Tracy Crook wrote:
Haven't had time to participate lately but at least I am getting your
messages again. Problem was with my web server which forwards my alias
email address, not MSN. They got too aggressive with spam filtering. My
"quick engine swap" has turned into a complete re-do of FWF. Long
overdue
but I thinks it's going to turn out nice.
FYI : The rumors about Mazda suing aircraft users of their engines were
false. BUT, about 4 weeks ago, all Mazda distributors received a message
from Mazda Japan telling them NOT to sell to customers who tell them they
intend to use the parts in aircraft. I think this was a CMA move but you
might want to let people know they should not shoot their mouth off about
airplanes to the guy at the parts counter. Don't ask, don't tell is a
pretty good policy in this situation because we are never going to
convince
management to openly support aviation use.
Tracy
I wonder if it was really from Mazda Japan, or Mazda USA Irvine CA?
Douglas Fir wrote:
Hi Tracy,
Last week I met a VP in the marketing sector of Mazda and he understood and
was interested in my airplane project as well as some concepts ACRE members
are working on. I pointed out to him that it was in Mazda's interest to
maintain a good relationship with people who are experimenting with
improving their engine. Especially in aviation as people like you have a
tremendous amount of experience in cooling and fuel management. He agreed
and will introduce me to some of their engineers for further discussion. I
just called them a moment ago but most of the company are on summer
vacation from Aug. 7th to the 16th. I wonder if this mindthink I keep
hearing from the USA is actually coming from Mazda or being pushed by
Ford?
It doesn't take a lot of thought to imagine why Ford would have this
policy.
Mazda has always been a little like Honda. Started by engineers and
modivated by innovation not just sales. Hmmm might have changed while I
was
sleeping though.
I will surely try to find out because the VP is coming to my place with
other Jaycee members in mid September for an hour tour of the different
things our Institute has developed.
BTW I hope to fly in and see you October. I want to buy an EC as well.
Doug in Japan
Doug, I would expect that message to distributors could have come from
Mazda USA, can we find out if it really came from Japan? Mazda USA has
to have lawyers to defend against the nuisance lawsuits from the scum
trial lawyers in this country. I don't think they have the same problem
in Japan.
Perry
Yes Perry,
The reverse situation is also true. Years ago I asked the factory of a
product we market in Japan to stop selling to companies that are parallel
importing the product into Japan as we were the exclusive marketing route
and hence agreed to guarentee their products and maintain them over here for
the three year warranty period. We had no issues with individuals who were
importing their products as we come to a arrangement to support them when
needed but a few unscruplous companies were capitalizing on our situation
and forcing us to warrant products they sold through mail order. The first
few years the product had lots of troubles. I lost lots of sleep. Needless
to say we had a rough few years before the market realize our product was
the 'improved' version. My point is that US company said that their hands
were tied because they could be sued by refusing to sell their product to
someone willing to buy it. Even if they knew it was heading this way. In the
same light it looks like a Mazda distributor could be liable for lawsuit as
well.
I would like to end this charade quickly. Can anyone get me a copy of one
of these notices to the distributors? Please keep their name confidential
as it could harm their relationship with Mazda USA. You can send me the
original or a photocopy to
Doug Fir
3586 Higashi Ina,
Komagane City, Nagano Pref.
Japan 399-4321
I'll take it from there.
Doug in .....well you know.
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