Any News On A New Greenwich Dealership?

[ckugel]

As I recall, when HRM (sadly) closed shop there were hints and thoughts that there would be a new Lotus dealership in te future to take their place. Been a while since I have heard anything. Anyone else?

[wallabyguy]

Some legal hurdles had to be overcome. That has now been accomplished and LCU is working hard to select a qualified outlet to represent the brand.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Hopefully it isn't owned by Miller Motorcars or something like that. It'd be nice to have some Lotus enthusiasts running the place!

[wallabyguy]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

Hopefully it isn't owned by Miller Motorcars or something like that. It'd be nice to have some Lotus enthusiasts running the place!

I can't say which direction LCU is headed in.

A franchise takes on the personality of the ownership. While HRM shot from the hip way too often, there was obviously a passion for the brand. Miller is world famous for it's level of excellence however they also retain a reputation for being a bit snotty. I fear that without the right sales people/ manager the Lotus owners and enthusiasts would feel uncomfortable there and sales in the region would fall off dramatically.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Well, at least Paul Poirier is there if it does go to Miller! Always a class act.

[ckugel]

Wallabyguy - Thanks for the update. Trying to deciper everyhting though. Do you think there will be a new dealership up and running in the Greenwich area within a couple of months? 6 months? a Year? Of course, I know just speculation with limited information but I respect your opinion as you have always seemend will informed.

Hot for this because I would like something checked out and still under warantee - but don't want to go long distances as the engine cut out and would not restart last time (and a long flatbed ride could get costly)

[wallabyguy]

Originally Posted by ckugel

Wallabyguy - Thanks for the update. Trying to deciper everyhting though. Do you think there will be a new dealership up and running in the Greenwich area within a couple of months? 6 months? a Year? Of course, I know just speculation with limited information but I respect your opinion as you have always seemend will informed.

Hot for this because I would like something checked out and still under warantee - but don't want to go long distances as the engine cut out and would not restart last time (and a long flatbed ride could get costly)

I was hopeful that something would happen quickly. This was certainly LCUs desire. The problem is the time that was required to get the franchise cleared from the bridge collapse. During that time, the economy tanked and the dealers in Greenwich made other moves which reduced their ability to take on the franchise. Now I'm not saying that there wont be a dealer in Greenwich as I know first hand that there are several organizations working through it. It just is taking longer than LCU had originally hoped. Arnie, Mr. Carter and the rest of the Lotus crew want to ensure that the dealer that is put in place is substantial and experienced enough to provide the purchasing and ownership experience that everyone in the Lotus community deserves.

In regards to your warranty issue, I can only suggest that you bite the bullet and goto RS Motorsports, Park Avenue, Valenti or Manhattan (Sports and Specialist and New England Motorsports are a hike). I wish I could offer you something more convenient but I can't at the present moment. Hopefully that will change in the near future.

[RD16RR]

-- how about the dealer located just over the george washington bridge, in Hackensack area - Park Ave Lotus

-- any input on these guys ?

[wallabyguy]

Originally Posted by RD16RR

-- how about the dealer located just over the george washington bridge, in Hackensack area - Park Ave Lotus

-- any input on these guys ?

I did mention them in my lst above. Experiences have been mixed. Raphael Garcia used to work for HRM and knows his way around a Lotus pretty well. Service has been overall pretty good. Administration has caused some headaches for some LTalkers in the past. I don't know how, if at all, the staffing has adjusted in the current market and if that has impacted the Lotus end of the business at all.

[Kevlar]

I miss HRM, wish it could have worked out better Happy new year everyone!

[D713B]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

Hopefully it isn't owned by Miller Motorcars or something like that. It'd be nice to have some Lotus enthusiasts running the place!

There are some former HRM employees at Miller currently who are passionate about Lotus.

[Kaliuzhkin]

Originally Posted by D713B

There are some former HRM employees at Miller currently who are passionate about Lotus.

Who's Miller Motorcars? I'm ignorant so please educate me.

I bought my Elise new (maybe we should say New Old Stock) from Manhattan Motorcars, and had it serviced at HRM and Park Ave. Both HRM and Park Ave. were fine.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Originally Posted by D713B

There are some former HRM employees at Miller currently who are passionate about Lotus.

That's why I said, "At least Paul Poirier is there..."

It probably doesn't matter much if some employees are passionate. If management is not passionate, then it's good for nada.

Originally Posted by Kaliuzhkin

Who's Miller Motorcars? I'm ignorant so please educate me.

I bought my Elise new (maybe we should say New Old Stock) from Manhattan Motorcars, and had it serviced at HRM and Park Ave. Both HRM and Park Ave. were fine.

Miller Motorcars is the company in Greenwich that owns the Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Bugatti franchises.

[Kaliuzhkin]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

Miller Motorcars is the company in Greenwich that owns the Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Bugatti franchises.

Lotus, being an entry-level sports car, could be their loss leader.

I hope they don't set up a Lotus dealership near the others. Even though it was impossible to find HRM, it was charming to take a test drive on the side roads from HRM. What is the main street, Putnam Avenue? Its much too busy. In fact, I had an accident on Putnam Avenue as I was test driving a BMW.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Originally Posted by Kaliuzhkin

Lotus, being an entry-level sports car, could be their loss leader.

I hope they don't set up a Lotus dealership near the others. Even though it was impossible to find HRM, it was charming to take a test drive on the side roads from HRM. What is the main street, Putnam Avenue? Its much too busy. In fact, I had an accident on Putnam Avenue as I was test driving a BMW.

Hey, wait a second... Some of the BEST roads in Greenwich are right off of Putnam... I'll show you some time There aren't tons of them but it's not bad for being in Greenwich.

[D713B]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

That's why I said, "At least Paul Poirier is there..."

I'm not familiar with a Paul Poirier but I do know Paul Dumont who was a former HRM employee now at Miller.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Originally Posted by D713B

I'm not familiar with a Paul Poirier but I do know Paul Dumont who was a former HRM employee now at Miller.

Crap...That's who I meant. The business card he gave me says Paul Poirier for some reason.

[D713B]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

Crap...That's who I meant. The business card he gave me says Paul Poirier for some reason.

Interesting...I haven't checked in with Paul for awhile, I guess it's about time to.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry if Miller did receive the Lotus franchise. My family has known Richard Koppelman, the owner of Miller, for some 20+ years and I couldn't imagine him delving into any franchise without knowing what it takes to succeed in that particular market.

[BDiddy]

Been a couple months since the last post. Any new updates?

[wallabyguy]

Nothing official.