BMW criticizes dealers (UK)

[Kirby]

http://www.carkeys.co.uk/features/industry/2005/5762.asp

But it soumds like a good sales person can make a decent living. See excerpts below:

BMW dealers have had it too easy for too long and have become complacent. That's the blunt and surprising message from the boss of BMW GB. And straight-talking managing director Jim O'Donnell didn't stop there. "Many of our dealers are simply lazy - they're just not hungry enough," he told me at the launch of the new 3-Series in Spain.

.....
The biggest complaint from sales staff was having to work weekends ("that's when people buy cars") and the long hours. But he said BMW sales staff are generally better paid than others in the business. A top salesman can expect to earn around £40,000 a year and even the average is around £20,000. A sales manager at a dealer principal can earn as much as £100,000 a year.

Clearly O'Donnell wants to ensure they work for their money.

 

[bmw046series]

I've always had the inclination that BMW's sold pretty well in the UK the way it was, a lot of Brits are trading in their Jags for Bimmers because of the "Ford Factor", at least the times I've been there you sure see a lot of BMWs.

On a different topic, I'll never forget when somebody asked me if my car was British, I guess a lot of people think BMW stands for British Motor Works, I guess it could be looked at that way. You know you never would confuse Mercedes for anything but German why is that? When I was in High school I always thought Porsche was Italian until my dad bought one.

 

[epj3]

I've always had the inclination that BMW's sold pretty well in the UK the way it was, a lot of Brits are trading in their Jags for Bimmers because of the "Ford Factor", at least the times I've been there you sure see a lot of BMWs.

On a different topic, I'll never forget when somebody asked me if my car was British, I guess a lot of people think BMW stands for British Motor Works, I guess it could be looked at that way. You know you never would confuse Mercedes for anything but German why is that? When I was in High school I always thought Porsche was Italian until my dad bought one.

What the **** are you talking about. Ford is EXTREMELY popular in the UK. Ever watch top gear, fifth gear, etc.? Ever see the shows on speedtv from the UK?!

 

[Kirby]

I'm pretty sure what he means is that traditional Brits are unhappy that Jag is owned by Ford. Many are bailing out because of the loss of the exclusive image now that Jaguar is geared towards mass production.

The same as some Saab customers are unhappy about GM ownership, etc. Imagine how we would feel if BMW was purchased by Fiat.

 

[bmw046series]

Boy I'm not getting into this again with you, actully if you watched a little more Top Gear you would notice a difference between Ford and BMW, which isn't even what I was talking about in the first place.

You know I wonder if GM will close Saab up for good, as the rumor flys or what will happen?

 

[jrt67ss350]

You know I wonder if GM will close Saab up for good, as the rumor flys or what will happen?

I would tend to doubt it. GM has invested quite a bit of money in Saab. The 9-3 rides on the GM Epsilon platform (shared with the Pontiac G6, Chevy Malibu, etc) and I have read that GM has already designed the next generation 9-3. GM has also facelifted the GMC Envoy to create the 9-7x - although I think that is a poor decision - I don't think it'll sell well.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Car salesmen (and women) are sleazebags anyway.

 

[MyHarley]

Car salesmen (and women) are sleazebags anyway.

tell us how you really feel...........

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

i think BMW NA should issue this...but employees here...dont they get paid on commision?

 

[chuck abbott]

Soon it will make no difference what you buy in the UK, a Jag or a ford, as they will all look the same. Has anyone seen the new Jag front end. I thought I was looking at a Tauris.