No more Skoda dealers in WA

[indulis]

Just as Skoda is ramping up its marketing in WA, found out that VW Osborne Park (the only Skoda dealer in WA) is no longer selling Skoda or supplying spare parts (rang up to check a part cost just for interest).

[Rocket]

Just as Skoda is ramping up its marketing in WA, found out that VW Osborne Park is no longer dealing in Skoda or supplying spare parts (rang up to check a part cost).

Thats interesting, what happens for your servicing/parts?

I wonder if thats an indication of direction Skoda is heading in Aus? Would have thought it was going well?

[jacob_1987]

wow, that is a real concern. I sometimes think Skoda isn't very sustaininable even though driving an Octavia myself. I don't know any sales professionals here, some input would be good.

[indulis]

If I could still get the Octavia serviced in WA...

If I could still get the Octavia serviced in WA then I'd be happy to source one from another state.

I just noticed a bus shelter at Cottesloe beach on Sunday with a big Skoda ad. Bit of a waste I think.

Or an opportunity to start a dealership

[mrx]

Interesting. I wonder what we're supposed to do if warranty work is required, unless someone else is taking on the Skoda dealership? It would be really good if you could take it to a registered mechanic of your choice for warranty stuff! All of the parts except for the body/interior are the same as VW's anyway, so parts aren't really a problem. I guess body parts would just have to come from Sydney - which is where OS Park used to get them anyway, since they carry no stock of anything. For servicing mine goes to Golfwagen anyway.

[gregozedobe]

I had a vague idea that manufacturers/importers had a statutory obligation to supply parts for cars they sold for at least 5 years or somesuch. Might be a trifle difficult for WA residents if there aren't any dealers.

Of course OP might be going to be replaced by a new Skoda dealer in Perth (I hope so, for our WA members sakes at least).

[indulis]

Well the sales side was a bit shabby anyway

Seemed to me that with a part time sales person who lived at the VW dealership down the road, and a dusty selection of vehicles, that the Skodas were sold despite the half-hearted efforts of VW Osborne Park, not because of them.

[faisan]

I reckon the warranty and service will be looked after by VW OP across the road. Seems like the logical solution.

[mrx]

Seemed to me that with a part time sales person who lived at the VW dealership down the road, and a dusty selection of vehicles, that the Skodas were sold despite the half-hearted efforts of VW Osborne Park, not because of them.

When we bought ours there were two sales staff and the aftermarket sales person permanently at the dealership. The only person they had to import was the finance "guru", and they should have left him down the road anyway! That must have been the "glory days".

I reckon the warranty and service will be looked after by VW OP across the road. Seems like the logical solution.

It has been to date, Skoda only had a showroom up the road, not their own service department, but how can they keep servicing the vehicles if they don't have spare parts for them?

[indulis]

Osborne Park VW will still be servicing Skoda

The person in parts that I spoke to must have got it wrong. Osborne Park VW owned the Skoda dealership, they closed the Skoda dealership, but Osborne Park VW will still service Skodas bought from them or from any other Skoda dealer. I called them this morning and confirmed this.

So that is good, as I am happy to source a Skoda outside of the state, if I can get service for it in Perth.

[mrx]

Personally I would avoid the dealership for servicing, there are other independents that are cheaper and provide better service, and are actually interested in what they are doing. Warranty work, yeah, you're screwed for that and have to go to a dealer.

[VW Convert]

Of course OP might be going to be replaced by a new Skoda dealer in Perth (I hope so, for our WA members sakes at least).

If Skoda are to retain any credibility appointing a new dealer would have to be a priority. Things are difficult for dealers at the moment and Skoda sales volume would appear to be insufficient to justify a stand alone dealership. I wonder whether VAG would consider its products being sold through a multi franchise dealer? I have my doubts that they would.

Cheers

George

[brad]

I wonder whether VAG would consider its products being sold through a multi franchise dealer? I have my doubts that they would.

AFAIK, they already sell via multi-franchise.

In Sydney:

• The guy on parramatta rd sells Mitsubishi.
• The Penrith Nepean Group (are they still operating?) sold 8 (?) other marques.
• The Campbelltown dealers sells VW, Holden, Mitsubishi, Hyundai

I don't think there are any "stand alone" Skoda dealerships...... or have I misunderstood the concept?

[VW Convert]

AFAIK, they already sell via multi-franchise.

In Sydney:

• The guy on parramatta rd sells Mitsubishi.
• The Penrith Nepean Group (are they still operating?) sold 8 (?) other marques.
• The Campbelltown dealers sells VW, Holden, Mitsubishi, Hyundai

I don't think there are any "stand alone" Skoda dealerships...... or have I misunderstood the concept?

I must admit I wasn't aware of that Brad. If Skoda already deal through multi franchises it would make it less of a task to find a new WA dealer. I wonder if OPVW are planning to integrate Skoda sales into the VW dealership also?

Cheers

George

[mrx]

The Osborne Park dealership consists of a Subaru & VW dealership right next door to each other (sharing the same service/parts department). The Skoda dealership was an annex a few hundred metres up the road, with a showroom only. It is part of the AHG group which sells pretty much everything.