re: car club recognition

[j-six]

hi guys,

do you know generally what are the requirements for a particular car club to be recognized by its parent (for car clubs under specific car brands)? thanks very much.

[MAXBUWAYA]

Why?

Dont you think club should be independent? or Nuetral?

[niky]

Well, it helps to have contact with the manufacturer... and it helps to be SEC-registered.

There are some benefits to being recognized by the manufacturer. Invitations to car shows, events, launchings and "exclusive" activities. (the Fordclub gets invited to a lot of "media only" Ford events and activities, and we were at Subic for the PTCC race this weekend).

You're not automatically beholden to the manufacturer, though. We still post about it when our cars break down and when we have problems. The manufacturer's only interest in giving us these things is word-of-mouth marketing and media exposure.

But these benefits are only there for a marketing savvy company. If the company doesn't spend that much on marketing, there are other things that may happen... club discounts (though I'd be surprised if you could get them) and club participation in car shows... i.e.: the company will ask for your participation (modified cars, show cars, whatever, from your club) at car shows and trade shows.