I went to my Ducati dealer today to buy a new Monster 1200S to replace my 2014 Tuono. The main reasons being that though I love the Tuono I *hate*, with the strongest of all passions, Aprilia and their non-existent customer service. Deal was done, bank card was in slot and I casually asked "so, you're not planning on dropping Ducati are you?!". Turns out that no, they are not planning to drop Ducati but Ducati may be dropping them as part of VAG's makeover of the brand. You see my dealer isn't some flashy glass-house forecourt establishment. They're a traditional motorbike dealer with the values that are associate with that; customer service over pamphlets and showrooms, workshop support over glitz and sales-sheen veneer. They were very open and honest and suggested that I shouldn't pull the trigger as they be removed as a Ducati dealer in the shorter term. Card was pulled from the slot and we didn't do the deal. It was a shame that they were concerned for their Ducati franchise status because they didn't match the marketing persona that the VAG Ducati wants to propagate. Of course Audi acquired Ducati to make money and VAG group are re-branding accordingly. They have new bikes in the marketplace, Scrambler being the most prominent activity but I was somewhat taken aback by what I learnt there today. Nothing stays the same
Along the same lines as my thread in general chatter.. Do you prefer shiny new dealerships ..should threads be merged Mr administrator ?
That was your guardian angel protecting you from making a silly purchase just before a 1299 Streetfighter hits the showrooms.
Why stop buying it? There will always be one to replace the territory. Seems harsh on a dealer you like, who does a good job, and you have pulled his income. Nail in his coffin?! Or have I missed something?
It was on their suggestion that we didn't do the deal. Ducati is not their sole franchise and they're well regarded. VAG send a letter and that is how they will learn their state going forwards. New world order. Edit. I appreciate my dealers honesty and that is why I'll continue to use them for my other bikes and buy bikes from in the future. This is more that can be said for the original dealer who I bought the Tuono from; they sold me the bike, promised me service, dropped Piaggio then told me to go elsewhere. That was Palmers in Hertfordshire. The next nearest trusted Ducati dealer is where my Aprilia now goes which is a long way from here.
[QUOTE="michel couque, post: 606966, member: 23351"Do you prefer shiny new dealerships ..[/QUOTE] I've not seen your thread. Do I prefer shiny glass house dealers? I don't care either way over appearances and shinyness. I prefer a personable good service, a decent workshop and people I trust. That can be shiny or otherwise. My concern is where the new Ducati places its value proposition and positioning going forward. In fact, its not a concern I'm just really pleased that my dealer was open and honest with me. Ducati can do what it wants for all I care.
