PDA

View Full Version : Good News for the Industry



p47koji
04-02-2009, 10:26 PM
Orange County, California -- April 2, 2009

In an unusual step, SMS Supercars Chairman and CEO, Steve M. Saleen, announced to Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club members a new and bold measure today with regards to customer warranties on products produced by his former company, Saleen, Inc.

Recently Saleen Inc. announced it has ceased all operations, claims it has sold certain assets to MJ Acquisitions, Inc., and has even changed its name. In a statement made on March 6, 2009 to all Saleen dealers, MJ Acquisitions announced that while “regrettably, Saleen, Inc. is unable to honor any warranties, MJ Acquisitions will “not be responsible or obligated to cover warranties and/or financial liabilities of Saleen, Inc."

“I was saddened about the way the current owners of the proud company I founded, and which held onto my name after my departure two years ago, have now dealt with my loyal and longtime customers,” said Mr. Saleen, who founded Saleen over 25 years ago. Mr. Saleen remained the company's CEO until 2006, and left the company completely in the spring of 2007. Since then Mr. Saleen has had no control of, or operational role with, his former company, its operations or its current shareholders, Hancock Park Associates.

“The ones who have been left out in the cold are the loyal customers of Saleen products,” continued Mr. Saleen, “While my new company, SMS Supercars, has no legal or moral obligation to take up any of the warranty claims against Saleen, Inc. or MJ Acquisitions, Inc., I would like to make a bold statement on the right way to treat customers.”

“If any Saleen customer in the United States who purchased a Saleen, Inc. product up until February 2, 2009, has a warranty claim, they can directly contact my new company, SMS Supercars,” continued Mr. Saleen. “We will honor their remaining warranties as if they were SMS Supercars warranties.” SMS Supercars’ warranty terms will apply.

“This unusual step in these uncertain times is a measure to assure that my past and future customers, as well as Saleen and Ford dealers around the United States, continue to have faith in products bearing my name”, said Mr. Saleen, who went on to say, “Customers who have bought a Saleen product in the past will receive the attention and care they and the Saleen products deserve.”

“Despite claims from any other company,” continues Mr. Saleen, “SMS Supercars is the only company that today offers products endorsed by Steve Saleen.”

SMS Supercars, based in Orange County, California, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles. As his first new product, Steve Saleen launched the new SMS 570 Challenger in Newport Beach, California, on January 21, 2009. The world premiere of the new SMS 570X Challenger is scheduled for April 9, 2009, at 1.30 p.m. at the New York International Auto Show.

Customers with warranty claims can contact the SMS Supercars warranty department at (714) 400-2121, warranty@smssupercars.com or visit www.smssupercars.com.
___________________

Of course, if Mr. Saleen wishes to sell his current products, he must take this step, in my opinion. But regardless, it helps bolster our niche market and love for special Mustangs. Just my humble opinion...

mln385
04-03-2009, 07:45 AM
Interesting and honorable,however I don't see it as feasible.
He could see many thousands of dollars or more in claims,is his new company that solvent to absorb such costs?

Only time and customers will tell, good luck to all involved.:cool:

Jus Cruisin
04-03-2009, 05:47 PM
Is SMS even building cars or just a couple prototypes? I agree with Mark.

Ponyexpress1573
04-03-2009, 10:44 PM
The part I would look at would be that they would be treated like SMS Supercar vehicles and such as what their warranties are they would apply. This may be a different warranty than originally applied from it's purchase. I of course not being an attorney happen to try to catch the fine print when I can to save myself future headaches. But all in all I do believe this to be a very stand up act considering his name is on those cars. I do think if the claims are carefully monitored for fraud it will not cost as much as one might think. I mean really think about the terms DEFECT in material or workmanship now a lot of claims are made but are actually because of abuse or misuse not a true defect. I see a significant amount of this in my industry where a customer abuses equipment and then expects you to cover it under warranty when it is obvious that the problem was self inflicted. The good part is we dealers have some flexibility in such calls and we do want a happy customer but if he limits things to true defects his warranty take rate should be rather low. What say you guy's and gal's about my line of thought on this?

Mr.Fixit
04-04-2009, 08:32 AM
I agree however with this internet world and the ability for one to vocally express ones views wether they be truthfull or not, the backlash and reprocussions could be vast.

So as well intentioned Mr. Saleen's intentions maybe , when the dealer network reviews and rules on wether a situation is a warranty or not. If the ruling is negative the internet community and John Q public will know it quite quickly and most likely will be one sided. That will be the viewpoint of the car owner whom was denied the warranty claim.

Personaly I don't view this as a good business descission on SMS's part. However time will tell how this plays out.

Good luck to all.;)