great idea for new dealer network

[tarpumn]

I was watching the web case of Autoline last night. Part of the decissions revolved around GM and the failure to sell Saturn.
One comentator, I believe DeLarenzo, said he thought that Hyundai should get the Saturn dealers together and propose a purchase to them to become Equus Dealers! This would give Hyundai a already set up dealer network, containing, good staff, already used to exceptional customer service and new facilities.

I sat back and said That's a great idea". He continued to expand his idea, why Hyundai has to get away from the present deal network if it really wants to be taken as a real player in the up market produce. He stated how the present dealers are failing with the Genesis and that if they give them the Equus it will fail. He, and the others on the panel, agreeded that timeing looks perfect. That Hyundai is doing very well in the present market and needs to make a move. And the move needs to be made before GM dismantals the dealer network.

It seems to me that this idea is to good to pass up.

tom
3.8 lease

 

[muisui]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

I will really want to see a better dealer experience for gennie and future Equus.

 

[Dimitry]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

Do you have any idea how much that would increase the cost of the Equus and any other cars under that marque? The amount of overhead would be immense.

Would you buy a fully loaded Genesis for 50, 60k? Or 80, 90 for the Equus?

They can start with the experience at the dealerships first.

 

[ajls09873]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

Partly agree.
But, Hyundai want luxury dealerships.
Actually, They don't need Saturn's technology, lineup, factory and UAW workers, and any other Saturn's assets. Saturn's brand image is also "cheap". Hyundai need upmarket luxury brand.
And, I don't think dealerships of saturn is lexus level. I think it is risky.

 

[ilovemygenesis]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

Partly agree.
But, Hyundai want luxury dealerships.
Actually, They don't need Saturn's technology, lineup, factory and UAW workers, and any other Saturn's assets. Saturn's brand image is also "cheap". Hyundai need upmarket luxury brand.
And, I don't think dealerships of saturn is lexus level. I think it is risky.

I don't think they are proposing to keep the Saturn brand, i think they want to buy the resources Saturn currently has, (locations, staff, etc) and rebrand them as Equus or Genesis what ever they want to name it. They have to retrain the staff and mechanics but at least they have available resources at the ready.

 

[tarpumn]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

Exactly! The opnion I refered to was NOT Saturn Mfg., or products it was just the dealer network and the stores they own. In fact it was said, "It would be VERY easy to just change the signs, update the techs and keep the customer service" . I agree, the effort needed, and may I say is sorly lacking, at the present Hyundai dealers would be much more!
I would guess that the biggest issue to Gen. owners is the total lack of customer service at present dealers. Why, because they are used to dealing with marginal clients looking to an Accent and don't have the credit to get one. Sorry to be so blunt but I'm sure you all know what I mean.

Also let me say that being a former Infinity owner, I don't really care to havemy butt wiped when in for service, nor do I need the $100oil change. The experiance I had was great but not necessary. What I do notlike is being treated likeI don't have any idea how a car works and shuffled off to some dingey waiting room full of National Enquirer's. Nor did I like doing my pruchase in a "Bull pen" of tables and the sales guy running to the Manager every few minutes. My buying experiance was hell, walked out twice, if I did not know and like the car so much I'd be driving another M35. I'm really happy I did buy my Gen. and happy that I found this forum. What a great bunch of folks.

 

[acey]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

"What I do notlike is being treated likeI don't have any idea how a car works and shuffled off to some dingey waiting room full of National Enquirer's. Nor did I like doing my pruchase in a "Bull pen" of tables and the sales guy running to the Manager every few minutes. My buying experiance was hell"


My impressions exactly! Down to the dingy waiting room, and the bull pen of tables, running off to managers.....very well described!

On the other hand:
I don't need to be coddled and fawned over, nor do I need a hairstyle, manicure, and massage while I'm in for an oil change.

NOTE to marketers to us women, c'mon, you think I wanna get a hair cut and struts at the same time??? Creative, but, uh, no thanks.

Clean place, well lit, respectful salespeople...that'll do.

In the meantime, it will be interesting to watch the Saturn Saga unfold. I think the idea has strong merit!

 

[LLT]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

After having owned several Hyundais over the years, including the Genesis, my personal feeling is that I don't think I'll see Hyundai as a luxury car manufacturer in this lifetime. Yes, I realize many said the same of Lexus -- however, there are several key differences such as Toyota already having a strong brand image, good dealer network and most importantly a history of good vehicles.

Hyundai is known for poor past reliability, entry level vehicles, poor resale value and shaky customer service. With the luxury car market already going strong, I'm not sure I'd be trying to penetrate that market if I were them, to be honest. I'd press forward with the premium sedan segment. Stop "borrowing" features from higher end vehicles in order to keep the cost down and go firmly against the premium market. I've little doubt that if they clean their dealer network up a bit, they have a strong chance of success with the Genesis and perhaps the Equus (provided it doesn't exceed $60k even by a dollar.) There's very good value with the Genesis. that clearly attract those who want luxurious features and comforts without paying the premium for the brand and experience. I would just hope Hyundai doesn't get cocky and keep raising the price as the model gets recognized and consumer confidence builds. They're not a luxury manufacturer - they can't charge luxury prices.

 

[ajls09873]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

Hyundai must seperate luxury brand.
Keep Equus/Genesis under Hyundai name is downright silly.

@LLT
Kia will remain as mainstream brand.

 

[Pahaska]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

I was just in for my first oil change (free). The building was the same, rather depressing scene, but the service was a step up from my previous Sonata or Azera. I was offered a free wash, which I passed on since it was raining, but I did take them up on their offer to vacuum the carpets and dust the interior. I think they are trying.

I bought my first Hyundai in the city, but I except for one early service, I have passed up the closer city dealers and traded and serviced my cars at this more rural location. They are unrushed and more friendly.

Maybe they need a separate room like the First Class lounges at International Airports. I used to enjoy those when I commuted to England.

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[mongo]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

I was not impressed with the Hyundai dealerships during my search and purchase experiences.

That said, sure, if I'm going to have to wait an hour for a new key to be programmed, or for a "check engine" light to be reset, it'd be nice to have chairs in the waiting area that aren't torn and tattered.

A woman near me asked if they had any drinks available, she was told "we have water". She took them up on the offer.

One of the sales guys took a styrofoam cup off his desk, went into the bathroom and without closing the door, filled the cup with water at the sink tap. He drank the water. Then refilled and brought it out to the woman. She declined.

So yeah, I'm not looking for a latte machine and a free foot massage. I just don't want to catch a communicable disease from going into a dealership.

When I bought the finance team came over and broke out every stinking car dealership "trick" that you could imagine in trying to talk me out of paying cash and instead finance or lease the car. One guy even commented something like "How can you be so stupid with your money."

Argh.

 

[sandy]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

I was not impressed with the Hyundai dealerships during my search and purchase experiences.

That said, sure, if I'm going to have to wait an hour for a new key to be programmed, or for a "check engine" light to be reset, it'd be nice to have chairs in the waiting area that aren't torn and tattered.

A woman near me asked if they had any drinks available, she was told "we have water". She took them up on the offer.

One of the sales guys took a styrofoam cup off his desk, went into the bathroom and without closing the door, filled the cup with water at the sink tap. He drank the water. Then refilled and brought it out to the woman. She declined.

So yeah, I'm not looking for a latte machine and a free foot massage. I just don't want to catch a communicable disease from going into a dealership.

When I bought the finance team came over and broke out every stinking car dealership "trick" that you could imagine in trying to talk me out of paying cash and instead finance or lease the car. One guy even commented something like "How can you be so stupid with your money."

Argh.

Very well told....you made me laugh out loud.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Re: great idea for new dealer net

I was not impressed with the Hyundai dealerships during my search and purchase experiences.

That said, sure, if I'm going to have to wait an hour for a new key to be programmed, or for a "check engine" light to be reset, it'd be nice to have chairs in the waiting area that aren't torn and tattered.

A woman near me asked if they had any drinks available, she was told "we have water". She took them up on the offer.

One of the sales guys took a styrofoam cup off his desk, went into the bathroom and without closing the door, filled the cup with water at the sink tap. He drank the water. Then refilled and brought it out to the woman. She declined.

So yeah, I'm not looking for a latte machine and a free foot massage. I just don't want to catch a communicable disease from going into a dealership.

When I bought the finance team came over and broke out every stinking car dealership "trick" that you could imagine in trying to talk me out of paying cash and instead finance or lease the car. One guy even commented something like "How can you be so stupid with your money."

Argh.

My God................... Hyundai.. Are you reading this?

 

[ImInPA]

I think that Hummer would be a better purchase for Hyundai. The dealerships are pretty upscale.

 

[YEH]

No need to "purchase" since the dealerships will soon be "free agents."

And before Hyundai even thinks about spending time/resources on a prestige brand dealer network, the time/$$ would be better spent cleaning up/expanding its own dealer network first (which is its bread and butter, rather than on something consisting of maybe 5% of its sales; 3% if you count Kia).

 

[Liza Smith]

Nice ideas are there. It would be helpful for many interested persons. Always try to help similarly.