TO THE EDITOR:
The revealing documents from Mercedes-Benz Australia officials referring to dealers as “little piglets” is a somewhat rare lapse exposing the contempt manufacturers have for the dealers who have invested their energy, treasure and abilities to represent their product in the positive and productive fashion they should (“ ’Piglets’ comment puts case in the mud,” autonews.com, Aug. 7).
There have been dealers who have not always striven for the above, but most are astute businesspeople who provide employment and community support above what most small businesses do.
My original thought of referring to these executives as ignorant and moronic with an IQ 2 points above a tire, while quite possibly true, would be unbecoming, unprofessional and demeaning to tires.
There are in fact dealer-manufacturer relations that are cordial, and there are a few manufacturers that recognize the importance of a strong, independent dealer body. The fact remains, however, that most manufacturers are and have been maneuvering to control the retail business for decades. Unfortunately, the comments above are most likely not uncommon.
All the gingerbread about partnerships, common goals and the importance of dealers is PR nonsense designed to obscure the endgame.
MARK PORCARO, Automotive instructor, Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pa.