Open dialogue with the factory
Discussion
Following on from the thread about Flashers unfortunate woes with his T350C I thought one of the suggestions made by Peter Ross was an excellent idea :-
"I think it would be appropriate that this group appoint say 3-5 reps to sit down and sensibly discuss QA issues with the factory, ask for a plan in response, with a follow up meeting in 3-5 mths to review progress."
So lets action this and pull together a group of people to set this up. Probably the most sensible way would be to firstly get a group of volunteers/nominees and then arrange an initial meet. We could then draw up a plan so that when we approach the factory about the idea they can see a benefit in doing it. This is also a good excuse for a drive to a pub somewhere in the country
Any takers/nominees ?
Frostie
>>> Edited by frostie on Thursday 27th March 08:18
"I think it would be appropriate that this group appoint say 3-5 reps to sit down and sensibly discuss QA issues with the factory, ask for a plan in response, with a follow up meeting in 3-5 mths to review progress."
So lets action this and pull together a group of people to set this up. Probably the most sensible way would be to firstly get a group of volunteers/nominees and then arrange an initial meet. We could then draw up a plan so that when we approach the factory about the idea they can see a benefit in doing it. This is also a good excuse for a drive to a pub somewhere in the country
Any takers/nominees ?
Frostie
>>> Edited by frostie on Thursday 27th March 08:18
I think it sounds like a good plan... but IMHO you need people who have been in Flasher's position - ie owned several TVR's and experienced the highs/lows.
Might also be an idea to try and get a main dealer principle involed, so that he can give accounts of what he has had to deal with...
Might also be an idea to try and get a main dealer principle involed, so that he can give accounts of what he has had to deal with...
Podie said: I think it sounds like a good plan... but IMHO you need people who have been in Flasher's position - ie owned several TVR's and experienced the highs/lows.
Might also be an idea to try and get a main dealer principle involed, so that he can give accounts of what he has had to deal with...
Agree 100% with your comments. I had already thought of nominating my dealer as they are excellent and get many of the frustrations that we as owners experience. It is also of benefit to get people who have owned other makes. For example Ferrari are very close to the owners club and the level of dialogue on a different planet.
Frostie
PetrolTed said: A group of Tuscan owners did this last year with the same aim. I know they had one meeting but I'm not sure what happened after that. Anyone else know?
I am organising a survey that will be sent directly to Ben Samuelson via the Tuscan Owners Group.
But I think a more global approach is needed as this is not just about Tuscans but TVR in general.
I will see if I can modify this to suit.
There is a TVR survey form being prepared by Martin Hendra (details on the Tuscan owners Yahoo group) This will be issued to all Tuscan owners for completion (chassis number likely to be required as evidence of ownership to prevent malicious completion by non-owners) and the results will be analysed and fed back to the group and TVR. This is one of the results of the Meeting that was held with Ben Samuelson at TVR last year. Martin is hoping to complete the final survey form this weekend. If you are a Tuscan owner and not a member of the yahoo group I suggest you join to make the sample as credible as possible. Ideally 200+ cars would give us a credible sample size and the results should make interesting reading. It is not a document to cause damge or become the basis for arm twisting. It will simply add power to our hand as owners of expensive cars which may not have received the attention to detail they deserve.
tuscan_s said:
PetrolTed said: A group of Tuscan owners did this last year with the same aim. I know they had one meeting but I'm not sure what happened after that. Anyone else know?
I am organising a survey that will be sent directly to Ben Samuelson via the Tuscan Owners Group.
But I think a more global approach is needed as this is not just about Tuscans but TVR in general.
I will see if I can modify this to suit.
Do you guys have regular dialogue with the factory or this a one off as a result of a single meeting ? I think what is needed is something which is permanent with regular meetings, updates on resolutions to problems, problems being worked on etc etc. I get the impression that they don't like admitting to issues which contrary to what they may percieve is actually having a negative effect IMHO. I also don't think they really consider the power of the internet as a meduim for spreading bad publicity.
Frostie
>> Edited by frostie on Thursday 27th March 10:27
Just as a point of interest, I wrote to TVR a couple of years ago suggesting that they really should have a Customer Services Advisor. I pointed out that thetre was a lot of dissatisfaction from customers with the responses (or lack of) from Blackpool, and that many dealers were also frustrated. I also suggested that they review sites such as PH on a regular basis to gauge current feelings and jump on any rumours before they got out of hand. I even suggested a suitable candidtate, ahem!!
As a result of my letter I met briefly with Ben Samulson at the Motor Show. He advised me that they were indeed considering such a role, but they wanted someone with technical knowledge to act as the factory representative. I was given the impression that they were on the verge of filling the role.
Now, unless I have missed something, there does not seem to have been much change, and Ben still seems to be doing most of the "Front of House" stuff for TVR. Time for another letter me thinks.
As a result of my letter I met briefly with Ben Samulson at the Motor Show. He advised me that they were indeed considering such a role, but they wanted someone with technical knowledge to act as the factory representative. I was given the impression that they were on the verge of filling the role.
Now, unless I have missed something, there does not seem to have been much change, and Ben still seems to be doing most of the "Front of House" stuff for TVR. Time for another letter me thinks.
It was generally agreed by the TOG members that Ben Samuelson would be allowed access to the TOG site, though I cannot recall seeing a posting from him yet. As far as the TOG factory group is concerned, we are scheduled to have another meeting with Ben (no other customer liaison person has been identified) though I imagine the survey will play a big part in the decision as to when (and where) this would take place.
I don't meant to be cynical, but isn't asking Mr Wheeler to improve the quality of his cars a bit like asking Mr Hussein to leave for foreign climes?
ie no matter what charm, persuasion or threats are deployed, Peter Wheeler will just do what he likes, always has done, always will.
Even if he or Ben Samuelson listen earnestly, will things change? Or would a coalition force of Audi and Mercedes engineers need to be parachuted into Blackpool before results are seen?
Sorry to use a war analogy, but it's not like this is the first time someone has mentioned QC to Blackpool, and I also have my suspicions about how easily you can persuade a man with a moustache
ie no matter what charm, persuasion or threats are deployed, Peter Wheeler will just do what he likes, always has done, always will.
Even if he or Ben Samuelson listen earnestly, will things change? Or would a coalition force of Audi and Mercedes engineers need to be parachuted into Blackpool before results are seen?
Sorry to use a war analogy, but it's not like this is the first time someone has mentioned QC to Blackpool, and I also have my suspicions about how easily you can persuade a man with a moustache
Try http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/tuscan-owners/
for the Tuscan owners group.
It's interesting and they're trying hard, but the factory aren't very interested.
No news there then!
for the Tuscan owners group.
It's interesting and they're trying hard, but the factory aren't very interested.
No news there then!
qualityscrew said: Forgive my ignorance, but what is the web address of the Yahoo Tuscan group? As a high-mileage Tuscan owner, and soon to become a Tuscan S owner, I may have some worthwhile comments and would like to participate in the survey.
Try http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/tuscan-owners/
Edited to add "DAMN - beat me to it"
And that I personally think, notwithstanding the deaf ears syndrome that everyone perceives, the dialogue will work out more useful than not!
>> Edited by Beano500 on Thursday 27th March 14:25
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