Manufacturers Name- Logo's - Misuse?

[umesh 336]

Manufacturers -Logos, Names !
Just seen a story on AM
http://www.am-online.com/news/2014/2/11/garage-owner-under-threat-from-jaguar-claims-will-change-his-name-rather-than-back-down/34381/
About a Jaguar specialist who is being perused by Jaguar for using ‘JAGUAR’ IN HIS TRADING NAME !
I can fully understand manufacturers wanting to protect their’ brand’ and ensure that standards are not compromised to customers , and non ‘franchised’ dealers don’t pose as ‘franchised dealers’ so customers don’t get mislead!
I see so many images of ‘used car dealers’ with ‘manufacturer’s logos’ all over their business ‘s . Many years ago I was asked to remove a couple of ‘logos’ off my website and Yellow pages advert.
I immediately removed the logos off the website , BUT refused  to remove the ‘images’ of ‘logos’ off yellow pages , I explained that these were not ‘misuse’ of logos put images of ‘cars/car  grills’ that I either own or have owned and will not be removing then off any advertising or marketing material.
Lovely letter back from the manufacturer thanking for the removal and stating that I was right and no further communication was necessary!
{ i was purely picked on because the ‘local’ dealer was performing poorly and implied I was taking the business away !- nice compliment that I’m a one man band and they ‘were’ the main dealer with a multimillion pound latest showroom ‘}
Would love to hear views from BOTH sides! I’m ready to get shot down!

[williamblackshaw 43]

As a main dealer it is annoying to see independents use logo's in adverts in the area after we invest thousands into training and standards to have the franchise, however if your an independent and want to showcase the models you generally sell, using images of your stock or models is what you need to do and fair play, both want to make money and good luck to all, my view is leave the logos to the franchises and put as many models on your adverts as you can. There's enough for us all to make a living from in my opinion

[used car seller 8]

you want the truth ? i have logos, bloody big ones on my building ! i dont put it in my adverts and i dont include the name in my trading name, but when you turn the corner and see my place you can see i specialise in *****, and i dont care, i dont compete with my main dealer, theyre hopeless, yes they will sell you a car, and they will service your car, theyre standard of service is terrible, theyre parts prices are just stupid, you go in for a wheelnut they want to sell you the complete hub and suspension [ for example] classic computer says no attitude, i even make a point of telling my customers to keep clear, guess what i am saying is they dont help me, so i dont help them.

[williamblackshaw 43]

It's a shame to hear that, we try to work with one another where possible and give a neutral respect, we've often helped each other out, we try build a relationship to deal on slightly older stuff that we don't want to trade and likewise people wanting new cars he sends our way and we give him a referral - as I say I think there's enough for us all and can all enjoy a profitable future

[Andy Entwistle 96]

I know a volvo specialist, all he deals in is volvo's, small sales and mostly service, has done so for 20 years. prior to that they were a main dealer, but lost their franchise as their site was too small and Volvo invested in a new site in an out of town business park around 30 miles away

 

He had operated with a logo on his site without causing any issues or problems ( that i'm aware of) until recently when Volvo threatened him with legal action. He's now removed all reference to Volvo for fear of a big lawsuit.

 

I agree that Manufacturers need to protect their brand and that the people who pay good money for franchises should get something for this, but is there a place for small independents to use the brand in some way if they are specialists ?

[Gavin@Rousdon 137]

I agree that dealers want to protect their brand and they have every right to do so but the attitude seems that they want to crush anyone who threatens to take business from them. The reason the people prefer independent specialists to main dealer runs a lot deeper then a few illegal logo's. Once the EU insist on the release of techinical to independent garages (if it ever happens) main dealers may realise that customers want good honest service delivered in a fair way at a fair cost.

[williamblackshaw 43]

Think we need to be careful that we don't tar everyone with the same brush - I have the same respect for independents as I do for other main dealers, as I do for anyone running a business, it's tough enough without people trying to trip one another up - as I said earlier, there's enough business to go round out there

[Gavin@Rousdon 137]

It's a shame there isn't more like you William, my experience is very mixed when it comes to Main dealers, a few are very helpfull but others don't seen to realise the value in forming relationships with us independents.

[jimreidvehicle 255]

Most independents who start up on their own have worked in the past for a franchised garage which means they are actual specialists in their field and tend to specialise in that model of vehicle, what is wrong with that? If there were no independents customer would not be allowed to compare different makes and models on the same pitch. Also if Franchises were as good as they say they are (not tarring everyone with the same brush) the independent would not exist as EVERY customer would go only to the franchised dealer to get the best deal and the best level of customer of service however we all know that this not necessarily the case.

[used car seller 8]

i must mention that i got excellent service at my vauxhall [ parts] dealership lately, in fact parts dept have always been helpfull, through conversation with one of the workers at parts he told me his staff have been cut 50% in the last few years, and i noticed through there office window the wallboard that someone had wrote on " today, beat all quotes " !!! which i wasnt supposed to see ! so they still work hard