Loss of Alfa Parts Supplier

[Otto Schug <schugof@domain.elided>]

Alfisti,

Several months ago, several persons were complaining about the "responsiveness" of some of our Alfa parts suppliers.  I responded with a defense that some complaints should be handled by "self-help"; that is, if you are stuck with a part, try to sell it yourself and absorb the loss.  I was then lambasted by several persons on the basis that I was without knowledge of the "law of supply and demand".  Basically, these comments stated that all Alfa parts suppliers are selling parts solely on the basis of profit considerations and not on the basis of Alfa infatuation.  The comments indicated that if an Alfa parts supplier was forced out of business, such supplier was forced out of business by reason of competition and that another supplier would quickly pick up the former supplier's customers by reason of feverish demand.

From what I understand, via the Digest, is that in 2005, Alfas will be supplied by Cadillac-Saab dealerships.  Based upon the foregoing, does it follow that the present Alfa parts suppliers and Alfa dealership will be forced out of business by reason of their lack of understanding of the law of supply and demand?  Are we to believe that the Cadillac-Saab dealership will have such a tremendous amount of Alfa parts, including the parts for the older cars, that our present suppliers will be forced out of business by such competition?  Is it possible that the "new arrangement" has to do with "high corporate finance" and nothing to do with law of supply and demand, except who can sell Alfas?  Isn't the real problem that the present Alfa dealers may not be entitled to sell Alfas or have access to Alfa parts from the Alfa warehouse?

I now note that Ereminas Imports, long an Alfa parts supplier, has closed its doors.  Who, then, is rushing to take its place?   Julius Mann has moved from Alfa Ricambi to Alfa Parts.  What does this move portend?  One or more of our Alfa dealers may no longer be such a dealer.  Is this change by reason of competition from Cadillac-Saab?  (Get real!)  

If you compare the number of Porsche parts for sale on eBay against the amount of Alfa parts for sale, you will find that Alfa parts, in number, are but a spit in a bucket.  Porsche has not had its sales interrupted by corporate mergers as has been the multiple case with Alfa.  Yes, in the later part of 2005, you can rush out and by a new and expensive Alfa.  However, such Alfa may not necessarily be the same type Alfa that all of us have present familiarity.  Note that new Alfas have not been sold in the U.S. for a long time and will not be sold in the U.S. for a long time.  Is it the law of supply and demand that keeps Porsche in the U.S. market place and Alfa out of it, or is it by reason of unfortunate corporate maneuvers designed, originally, to eliminate Alfa by reason of Fiat jealousy?  

Where then will we be in 2005 when Alfa are sold in the U.S.?  Will we have access to the parts to keep our existing cars alive or will these parts simply "dry up" by reason of the new wave?

I admire the present Alfa parts suppliers for sticking in the business when no new Alfas are available.  I am not about to yell and scream at them because, from time to time my feelings may be hurt by the diminishing supply of parts, crusty attitudes or the long wait time to get the parts.  Yes, I scavenge parts or improvise changes as certain parts continue to flow into the "discontinued" category.  No, I do not own a Ford Model "T" and I recognize that Ford Motor Company no longer supplies parts for the Model "T".  

I am truly sorry to see the demise of an Alfa parts supplier or loss of an Alfa dealership.  My life may not be that many in number of years left, but my son will still be here, and he has been infected with the infatuation with the Alfa marque.  John Hertzman and Fred DiMatteo are getting older also.  Thus, the problem of keeping Alfa parts suppliers and dealerships is the problem of the younger Alfisti.  I trust you will do the best to keep these suppliers and dealers happy and in business with a positive, not negative, attitude.  Of course, if you are filthy rich, then my comments have no bearing and I can expect you will buy an ultra expensive Cadillac-Saab dealership in order to keep the marque and parts available.

Otto F. Schug

Columbus, Indiana

10 Alfas on the road or, along with a lot of new and used parts, in our warehouse.
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