NEW SEASON OF TOP GEAR IN UK

[Gary Pearce]

Hey 1750GT don't tell me you softening your opinion? Can you name a better Australian produced Car show ever produced on Free to Air TV in the last 25 years?
Who knows you might even get to like Alfa Romeo Dealers on day.

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

Though I am a huge fan of Top Gear (U.K), a Youtube search on Alfa 159, revealed an alternative from Eastern Europe – Oktan.

Excluding the language barrier, many of you may agree it has a certain appeal.

Test of Subaru Imprezza:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc

Test of Alfa 159:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI

Enjoy.

Cheers,

Marco

Just re-posting in case it was missed during the passionate exchange over Top Gear.  I would appreciate your opinions on this.
We could do this in Australia but would need an additional 20 kilos to give it that local flavour.

[branko.gt]

Though I am a huge fan of Top Gear (U.K), a Youtube search on Alfa 159, revealed an alternative from Eastern Europe – Oktan.

Excluding the language barrier, many of you may agree it has a certain appeal.

Test of Subaru Imprezza:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc

Test of Alfa 159:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI

Enjoy.

Cheers,

Marco

For a car show, I'll take Vicky over Nikki any day. Otherwise I see what you mean about the appeal.  Photography is good but it is little more then an advertisement, listing features ....
... but I definitely get the appeal .....

[Gary Pearce]

No doubt about you Marco, I like your style. Can you suggest an Australian host for ATG, Jenifer? or Megan maybe or........

[1750GT]

Settle down Gaz, got you to reply again. If you read my posts properly, you will notice that I have a fundemental problem with dealers being un-willing to reach out to there past as well as the present except to get on th piss at Alfa events to get a new car sale. In any other large eoro brands, particularly the German ones I can buy anything from a short block engine to a repeater can for the indicators for classic vehicles, new, with dealer backed guarantee, just like Alfa used to do.

With Alfa's we are reduced to scunging up to second class parts networks and the UK to gets parts. Whilst I have no problems with this as it provides many hours of entertainment and certainly doesn't put me off owing a classic Alfa, it does get a bit tiresome getting told the bull...t that you do from some of the Australian suppliers, just look at some of the posts on this site to get an idea.

So no it's not the dealers I hate it's the way they do business.

!750GT

[Sheldon McIntosh]

Settle down Gaz, got you to reply again. If you read my posts properly, you will notice that I have a fundemental problem with dealers being un-willing to reach out to there past as well as the present except to get on th piss at Alfa events to get a new car sale. In any other large eoro brands, particularly the German ones I can buy anything from a short block engine to a repeater can for the indicators for classic vehicles, new, with dealer backed guarantee, just like Alfa used to do.

With Alfa's we are reduced to scunging up to second class parts networks and the UK to gets parts. Whilst I have no problems with this as it provides many hours of entertainment and certainly doesn't put me off owing a classic Alfa, it does get a bit tiresome getting told the bull...t that you do from some of the Australian suppliers, just look at some of the posts on this site to get an idea.

So no it's not the dealers I hate it's the way they do business.

!750GT

When were you last at an Alfa event that you witnessed a dealer getting on the piss to get a new car sale?  I assume you mean at Alfa Club events?  Can you give any details?  Event?  Location?

[Gary Pearce]

Hey 1750GT, where is your candidate for ATG female presenter?
I read your post properly, just don't think you understand what it would take to meet your expectations. Alfa Romeo like most small volume car importers in Australia don't have a wholly owned subsidiary here, so we are blessed that we have the likes of Ateco with a Dealer network to sell us Alfa Romeo vehicles. You see the Yanks don't even have it as good as us.
I don't think you could buy any of those parts you mentioned for a Peugeot, Renault, Volkswagen, Audi, Jag, etc for a model older than about 10-12 years old here, so I have just phoned Melbourne's largest German Dealer (they have 3 separate sites) and asked about the availability of a block for an E30 318i and a flasher can.......The very polite man refered me to try at one of the many Classic Car parts suppliers. Over to Mercedes Benz, once again Melbourne's largest, also directly owned by M.B.A. (so it IS the FACTORY) seeking the same parts for a W123 and this time they contacted Head Office for me while I waited. Still no joy I'm afraid.
So where do we go from here Alfa Romeo wise? well the best we really can hope for in Australia is that by being supportive of the AR Dealer network, may make them supportive of us passionate owners of older cars. They may offer to sponsor an event of even offer to pay for a prize that you may win. It doesn't mean we have to all buy new 147's and 159's but it helps them if we even just talk about them in a positive manner.

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

No doubt about you Marco, I like your style. Can you suggest an Australian host for ATG, Jenifer? or Megan maybe or........

To be honest with you, I would see if Vicky and Nikki were available for the gig.

[Davidm1600]

Am I missing something or...but who the heck is Vicky or Nikki ? You have got me lost on that one Alfagtv100. 

Without wishing to be hard on 1750GT, who to some extent does have a point, I do also know what you mean Gary.  Down here in Tassie, and yep and I know we probably only have the population of Geelong at best, there is only one Alfa dealer.  Thankfully, we as a club (Club Motori Italia) have a very good relationship with the dealer who always provide a few cars (new Alfas and Fiats) for our annual display day, as well as broschures to give away to the public.  Definitely no pushy sales people, and rather leave us mostly to our own devices to support and promote the new models.  Shannons Insurance also actively support us in such events, as well as providing prizes etc.

The best part with the dealer is that they let us come and pick up some cars for the display and take them back at the end of the display.  That way a few lucky members get to try some new cars without any obligation. Definitely a perk.  In the past I have driven a spider and this year got to try out the new Fiat 500. Then once back at the dealership the sales rep on duty allowed us to have a sticky at a new 159 wagon before handing out all sort of Alfa broschures that I didn't have.

As to the parts thing, I don't expect the dealers to be be stocking parts for my '69 105s but certainly do expect them to have parts for my '03 156 Sportwagon.  With my classics, suppliers like Milano Spares, Turin Imports and then all the guys in the UK are excellent to deal with.  Similarly there are suppliers in Italy (if you speak Italian), Holland, the US and of course Fleabay. So to my mind, no problems in finding anything I need.  Anyway this is my experience in 25 years of Alfa ownership. 

As to all the other car makes on our market, I suspect you are quite correct, for I seriously can't imagine going into my local Toyota, or Holden dealer and expect to find parts for a corolla or say an EH.  Not that I have tried this out.  I do know that some years ago my brother went into the local Mercedes dealer and bought a new cill for his 1960 Fintail.   So I guess somethings are possible.  Cheers Dave

[1750GT]

<Sheldon Said>
When were you last at an Alfa event that you witnessed a dealer getting on the piss to get a new car sale?  I assume you mean at Alfa Club events?  Can you give any details?  Event?  Location?

<Gaz said>

Hey 1750GT, where is your candidate for ATG female presenter?
I read your post properly, just don't think you understand what it would take to meet your expectations. Alfa Romeo like most small volume car importers in Australia don't have a wholly owned subsidiary here, so we are blessed that we have the likes of Ateco with a Dealer network to sell us Alfa Romeo vehicles. You see the Yanks don't even have it as good as us.
I don't think you could buy any of those parts you mentioned for a Peugeot, Renault, Volkswagen, Audi, Jag, etc for a model older than about 10-12 years old here, so I have just phoned Melbourne's largest German Dealer (they have 3 separate sites) and asked about the availability of a block for an E30 318i and a flasher can.......The very polite man refered me to try at one of the many Classic Car parts suppliers. Over to Mercedes Benz, once again Melbourne's largest, also directly owned by M.B.A. (so it IS the FACTORY) seeking the same parts for a W123 and this time they contacted Head Office for me while I waited. Still no joy I'm afraid.
So where do we go from here Alfa Romeo wise? well the best we really can hope for in Australia is that by being supportive of the AR Dealer network, may make them supportive of us passionate owners of older cars. They may offer to sponsor an event of even offer to pay for a prize that you may win. It doesn't mean we have to all buy new 147's and 159's but it helps them if we even just talk about them in a positive manner.

1750 GT SAYS!

Guys I am happy to see that my sh..t stiring has got you guys to do so much research and put me to the sword to NAME NAMES and EVENTS, LOCATION wooph!! the pressure. Sorry Sheldon cant do that as I said I dont hate dealers, I would just like the Alfa network to work better. As for the female presenter, no opinion required the shows already got enough women presenters and none of them turn me on, but if its a female that will make you watch a car show rather than the content and thats what you think about the quality of the show then we all agree, its crap so keep suggesting a better format.

By the way have you been watching the UK version of Top Gear, Quaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaality. Finally, Lest we not forget that Peter Wherrett's Torque, you know the Peter Wherrett that raced Alfa's at Bathurst in the seventies was and continues to be the best Aussie motoring show ever, follwed by the histroy serious - Marque. These were quality Aussie shows for enthusiasts and have as yet not been surpassed.

In terms of the dealer support and parts bit Gaz, whilst a realise Alfa isn't factory in Aus, stop feeling sorry for the boys from Ateco, if they weren't making money they wouldn't be carrying the brand. I remind you that Alfa is part of the Fiat Group one of the largest volume sellers in the world and whilst we have what we have, that is a distributer in Aus, there is nothing stopping them from doing better.You obviously haven't researched well nor spoken to the parts and supply people at BM. Unlike Alfa who just have dealers, the Germans actually have parts divisions. Firstly, let me give you a small snippet from the BM web site in the genuine parts section:

"In many cases we continue to support our vehicles for up to 15 years after their discontinuation from production, meaning you can rest assured of having the best possible back up when you need a part" E30 stayed in production for about 10 years, I think that puts the E30 in the gun, thats parts for a 25 year old car and this is just from the BM internet site.

Secondly I am glad that you chose the E30 3 serious, because I own one and I can assure you that I have been able to freely get new spare parts for this vehicle and if BMW doesn't have it in Melbourne its there within a reasonable time. Recently ordered a brand spaken original fuel cap for the baby, ordered Monday got it Thursday on a 20 years old car, new tail lights, new wheel caps, new interior controls, seats etc. etc. no problem, from the catalogue, just an order away, no chasing, scambling etc. etc all organised for me.

And thats where the rub comes Gaz because once again you haven't looked at the whole picture because if I want a part and BM haven't got it here they will organise it for me or their approved parts supplier or their approved service shop etc. will, pic it pac it and ship it. I refer to Alfa dealer network because thats all they have they haven't got a parts network which they have any control over, they leave that to a plethora of second tier suppliers with no catalogues and no asurity of genuine parts, with the UK and USA being the leads for parts supply so I am not sure why the US has got it worse. Alfa/Fiat could be more organised and actually control parts distribution and offer customer service to source genuine parts or have their dealers, or approved parts/auto shops (if they had them) for their cars. Never know it may actually be profitable and cement the brand in Aus.

And I don't say this because I mind sourcing parts and tooling around, thats part of the fun, but it  would be nice from time to time to time to have the surity that you can sourse company backed parts.

Alfa Romeo is part of the fiat group, one of the biggest volume sellers in the world and could control it's parts distribution and offer a service, I am not suggesting that they keep all the parts on hand, in this world of just in time parts and shipping, thats not required, whats required is proffessional systems. I do in fact realise the investment needed for a parts network that your thinking about but keeping all the parts on hand was how they used to do it two decades ago Gaz.



1750GT

[alfagtv100 (Biggus)]

All major auto manufacturers are driven by the generation of profits and a strong share price.  They invest in activities designed to build and maintain a customer base (like Alfa's revamp of its UK dealer network) and brand awareness (Alfa diverting marketing $$ to fund the development of the 8C Competitzione).
At the same time, they continuously strive to reduce their costs (outsourcing, just in time parts supply, etc..).

The auto industry (and most other manufacturing industries) has a legal requirement to maintain parts for a certain period of time.  Parts take up valuable commercial space, so the days of manufacturers being stuck with a considerable surplus (of parts) once a car is no longer offered for sale, are in general, gone.
Enthusiasts are reliant on the Global network of specialist parts suppliers and manufacturers, mechanics, restorers and clubs to keep their classics on the road.
The auto giants offer the support that makes sense to them (build and maintain a customer base).  They don't do it to maintain a fleet of classic cars.  Most have their own museums for this.
Don't slam our dealers.  At least we actually have the option of buying new Alfa Romeos and Fiats in Australia.
Be grateful the specialist network exists, our cars can be kept running and appreciate the positives associated with our passion (such as Vicky and Nikki).

[Scott Farquharson]

I think this thread has moved somewhat off topic - btw I really love the UK Top Gear!  Great to have it back.

[John Hanslow]

I heard that the next weeks show will have the reciew of the Alfa Romeo 8C.

Is this correct ?

[Brad M]

Correct, they are doing a review of the piece of art that is the 8C.

[Gary Pearce]

Hey 1750GT, you didn't read my post properly. Wherrett the ferret's show hasn't been around in the last 25 years? J
ust lie back and enjoy a Quality Australian produced TV show and have a laugh.
You are not right on the subject of BM. I worked for them for 5 years, visited their homeland, toured their factory and it is not like you say. I did ring them with my E30 engine block and flasher can request like you suggested and they flicked me off. So I should be pissed off with them like you are with AR shouldn't I? I think there is far more passion in Alfa Dealers.
Just have a drive in you nice 105, wave to the Alfa 159 drivers as you pass them, and stick a audio copy of Australian Top Gear in your CD and enjoy..
P.S. and get a sense of humor! Who is your vote for a female presenter again?