Steve M. Saleen and SMS Supercars Extends Warranty Support To Loyal Customers

Saleen Forums News · #1 04-02-2009

“If any Saleen customer in the United States who purchased a Saleen Inc. product up until February 2, 2009, has a warranty claim, they can directly contact my new company, SMS Supercars. We will honor their remaining warranties as if they were SMS Supercars warranties.”

-- Steve Mark Saleen, Chairman and CEO, SMS Supercars

Important Update:

Steve Saleen and SMS Supercars has started supporting Saleen vehicles purchased after February 2; initially they offered coverage only on vehicles purchased prior to that date.

Dear SOEC Members,

As I am very sure you are aware of the most recent announcements from MJ Acquisitions, Inc., the company that purchased some of the remaining Saleen, Inc., assets, about their take on customer warranty. For me, leaving my former (and hopefully future) clients out in the cold is unacceptable. I have therefore authorized the warranty department of SMS Supercars, my own and only company, to handle existing warranties on Saleen products sold up until February 2, 2009.

We have released a statement to that effect to the press today, and I am attaching it for your information and use among the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club. We have designed an easy procedure to support this initiative. Customers owning Saleen products with existing warranties should contact SMS Supercars’ warranty department at warranty@smssupercars.com. They will be asked to provide us with some necessary information concerning their warranty status or claim. We will then refer them to authorized dealers for the potential warranty work, which will be processed in accordance with SMS Supercars’ warranty policy. We will authorize the dealers to perform covered warranty work through a formal purchase order, and will be billed directly for that service without the customer having to pay expenses.

As you know, SMS Supercars or myself legally have no obligation to do this, as SMS Supercars is the only company I endorse and the only company that carries my signature on its products. However, in order to protect my good name, and as a token of my appreciation to all my loyal customers over the past 25 years, making sure that my customers and their vehicles receive the care they deserve is well worth the cost.

Sincerely,

Steve Saleen

Breaking News by SOEC Staff -- Orange County, California -- April 2, 2009 -- In an unusual step, SMS Supercars Chairman and CEO, Steve M. Saleen, announced to Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club members a new and bold measure today with regards to customer warranties on products produced by his former company, Saleen, Inc.

Recently Saleen Inc. announced it has ceased all operations, claims it has sold certain assets to MJ Acquisitions, Inc., and has even changed its name. In a statement made on March 6, 2009 to all Saleen dealers, MJ Acquisitions announced that while “regrettably, Saleen, Inc. is unable to honor any warranties,” MJ Acquisitions will “not be responsible or obligated to cover warranties and/or financial liabilities of Saleen, Inc.”

“I was saddened about the way the current owners of the proud company I founded, and which held onto my name after my departure two years ago, have now dealt with my loyal and longtime customers,” said Mr. Saleen, who founded Saleen over 25 years ago. Mr. Saleen remained the company’[/SIZE]s CEO until 2006, and left the company completely in the spring of 2007. Since then Mr. Saleen has had no control of, or operational role with, his former company, its operations or its current shareholders, Hancock Park Associates.

“The ones who have been left out in the cold are the loyal customers of Saleen products,” continued Mr. Saleen, “While my new company, SMS Supercars, has no legal or moral obligation to take up any of the warranty claims against Saleen, Inc. or MJ Acquisitions, Inc., I would like to make a bold statement on the right way to treat customers.”

“If any Saleen customer in the United States who purchased a Saleen, Inc. product up until February 2, 2009, has a warranty claim, they can directly contact my new company, SMS Supercars,” continued Mr. Saleen. “We will honor their remaining warranties as if they were SMS Supercars warranties.” SMS Supercars’ warranty terms will apply.

“This unusual step in these uncertain times is a measure to assure that my past and future customers, as well as Saleen and Ford dealers around the United States, continue to have faith in products bearing my name”, said Mr. Saleen, who went on to say, “Customers who have bought a Saleen product in the past will receive the attention and care they and the Saleen products deserve.”

“Despite claims from any other company,” continues Mr. Saleen, “SMS Supercars is the only company that today offers products endorsed by Steve Saleen.”

SMS Supercars, based in Orange County, California, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles. As his first new product, Steve Saleen launched the new SMS 570 Challenger in Newport Beach, California, on January 21, 2009. The world premiere of the new SMS 570X Challenger is scheduled for April 9, 2009, at 1.30 p.m. at the New York International Auto Show.

Customers with warranty claims can contact the SMS Supercars warranty department at (714) 400-2121, warranty@smssupercars.com or visit www.smssupercars.com.

Source: Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club (soec.org), SMS Supercars

About SOEC: The Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club is the premiere organization of Saleen owners with more than 3,000 members worldwide.

Bruce · #2 04-02-2009

Thank you Mr Saleen. Even though my warranty has expired I am sure you have made this a super day for a whole lot of Saleen owners. You have also raised the bar for CEOs and in these economic conditions and that is a very good thing.

Big Top Gt · #3 04-02-2009

The only thing I can say to that is "WOW."

That's simply unheard of in business today and probably one of the single smartest business moves I've ever seen a person make.

Steve hit the nail right on the head when he said,

Quote:

Originally Posted by S.M.Saleen

This unusual step in these uncertain times is a measure to assure that my past and future customers, as well as Saleen and Ford dealers around the United States, continue to have faith in products bearing my name

Again... WOW...

Light02atl · #4 04-02-2009

WOW!!!!! Talking about stepping up to the plate! AWESOME!

Rogun · #5 04-02-2009

This is the best news I've heard all year. I can't beleive he did this! I have a new respect for Mr. Saleen.

DG047 · #6 04-02-2009

I'm glad to hear this, but I bought my Dan Gurney SE on Feb 9th 2009. Am I covered by any warranty?

laboss1 · #7 04-02-2009

Thank you Steve you are a mans man and have done a great no a VERY GREAT thing but this is you and i for one can't thank you enough and a very Happy Birthday to you and many many more.My hero

tonylop33 · #8 04-02-2009

Truly a remarkable and classy move!

USMC0341 · #9 04-02-2009

Wow! Impressive! What a stand up move!

05 Saleen · #10 04-02-2009

My warranty was already expired...a few months ago. I never had a problem with my car.

Peace of mind goes a long way for those who were left without a warranty.

It will surely be a win win situation for all parties. Of course it will be expensive for SMS, but it directs people back to the man who started it all!

May be someday he'll buy back the company????

Robert

motorscooter49 · #11 04-02-2009

WHAT A MAN !!! I hope to get to meet him some day and shake his hand! He can count on me as a customer of SMS . I cannot tell you how great this news is! Thank you!

Bob D. · #12 04-02-2009

To even attempt a move like this in the current climate of economic pessimism, fear and uncertainty is nothing short of heroic.

Through all the various iterations of Saleen, Inc., I never lost faith in Saleen the man, and IMO this announcement today proves why that faith was justified.

My car is an '05; the warranty ran out on it long ago, so this has no direct impact on me. It does, however, make me even prouder to own a Saleen. I bought my car due to my admiration for the many accomplishments of Steve Saleen--the innovation, expertise and vision put into the cars bearing his name impressed me. I think the announcement today, however, impresses me even more.

juk08gt · #13 04-02-2009

All i can say is that when he left the company it went in to the crapper and nothing good happened after that. Now that he has his new company and a new outlook, good things are starting to happen all over again. Thanks Steve and have a great birthday. You have just made my year.

Saleen190 · #14 04-02-2009

Wow, it's "THE MAN'S" Birthday, and he gives US a gift. What a stand up business man. That is a PRICELESS move he made for us. THANK YOU!!!!

07saleen281sc22c · #15 04-02-2009

Joyeux Anniversaire a Steve Saleen et toutes mes félicitations.

A 2007 SALEEN'S OWNER from QUEBEC, CANADA.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ALL MY RESPECTS TO Mr. Saleen.

Big Top Gt · #16 04-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob D.

To even attempt a move like this in the current climate of economic pessimism, fear and uncertainty is nothing short of heroic.

Through all the various iterations of Saleen, Inc., I never lost faith in Saleen the man, and IMO this announcement today proves why that faith was justified.

My car is an '05; the warranty ran out on it long ago, so this has no direct impact on me. It does, however, make me even prouder to own a Saleen. I bought my car due to my admiration for the many accomplishments of Steve Saleen--the innovation, expertise and vision put into the cars bearing his name impressed me. I think the announcement today, however, impresses me even more.

You've said enough for both of us. :)

Up until just this afternoon, I've been calling Saleen a "damaged brand."

With a single announcement, Steve Saleen just repaired all that damage and then some. Like you, as well as many others, I never lost faith in the man. It is, however, unfortunate that so many people are poised to reap the benefits of this move.

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to find SMS badged vehicles displace "Saleen" vehicles in showrooms across America.

All the warranty work, which really shouldn't be THAT much in dollars, will repay him in dividends. :D

TPSMak · #17 04-02-2009

WOW!! That is INCREDIBLE! That really is absolutely AMAZING! My level of respect for Steve Saleen is at it's highest level ever.

WOW!!!

olecoot · #18 04-02-2009

I cannot express how this makes me feel! I am elated. Steve you have proven to the entire automotive community what a CLASS act you are.

All I can say is THANKS!!! I hope to shake your hand one day and thank you personally!

'Coot

boomstick33 · #19 04-02-2009

Just....WOW.

Talk about a big time move. Unbelievable.....seriously. All I can say is thank you!

Saleen_Focus_123 · #20 04-02-2009

As it has been said before. WOW this shows Steve really cares about the owners!!

THANKS Steve!!!!!!

ctann · #21 04-02-2009

+10000 to all these comments. My next car will be an SMS - Steve Saleen just earned a lifetime loyal customer here.

281Saleen · #22 04-02-2009

WOW

Very nice! This shows how much you care for your customers.

THANK YOU!!

akelly93 · #23 04-02-2009

Happy Birthday Steve,

Thank you for you generosity, this gesture is truly indicative of your character. This is why I purchased a Saleen. Like other Saleen enthusiasts, this company would be best served if it was owned by you. I look forward to that day.

Slaeen # 93, 2008

Ponypinoy · #24 04-02-2009

Wow!!! Even if my car is out of warranty, I would be proud to replace window sticker SMS sticker on my car

If available, where can I buy one? (Jim?)

Update 4/16/09

Plus: I have better view now

o6Saleen E · #25 04-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saleen Forums News

“If any Saleen customer in the United States who purchased a Saleen Inc. product up until February 2, 2009, has a warranty claim, they can directly contact my new company, SMS Supercars. We will honor their remaining warranties as if they were SMS Supercars warranties.

-- Steve Mark Saleen, Chairman and CEO, SMS Supercars

Dear SOEC Members,

As I am very sure you are aware of the most recent announcements from MJ Acquisitions, Inc., the company that purchased some of the remaining Saleen, Inc., assets, about their take on customer warranty. For me, leaving my former (and hopefully future) clients out in the cold is unacceptable. I have therefore authorized the warranty department of SMS Supercars, my own and only company, to handle existing warranties on Saleen products sold up until February 2, 2009.

We have released a statement to that effect to the press today, and I am attaching it for your information and use among the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club. We have designed an easy procedure to support this initiative. Customers owning Saleen products with existing warranties should contact SMS Supercars' warranty department at warranty@smssupercars.com. They will be asked to provide us with some necessary information concerning their warranty status or claim. We will then refer them to authorized dealers for the potential warranty work, which will be processed in accordance with SMS Supercars’ warranty policy. We will authorize the dealers to perform covered warranty work through a formal purchase order, and will be billed directly for that service without the customer having to pay expenses.

As you know, SMS Supercars or myself legally have no obligation to do this, as SMS Supercars is the only company I endorse and the only company that carries my signature on its products. However, in order to protect my good name, and as a token of my appreciation to all my loyal customers over the past 25 years, making sure that my customers and their vehicles receive the care they deserve is well worth the cost.

Sincerely,

Steve Saleen

Breaking News by SOEC Staff -- Orange County, California -- April 2, 2009 -- In an unusual step, SMS Supercars Chairman and CEO, Steve M. Saleen, announced to Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club members a new and bold measure today with regards to customer warranties on products produced by his former company, Saleen, Inc.

Recently Saleen Inc. announced it has ceased all operations, claims it has sold certain assets to MJ Acquisitions, Inc., and has even changed its name. In a statement made on March 6, 2009 to all Saleen dealers, MJ Acquisitions announced that while “regrettably, Saleen, Inc. is unable to honor any warranties,” MJ Acquisitions will “not be responsible or obligated to cover warranties and/or financial liabilities of Saleen, Inc.”

“I was saddened about the way the current owners of the proud company I founded, and which held onto my name after my departure two years ago, have now dealt with my loyal and longtime customers,” said Mr. Saleen, who founded Saleen over 25 years ago. Mr. Saleen remained the company’s CEO until 2006, and left the company completely in the spring of 2007. Since then Mr. Saleen has had no control of, or operational role with, his former company, its operations or its current shareholders, Hancock Park Associates.