Freightliner chassis are here for a while

[MapNerd]

I agree, newmar sets spec. It is for this reason this reason that there is very little reason to choose one over the other.

What I would like is for Spartan to figure out a way to offer something that is clearly (not subjective, but clearly) better than freightliner.

This should be in quality, innovation, and service. They need to make all 3 drastically better than freightliner.

This would be very good for all owners, as it would force freightliner to improve their product, starting a new battle where everyone wins.

2019 DSDP 4369 * Active Air * NHSO

An admirable request but how could they do that? Newmar sets the spec. SP delivers a chassis that matches. If SP goes out and decides, Newmar said drum brakes and SP delivers a chassis with disc brakes, Newmar will probably reject it as it’s not to spec.

The only obvious lever I see for SP to pull is to build their chassis using those stepped up components all around, bar none. At that point, if Newmar specs with drum brakes for instance, SP would have to come back to Newmar and say “nope - we don’t build em that way. Discs or bust.” At which point, SP risks losing that chassis business from Newmar.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

An admirable request but how could they do that? Newmar sets the spec. SP delivers a chassis that matches. If SP goes out and decides, Newmar said drum brakes and SP delivers a chassis with disc brakes, Newmar will probably reject it as it’s not to spec.

The only obvious lever I see for SP to pull is to build their chassis using those stepped up components all around, bar none. At that point, if Newmar specs with drum brakes for instance, SP would have to come back to Newmar and say “nope - we don’t build em that way. Discs or bust.” At which point, SP risks losing that chassis business from Newmar.

Or, Spartan could tell Newmar that there will be an "uncharge" for substituting drum brakes for the standard discs! Wouldn't that be interesting to see how Newmar would explain an "uncharge" for downgraded brakes is spec'd?

TJ

 

[Neal]

Customer service is an intangible that cannot be overlooked. How are warranty claims handled? How about faulty components or selections for their chassis? I'm not stating a side but this intangible is of high value. If you cannot win this side of the game then no matter what tangibles you throw out will matter.

 

[redbaron]

Customer service, dealer network, 24x7 phone service, technology in the dash that works and gets upgraded quickly.

Dealing with mistakes honestly, quickly and openly. (Ball joints, shocks as examples in the past).

Bottom line, putting the customer first, second, and third all the time.

That would make a huge impact on the industry.

2019 DSDP 4369 * Active Air * NHSO

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I certainly agree that the "customer experience" (a little broader than "customer service") is a very important component. That said, "customer experience" varies widely between customers. There are common elements like "dealing with mistakes honestly" and having a good service network, but even those vary with the individual customer.

As an example, "technology in the dash" is essentially meaningless to me. I grew up with analog instruments and they always served me well; I could determine my speed, engine RPMs, oil pressure, engine temperature, etc. just fine. They rarely had an issue and never needed software upgrades. For others, the digital "glass dash" is very important. For me, I wish everything was still analog. I detail this only to show that it isn't easy to satisfy all sectors of the customer spectrum.

So, "putting the customer first, second and third all the time" is definitely not a simple, straightforward task.

TJ

 

[deaton]

An admirable request but how could they do that? Newmar sets the spec. SP delivers a chassis that matches. If SP goes out and decides, Newmar said drum brakes and SP delivers a chassis with disc brakes, Newmar will probably reject it as it’s not to spec.

Actually, what you describe is exactly what happened back in 2017 with the disc brakes. Spartan had been building chassis for Dutch Stars for years. But Freight Liner came along and wanted that business so they bid low and Newmar went with FL, dropping Spartan.

After a few years, Owners were clamoring for a Spartan option and Spartan wanted back in, so a deal was struck for Spartan to be offered on the 2017 coaches for the same price as Freightliner. No up-charge. The only problem was that Newmar speced Disc-Drum-Drum for the Dutch Star and Spartan did not have a supplier lined up for drum brakes. All the Spartan chassis being used on the high-line coaches had all disc brakes.

So Newmar granted a variance to Spartan to allow them to put all disc brakes on the 17 Dutch Stars. We bought one of those units.

By 2018, Spartan had lined up a drum brake supplier, but they could not supply enough units to cover all demand, so the 18 Dutch Stars are Disc-Disc-Drum. By 2019, the up-charge was back and the Dutch Star was also in compliance with the Newmar spec of Disk-Drum-Drum.

I heard from a Spartan guy at a rally that the up-charge returned in part because demand for Spartan chassis was high and it helped to balance supply and demand. Not clear whose pocket got lined with the up-charge.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[redbaron]

Technology in the dash could also be the lack thereof.

I have a big gripe with FL and how they have neglected the 2018/2019 dash dimmer. Spartan got it right, the first time.

If you put technology in the dash, then you have to keep it updated. Refusing to do so is very irresponsible and insulting to the customer.

That is my only real gripe with FL, but it is big enough that I want Spartan to really succeed.

2019 DSDP 4369 * Active Air * NHSO

 

[Neal]

Spartan's stock is down to 11, if they are financially in crisis per this thread (my assumption) I wonder if they will survive 2020?

 

[redbaron]

I saw this, and decided that NCLH and CCL where better buys. I left spartan for other speculators.

My track history is terrible with stocks. I probably single handidly doomed the cruise industry and killed Freightliner

Last time I bought stock was WorldCom.

2019 DSDP 4369 * Active Air * NHSO

 

[Neal]

All of you know my portfolio is 100% Spartan Motors Inc.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

All of you know my portfolio is 100% Spartan Motors Inc.

Better diversify a bit and buy some Freightliner and Winnebago.

That way, when the RV industry goes bust, you'll be fully covered.

TJ