Demonstrators ???? Today's Rant

[dragonwagon]

If Fiat issue dealers with demonstrators surely the basic premise here is that the cars are available to demonstrate to potential purchasers, NOT become stock for immediate sale to impatient punters.
None of the dealers within easy driving distance of Devil's Bridge have both varieties of Panda 4x4 on their demo fleet - in fact, most have NONE - they have sold the cars. Utterly useless. Surely, Fiat ought to insist that these are kept on hand for a minimum of 3 months. If anyone asks, I don't want to test a TA Lounge, Trekking or 500L as I have been offered variously by some of the dealers. Is it possible for Fiat to recruit near decent dealers at any stage ? Or am I right in thinking that incompetence, indifference and general unhelpfulness are the prime drivers of the dealer selection process ? What a shower !

If Fiat are really serious about selling cars in the UK, this is not the way to do it. Admittedly, I do not need to replace my '87 4x4 immediately but when the time comes..... such ineptitude, greed and indifference from the dealers is almost enough to make me buy a Skoda, Dacia or Defender - at least I can test drive those !

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Dealers are a franchise and can do what they want, Fiat can't insist on anything tbh.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Dealers are a franchise and can do what they want, Fiat can't insist on anything tbh.

:yeahthat:

Oh and because they are franchises independent of fiat as far as companies go they have to buy their demonstrators from fiat like they have to buy in any inventory. Fiat don't just give them the cars fiat would be losing millions doing this

 

[dragonwagon]

Indeed they have to pay for the demonstrator - however that is 3 months after delivery. That is why I suggested that demonstrators re held for three months prior to sale.

 

[vospersjennifer]

We stick by rules set by Fiat and will not let out demonstrators go for three months and always ensure we have something else to offer before we do..

It's a shame not all dealers work this way but we definitely do in the south west.