Florida Service Departments

[STEVEH]

This is just parts only not labor. We also have Volvo and GM. As you can see with the other posts they are fighting the new law.

[bajaman]

Our dealer is planning on applying to GM for retail reimbursement for warranty repairs.

Are there any dealers that have succesfully applied? What has Gm's responce been and how have they treated you since you have applied?

We have heard of one dealer that has applied and recieved a modest increase in parts reimbursement but have been treated very poorly by Gm. We have also heard that certain people within Gm have made statements like "we are going after any dealer that applies" or "we are going to nit pick and nickle and dime them to the point that it will not be worth it to them."

We have heard that Toyota has increased their markup percentages, while not within the letter of the law it certainly seems to be in good faith. In the meantime it puts Gm dealers at a further disadvantage.

[sermgreby]

For what it's worth. My dealer has finally decided to back off his push for retail reimbursement. Not becuase he felt we were in the wrong but the lack of other dealers pursuing this has allowed us and a select few (maybe 4 other dealers) to take it on the chin.

I wish we would have at least waited and seen what the state legislature is going to do this spring. I understand that the dealers association is pushing for a tougher law.

Oh well, nothing ventured nothing gained.

[Jim Lloyd]

I think the prevailing attitude amongst (GM) dealers was that the increase in parts profit from retail reimbursement was not worth the audits and strained relations with the factory. That was the case here and several other dealers in the area.

Moving forward this year, I think a lot of dealers are going to take note of the recent RIM CFI changes, which (in my opinion) make the incentive unattainable for many. Combine this with predicted demise of daily parts deliveries and watch dealer attitudes change in a hurry.

[sermgreby]

Jim

I don't think dealers understand that it would also include labor. Not just labor rate but if you use Motor or Chilton time then by the letter of the law you could charge the manufacturer using these time guides also.

Over the course of a year this is a huge amount of money to the dealers bottom line. Of course this is why they are fighting it tooth and nail and basically flouting the law.

Until the dealers get united nothing will get accomplished.