Rumours ?

[hami]

Was told a few days ago that Alfa francise was moving from MS to Isaac Agnew. Is there any truth in this or was it an old boy listening to too much gossip?

[bluefitz]

Originally Posted by hami

Was told a few days ago that Alfa francise was moving from MS to Isaac Agnew. Is there any truth in this or was it an old boy listening to too much gossip?

Would very much doubt it while they maintain fiat dealership

[David P]

There are a fair few former AR Dealers in the south who have remained Fiat Dealers, some of them remain AR Approved Service Agents.

[Big Jon]

Originally Posted by hami

Was told a few days ago that Alfa francise was moving from MS to Isaac Agnew. Is there any truth in this or was it an old boy listening to too much gossip?

I really hope it's not true. I've heard too many bad reports about Agnews.

[paulmacs]

Bigger selection of used examples through increased buying power? Lower prices? Who knows...

[hami]

Not trying to stir it here guys (one of the MS salesman is a friend of mine), just had someone come up to me with this statement and i'd wondered if it was BS or not.

[Alfa7700]

Donnelly Group have the new Alfa, Abarth and FIAT dealership and I believe they open it in mid June at Mallusk.

[Big Jon]

Originally Posted by Alfa7700

Donnelly Group have the new Alfa, Abarth and FIAT dealership and I believe they open it in mid June at Mallusk.

I'd heard they'd got Abarth but are you sure they've got Alfa?

[Alfa7700]

I had been told and then typed in Donnelly Group Alfa and this appeared on the computer.
"Donnelly Group opening Fiat Alfa Abarth New Showrooms Opening Mid June, Mallusk, Belfast,Dungannon ... and opening of four new showrooms and premier sites for FIAT Automobile Group; ... Eglinton and Enniskillen showcasing cars and vans. ..."

I suppose time will tell.

[bluefitz]

Originally Posted by Alfa7700

I had been told and then typed in Donnelly Group Alfa and this appeared on the computer.
"Donnelly Group opening Fiat Alfa Abarth New Showrooms Opening Mid June, Mallusk, Belfast,Dungannon ... and opening of four new showrooms and premier sites for FIAT Automobile Group; ... Eglinton and Enniskillen showcasing cars and vans. ..."

I suppose time will tell.

Will this be in addition to MS or in replace of?

[Stu]

I spoke to MS about this, as far as they are concerned there are always rumours going about that they are losing Fiat Alfa. If they are to lose it its news to them. I'm hoping to call in to see Steven Stewart during the week and I'll ask him.

Donnellys are definately opening a Fiat/Abarth franchise though.

I know the background why MS didn't take on Abarth but I'm not at liberty to discuss it.

[Big Jon]

Originally Posted by Alfa7700

I had been told and then typed in Donnelly Group Alfa and this appeared on the computer.
"Donnelly Group opening Fiat Alfa Abarth New Showrooms Opening Mid June, Mallusk, Belfast,Dungannon ... and opening of four new showrooms and premier sites for FIAT Automobile Group; ... Eglinton and Enniskillen showcasing cars and vans. ..."

I suppose time will tell.

If you Google "Donnelly Group Alfa" then it does indeed come up with what you've quoted above. However if you follow the link there is no mention of it on their news page.

Considering Alfa pulled the franchise from Coleraine because they considered Northern Ireland too small for 2 Alfa dealerships I'd be very surprised if they were going to open a second franchise much closer to Belfast.

[Ovation]

One dealership for Alfa basically means a total lack of competition, take it or leave it service and a long drive from the NW. If Alfa seek sales growth, then at least one more dealership for the North would be desirable you would think

NI too small for two dealerships? Is that Alfa Romeo's stance?

NI had two dealerships for years - would be very surprised if they now located two in Belfast or Greater Belfast and neglected the rest of the province.

[GTA37]

Abarth have the cheek to demand dealers pay £50K for the franchise. I have no doubt that is why it is missing from the MS dealership.

[Big Jon]

Actually, if you view the cached page on Google it does say they will be the exclusive
franchised dealer in Northern Ireland for Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth and Alfa Romeo and will have 4 showrooms across the province.

[Ovation]

Surely this can only be good news. They must have faith in the ability to grow the brand locally. It appears to me that most people are rather bitter/sweet about MS and the service they provide. Perhaps a shake up is whats called for in NI.

[paulmacs]

Exclusive meaning single? If so, shame. The marketplace needs competition.

[Big Jon]

Originally Posted by paulmacs

Exclusive meaning single? If so, shame. The marketplace needs competition.

Yes, it would seem so. All under one dealer group but across 4 showrooms so no reason why you couldn't play them off against each other. It's too early to speculate:

a) if Donnellys will get Alfa
b) if all the dealer group be under instructions not to undercut each other

We''ll have to wait and see.

[Marksie]

Turns out I know a man who knows a man who should know something, but when the man I know rang the man he knows he didn't answer his phone so I still don't know anything.

I'm off all next week so not likely to find out soon either.

If Donnelly Group get the Alfa dealership, the elusive man could be very useful to know



edit. so it seems there will be three new dealerships opened in 3 weeks time AR included

[Big Jon]

Originally Posted by Marksie

Turns out I know a man who knows a man who should know something, but when the man I know rang the man he knows he didn't answer his phone so I still don't know anything.

I'm off all next week so not likely to find out soon either.

If Donnelly Group get the Alfa dealership, the elusive man could be very useful to know



edit. so it seems there will be three new dealerships opened in 3 weeks time AR included

Well looks like it is official now:

Fiat Alfa Abarth New Showroom Opening Early August

Might be worth letting us all know who this "elusive man" is and what benefits he might bring.

[Ovation]

This is good news indeed.

[Marksie]

Originally Posted by Big Jon

Might be worth letting us all know who this "elusive man" is and what benefits he might bring.

I honestly didn't know at the time, I just asked work colleague (Joe) if he happened to know anyone from Donnellys' who could confirm the rumours. He said he did and tried to ring him but got no answer.

Joe then rang me back (seconds after I hit the reply button) on a very very bad line to tell me he got through to his mate and he confirmed the news.

When I came back from holiday, a week later, I found out his mates surname is Donnelly,



I notice it confirms they'll be the exclusive Fiat/Arbarth/Alfa dealer, so what happens to MS?

and they're looking for an AR sales manager and master technicians among many other positions

[Big Jon]

Originally Posted by Marksie

I notice it confirms they'll be the exclusive Fiat/Arbarth/Alfa dealer, so what happens to MS?

and they're looking for an AR sales manager and master technicians among many other positions

I have asked the question as to whether MS will lose the franchise but nobody seems to know (or at least aren't saying) at the moment.

MS lost their Master Tech recently (Johnny Cargo) who has now set up as an Indie (Highly recommended btw) in Lisburn so I'm not sure where Donnellys are going to find good techs in such a short space of time.

[belfast bob]

Cant wait for this if true........

I had my MiTo in for 3 niggles yesterday at MS.

They found no faults...less than impressed.

The most minor fault being a loose front number plate. They said it 'looked' fine. I had to go out and show them the screw that was not correctly fastened! They only had 2 to check FFS!