UK Dealer and service network closures

[CRH]

Dammit this is hard to watch, guys. Brussels doesn’t even have its claws in you any longer - somehow, you have to reclaim your inner redneck (if you didn’t export all of it to Canada, the US and Australia).

We now have EU devotees in charge and in the same vein will tell is what's best for us even if that’s not what you voted for, hence the massive tax for first registration and large annual tax for a few years after.
This all getting very political, but I do think that is the problem with UK sales/dealers.
They need a huge advertising boost to get people looking as the amount that will be prepared to purchase will dwindle the closer we get to the ban, as and when it happens.

 

[Bobineos]

With regards to Heritage in Gloucester, I had an email from them saying that they will continue to service Grenadiers at their other Gloucester Branch (Honda) by David who was the IA trained tech at the Ineos Branch. So servicing is at least taken care of for those around Oxford/Gloucester which is good considering I am currently needing two services a year
They do mention that they are currently unsure whether they will deal with warranty work...

Hi, do you mind me asking what sort of price are they charging for a service ?
As I mentioned The dealer I used was £218 cheaper than my original dealer.

 

[jamesfielding]

Hi, do you mind me asking what sort of price are they charging for a service ?
As I mentioned The dealer I used was £218 cheaper than my original dealer.

Hi Bobineos,
my last service which was November 2024 - £607 incl vat

 

[beanohallett]

well received this from Ineos Automotive yesterday and also that Dave from Heritage Gloucester has been asked to look for a full time solution to the gap there - we will se what he can come up with

QUOTE
Hi Garry, thanks for reaching out. We totally understand your concerns around the closure of these retailers. We are pivoting from the current agency sales model to a traditional wholesale/franchise approach which will ultimately unlock a better customer experience.

There are currently 19 agents operating 26 combined sales & service sites across the UK, with a further 10 service only sites. The expectation is that this will optimise with 10 franchisees operating 14 core sales and service sites. Our service only footprint is expected to grow, as outgoing combined sites will be offered service-only contracts to ensure a smooth transition and retain a skilled support network for our established and future customer base. 

If this includes one of your closest retailers, you will be contacted via email with all the network changes and potential alternative locations.

UNQUOTE

so I guess we will see.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

We now have EU devotees in charge and in the same vein will tell is what's best for us even if that’s not what you voted for, hence the massive tax for first registration and large annual tax for a few years after.
This all getting very political, but I do think that is the problem with UK sales/dealers.
They need a huge advertising boost to get people looking as the amount that will be prepared to purchase will dwindle the closer we get to the ban, as and when it happens.

“I know that’s not what you said you wanted, but I’m now going to tell you why what you wanted isn’t really what you want.” You guys are going to get to the point that this is how the Five Eyes alliance works: the Kiwi’s distract the terrorists with self-deprecating humor, you guys overwhelm them with administrative paperwork for “license to operate” and energy consumption tariffs, and the Aussies, Americans and Canadians can kill them.

 

[DoubleDoom]

Has the system changed? I had to order mine direct from Ineos in 2023. I thought you still had to build on their website and order their direct. The dealer got a handling fee for PDI, prep and registering

No, its still agency but its been said several times by Lyne Calder that Ineos are looking to switch to dealer model after realising they made a mistake on that front.

well received this from Ineos Automotive yesterday and also that Dave from Heritage Gloucester has been asked to look for a full time solution to the gap there - we will se what he can come up with

QUOTE
Hi Garry, thanks for reaching out. We totally understand your concerns around the closure of these retailers. We are pivoting from the current agency sales model to a traditional wholesale/franchise approach which will ultimately unlock a better customer experience.

There are currently 19 agents operating 26 combined sales & service sites across the UK, with a further 10 service only sites. The expectation is that this will optimise with 10 franchisees operating 14 core sales and service sites. Our service only footprint is expected to grow, as outgoing combined sites will be offered service-only contracts to ensure a smooth transition and retain a skilled support network for our established and future customer base. 

If this includes one of your closest retailers, you will be contacted via email with all the network changes and potential alternative locations.

UNQUOTE

so I guess we will see.

This ties in with previous quotes from Lynn Calder who said they made a mistake with the agent model.

However, with those figures, it means 26 sites selling the vehicle will reduce to 14. Although reference to core could mean there may be satellite outlets as is the case with several other manufacturers. For example, in our region, the Audi dealership has a small outlet in one of the nearby towns where you can view vehicles, buy and service. However, it is sub branch (satellite) of the city dealership and most of its trade appears to be used vehicles.

Another trend in our area is that the dealers are going heavily into multi-brand. Usually on the same site. Although that is usually with the Chinese brands who are no doubt throwing staggering amounts of money at it to try and kill the competition.

 

[Zimm]

“I know that’s not what you said you wanted, but I’m now going to tell you why what you wanted isn’t really what you want.” You guys are going to get to the point that this is how the Five Eyes alliance works: the Kiwi’s distract the terrorists with self-deprecating humor, you guys overwhelm them with administrative paperwork for “license to operate” and energy consumption tariffs, and the Aussies, Americans and Canadians can kill them.

Four eyes. The other four aren't as gullible and myopic as Judge Cannon.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

Four eyes. The other four aren't as gullible and myopic as Judge Cannon.

Let’s please keep the discussion where it belongs - mocking the British. I mean empathizing with them.

 

[CRH]

Let’s please keep the discussion where it belongs - mocking the British. I mean empathizing with them.

exactly, we never mock the Yanks or Aussies

 

[beanohallett]

well received this from Ineos Automotive yesterday and also that Dave from Heritage Gloucester has been asked to look for a full time solution to the gap there - we will se what he can come up with

QUOTE
Hi Garry, thanks for reaching out. We totally understand your concerns around the closure of these retailers. We are pivoting from the current agency sales model to a traditional wholesale/franchise approach which will ultimately unlock a better customer experience.

There are currently 19 agents operating 26 combined sales & service sites across the UK, with a further 10 service only sites. The expectation is that this will optimise with 10 franchisees operating 14 core sales and service sites. Our service only footprint is expected to grow, as outgoing combined sites will be offered service-only contracts to ensure a smooth transition and retain a skilled support network for our established and future customer base. 

If this includes one of your closest retailers, you will be contacted via email with all the network changes and potential alternative locations.

UNQUOTE

so I guess we will see.

 

[beanohallett]

I se the ineos dealer in Neath south wales will shut 1st Febuary 2025 !!!

 

[Trialmaster]

I se the ineos dealer in Neath south wales will shut 1st Febuary 2025 !!!

I saw that on Facebook. Just asked Chandlers direct (via email) who have two dealerships whether they will stick with it!

I DO worry whether our vehicles will have support at this rate.

 

[Tom D]

All these issues would be alleviated if they just released the software access for aftermarket scanners.
They are not going to sell many cars in the UK anyway, fuel is really expensive and there just isn’t a huge demand for this kind of vehicle. I think a handful of sales agents isn’t a problem… Service centres on the other hand thats a big issue…

I’m going to try Stirling trailer centre in the future. My local dealer has a new manager and they are no where near as helpful as they were before. They also want £50 to reset the service indicator after you have done your own service..

 

[beanohallett]

All these issues would be alleviated if they just released the software access for aftermarket scanners.
They are not going to sell many cars in the UK anyway, fuel is really expensive and there just isn’t a huge demand for this kind of vehicle. I think a handful of sales agents isn’t a problem… Service centres on the other hand thats a big issue…

I’m going to try Stirling trailer centre in the future. My local dealer has a new manager and they are no where near as helpful as they were before. They also want £50 to reset the service indicator after you have done your own service..

Just booked in northampton for the 2nd service £500 plus a loaner car. result!

 

[Earthwatcher]

Given these closures and no apparent expansion of servicing centres, plus difficulty for many, reaching the ones already there, plus high service costs from some centres, has anyone found a service centre willing or able to take on servicing or repairing a Grenadier?

I had a chat with one of my local garages - a small but very able and trusted outfit - about whether they could take on my Grenadier. They said it would depend on availability of parts and said they would make enquiries. Knowing how difficult it has been for my existing service centre to speak to INEOS HQ - and they are a registered centre - I'm not holding my breath.

But it would be great if small service centres could repair our cars. I used to own a Porsche and was always happy for my local garage to service it as long as they used genuine parts which protected the warranty. Obviously I'd want the same arrangement with the Grenadier. Not sure whether there'd be a prohibitive outlay of diagnostic software, or not.

Given the original philosophy behind the Grenadier = a strong, go-anywhere, utilitarian, easy-to-work-on workhorse, wouldn't making parts and servicing-back up more widely available fit with the original "built on purpose" ethos?

Personally I hate dealership servicing. Porsche had squeaky clean service areas with glam dolly birds serving you cake and coffee and I was always thinking: "How much is this customer-pampering costing?" Soon swapped to dad-and-son in mucky-overalls garage where the curtesy car was a crappy old VW Polo (but it worked and got me home and back). INEOS agency service guy is a nice bloke but even he balks at the cost of the annual service - close on £800. I'd rather be held up by Dick Turpin, thank you!

 

[PBD]

Just booked in northampton for the 2nd service £500 plus a loaner car. result!

Adventure 4x4?

 

[Krabby]

I had a chat with one of my local garages - a small but very able and trusted outfit - about whether they could take on my Grenadier. They said it would depend on availability of parts and said they would make enquiries. Knowing how difficult it has been for my existing service centre to speak to INEOS HQ - and they are a registered centre - I'm not holding my breath.

But it would be great if small service centres could repair our cars. I used to own a Porsche and was always happy for my local garage to service it as long as they used genuine parts which protected the warranty. Obviously I'd want the same arrangement with the Grenadier. Not sure whether there'd be a prohibitive outlay of diagnostic software, or not.

Given the original philosophy behind the Grenadier = a strong, go-anywhere, utilitarian, easy-to-work-on workhorse, wouldn't making parts and servicing-back up more widely available fit with the original "built on purpose" ethos?

Personally I hate dealership servicing. Porsche had squeaky clean service areas with glam dolly birds serving you cake and coffee and I was always thinking: "How much is this customer-pampering costing?" Soon swapped to dad-and-son in mucky-overalls garage where the curtesy car was a crappy old VW Polo (but it worked and got me home and back). INEOS agency service guy is a nice bloke but even he balks at the cost of the annual service - close on £800. I'd rather be held up by Dick Turpin, thank you!

"I had a chat with one of my local garages - a small but very able and trusted outfit - about whether they could take on my Grenadier. They said it would depend on availability of parts and said they would make enquiries. Knowing how difficult it has been for my existing service centre to speak to INEOS HQ - and they are a registered centre - I'm not holding my breath."

The big hangup that I see is the computer hookup stuff. Parts and fluids can be acquired but the software becomes a two part issue IMO. 1-Will IA make the system available to private shops and 2 -will your local shop want to invest into getting that software. If it's a "rental" thing, maybe, but I can't see a mom and pop place shelling out thousands to service a handful of vehicles.

"Given the original philosophy behind the Grenadier = a strong, go-anywhere, utilitarian, easy-to-work-on workhorse, wouldn't making parts and servicing-back up more widely available fit with the original "built on purpose" ethos?"

At this point, it's sadly become apparent this didn't pan out as advertised. My guess is that on day 1, Jim et al wanted it that way - I truly believe that was the goal. But, I think it was naive on his part because the realities of 2023+ automotive legislation doesn't seem to allow for it. The issue is compounded because of the IP involved with the manufacturers of the trucks' many name-brand components (ie, what will BMW allow, what will ZF allow, etc.). You can argue that the LC 70 series is go-anywhere, easy-to-work on, etc. etc., but it is not a true global vehicle (read not a vehicle for the US market) and its future might be bleak if OZ is making ADAS crap part of the equation.

The impetus for Jim's quest was the demise of the proper Land Rover Defender which was, albeit far from perfect and having its own issues, a go-anywhere, etc. etc. vehicle. His original goal (pre Projekt Grenadier) was to just keep making the Defender but that did not pan out. Thereafter, if the day one mission was a "modern" Defender, I think they did ok within the parameters of 2024 automotive manufacturing and legislation. But... I would add IA's ego wrote some checks reality couldn't cash; the frustrating bit is they then made some really odd choices and added complexity that could have been avoided. You know, a weird TPMS system that prohibits rotating your own tires, an HVAC system that pales in comparison to those found on vehicles a quarter of its price, a WTF were they thinking service reset setup, bespoke headlamps, sketchy software, etc.

Just my two cents or pence or whatever