After a week or so of contacting the GM at Ducati Seattle, I stopped by on the way home today.
You know, it's quite startling how a GM's and owners' attitudes pervades a business. The previous face of the business, Dave R, now officially OUT and gone, was always glad to see me as were the shop guys and sales guys and parts guys. Heck, they opened the door when they saw me coming. The whole crew was friendly and made a person feel wanted. Not so this new owner's crew.
Today I got a "hello" and then silence from the service manager. I walked from the service area to the sales floor. It was very quiet. There were no sales guys there, but two parts guys, perhaps one swinging to sales as needed. No warm hello, just a courteous "hi" as he was adjusting Ducati gear on the racks.
I asked if things were settled down and the smoke cleared. He said things were always fine. Heh, he's probably glad he didn't get fired like most of the rest.
The parts manager and service manager still don't know what officially will become of Royal Enfield at their shop. I was told by one that they will stop being a dealer when the last one is sold. He said they were being kept in the warehouse. I asked HOW CAN THEY SELL THEM IF THEY ARE NOT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC? The other guy chimed in to say that they sold the last one last week. I doubt it.
I sure hope that Kevin has found a new Seattle home for the brand. Seattle Ducati has likely seen the last of me.