"The Farmer and The Cowman Should be Friends"

Keith Crain the Captain of Automotive News in his editorial wrote:

“Maybe It's Time to Work Together...the relationship between dealers and some factories has been less than pretty the past several years. But lately I get the feeling that automakers finally have concluded that the franchise system is a good way to sell and service their products and that any other method would be worse for the manufacturer and, most important, for the retail customer.

In the past five years or so, some manufacturers principally Ford and General Motors - examined whether it Would be possible to eliminate the independent, franchised dealer. After losing a lot of time and money, they realized that independently owned dealerships really make a difference. I think that many of the newer, publicly held dealerships are going to find the same thing.

There is something about ownership of a dealership that creates a passion for selling and servicing automobiles. It can't be duplicated with employees instead of owners. For the new-car business, independent ownership of the dealership works awfully well. At least, it has for the past hundred years. Is the franchise system perfect?

Nope, but it's a lot like what they say about our government. It may not be perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than whatever the next choice is. There have to be some good reasons for the longevity of the retail franchise system. Maybe it's time to quit trying to replace it and have everybody pitch in and make it even better.”

Editors Notes: Holly Shamoles Batman...We at TACH agree 100% with Mr. Crains thoughts. The factories have awakened from a Dot Con induced stupor a little groggy but maybe better for it...lets wait and see.