conf date model

[Lewis]

Originally Posted by Carnut

Fellow waiters (as in waiting for delivery as opposed to serving food) simple math should tell us that weekly production will be 500 to 600 cars per week max. Dealers were told their allocation will be approx 30 units per month. Let's not get lost in a dream world although it is tempting.

Unfortunately without the vital information of where we stand Numerically on the list (as opposed to our reservation date) which I am sure PAG has in a relational database (and will not reveal) we are just guessing when our delivery date will be.

While I agree that 500/day is a good guess on production rate the boats will carry thousands of Smarties thus telling us a lot about when they actually will arrive. Again, certain to be known to PAG (so they can line up the hauler trucks) but secret to us.

If we had our numerical place in line and knew the boat arrival dates and their capacities (all certain to be known to PAG) we could get a pretty good idea when we'll be behind the wheels of our Smarties!

[Old smart]

Actually, it is Internet Brands (IB) that is doing all this for PAG, including passing the lists to the dealers when the time comes. I even think that when you call in to the 1-800-smartusa number you are calling something IB is running.

[Lewis]

Yes but doesn't IB work for PAG?

i.e. these are Schembri's decisions?

[E-SMART]

I work for an import engine mfg (~ 225K per year to the states) and lead time for each container shipment is about 4 months (from Asia). As smart already ships cars to NA (Canada & Mexico) I'm sure those groups can enlighten us on time from order to delivery ... some on the Canadian site have even tracked their specific car over! As the pipeline gets up and running for the U.S. hopefully we'll get as sophisticated ... I remember 'ordering' my '99 Miata after the dealer was able to 'see' what cars were in the pipeline (I wanted Twilight Blue/Leather and a hardtop which apparently was a less popular combo -- the dealer was able to tell me within 2-3 days of when it would arrive at the port and then at his store, wasn't BS as it arrived right on time) ... I would also look forward to a time when you could take European delivery at the factory in France ... now that would be cool!!!

[Lewis]

Yes E-Smart-a euro delivery plan- THAT would be great- especially for me as I can fly to France for free. The difference with your Mazda and our Smarties though is that Mazda was willing to release the needed information and PAG seems strangely resistant.

I really do think the secrecy is a long range poor business decision (albiet making it easier for them in the short run by preserving their options) but obviously PAG differs.

Information inspires confidence secrecy inspires worry.

You know the boats are not like catching a cab. All this has been planned for months I'm sure.

[paul c]

Originally Posted by Lewis

Yes E-Smart- THAT would be great- especially for me as I can fly to France for free. The difference with your Mazda and our Smarties though is that Mazda was willing to release the needed information and PAG seems strangely resistant.

I really do think the secrecy is a long range poor business decision (albiet making it easier for them in the short run by preserving their options) but obviously PAG differs.

Information inspires confidence secrecy inspires worry.

And incorrect information inspires distrust. PAG could tell us more, sure, but the more they tell us the more likely they'll tell us something which turns out not to be accurate. For example, if they told us exactly where each of us stood in the reservation line we would immediately demand the production rate for the USA smarts at Hambach (something I doubt they know). If they guessed at that number, we would then busily calculate when our smart would be built (ignoring, of course, the unknown drop-out rate of reservists) and then be disappointed when the car wasn't at the dealer on that day. I suggest you take a deep breath. And then take another. Christmas will come. It always has.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by Lewis

Yes but doesn't IB work for PAG?

i.e. these are Schembri's decisions?

They are certainly contracted by PAG, but I don't know how much compartmentalization there is. I know they are responsible to PAG for collecting, managing, and providing "leads," of which the whole reservation program is a part.

Some time back there was a copy of IB's contract with PAG (nee-UAG) posted on this forum.

[Lewis]

Well I can understand what you say- incorrect information is worse than nothing. I imagine they consider the anxious folk here on the forum a very tiny piece of their market and can see where the possiblity of dissappointments to the average buyer means more than satisfying our curiousity and impatience.

[Old smart]

IB is likely less concerned with our angst than PAG; they are just an intermediate service provider. Even smartUSA Distributor is a LLC.

[eqwalker]

Is is possible that when the dealers are finally announced, and everything is said and done, that the online reservation system will be taken offline and replaced with a "find your local dealer" selection, so as if anyone is still wanting one at that point, would call their dealer directly?