the fiat dealership i worked for gave up the franchise because of costs associated with it. and we where pushing new cars out the door faster than they could deliver them. the outlay was unbelievable. special tools (that never got used) stock, (that was never needed) showroom layout, IT and software. training. i was never away from collage. must of cost them a fortune. i have seen a mobile mechanic advertising on FB linked from one of their ex employees. i have zero interest or the time tbh to service my own stuff. maybe i will take a look at this fella.
I agree but not sure if Ducati do! Also, going back many, many years, I worked at a Honda dealer. New bikes were delivered by lorry in a carboard box (reinforced with a steel frame) so they could be stacked. It was the dealer's job to unpack the box and finish putting the bike together (front wheel and mudguard) and polish it up. I suppose Ducati UK will do that and if there is anything wrong, then you go back to Silverstone. Buying used will be easier and Ducati can feign surprise when sales drop through the floor...
Yesterday, from a Ducati Glasgow customer: "I will just clear this up for a few on here. As this really got me worried since I have a deposit down and a bike on order. I spoke to DG today and raised my concerns they assured me everything is all OK. There is some changes coming and are being bought over by a larger dealer network. Mentioned that they cannot say much more as there will be a public announcement sometime in the next week. They said this is a actually a good thing to happen for both the business and staff."
Hopefully that works out for them, I found them very good to deal with last year when buying a bike for export!
And MV and Bimota. Its a major consideration when you need to return to dealers for servicing etc to keep warranty on a new bike.
Its not unique to Ducati. I think all manufacturers want to go the same way. cars are heading that way too.
Not saying you are wrong but it just puts me off buying new - car or bike. Car-wise, I have a garage a few hundred metres away who works on any make. I would just buy used locally and get any Mot, tyres, or servicing that I can't be bothered to do, done down the road. Buying anything brand new would just complicate my life!
I think its the start of heading down the 'taxis via app' or 'very short term lease' as needed route. In 20 years time, I'm not sure ownership of personal transport will be anything like at the level it is now.
My wife and I both bought new bikes from Ducati Glasgow in 2017. found them good to deal with. I do the minor services myself but for the major (5 year/ 15000 mile) I was going to go back to them. As we live in Lossiemouth it's a long way even to Glasgow, so hopefully someone will step in and keep an official dealer in Scotland.
From a brief conversation with a work mate who’s mate worked at Vindis Ducati the Peterborough and Cambridge sites have consolidated to Huntington.
