% Why do we need dealerships again?!? %
http://ecomento.com/2014/04/03/bmw-i3-dealers-accused-of-profiteering-following-high-demand/ BMW i3 dealers accused of profiteering following high demand April 3, 2014 – Stephen Edelstein Transport Evolved [image http://ecomento.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bmw-i3-prices.jpg bmw-i3-prices ] It seems every time a desirable car arrives in showrooms in low numbers, some dealers get greedy and decide to jack up the price. The 2014 BMW i3 electric car is the latest victim of price gouging, according to Transport Evolved. The website cites the story of BMW customer Jack Spratt – one of the original “electronauts” who participated in the ActiveE lease program – who says his local dealer is shaking him down. In a Facebook post, Spratt said the dealer was adding extra equipment that customers don’t necessarily want and raising the price beyond the MSRP. All electronauts are entitled to a special-edition i3, but Spratt claims his dealer is adding even more optional extras on top of that while preventing customers from opting out. The electronaut package is being offered free to returning ActiveE customers, but some dealers are even reportedly adding it to customer invoices. Spratt told Transport Evolved that electronauts have “special powers” to complain about these abuses. Most have likely developed close relationships with BMW officials after being involved in what was essentially a beta test of electric-car technology with the ActiveE. However, new customers are on their own and thus vulnerable to price gouging. Many dealers are reportedly marking up i3 leases by $3,000 to $5,000. In addition, non-electronauts will only be able to order one trim level for the three months the i3 is on sale. Since the beginning or March, BMW has only been taking orders for the Launch Edition model - essentially a loaded i3 with the top trim package and many options. Production of other i3 trim levels begins in May. Demand for the i3 has been strong, with six-month waiting lists and more than 100,000 test drives booked. Hopefully the indiscretion of individual dealers won’t dampen the public’s enthusiasm for this novel electric car. [© ecomento.com] ... http://transportevolved.com/2014/04/01/price-gouging-returns-dealers-add-manufacturer-extras-bmw-i3/ Price Gouging Returns As Dealers Add Manufacturer Extras To BMW i3 April 1, 2014 ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/239198747743/ BMW ActiveE (must login to facebook to view) For all EVLN posts use: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=search_page&node=413529&query=evln&sort=date Here are today's archive-only EV posts: EVLN: Proterra Electric Bus purchased by WRTA in MA EVLN: Awesome Verrado 'Electric Drift Trike' (video) EVLN: Free electric charging points set up in Bath.uk car parks EVLN: GM's multiple old problems, repeated business blunders abound EV4sale: Tango-EV used in "HBO’s Silicon Valley" + EVLN: Daimler takes over Evonik EV battery operations {brucedp.150m.com} -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/EVLN-Profiteering-i3-EV-dealers-shaking-down-price-gouging-customers-tp4668828.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
