, and further expansion into the global market.
Let's hope he is listened to by the new owner and that this, among other changes that will, no doubt, be coming, will bring TVR into a whole new era with improved quality control, even better marketing, and further expansion into the global market.
fatbuttfast said:
I was very impressed with Ben when we met at the TVR bus during Le Mans 03. He even shared their nice cold beer with me and my mate.
I hope Ben is happy with his new role as no ammount of money can buy the same passion and drive of TVR that Ben has.
I wasn't very impressed when I tried to buy a Tuscan R from Ben. He completely failed to return any calls. Arranged to let me have a look at the preproduction car, and then just didn't turn up (and didn't call to say that he couldn't).
In the end, I asked for (and got) my deposit back.
Hence my comment that he doesn't seem to do much.
James
Edited to say: That's not to say that he isn't a very nice bloke. I'd quite happily go out for a beer with him. Just wouldn't try to buy a car from him
>> Edited by james on Wednesday 15th September 17:04
Marlon said:
If the rumours amongst the dealers are correct, you shouldn't talk about TVR's new Managing Director like that.
If the rumours amongst the dealers are correct, not everyone would be in favour of that promotion...
or could it be a promotion to 'customer services' or Director of Warranties hmmmm......
Bennno
bennno said:
TVRinBFG said:
If the rumours amongst the dealers are correct, you shouldn't talk about TVR's new Managing Director like that.
If the rumours amongst the dealers are correct, not everyone would be in favour of that promotion...
or could it be a promotion to 'customer services' or Director of Warranties hmmmm......
Bennno
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