premiums paid at dealership for "market adjust"?

[sdawg1971]

is it possible that when we take delivery of the fortwo cars, we get hit with a "market adjustment" charge. I think I remember this happening when the PT cruiser arrived. At the prices quoted on the US web site, I would definately be pissed if I received an additional 3-5 thousand dollar supply/demand price adjustment that the dealer thinks is OK.. Your thoughts?

[Smartbillet]

I thought that I read somewhere that there would be no dealer markups.

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by sdawg1971

is it possible that when we take delivery of the fortwo cars, we get hit with a "market adjustment" charge. I think I remember this happening when the PT cruiser arrived. At the prices quoted on the US web site, I would definately be pissed if I received an additional 3-5 thousand dollar supply/demand price adjustment that the dealer thinks is OK.. Your thoughts?

This subject was covered at length in a previous thread and someone got the scoop right from SCOA that PAG was holding the line on that kind of crap. Roger's idea of marketing cars this way rests on the fact that no funny business (for lack of a better term to use here) would be occuring that would upset his better idea of marketing the Smart in the US. So many people would be PO'd it wouldn't be funny...especially after their waiting so long to get the car.
NAHHH.....They wouldn't allow that to happen.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by jonnysan

This subject was covered at length in a previous thread and someone got the scoop right from SCOA that PAG was holding the line on that kind of crap. Roger's idea of marketing cars this way rests on the fact that no funny business (for lack of a better term to use here) would be occuring that would upset his better idea of marketing the Smart in the US. So many people would be PO'd it wouldn't be funny...especially after their waiting so long to get the car.
NAHHH.....They wouldn't allow that to happen.

All true (according to the hype).

[mr_Cash]

what you are asking, is,

is mercedes stupid.

chryslers decision to allow some dealers to do this on the pt crusier, lead many to vow never to buy a chrysler vehicle, even if they offer a 50% discount off invoice.

it ruined it not only for the offending dealers, but also, for the dealers offering a normal discount off msrp on the pt.

the vow was especially true for those who liked the pt, and were going to buy one. but of course, never did, never will, nor will ever buy any chrysler product again, of any type, at any price.

mercedes did not become the most prestigious production automotive company in the world, by being stupid.

while mercedes did make an error of judgement to get involved with chrysler, mercedes righted the ship, by severing the chrysler affiliation.

the smart is gold. if they add hanky panky overcharging, and huckster the smart, smart gold will revert to fools gold. ie, worthless, or worse, with losses forever in the smart lifecycle.

they should be thinking of offering 'easy to qualify for' discounts from msrp. for example,

1) for cash purchases, (cashiers or personal check paid in full at delivery), a -1% or -2% cash discount from msrp.

2) a good reservation customer simple grocery gift bag at delivery, containing a) approved oil filter, b) quart of recommended grade engine oil c) approved convertible top cleaner & brush, d) approved spray can of upholstery protector, e) floor mats, f) $30 gas gift card (1+ later thank you fill-up), g) 5 year discount coupon for one extra exterior panel set, h) one year discount card for any smart products and services under $500.

causing customers reinforcing good mercedes thoughts weeks, months, years later, of

'thank you good guys, thank you. i'll be back.',

without mercedes employees having to even say another word.

[bobnyuma]

I have an e-mail from SMART stateing specifally, that ADM on the vehicles will not be done. I asked that question specifally to them as well as what type of warranty they were offering.

[bobnyuma]

From: support@smartdealerinfo.com
Date: 10/22/2007 4:09:33 PM
To: bobnyuma@hotmail.com
Subject: smart answer: RE: Warranty and Additional Dealer Mark-up

Dear smart Enthusiast, smart USA is dedicated to superior customer service! Therefore, no authorized smart USA dealer will be allowed to charge over the sticker price for a new smart fortwo. The Pure is set at a base price of $11,590; the Passion is set at $13,590; and the Passion Cabriolet is set at $16,590. The prices do not include taxes, license, destination charges, and other fees that come standard whenever purchasing a new vehicle. At this time, information regarding warranty is unavailable, as the car remains in its manufacturing stage. Thank you for your interest in smart USA. You will be hearing from us soon! Jessica Ratcliff Customer Service www.smartusa.com 1.800.smartusa This is the e-mail I recieved.

[eqwalker]

I got the same response from smartUSA as well on not allowing the dealers to charge over the MSRP. Then somewhere else I read where a person posted that, by law, they could not keep the dealer from charging what they wanted to. Is there any truth in that?

[mr_Cash]

Originally Posted by eqwalker

somewhere else I read where a person posted that, by law, they could not keep the dealer from charging what they wanted to. Is there any truth in that?

possibly.

but mercedes likely can cancel their dealership, and/or make it very tough on them (gee, we didn't get to your orders this week, call us next quarter), for any number of reasons, effectively at their discretion.

keep in mind, there were 1,400 applications to be a dealers, and only 90 or so have been granted?

mercedes has honest, normal dealers begging to sell the car,

without having to resort to classless, brand destroying, short term greed lust, medium & long term fool ignorant, huckster dealers.

[spdickey]

Won't happen. Roger Penske promised we'll be delivered at MSRP plus "destination" and taxes. Said so on the San Jose video, check it out.

There are other auto brands that are "no haggle." Saturn anyone?