Oilman, just had a thought. In many cases car manufacturers look forward to the new car regs twice a year, and then the subsequent months can be a struggle, so they offer incentives (free insurance, finance deals .... you know what I mean).

Mazda is different. Sept has gone, and the winter months approach, when its difficult to shift cars. Voila, get RX8s delivered at the end of the financial year, we pay them loads of cash, and they all get their year end bonus, without having to lube up and bend over.

Someone, somewhere is very clever at Mazda.

AnilS.

Hmm, a good thought. Only ruined by the fact that I dont think they are that clever.

Don't you believe it.........they are owned by Ford afterall!

Cheers
Oilman

Its common knowledge that Ford are in financial trouble. Would not put it past them.

AnilS.

Scary thought!

RX-late, tis a scary thought indeed and I must see my doctor about it!;) But its highly plausible.

AnilS.

How much influence do Ford have over Mazda?

I thought they only owned around a 1/3?

I've got some BT shares. Sorry about the crap customer service :-)


,Paul

"Ford has agreed to effectively take control of Mazda by lifting its stake to 33.4% in the troubled automaker and putting a Ford executive at the helm.

The companies confirmed that Ford would boost its share from 25%, and that Mazda would voluntarily cede management control. The companies said the move is an "essential step" to benefiting from each other's resources and skills in an increasingly competitive auto industry. Ford, Mazda's largest shareholder, first acquired its stake in 1979.

Henry D.G. Wallace, a Ford executive on loan to Hiroshima-based Mazda, is expected to become president of the No. 5 Japanese automaker, Ford said. Wallace would be the first foreigner to head a Japanese auto company. He and several Ford executives have taken over much of day-to-day management at Mazda.

Mazda sales are down in Japan and the USA. Analysts criticize its product
development, a bloated dealer network, an unclear image and high costs. It likely will break even the year ended MArch 31, because it sold securities to offset losses.

Ford wants to cut costs by building Mazdas and Fords using the same platform. The companies make cars together in Flat Rock, Mich."

And people were talking about cancelling because of delivery dates, it's far more disturbing to find you're buying a Ford! (I did notice when I had the test drive that the thing was full of cupholders.)

I think I may cancel and get a Jaguar, or maybe a Volvo or Land Rover.

You'd be better off with an Aston-Martin!

RX-Late what is the date of that announcement? i believe it was some time ago because recently it has been said that mazda people are back in charge at Mazda japan.

Just got my dates confirmed today!

Test Drive Nov 3rd.

Delivery date 24th Nov.

Ordered : first week in Feb 02

Spec : Velocity red, red/black leather, high-powered.

Woohooo!!!!!

Dealer has said that the delivery date may be sooner and may even be a few days past the 24th. mmmm........

Not sure.

I have a contract stating 'August'.

I think you'll find it is actually a statement of intent, and not binding in any way.

Druck,

Mazda will retain part of your deposit should you decide to cancel...not "intend" but "will"...is that binding enough fo you?

C.

Just fyi, Mazda are giving full refunds of deposits for anyone who cancels.. (the least they should do)

but they will keep the 100 squid admin fee

An intersting point I learned was that your dealership may offer to give you the £100 back if in return you allow them to retain the order and take delivery of the car for another customer.

This was a get out I was offered when I made noises about possibly cancelling.

Guys

I cancelled my order from dealer in Swindon last week. Went in, told them i was cancelling and they said they would send a cheque. I didnt even query if it would be 900 or a grand. Wanted to see which before i kicked up a fuss. And in the post this morning was a cheque for £1000. I cant see why any dealer would keep £100 if you cancel. After all its Mazda who let us down and is a legitimate reason to cancel.

At least i got some airmiles out of the whole thing because i paid by credit card and was refunded by cheque!

Good luck to all still waiting on the car. Wont be long now, honest!!!

Smiles

Ah well. shame people are cancelling over a few weeks here and there.

I may be in my car in 2 weeks from today! :)

Rob

Its nothing to do with "a few weeks here and there". Its more to do with the shoddy approach from Mazda UK and, certainly in my case, the dealer. Im not so blind and trustworthy to hand over 24k on the hope that things will be better after the deal. What if there is a tech snag with the cars? Who will get priority? Us, Japan or the States? Not a difficult one to work out and we would be left sucking the hind tit again. Good luck though. :p

yes you *may* be in your car within the two weeks to come :)

I cancelled last week and received 100 % my money back.

then I re ordered to another dealer ... a more honest one (long story don't ask) :)

Stephan

Sent this letter to customer services
 

Dear Sir,

I wish to register my disappointment at the level of communication forthcoming from Mazda regarding the delivery of my vehicle.

My order reference is: RX8-******

I have been told many different delivery dates and was even recently sent a letter by Mazda UK informing me that they would tell me by the end of September exactly when I am likely to receive my vehicle.

As an additional insult I have received an Accesories guide and after obtaining the price list from the web I am shocked at the price of these "bits". I am disgusted that you have decided to punish those whom have waited so long to receive theirs cars with this kind of treatment. The £500 track day is one thing but why not offer something like a discount off the stupidly priced add-ons.

I really look forward to receiving my car but like most people I am in a position that I require to trade-in/sell my current vehicle prior to delivery. With the uncertanty of the delivery I have had to turn down many offers for my vehicle and may now be stuck with the car as a result.

Yours disappointedly,

Lucozade (name supplied)

************************************************** **
Got this reply from Chris Twine:

Dear Mr Lucozade

Thank you for your e-mail dated 1st October 2003, for which I apologise for the delay in replying to you.

Since sending your e-mail you will have received a letter from our Marketing Director advising you of the current
supply situation and the delivery month for your Mazda RX-8, this being November 2003. If you have not already
been contacted by Perrys of Preston I would suggest that you contact them to obtain further information on the
delivery of your vehicle.

I was sorry to hear of your view on the pricing of the accessories for the Mazda RX-8. Whilst I note your comments
I would state that these accessory prices include both VAT and the fitting cost (where appropriate). I would also add
that the cost of these accessories is comparable with our competitors.

I can assure you that we fully understand your frustration at having to wait for the delivery of your new
Mazda RX-8. We are doing all we can to ensure that you, and other Mazda RX-8 customers, receive their vehicles
at the earliest possible opportunity.

Thank you again for taking the time to bring your views to our attention.

Yours sincerely

Chris Twine
Customer Assistance Manager
Mazda Motors UK Limited