Commentary on the Dealer "qualification" of customers

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/04/try-a-high-pressure-sales-ploy-to-buy-a-nissan-leaf/1

well, you need to realize this is a billion dollar bet for Nissan, all they need is some bad PR on local news stations of Leaf owners complaining about runing out of "juice", to put a bad taste in the publics mouth.

They really want to avoid bad PR for the initial "early adoptors", as they tend to be somewhat vocal...

As long as you realize the limitations of the Leaf, and can accept them, it should not be an issue.
Nissan should really come out and just say "you are not going to get 100 mile range if you drive all highway", that will be one of the issues, since "LA4" is how that 100 mile # was arrived at. We really won't know the highway range at 60 MPH until the first Leafs are delivered, but it might only be 65 or 70 miles, it's hard to say, without actual testing, or Nissan releasing what the range will be at a steady 60mph.

anyway, I can see the point, they don't want to put the cars with people who are "expecting too much"

You may have to 'sell' yourself to the dealer, but if you walk in fully educated with a map of your commute, lists of charging stations along the way (if necessary), a solid background of knowing that a 110v charge would take 8 hours to fill halfway, etc. etc. then you can easily convince the dealer (who may actually know LESS than most of us here!) that you're a candidate.

If you walk in and go "LOOK! No gas! I want one" then you'll probably not get one.

Or, even better, start visiting with the dealer Leaf rep and build a mutual friendship as you educate each other. And, an occasional plate of good cookies (or fruit) rarely hurts.

garygid said:

Or, even better, start visiting with the dealer Leaf rep and build a mutual friendship as you educate each other. And, an occasional plate of good cookies (or fruit) rarely hurts.

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Yes, I already visited my local Nissan dealer (Nissan 24 in Brockton, MA), and made "friends" with the sales person who will be the "Leaf" specialist. He was impressed I already knew so much (even more than they did) about the Leaf. He tells me 2 of their techs will be headed for Leaf training soon as well.

People buy cars that don't fit quite right all the time, although usually small numbers will make a really bad choice ... evidence of this is how many people will take advantage of some automakers guarantees on being 'satisfied' during X number of days, etc. GM did this post-bankruptcy and got one car returned! (would have to look up the story but it's out there). In this case with so few in the pipeline and it REALLY being something that can only run on electric if you don't have the potential customer think through how they intend to use the car it could be an issue. I've had these same types of arguments with some people when they see the smart --- it's really a specific purpose car, although if forced you could take a long trip with it versus the limited range of an electric you probably wouldn't be as comfortable in something bigger ... it's just common sense!

Sad article. I look forward to the next one: Why Ford will be turning-away truck customers because they have three kids and there's no WAY they'll all fit in the truck. Gack.

Dealer sales folks... Yes! Visit them! Bring them info! San Antonio isn't an early roll-out area, and the folks at the dealer have no idea what an EV is, why anyone would want one, or when they'll arrive - but they're excited to be part of history with this cool new car. It's Great!

I've visited my dealer three times now - talked with three supervisors and three 'regular' salesfolks. Brought them a copy of 'who killed the electric car', copies of the Electric Auto Association newsletters, and other info that they can use to develop their awareness for this new market. They've never seen an EV and have no idea what the EV grin is. Let's help them out! Let them know that you're excited about the car as well. Don't beat on them yet - they're still learning and they've got to catch up with us first.

This is getting fun!
Andy

mitch672 said:

garygid said:

Or, even better, start visiting with the dealer Leaf rep and build a mutual friendship as you educate each other. And, an occasional plate of good cookies (or fruit) rarely hurts.

Click to expand...

Yes, I already visited my local Nissan dealer (Nissan 24 in Brockton, MA), and made "friends" with the sales person who will be the "Leaf" specialist. He was impressed I already knew so much (even more than they did) about the Leaf. He tells me 2 of their techs will be headed for Leaf training soon as well.

Click to expand...

Same here. Salesman seemed mildly interested, although I'm sure he would have been a lot more interested in selling me one of the 400 new Altimas they had sitting on the lot. One interesting unsolicited tidbit he did provide was that they had people both from sales and service headed to Leaf training. Offered me encouragement the Leaf may be coming to the S Fla area sooner rather than later, even if it isn't on the initial rollout list (which I don't understand as this seems like the perfect environment for it)