I visited Stratstones last week. I also visited HW Motors (massive reputation/history in Aston Martin) as well. I just present this as observations, no more.
HW Motors had three factory cars which I was told were on sale or return.
Red +8
Ivory Coupe
Black Supersport
+4S (I think, please excuse my lack of Trad knowledge)
The salesman had a history of Morgan from a previous location but was not deeply knowledgeable. They do not provide servicing so fettling is back to factory and a long wait. It feels like a "Brand" positioning thing. Apparently Aston were not well pleased and did consider it competition.
Stratstones (Birmingham region, Jaguar dealer site)
Very good on the phone. Good on arrival. Professional dealer chain.
Minimal "can I have your details for the computer" annoyance.
Nice showroom downstairs for the Morgans. Used to be a Lotus franchise, figures not good.
Cars have been purchased from the factory and are paid stock. (Not aware of prices involved clearly)
Aero S3 That looks to be in very good condition.
Golden Supersport (Ex factory show car)
Black Supersport (Unreg)
AeroMax Black/Purple - stunning. Interior nothing like as bright as the pictures.
A couple of traditional's
They don't do big maintenance but are close to factory for serious work.
Knowledgable on the sales and general level to a higher degree than I expected.
They did make the comment that they had stock on hand for some time but had chosen to keep it rather than discount and move it out so maintaining the Morgan values. He seemed realistic and called back when he said he would.
I would never compare the network of dedicated specialists that exist around the Trads and existing customers. I do however think the up-market/price cars do need a new channel if they are to sell (and better QA). I do not mean that as a negative comment against dealers like RIchard Thorne who have excellent premises.
I am not thinking of it as "stealing sales" but as expansion which Morgan clearly needs to bring increased revenue and profit. Placing a £100k car next to a trabant is not likely to bring cross sales. I do worry about the expectations issue but that is already an open discussion. It can only improve as they clearly care about it.
The Ivory Coupe I drove in HWM seemed well constructed and a step above previous Aeros I had driven. Sad to say that the Engine Fault light was on......grief. 10000 miles and a factory car up for sale, with the fault light on. Really, is no one paying attention. Thats my beef. Why are these things allowed to occur.
Morgan alongside Aston at one of the best known dealers. This is a form of progress. I don't see them taking any business from the people who frequent this board. I do see new people joining the board all being well. A bit like I did. (first one to post, oh god not more of them wins)
