Ferrari trying to take over ferrari club

Very interesting....

What is the chatter about their reaction?

 

Ferrari's reaction? Don't know specifics. I have contacts connected to both. It was extremely obvious Canossa did not expect push back or it would be news. Thought everyone would just take it and be happy to be allowed to be involved. Stupidity know no bounds. It was done to curry favor with Ferrari but they were not only dumb enough to do it but then made Ferrari the boogey man. Ferrari like anyone hates to be involved in a controversy they had nothing to do with.

 

FOC and POC seem to have a lot in common…smaller than the PCA, California-centric, mostly social and track focused. I’m not sure the POC still exists.

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One big difference and a point of contention was FOC did not allow non Ferrari owners. That may have changed, don't know.

 

One of the reasons for my exit from FOC was it's 'California centric' vibe.

 

What a difference. I have been a member of the Porsche Club of America for over 53 years. PCA recognized in the 1950’s when clubs started to form, the clubs were a fabulous asset. Their support and cooperation is 100% and never ending. They have never forgot where they came from. On the other hand, Ferrari is attempting to turn social organizations into dealerships. Well, they were an original member the the Axis during the war. Just returning back to their roots.

 

Well, so was Porsche and with far more direct “political alliance” to those in charge.
Just saying.

 

Porsche as I understand it is a big supporter and very involved in a positive way with PCA. Ferrari on the other hand has never been more than an impediment to the FCA and in fact wants us to support them.

 

The old man was an early Party member and early supporter of the guy with the funny mustache.

 

And, where are we today.......................?

 

Pacific Region? Just fine last I heard.

 

lets call it Lamborghini

 

A god region; good people and well managed. BUT, is there a future heavy hand?

 

Former member and have a lot of friends there, including on the board. Have no idea what you mean.

 

Current member.
Just concerned with the encroaching 'factory' control. It will not work here. People will move on.
That came close to happening in the then eastern focused FCA; back in another life.

 

PCA requires Porsche ownership to join but if you sell your Porsche you can still retain your membership. I’m not sure about POC. PCA has a very close relationship with the factory and the Porsche family since long before Porsche was acquired. As far as I know Porsche does not unduly influence the club. I’ve been a member since the 70s and never was aware of any sort of power play by the factory.

 

I thought I saw a copy of that letter included in one of the several Dick Merritt tributes last year; I'll dig for it this weekend. Or maybe it's a different letter from Enzo?

 

Amen to all of that.

 

That would be interesting. Was it just a photo do you think? Would a photo of the original have any evidentiary value?

The original was searched for extensively during the last run in.

 

I am not very concerned. As I said, little or no downside to tell them to pound sand.

 

Differing perspective:

Ferrari SpA via FNA via Dealerships are pushed to include FCA members in their events. This includes but not limited to:

1. Product Launch
2. Ferrari Challenge
3. F1 Watching parties
4. Local drives and lunches
5. Discounts for Service, Parts, and accessories
6. Goodwill support under special circumstances ( Are they an active FCA member is a consideration NOT 100% but it is a factor )
7. Special club member promotions
8. And more

NOW, if a Dealership choses to NOT support their local chapter, then that is not a Ferrari problem, its a local concern. ( A whole other thread )

Ferrari has supported the DFW Chapter several times over the past several years, to our benefit so, I offer these these thoughts only as a counter point to in this thread.


Steve

 

And seriously, your store should be commended for that. Some other dealers are good too. But from my observation you are a little out of the ordinary in that way. I can rattle off the names of several who are outright contemptuous of the club. The old factory store would be on that list before you guys owned it. Seems to me your way is just good business.
For several years now Ferrari and FCA have had a detente and things between them have been pretty good. You may or may not know yet but recently they have grown fangs again and are making some unreasonable demands. It doesnt extend to the dealers. In a way they are victims of it too.

 

But the POC has a cool radiator badge.

 

…and for cars that don’t (well, didn’t) have radiators!

But yeah, it’s a beauty.

 

I wasn't really planning on pointing that out.