we went to a local event which was supposedly supported by "prestige German car makers". The idea was it was big weekend car and boat show at the local Marina promotoing the new housing, boat sales and obviously cars. It was a huge event, a fun fair, french market the lot - tens of thousands of people came along.
the cars went a bit like this
BMW - the entire range of new models on stands and about 50 almost new cars for sale all prepared and ready for potential buyers to "drive away", a marquee with an accessories "store" selling mats, clothing etc and buffet with about 20 suited and booted sales advisors and cutomer relations staff handing freebies out and talking to people encouraging them to look around the cars inside and out. One of their guys said they had actually sold 15 of the used cars that weekend
Audi - the entire range of new cars all on stands and about 30 used cars, with a marquee full of smart casually dressed sales staff handing out freebies, video presentations, soft drinks and ice creams for the kids drinks being handed out and a bunjee jump with the crane emblazoned with Audi banners for anyone daft enough to try it. Couldn't get near the cars as most were marked "sold" by the afternoon of the second day.
Mercedes, A couple of new cars - an A Class and an E class estate. about 20 used cars including a pair of immaculate AMG E55s. No sales staff that could be found, no marquee, no stands in fact the only visible staff there were the guys from the parts department sitting on the tailgate of an M class drinking cans of beer wearing jeans and T shirts. no giveaways, no customer contact and no cars actually for sale on the day just a box full of cards clipped to the window of each one to allow potential buyers to get in contact with the dealer.
we were Not impressed.
Andy
