Just had some post from Skoda Customer Services informing me that the dealer in Stevenage (MKG Motor Group) is no longer a dealer. They are still an "Authorised Repairer" but don't sell new Skodas from the start of October.

That leaves a fairly big gap in the dealer network from Cambridge to Hatfield.

Has anyone heard any suggestions of a new dealer for the north Hertfordshire area?

Out of curiosity how many people does that create a problem for? I live half way between Stevenage and Cambridge so it looks like I've got only one way to go (shame I work in the other direction!).

Acording to the letter I got in the post this morning if I want A new skoda I have to drive at least 20 miles to the nearest dealer. The letter had some dealers listed

Welham Green Cars, Hatfield - Never used them so dont know what they are like.

Le Car Centre, Finchley,London - Way to far away and London FFS

Brookdene Motors, Watford - I'll never go near that place after my 1st and only experience with them.

So it looks like the octy will be my 1st and last skoda,

and to add to this, Mark and the gang at MKG had just spent a small fortune updating the showroom to skoda standard, obviously so skoda can shoot them down.

Cumbo Skoda in Stoke on Trent has also no longer a Skoda dealer as of 1st October.

As Manny my local dealer is also 20 miles or so but will only have the octy for another 12 months so hopefully to much will not go wrong.

Right everyone A quick update.

I have just paid the guys at MKG a visit on the way home from work. The letter from Skoda UK is totally misleading, Mark has given me a copy of a letter they will be sending to all there existing customers. Basically they will STILL BE SUPPLYING new cars, you will be able to go into the showroom pick your model, colour, options etc. just as before, they will then source a car for you from an alternative source and proberbly be able to offer a better price than before to. They had a few new cars in the showroom which is currently being refurbished to Skoda standards.

I like the last paragrah of the letter which reads.

MKG has also resisted extreme pressure from Skoda UK to relocate and heavily invest in fancy new premises elsewhere, leading to increased costs that would eventually be passed onto you. As one of our valued customers, we believe you deserve representation in a location which is convienient to YOU regardless of the opinions of Skoda UK.

The move on the 1st October affected 11 dealers throughout the UK, Ironically one of the dealers (naming no names) suggested as an alternative to MKG is itself to give up the franchise and swap to Daihatsu later this year for exactly the same reasons.

I think Skoda UK have lost the plot. Since when has good customer service only happened in fancy new dealerships. It's not the buildings that matter it's the people, their knowledge of the products and their abilities to put right any issues that crop up.

Fortunately, since moving to new premises, my dealer has continued to supply excellent service.

Tis a shame this does not seem to be more widespread.

Nice bit of info Manny. They are my local dealer, and have always been very helpful. Yet to have it serviced there yet, but they did do a quick holiday check for me before driving down to the Dordogne including fitting the headlamp deflectors onto the headlight protectors I have. Look forward to seeing the letter....

Dook

PS. swmbo has agreed to remap and a few other goodies early next year, so you better start watching your tail in and around Stevenage soon!!