Thread about American Ford

[DNeinstadt]

As some of you may or may not know, American Ford has closed it's doors permanently. I will try to speak as much honest to God truth as I know at this point. I have been on the phone all morning with all the Directors, and Tommy himself asking questions on the club's behalf.

#1. American Ford is no more.
#2. We are investigating other local SVT dealers for our club.
#3. Rest assured, SVTOATC is NOT going anywhere. We WILL find a home.

I am still working out final details but previous opportunities are still open and very much interested. I will let you know as soon as I know what is going on.

We will be having a meeting this Saturday at Cedar Falls to discuss the events and we'll be able to answer more questions then.

If you have any information or questions, please feel free to PM me or E-mail me.

Dan Neinstadt
DNeinstadt@hotmail.com

SVTOATC Chapter Director

[Steelgrave]

Well I can't say I'm surprised, but that's too bad for all the employees. Hopefully the paychecks don't bounce and other dealers are hiring...

Take the club to Apple Valley...:grin:

[Cobra-R]

Please don't make any decisions to quickly. Since the Emergency"meeting is late in being announced and is out of reach for many of us to attend, lets set up a real meeting so the whole club has a chance at giving imput?

Thanks, Brian

[Steelgrave]

Originally posted by Cobra-R
Please don't make any decisions to quickly. Since the Emergency"meeting is late in being announced and is out of reach for many of us to attend, lets set up a real meeting so the whole club has a chance at giving imput?

Thanks, Brian

Just go with AV Brian, they're close to you.;)


Kidding, I agree with ****pants here.:grin:

[Cobra-R]

Originally posted by Steelgrave
Just go with AV Brian, they're close to you.;)


Kidding, I agree with ****pants here.:grin:

Ok, make a quick decision if it's going to be Apple Valley or Airlake Ford. ;) :scram: :drink: :grin:

[Epic]

So,

What happened with American Ford?

[Tommy]

I do know that AVF may not have a huge interest because of their extensive relationship with the Shelby club. As I said to Dan try a dealership that carries Focus only. Morries MTKA has always had an interest in something along the SVT, Mustang etc line. I will tell you that I will be back. Next time it will be with something a lot stronger and with a high interest in high perf vehicles. Please don't bash Ben or the dealership. I talked with Ben and others involved and he put his neck out to save the employees and it backfired on him and Walser. Ford said no way to the deal and closed the dealership until Walser and Ben come up with something amicable between all parties. It basically comes down to site control. Ford wants all control of what is on the property, vehicle line wise. If you guys need anything, call me at 952-484-8767. I will even make an endorsement call for you. As far as the paychecks go, Walser is covering them up until Thursday. Paul Walser even offered everyone jobs at other Walser dealerships with an option to go back to AF when the deal is done. That is unheard of in normal dealership purchases. Usually they they have a crew of new people and clean house. This was quite a shock. I stayed knowing something like this may happen. Only because Ben always took care of me and my family when we needed it. Without any questions.

[SSHFTY1]

Tommy, all I can say is sorry. I really do feel your pain for the lose of a great place. This is a stuner:eek:

[DNeinstadt]

Originally posted by Cobra-R
Please don't make any decisions to quickly. Since the Emergency"meeting is late in being announced and is out of reach for many of us to attend, lets set up a real meeting so the whole club has a chance at giving imput?

Thanks, Brian

Brian,

We will not make any decisions at the track, only have discussion regarding the most recent events. The meeting next weekend will be a better place for us to all figure out our plans as a club. That's Saturday, August 21st at 5pm in the Bloomington area. (Probably Joe Sensor's).

Brian, you are welcome to call me anytime if you have any suggestions, you know your thoughts are always welcome. (612)987-3277 is my cell #.

P.S. Isn't the definition of an emergency meeting that it's late?? :grin: :grin: :grin:

Dan

[Steelgrave]

Originally posted by Tommy
I do know that AVF may not have a huge interest because of their extensive relationship with the Shelby club. As I said to Dan try a dealership that carries Focus only. Morries MTKA has always had an interest in something along the SVT, Mustang etc line. I will tell you that I will be back. Next time it will be with something a lot stronger and with a high interest in high perf vehicles. Please don't bash Ben or the dealership. I talked with Ben and others involved and he put his neck out to save the employees and it backfired on him and Walser. Ford said no way to the deal and closed the dealership until Walser and Ben come up with something amicable between all parties. It basically comes down to site control. Ford wants all control of what is on the property, vehicle line wise. If you guys need anything, call me at 952-484-8767. I will even make an endorsement call for you. As far as the paychecks go, Walser is covering them up until Thursday. Paul Walser even offered everyone jobs at other Walser dealerships with an option to go back to AF when the deal is done. That is unheard of in normal dealership purchases. Usually they they have a crew of new people and clean house. This was quite a shock. I stayed knowing something like this may happen. Only because Ben always took care of me and my family when we needed it. Without any questions.

Glad to hear they're taking care of you guys!:thup:

[John M]

A very sad day indeed, alot of my friends lost there jobs. I know the feeling, 1 year ago American layed me off. It was 1 of the worst things I had to go thru and I dont wish that on anybody. I wish you all the best of luck and hope things work out for the better in the long run.

[lightningboy00]

This was sad news to hear. After buying my 2 svts there, you hate to hear this kind of thing happening to anybody. I was always treated well there. I never mentioned it before out of loyalty to Tommy, but I don't think it would be hard to scrape together the sponsorship for our club at North Country Ford. I know we aren't a full line SVT dealer (at least not yet), but there aren't any SVT products in the upcoming year anyway. If there is any interest in moving to here, please let me know. I know this location is better or at least the same distance for half of our club. Our service department closes at 4:00 Saturdays, and would be available for meetings afterward. Let me know what you guys think.

[Blackcoog]

North Country would be sweet. Much closer than American or Apple valley for most of us.

[DNeinstadt]

Dave N, are you able to make next week's meeting?

Dan

[John M]

Originally posted by Blackcoog
North Country would be sweet. Much closer than American or Apple valley for most of us.

Not for those who actually show up:50cal:

[Blackcoog]

We've been to every meeting since we registered. :)

[Cobrizo]

Originally posted by Blackcoog
North Country would be sweet. Much closer than American or Apple valley for most of us.

Ditto!

Pam

[Cobrizo]

Originally posted by Tommy
Please don't bash Ben or the dealership. I talked with Ben and others involved and he put his neck out to save the employees and it backfired on him and Walser. Paul Walser even offered everyone jobs at other Walser dealerships with an option to go back to AF when the deal is done. That is unheard of in normal dealership purchases... because Ben always took care of me and my family when we needed it. Without any questions.

No bashing at all...good luck Tommy, I do hope things work out for all people involved. Something like this really takes the wind out of your sails. Take a deep breath, be thankful for your family and friends and move on to better things.

God Bless.
Pam

[Kafn8td]

Originally posted by John M
Not for those who actually show up:50cal:

I'll 2nd that.:50cal:

[SSHFTY1]

Dave, I would support any dealer that would be willing to step up and support the club in any way possible. Maybe you could gauge the interest in the club with your management team and let us know if we should persue this any farther. Thank you and hope to see you at the next meeting. Ooops 1 last thing North country is quit the place would be nice to be there.:grin: be cool

[lightningboy00]

I will talk to management today and see what we can do.

[VNMUS]

No slam on AF, but I really like the guys at AVF. I guess we will have a lot to talk about on Saturday. It sucks when any business has to close it's doors, temporarily or permanently. Sorry Tommy. :(

[SSHFTY1]

Bruce, Event, I CAN'T WAIT.............:tongue: