Latest news from MacGregor, E-Tec 50

[pokerrick1]

Very hard to argue with that - - - and with the $115 service cost after three years - - - even Evinrude advertises it should be around $600 after three years!!!

Rick

[Terry]

Perhaps this rant belongs in the Pub but since the topic encompasses Evinrude E-Tec I thought it should be brought to everyones attention.
Evinrude/Johnson is owned by BRP Canada (BOMBARDIER of Quebec)
Latest news flash:
"Bombardier to be probed for ban on sales to Canadians"
Regarding Ski-doo's/Sea-Doos Bombardier had always required it's American dealers to charge Canadian customers a 7.5% surcharge for purchases but at the beginning of October the Quebec manufacturer told the dealers they had to charge 7.5% or $1250.00 which ever was higher. A few days later Bombardier imposed a $3000.00 surcharge and a few days after that simply prohibited all sales to Canadians.
Imagine that, with our Can $ at par we are forbidden to enjoy the savings, Bombardier will revoke the dealership licenses from American dealerships for selling to their northern neighbors. So now American sales profits are also affected by this Quebec based bully.
If I were to upgrade to a larger engine as I really hope to do, I would like it to be the E-tec 90 but given the latest newsflash I wonder if I can realize any savings through a purchase in Seattle. I kind of doubt it now. Maybe folks should outright boycott all or any BRP products to express their dissatisfction with BRP bullying policies.
Just thought I'd let you fellow boaters in on the BS that is going on behind your backs.

[Catigale]

There are costs of doing business in Canada that are higher than in the US, so you cant just call these charges 'savings' or 'gouging'

Its, er, another country after all.

[Frank C]

REally ~!! ???

I don't get it. Why shouldn't every product sell for the MSRP, plus shipping cost? Sounds as if this case is a MFG assigned surcharge.

Any costs that attach via a border crossing are governmental ... just tariff or tax, right? Why should the MFG be assigning a "border charge?"

[beene]

Well, vehicle pricing for example has always left me stumped. Go online to any manufacturer and look at the .com vs .ca of the same car/truck and you will be amazed at the price difference. Pushing 20 boat bucks sometimes. With the dollar the way it is, explain that.

As far as the boarder xing, anything made in North America is duty free. Like the Mac for example, nil duties paid at the border.

With a car/truck, the only downside used to be the mph over kmph instead of the other way around. Big deal

Now, I hear that if I buy my vehicle in the states, I can't get warranty work done unless I bring it back to the US to get serviced.

BS

G

[Catigale]

I can tell you that we make products that have to ship to Canadian regs under different part numbers and have to be packaged differently for example.

The costs of essentially making a standard product 'custom' are passed on to end user or retailer of course.

[Alex]

shame.. shame.. shame.. shame..

Don't sell to Canadians, U.S. Bombardier dealer told

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – A snowmobile dealer south of the border says he's been ordered by Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. to stop selling snow machines, ATVs and watearcraft to Canadians who are looking to take advantage of the rising value of the loonie.

Ron Thompson, owner of Gateway Sports in Grand Forks, N.D., says he's been told by Bombardier to increase a surcharge for Canadian buyers and ultimately to stop selling to Canucks at all.

Bombardier Recreational manufacturers the popular Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo vehicles.

"Canadians want to buy a Canadian product but I'm not allowed to sell it to them," Thompson said. "I had more than 35 calls from Canadians last week and another 10 calls this week."

He said he had to turn those inquiries away.

Thompson said Canadians can save several thousands of dollars on the purchase of a snow machine in the United States. The Renegade X 800 model sells for $10,000 at his shop, but would go for $13,000 to $14,000 in Winnipeg.

Thompson said Bombardier's standard policy had been for its dealers to impose a 7.5 per cent surcharge on all sales to Canadians. Two weeks ago, Bombardier expanded that to say 7.5 per cent or $1,250 – whichever was higher. Last week, the company raised the rate again to $3,000. And earlier this week, Thompson said, a Bombardier representative told him not to sell to Canadians at all.

"They said it's to protect the Canadian dealers but when the Canadian dollar (was at 70 cents) and Americans were going north to make their purchases, nobody was protecting my interests."

Thompson also said Bombardier will void the warranty on any craft purchased by a Canadian in the United States – even if the purchase was initially made by an American – and has threatened to cancel agreements with dealers who sell to Canadians.

"I'm paying $5,000 a month interest on the inventory I have but I'm not allowed to sell to Canadians who are trying to save some money," Thompson said. "It's just not right."

Bombardier spokesman Pierre Pichette, vice-president of communications and public affairs, said the firm has always assigned geographic boundaries to its dealerships and financial penalties to enforce them.

Pichette said dealers are not allowed to sell to citizens of another country. The policy is based on market analysis and ensures that dealers not only sell but also can service Bombardier products.

Pichette said the penalty was increased in the last two weeks to prevent American border dealers from buckling to pressure from Canadian customers.

"We've had to make adjustments (to the penalty) for today," said Pichette, who added the company policy also applies to Canadian dealers, who are not allowed to sell to Americans.

[Catigale]

Hey wait a minute - these guys signed a distribution contract and now they want to break it since the loonie is up?

Thats great spin, but sorry - that dog aint hunting in my book.

Do what you agreed to or quit.

[JonBill]

Hey I'm in Calgary this week and what's the beef? There's no snow up here. Probably due to global warming! Won't be long and the Canadians will be sailing year around. They won't need snowmobiles.

Kind Regards,
JonBill

[delevi]

What if a Canadian was to buy an Etec engine online?

[TAW02]

Bombardier has gotten into many recreational products but did you all know that Bombardier built the next generation Monorail trains at Walt Disney World? True fact.

All the old Mark IV Monorails were retired. Some went to the dump while others are now found at Los Vegas shuttling people around form place to place.

Tom

[Moe]

Don't confuse Bombardier with Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). The former sold that division to the family and it's a completely different, privately held company.

[tlperrine]

I too am jaded on two strokes. I loved them when growing up riding motorcycles. They did kick butt compared to the 4 strokes. I always loved the simplicity of design and the power to weight ratio. If they have overcome the pollution issue I will change next time I buy. I hope all the hype is true.

[pokerrick1]

MOST all the hype is true!
At least everyone should try to keep an open mind.


Rick