|
One other reason that the dealership model works is that most franchised auto manufacturer dealers are required to have a shop with the ability to fix the cars they sell. This means they buy the test equipment and tools, and they send their mechanics to the required classes. It doesn’t mean they always do a good job, and it might cost more, but at least you have somewhere to take your car for warranty work or repairs.
My Dad worked for a Ford dealership, and one reason they never considered selling Lincoln vehicles is the cost of tools and training. Lincoln had more fancy electronics gadgets, special suspension, etc., and if you sold it you had to be be able to fix it. Ford/Lincoln just shipped all the required test equipment and tools to the dealer every year - no choice. It wasn’t worth the expense just to sell a few more cars.
|