PDI costs of processing

[Michael White]

Am I wrong or did GM just do it to us again?
this message recieved this month in GM messenger:
Below is the message on this issue from GM-Dealerworld from last friday...hope this helps!!


DATE: July 2, 2004

TO: All Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC Dealers

ATTENTION: Service Manager and Warranty Administrator

SUBJECT: 2005 C/K Utility Running Board Installation


Effective with the start of production for the 2005 model year, BVE/BVF running boards/assist steps will be plant-installed on C/K Utilities. Z6998 claims should not be submitted for BVE/BVF on 2005 vehicles.

Please note that due to unique fender characteristics, the assist step end caps for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade (sales models 6K15706 and 6C15706) will be dealer installed. The labor time for installation is 0.6 hours. Claims may be submitted using labor op Z6998.

I read this but did not pay much attention to it. but my warranty clerk told me we now have to sublmit a warranty claim on any GM installed accessarie/component. Other than hoping the dealership does not feel it is worth processing the claim and just eats it, why would GM do this? Paying us without processing a claim was one of the few things GM did that was efficecient It appears to be on many vehicles. had a Canyon we had to install a trailer hitch, that we were not paid for the install time, just the base time. Am I mistaken, or are we being taken advantage of again in order to add expenses to the dealership and lower costs to them? has others experienced this