Community Forums

Dadeaux · 02-06-2011, 11:43 AM

Sadly it ain't true here's the FMCA forum message to read for yourselves.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-07-2011, 03:21 PM

Thanks, Bill. I've been posting over there as well.

GaryKD · 02-08-2011, 07:12 AM

Hi Everyone,
Please read post # 52 in this thread. I responded about Brett's 2/2 FMCA post. If you'd like another flavor of this exercise, read my other posts in this thread. Nobody, including me, knows what will eventually come of activity between Michelin and the FMCA. One more time, there is activity. It is up to these two organizations to determine the final outcome. It would seem we could take a wait and see attitude. The sky is not falling.

GaryKD · 02-08-2011, 02:25 PM

Hi Everyone,
The following was posted on the FMCA forum today. Unfortunately, it is not the answer we had hoped for.
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A couple of months ago, FMCA received a suggestion that the association pursue a discount program with Michelin North America for RV tires. While this possibility was being investigated, word spread on the Internet about a potential program based on one that Michelin has with an association for tour bus operators and their fleets. Michelin representatives considered such a program for motorhome owners, but they have concluded that it is not feasible, due to the challenge of communicating and coordinating with the tire manufacturer’s more than 30,000 dealers that would need to be trained to administer the program.

FMCA members who are interested in purchasing Michelin tires are encouraged to talk with a local dealer about any discounts from the retail price these dealers are able to extend as a normal course of business.

Beverly Spurgeon
Director, FMCA Member Services
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It is good that the official answer has been made available to FMCA members. On this topic, there can be no "Area 51" speculation.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-08-2011, 02:33 PM

Unfortunately, the internet is a great highway for disclosing & circulating information either prematurely or inaccurately.

I wonder how much longer Mr. Lorenz will be a "territory manager" for letting the email get out you posted in the OP?

Lori-

historyljc · 02-08-2011, 07:08 PM

My tires should be good through at least September of 2015. Maybe by then my rich uncle will get out of the poor house and I can buy a new coach with new Michelins already on it.

**JohnRR** · 02-08-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

they have concluded that it is not feasible, due to the challenge of communicating and coordinating with the tire manufacturer’s more than 30,000 dealers that would need to be trained to administer the program.

I understand there are many reasons why such a program would not be feasible for Michelin to enter into, but does any one seriously believe that a program for RV owners would be substantially different from all it's other such accounts to manage and require a substantial amount of training to administer the program

The simplest explanation is it would not be profitable for Michelin and that in and of itself would be a good enough reason for them not to do so.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-08-2011, 08:50 PM

Agree - Michelin already has a National Account discount program and fleet discount programs available. This simply cannot be much different from a training or admin point of view.

[Sigh] I just knew it was too good to be true...

Gary RVRoamer · 03-16-2011, 03:14 PM

Well, this turns out to be a false rumor. The FMCA National Office has announced that there is no Michelin tire discount program for FMCA members. They were looking into it, but it did not pan out.

More info here:
Rumor Of A Michelin Tire Discount Program For FMCA Members - FMCA Motorhome Forums

Sammie · 03-16-2011, 04:38 PM

I can only imagine how many new members signed up for FMCA (including me) anticipating the super Michelin Tire discount deal.

Sammie

**NLOVNIT** · 03-16-2011, 04:56 PM

Maybe we all need to buy a Wanderlodge.

Lori-

moisheh · 03-16-2011, 04:57 PM

There has to be something that FMCA is not telling it's members. Perhaps FMCA has a reason for not offering that discount program. Maybe they don't want to alienate some of their commercial members? 2 MH owner's groups have recently announced a Michelin discount program. I belong to one of those groups. Neither of these groups is what I would call large and apparently it was not too difficult to arrange the program. FMCA has a history of placing it's MH owners last and the commercial members first. Why hasn't FMCA tried to get other discount programs? Batteries would be a good one!

dons2346 · 03-16-2011, 06:45 PM

"FMCA has a history of placing it's MH owners last and the commercial members first. Why hasn't FMCA tried to get other discount programs? Batteries would be a good one!"

Sorry moisheh, I cannot agree with you. FMCA does not have a history of placing the commercial members first. Think about it, there are way more "F" members than "C" members. I sit on the governing board and can say truthfully it ain't so. Now, if you are interested, why don't you come to Madison,WI and attend the governing board meeting? After that you will change your tune.

Oh, by the way, there is nothing FMCA is holding back concerning a tire discount.

What 2 owner's groups have announced a discount for tires? Inquiring minds wants to know. Please share with us.