I finally got a message that from here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
it is impossible to arrange an order or have MCI assign one of the unsold vehicles on dealer allotments anywhere in Ontario. (And my e-mails to Guelph and Waterloo Mazda have gone unanswered).
Their arguement is that going to the dealer is "most efficient and direct method", but it sounds to me Cdn. operations not too flexible (and maybe a bit arrogant) or desiring to really cater to the customer (it is easier). When I buy a car, I have to buy into the whole
ball of wax, and feel MCI is both professional and up-to-date,
(like a Lexus Buyer feels). Folks, I'm not feeling that! I may vote with my feet.



Your thoughts and support greatly appreciated.

BTW, I will only order Silver GT Moonroof 6 Speed.

 

Not to be the devil's advocate, but I would imagine Mazda Canada's business model is to manufacture and promote their products to be sold through franchises owned and managed by private individuals. These franchises/dealership in turn incur the cost of sales, not Mazda Canada. Trying to get Mazda directly involved is asking them to pay someone to spend their time (= $$$) to coordinate a special sale. Pawning off potential sales to dealerships would seem natural cost-wise and in all honesty is probably a legal requirement as well.

Are you trying to have a car shipped out of the country or just order in advance for delivery and use in Ontario? If it's the latter, I'm sure if you call a dealership and tell them you're mailing a $1000 deposit, they'd have no issues putting you on the list like everyone else. If you want it shipped, that should be your responsibility to incur the cost, not Mazda.

 

You have to deal with a dealer. A manufacturer doesn't normally sell direct or even get involved in a sale. Otherwise, the dealers would complain. Get a dealer to take your deposit on a credit card and then go pick it up when you get back.

 

It's no different with MNAO in the US - even their pre-order program required you to take the form generated on the internet web site to your local dealer to work out pricing details etc. Several US forum members have been jerked around by dealers who didn't know how to submit their orders as part of the pre-order program.

Can you not telephone an Ontario dealer to speak with them directly? Perhaps faxing a dealer might get better results than e-mail?

Regards,
Gordon

 

I agree with the other comments, dealers are independant business men, the factory has never been known to get involved in these situations. For the record I have advised Gord to contact some dealers directly, I provided him with the names and unaccounted for vehicles that I discovered in my quest for a car.

I would advise Gord again to contact these or other dealers ASAP and get his name on a vehicle. I fear he will not be able to be very specific on exact equipment.

There is no doubt MCI has not handled the communication and training of their dealers regarding the RX 8 very well. It seems this car is going to be a hot item for some time. Unfortunately if Gord "votes with his feet" I don't thimk MCI would even care.

It is eutopian to expect that MCI would be in the same league as Lexus (even they are far from perfect, believe me) The main issues should be, will the car meet expectations, the reputation of the selected dealer, and the service after the sale.

 

Good advices all. I know the business model, but ten years abroad (coming to an end next month) and seeing the flexibility of Mercedes/Volvo, etc. on the marketing for returning expatriots
made me, perhaps, too peeved to see clearly. The listing sent by Rotorian was not suitable to my buying criteria, and when you're gone for ten years, picking a suitable dealer is difficult. And the issue on the timeline for the queue, should be understood
by a little common sense. I have no transportation until new car arrives!

In my correspondence, I pointed out to Mazda Marketing,
I had no preference for dealers. All I frankly thought would happen, was my e-mail would have been forwarded to Owen Sound dealer (closest and it turns out hasn't sold his allotment),
with a personal note, asking him to take care of me. You know-----just a little personal care. The opposite from my expectations happened. I admit I have to change. Welcome back!

Gord Boyd