Despite a slumping U.S. auto market, Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Inc., thinks that there are plenty of opportunities within the auto industry, and not where you might think. Although it’s perfectly rational to assume the 43 year old CEO has his eye on incorporating Dell computers into future vehicles, Dell is actually planning to invest in auto dealerships.
Dell admits that he has discussed joint ventures with unnamed automakers, but his first foray into the industry will likely be through dealerships, particularly high-end luxury and import dealerships.
Because of the slumping market, Dell thinks this is the perfect time to get his foot in the door. “When people are panicking and don’t really know what to do, that’s probably the period of greatest opportunity from an investor’s standpoint to make changes and do good things,” Dell told the Detroit Economic Club. “Now you have to have receptivity to change, and you have to embrace change, but what other choice do you have?”
According to Automotive News, Dell’s new joint venture with former Sonic Automotive President Jeffrey Rachor — dubbed MSD Automotive Partners LLC — will invest as much as $500 million in high-end luxury and import dealerships.
06/10, 5:44 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Who cares; just make sure Dell’s famous customer service doesn’t touch anything auto.
06/10, 5:50 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
“Hell Oh? Mee nem es Daniel. Hoe mey I cunfeegoor yur car tudey?”
06/10, 5:54 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Hmm…interesting. I wonder what Dell’s real motives are, since they’re not a chip maker/designer like Intel, ARM etc. Maybe they want Dell-branded car entertainment systems implemented? It’ll be interesting to see what they come up with.
Funny fact: there’s already a company named MSD on the market, MSD Ignition. They make ignition systems for everything, all the way up to Monster Trucks (seriously, Bigfoot is a major customer). Kind of confusing, to say the least…
06/10, 6:47 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’m hoping it’s something to do with virtual torture chambers, holographic bondage slaves, and plasma charged sex utensils. I already know I’m going to get f*cked at a high end dealership so why shouldn’t I feel spent aside from what’s missing from my bank account.
06/10, 7:29 PM
posted by:
kitko
Well, my Dell discount coupon doesn’t work (the one they sent me after I purchased my laptop) and no-one in customer service knows how to fix it. When dealing with that two guys with South Asian accent just hung up on me.
When I finally got my laptop, four days after scheduled delivery, Dell’s website went on saying that my order will be delivered – in the past.
And check this out
Judge to Dell: Dude, you’re defrauding your customers!
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080528-judge-to-dell-dude-youre-defrauding-your-customers.html
I just hope Dell with mess up with a US manufacturer
06/10, 8:34 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
mayer_ray… that was hilarious!
06/10, 10:02 PM
posted by:
gitcypher
Woohoo! Now I won’t have to click over from Electronista.
06/11, 9:10 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
If I said what mayer ray said, I’d be called a racist. huh….
06/12, 1:53 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
thats right hemi you racist
06/12, 6:45 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
What ever you do stay farrr away from anything Micheal Dell says.