cross warranty bulletin issued

[warr_wiz]

I have used the cross waranty on a few vehicles with little or no problem at all. I use the following rule of thumb...only in stock used vehicles with fairly minor problems are eligible. ie: radio speakers, maybe an axle seal, etc. I also check GM VISS to make sure no related repairs have been performed. If there was another related claim, then I send the vehicle to the proper dealer. I have enough to worry about with my own warranty rejects, I don't need extra. If in my mind the claim will fly with out a problem, then I do the work. Otherwise, I send it away. As for emergency repairs, well I will be taking those on a case by case basis. Of course everyone has different ideas of what is and is not an emergency. Give the program a little time and I am sure all issues will be addressed. Personally, I think it an work to everyone's advantage. That's my opinion anyway for what it's worth.

[This message has been edited by warr_wiz (edited 09-22-2000).]

[robc]

Just to address an earlier point, there is no question that cross-line work had the whole hearted support of GM. I've read all the dealer council minutes, talked with some of the dealers involved and it is very clear how this program was launched. GM had obviously been asked about this possibility and they deferred it to the dealer council to make a decision. However, they made no secret of their support of cross-line repairs.

To come out now and want to give the impression that cross-line work was (a) not a goal of GM's or (b) not completely and 100% supported by GM, is really misleading. To tell the unhappy dealers that it was a 100% dealer initiative is really kind of back handed. Did the dealer council decide on this issue by themselves? Yes, because GM wanted it that way so they wouldn't have to defend the program if they pressed for it themseleves. Michael Grimaldi in his letter to dealers said, "your support of this policy will strengthen GM Dealer/customer relationships." There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that would even suggest that GM wasn't 110% in favor of the idea.

It may not be popular with some but personally I favor the policy and I am not afraid to admit it. I guess that is what really gets me upset ... if you (or your company) thinks it's a good idea then just say "we like it." Stop hiding behind others, because it just comes across as less than honest.



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** Rob, Editor WD&S **
Help is only a message post away!
robc@dealersedge.com

[RICHLOWE]

I LIKE IT!!!!! IT HAS ITS DRAWBACKS WITH RESPECT TO UNCLEAR POLICY FROM GM, BUT THE PRINCIPLE IS A GOOD ONE.

I'M IN A SMALL TOWN DEALERSHIP WHO GOT VERY TIRED OF HAVING TO REFER PEOPLE TO THE ONLY OTHER GM DEALER IN TOWN FOR WARRANTY WORK, EVEN WHEN THEY BOUGHT THEIR VEHICLE HERE. WE ARE PERFECTLY ABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS.

I AGREE WITH ROBC. GM IS CLEARLY 100% IN SUPPORT OF THIS AND SIMPLY PERMITTED THE DEALER COUNCIL TO MAKE A DECISION THAT GM WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY MADE ANYWAY. THIS WAY, GM DID NOT HAVE TO BREAK OUT THE ARMOR PLATING TO GET A POLICY THROUGH.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY DEALERS WOULD NOT GET BEHIND THIS POLICY. AM I MISSING SOMETHING?

[Michael White]

We have done quite a bit of cross line warranty on used cars and previously sold cars and it has worked just fine. Several outside rental agencies have contacted us and want us to do all of their warranty for them. I said yes. They contacted me and I didnt solicate it. So I guess I have followed the rules. Tehre is a Cadi dealer next to us that has gone thru huge negative changes. We have dozens of their customers coming over requesting us to do their warranty work, and I have. I think this will really weed out that bad dealers. However, I am so overloaded in work, I cannot take all the work that is coming in.
Mike