Americas The threat to Ineos Dealers

[ADVAW8S]

Where chipping away at that 60k number. Saw brand new one, newly registered in a parking garage in Seattle. Since plates go with cars, these were paper, it was just sold to a new owner.

 

[ryanjl]

Every once in a while, I reach out to the Ineos dealers closest to me to see if they've added any travelling maintenance programs. None have, but one big change I discovered is that Ineos changed their roadside assistance service in November 2025. Now, it's no longer capped at 100 miles for a free tow to a dealer in the event of a breakdown caused by a warrantied issue; it's a free tow from anywhere in the continental United States.

This may have just eliminated my biggest concern. Yeah, I live in Kansas City, which is around 6.5 hours from my closest dealer. But I go to Colorado at least once a year, and right now I'm building a downhill mountain bike, which means I'll probably be going there more often than that. So the regular maintenance thing isn't too big an issue since I'll be near there anyway.

 

[Karearea]

View attachment 7919711

I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure that’s Rhys Darby
A special crazy Kiwi

 

[AWo]

Every once in a while, I reach out to the Ineos dealers closest to me to see if they've added any travelling maintenance programs. None have, but one big change I discovered is that Ineos changed their roadside assistance service in November 2025. Now, it's no longer capped at 100 miles for a free tow to a dealer in the event of a breakdown caused by a warrantied issue; it's a free tow from anywhere in the continental United States.

This may have just eliminated my biggest concern. Yeah, I live in Kansas City, which is around 6.5 hours from my closest dealer. But I go to Colorado at least once a year, and right now I'm building a downhill mountain bike, which means I'll probably be going there more often than that. So the regular maintenance thing isn't too big an issue since I'll be near there anyway.

Two sides of a medal. The roadside assistance will carry you over longer distances and going to a dealer for service requires you to drive a longer distance, as well.
It ends up the same: too less dealers.

AWo

 

[ryanjl]

Two sides of a medal. The roadside assistance will carry you over longer distances and going to a dealer for service requires you to drive a longer distance, as well.
It ends up the same: too less dealers.

AWo

I agree, there needs to be more dealers, or at least more authorized service locations.

But I can handle that. I can take a trip to the dealer. I can also spin a wrench enough to handle easily-solvable things without being too perturbed at doing it on my own dime.

But the idea of the vehicle bricking, and then me paying $1,000-plus to have it taken to a dealer to have it fixed when it wasn't even my fault was just a bridge too far to me. Now, that fear is largely gone.

 

[AWo]

I agree, but that does not apply to everyone. A business should not be build on an assumption that the customers can help themselves.

AWo

 

[Zimm]

I gave you a perfectly viable alternative. Only the strong among us will survive.

my will to live is weak.

 

[CrazyOldMan]

I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure that’s Rhys Darby
A special crazy Kiwi

Correct - Hunt For the Wilderpeople. We quote it constantly at my house. “No child left behind. He’ll know what that means.” And an awesome offroad Hilux chase scene towards the end.

 

[landyB]

Possible as well, that ineos automotive would be bought by an other bigger company that doesn't has a purpose 4x4 in their programm. they could keep the brand, use their own dealernetwork, optimize the SW and invest in marketing to increase the numbers

 

[Sammyd]

Ienos formalizing a service agreement with BMW would address many of the concerns here. This may also help with upgrades (engine, 360 deg cameras, Katzkin like leather option from factory (matching the saddle steering), transmission, true multizone HVAC (unlike what 50% are experiencing in the MY 2024/2025),…) or other options down the road. Some may opt for the manual, interior options or BMW diesel or tt v8.

The company cannot survive on one engine, one transmission, single rear camera, in perpetuity.

BMW would get service revenues, maybe additional sales. Ienos (owners) would have access to a large service network, which in turn would give prospective owners more confidence in Ienos. Increases sales of IA would allow for additional dealerships across the world.

Seems like a win- win situation.

 

[landyB]

Ienos formalizing a service agreement with BMW would address many of the concerns here. This may also help with upgrades ( engine, transmission, hvac,…) or options down the road. Some may opt for the manual, interior options or BMW tt v8.
BMW would get service revenues, maybe additional sales. Ienos (owners) would have access to a large service network, which in turn would give prospective owners more confidence in Ienos. Increases sales of IA would allow for additional dealerships across the world.

Seems like a win- win situation.

stop reading my thoughts

 

[HereinDaRockies]

Ienos formalizing a service agreement with BMW would address many of the concerns here. This may also help with upgrades (engine, 360 deg cameras, Katzkin like leather option from factory, transmission, hvac,…) or options down the road. Some may opt for the manual, interior options or BMW tt v8.

The company cannot survive on one engine, one transmission, single rear camera, forever.

BMW would get service revenues, maybe additional sales. Ienos (owners) would have access to a large service network, which in turn would give prospective owners more confidence in Ienos. Increases sales of IA would allow for additional dealerships across the world.

Seems like a win- win situation.

Investment into an Ineos dealership is predicated on a sufficient level of service-oriented revenue.

Diluting that addressable market via the bmw network will make investment in an Ineos dealership less appealing.

 

[Sammyd]

Investment into an Ineos dealership is predicated on a sufficient level of service-oriented revenue.

Diluting that addressable market via the bmw network will make investment in an Ineos dealership less appealing.

There could a Be a model where basic or routine servicing is permitted. Anything more complex would require going to the IA dealership. Either they build more dealerships in all 50 states, which seems much more expensive, or form working relationships with others. BMW does not have to get all of the service revenues. There can be a % shared model, with Ienos leasing space at some BMW dealerships. I wouldn’t buy any new car, from a new manufacturer, with the nearest dealership being over 5 hrs away.

This is the chicken or the egg scenario. “ If you build it they will come”.

 

[HereinDaRockies]

There could a Be a model where basic or routine servicing is permitted. Anything more complex would require going to the IA dealership. Either they build more dealerships in all 50 states, which seems much more expensive, or form working relationships with others. BMW does not have to get all of the service revenues. There can be a % shared model, with Ienos leasing space at some BMW dealerships. I wouldn’t buy any new car, from a new manufacturer, with the nearest dealership being over 5 hrs away.

This is the chicken or the egg scenario. “ If you build it they will come”

Why would BMW agree to this? Nothing in it for them. Servicing the dozens of grenadiers localized to a dealer is paltry revenue.