Talk Morgan Forums Talk Morgan Members Section Dealer Talk Starting a Morgan Dealership

Whilst we were in Croatia recently, we marvelled at the fine scenery, lovely weather, and absolutely fantastic roads. Perfect for Morganeering.

We then thought, as you often do, about a change in lifestyle, and the idea of starting a Morgan Dealership in Croatia sprang to mind.

OK, when you have all stopped laughing, I'd appreciate any pointers from people who have experience of this type of thing, bearing in mind :-
1) I've never run a car dealership of any type
2) I'm not a mechanic
3) I can't speak Croation
4) I haven't got a clue where to start (hence the thread).

This may be just a 'pie in the sky' idea, but I don't think that part of Europe is covered by any other dealer yet, and I think it could work - there is a lot of money coming into the country judging by the Audis/BMW/Merc (and a white Ferrari 430 I saw - yuk) and all the mega-money motor yachts in the coastal harbours.

Would MMC be interested do you think, and what support would they give to a new dealer ? How about the number of cars/build slots available ? What's it like being a Morgan dealer I wonder ?

All you chaps based in Europe (on the continent I mean !) - I'd particularly like to hear from you.

thanks

Matthew

Matthew, Brian (Aeroman) would be a great starting point as he has dealership experience (albeit not with MMC); however, I know his net access is limited until late this week, as he is travelling.



MMC are a great company to speak with. Why not call them and ask some exploratory questions? If you'd like to go this route and need a point of contact, I'm happy to provide you with one.

Interestingly I have been having a simmilar thought process for another part of Europe on the far western coast.

I agree with Simon about the best approach being direct to the factory. Speak to any of the directors and they will give you great advice and if the business plan looks good 110% backing (quote)

Hi - how did you get on?
We are in a similar situation here in China. We imported a v6 Roadster and the reaction has been wonderful.
Any useful hints/tips appreciated.
Specifically:
- Pricing policy
- Warranty issues
- Dealings with the factory

Thanks
Jim

Jim,

http://morgan-cars.com.cn/?lang=en

China has one official dealer based in Beijing.

I heard Charles Morgan on radio 4 today saying China was a key target market & they wanted to build a dealer network.

Lets hope it odesn't go the way of MG!!!

We shall do our best to keep Morgan British!
Morgan cars in China
Beijing 9th January 2012: Malvern Morgan Cars (Beijing) Limited has been appointed by the Morgan Motor Company Limited to be an authorized dealer in Beijing. The Morgan Motor Company, Britain’s longest established automotive company in private ownership, is now targeting Mainland China as a potential engine of growth. British entrepreneur and Morgan owner Jim James has been appointed in Beijing to market the Morgan car range including the Aero, Roadster and 3 Wheeler.



The Morgan Motor Company was established in 1909 in Malvern, Worcestershire, and has chosen to remain a niche manufacturer, and believes that Morgan’s British pedigree and dedication to traditional craftsmanship will prove to be attractive to the automotive connoisseur in China. Under the leadership of Charles Morgan, CEO and grandson of the founder of Morgan Motor Company, the Company has become a global brand, which offers a range of Classic, modern, and 3 wheel vehicles; all of which are hand built, offer class leading performance, and are Euro V compliant.



In order to service the market the new company will focus solely on Morgan Motor vehicles. Malvern Morgan Cars Beijing Limited is the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) approved name for the company, a Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise held 100% by Morgan Cars Limited, a Hong Kong holding company. Founded by Managing Director Jim James, the Company will focus on the import, marketing, sales and service of the British marque and related merchandise opportunities in the luxury auto sector, as well as facilitating factory tours.



Steve Morris, Operations Director of Morgan Motor Company Limited said, “China is a key market for Morgan Motor Company and we are delighted to have appointed Morgan Cars Limited in Beijing as part of our long term strategy to bring the Aero, Roadster, Eva GT and 3-Wheeler to China.”



Jim James said, “It is a privilege to represent the Morgan brand in China, and to enable customers to experience the unique driving pleasure of a hand built British sports car.” There will be a showroom in Beijing for a representative range of models, initially with the V8 Roadster, which was imported and successfully licensed tagged in Beijing in 2011.



Morgan is targeting 1,500 deliveries worldwide in 2012 of which upto 50 are forecast to be ordered by Chinese customers. The new 3 Wheel model joins four-wheeled designs that include the 125,000 pound AeroMax, which has a 367 horsepower V8 engine and can reach 170 mph, and the “Classic” range of 1930s-styled roadsters including a newly launched Morgan+8 which offers classic styling with a modern BMW V8 powertrain. In the USA the 3 Wheeler is being sold as a motorized tricycle to avoid a car import license, and the Company is investigating the best way to make this vehicle available in China.

China overtook the United States as the world’s largest vehicle market in 2009 and has also become the growth engine for global luxury car brands. According to the prediction from WLA (World Luxury Association) – China will overtake Japan in luxury goods consumption in 2012. According to a report industry specialist JD Power and Associates, the luxury car market will exceed 1.2 million units by 2015, with the market growing in double digits over the next five years.

About Morgan Cars Limited
Morgan Cars Limited is a privately held company registered in Hong Kong which is the parent company of Malvern Morgan Cars Beijing Limited. Established in 2011 with the Articles of Association dedicated to the marketing and sale of Morgan Motor Car vehicles and related merchandise.



For more information please visit:



Website：http://www.morgan-cars.com.cn

Official weibo：http://www.weibo.com/morgancars

Email: drive@morgan-cars.com.cn

Morgan Motor Website : http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/



Issued by:

EASTWEST Public Relations

www.eastwestpr.com

Media Contact:
Denise Chen
Beijing

Phone: 010-65820018

Email: denise@eastwestpr.com

http://www.morgan-cars.com.cn/en/morgan-motors-appoints-first-dealer-in-beijing-in-100-years/

Jim, Best of British in China. Good luck.

Yes, we hope to be there in April/May and it would be great to see some Mogs driving around Beijing!

All the very best for the future and I hope you'll keep us all advised of your progress?

Best wishes
Brian

Good luck Jim, I'm sure it'll be and interesting adventure Keep us informed on sales progress it'll be interesting to watch your progress.