cazalea[Seiko Moderator]
16918
The quote was from a guy who worked for GM, Ford & Volvo and he was talking mostly about the US and northern Europe
Aug 14, 2019,09:02 AM
The manufacturers are stuck with authorized dealers in the US due to protectionist legislation in almost all 50 states. Tesla is the only one bucking the system today, trying to sell direct and service at your home, work or in a factory service center.
This situation began early in the 20th century because the US is so large. The mfrs couldn't manage service all over a 3000-mile wide continent, so to maintain mobility the situation arose that most service was done in "aftermarket" shops (not dealers). The local garage was closer to the customer, less expensive, and more congenial to performance enhancements, customization, work to suit limited budgets, etc.
These 150,000 businesses (gas stations, tire stores, lube&tune, independents, body shops, etc.) bought data (shop manuals, labor time, parts guides, collision estimating systems) from Mitchell Manuals, where I was head of service information. The other two main publishers were Chilton and MOTOR Manuals. This trio dominated the information market from the 1920's until 1990's when other competitors emerged. Chilton folded and sold out but Mitchell and Motor are still in the game.
Similar publishers supported Do-It-Yourselfers -- these included Autodata, Bentley, Clymer, Haynes, etc.
The Internet (specifically YouTube), hotline call centers, the factors you mentioned, and the rise of fiendishly complex cars has largely killed the market for DIY service (and information).
These challenges have both helped and hindered the independent shops. All along, the manufacturers and their authorized dealers have sold parts to the aftermarket while doing their best to steal customers away (or back, depending on your point of view).
For example, there are 3 Volvo dealers in San Diego county, about 100 mile diameter, which has 3 million registered vehicles (of all types and brands). Same with Mercedes - 3 dealers, each about 30-40 miles apart.
It's easier to get your work done closer to home than drive across an entire county for an oil change and filter with a million other drivers on the road at the same time. That's my biased view, anyway.
However, today I am looking at the recommended services for my 2 new vehicles. The Honda needs an oil change once a year, and the Volt once in 2 years. I have enough of the right oil in stock in my garage, so that's it for me until 2021. Yay!
Mike
PS Captain/Uncle Brownie says hello to Jurry, another fighter pilot!