Transition to EV, why Ford/GM still need dealers to sell the trucks?

[cdubculvy]

Dealers are an unnecessary middle man that pretty much every single car buyer loathes. With Tesla proving that not having dealers is a HUGE selling point, and other startups (Rivian) coming online without dealers, legacy carmakers have to realize that they are at a huge disadvantage going forward. Personally, I can't wait for the day where dealers no longer exist. I've bought many new cars in my lifetime and used dealers for service (warranty) a lot, they're all so so awful.

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[Sundancer330]

That all sounds good but put yourself in the dealership owners shoes. If Ford called me and said no more car sales just repairs I would laugh and say go pound sand and say goodbye. I dont think small to medium dealers would survive on service only, maybe the big guys with several locations but the landscape would sure change.

 

[techguydave]

In the near term, Ford or other automakers could set up their own factory stores in certain locations that would sell at MSRP and that would all but stop the price-gouging at other dealerships within a certain radius.

I would travel multiple states to buy directly from a manufacturer like this.

 

[Kev12345]

Why are we stuck with the dealership model in Canada? We don't have these ridiculous laws protecting middlemen.

 

[F150ROD]

They still need dealers to hold stock so people can buy on the spot. There are a lot of people who have no patience and would not be able to wait for factory orders for whatever reason. However, Ford could separate both in order to satisfy all their customers without breaking any laws but they refuse to do it and therefore we are stuck with dealers installing $1500 LoJack on an EV.

 

[SCandTC]

I’m sure no one in here was crying when the big 3 took $8,000-12,000 off MSRP on half ton trucks. Plus look at all the other “middle men” businesses. Real estate, grocery stores, electronic stores, etc. You all act like 80% of retail businesses aren’t middle men raising prices up over what they pay for the product.

 

[F150ROD]

I’m sure no one in here was crying when the big 3 took $8,000-12,000 off MSRP on half ton trucks. Plus look at all the other “middle men” businesses. Real estate, grocery stores, electronic stores, etc. You all act like 80% of retail businesses aren’t middle men raising prices up over what they pay for the product.

Except those discounts aren’t offered by dealers. They come straight from the Big 3.

 

[rydfree]

Dealerships may be terrible but at least I can go bitch and yell at someone eye to eye. If they start selling directly I hope the customer service gets a lot better. I've never had to call Fords customer service until yesterday and today but it sucs. Stayed on hold for 1:15 once yesterday then got disconnected. Tried again for 33 minutes and finally had to hang up . I got a representative on the line this morning after holding for 40 minutes and he was a Dumbazz . At this point I have no idea if I'm ever gonna get a Bronco or the Lightning

 

[shutterbug]

I’m sure no one in here was crying when the big 3 took $8,000-12,000 off MSRP on half ton trucks. Plus look at all the other “middle men” businesses. Real estate, grocery stores, electronic stores, etc. You all act like 80% of retail businesses aren’t middle men raising prices up over what they pay for the product.

How many real estate agents get 10% of a sale and then insist on mark-up that doesn't go to the seller at all?

How many grocery store charge you for giving you a receipt (doc fees)?

How many electronic stores insist that you buy accessories that you don't want?

On the plus side, you can always count on the car dealers to provide burnt coffee and stale donuts.

 

[rydfree]

According to this the vast majority still want to buy in person and not over the internet .

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/amp38698676/does-anyone-want-an-electric-car/

 

[SCandTC]

Except those discounts aren’t offered by dealers. They come straight from the Big 3.

not at all. Rebates come from manufacturer. There’s no $10,000 rebate from Ford.

 

[SCandTC]

How many real estate agents get 10% of a sale and then insist on mark-up that doesn't go to the seller at all?

How many grocery store charge you for giving you a receipt (doc fees)?

How many electronic stores insist that you buy accessories that you don't want?

On the plus side, you can always count on the car dealers to provide burnt coffee and stale donuts.

Show me on the doll where the bad car salesman hurt you

 

[F150ROD]

not at all. Rebates come from manufacturer. There’s no $10,000 rebate from Ford.

What?

 

[SCandTC]

What?

example:

2017 F150 XLT

MSRP $55,155
Rebate: $4,000
Dealer discount: $6,000

dealer discount comes off of profit. Rebate doesn’t affect dealers profit.

 

[rydfree]

Show me on the doll where the bad car salesman hurt you

Most people would identify easily when you bend the doll over .

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