BMW cancels grey market warranty

[Admin]

Just when I thought to buy a brand new BMW roadster.. we'll have to compromise for a pick up for now..  


BMW cancels grey market warranty 
Bangkok Post: 26 Jan 2010
AUTOMOBILES
BMW cancels grey market warranty

BMW Thailand announced yesterday it will no longer provide warranty and services to non-authorised BMW and Mini cars, starting from the worldwide launch in March of the BMW 5 Series.

The action is seen by industry observers as an attempt to keep grey products out of the Thai market as rising sales of non-authorised BMW and Mini cars threaten BMW Thailand's business.

In particular, demand for BMW Z4 roadsters imported by two major independent premium car dealers is very strong, with more than 50 units sold since the third quarter last year.

But Michael Kordys, president of BMW Thailand, said the action is part of global warranty and services policy and is unrelated to independent importers.

Due to the widening gap in fuel quality and emission standards in various regions (e.g. EU3, EU4 and EU5), BMW and Mini cars' technical specifications vary between markets. BMW and Mini cars sold via authorised dealers also get specific adjustments for Thailand's climate.

The warranty will only be valid in the country of origin. For instance, only authorised UK dealers can provide warranty and services for grey imports from the UK, said Mr Kordys. But the validity of warranty and services remains unchanged for models imported before March, he said.

TSL and BRG, two major independent premium car importers were unperturbed by BMW Thailand's action.

TSL vice-chairwoman Sureeborn Udompolvanich said the company currently imports a few BMW models, including the Z4 and X5 and X6 sport-utility vehicles. The move is not BMW's first attempt to take on independent importers, she said.

"Since BMW products are shipped worldwide, it is a wonder why BMW Thailand takes such action," she said. TSL services its own customers.

"We have received no complaints so far from our customers about any fuel problems in the BMW roadsters," she said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/31769/bmw-cancels-grey-market-warranty

[swimming pizza]

I see no point in buying a sport car in Buriram or Isan, the roads are crap.. but i have to say it improved alot in the recent few years.