Is Autohome US still in business? Website is dysfunctional!

[John E Davies]

I emailed this to two AutoHome dealers, (Defenders NW and S&S Canopies) and I thought I would try to get some public feedback here.

"I am very concerned that Autohome US doesn’t list ANY new products, I emailed them in September 2024, their response was “we are transitioning to a new website and expect it to be operational in October.” The email from last week said nothing about a new website, just "Autohome products are available through the authorized resellers" and "We are available to assist with any warranty issues or replacement parts and work directly with the factory in Italy.” That sure sounds like the USA operations are shutting down. The dealers are blowing out excess inventory (in weird sizes) with heavy discounts. As a dealer, can you comment about availability? Are you still going to be selling these tents this year, and at what price? The uncertain situation with AH-US makes the resale value of these used tents impossible to determine!"

Here is their current empty Products Page:





https://autohomeus.com

Thanks for any comments. Companies do not tell their customers that they are in serious financial trouble until it is far too late to be useful - (KTM motorcycles, I am talking to you.https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-news/ktm-restructuring-to-avoid-bankruptcy/)

I have a Maggie Grand Tour 360 RTT for sale, I won't crosspost it in this thread, but this entire situation really has me bothered.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[John E Davies]

I just now sent a Message to Mike S who is the AutoHome US rep for this site, he was last active years ago.... maybe he will see an email alert and respond here.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Lemsteraak]

Hi John, I don't think Mike is involved with overloading anymore he retired and moved to Arizona hunting for birds with his big pack of dogs. I talked to Andrew a few months back, I needed one of their replacement ladder for my tent. I believe Andrew is their sales manager and been involved with the brand for a long time.

Every one of AutoHome's tent designs have been cloned. I saw one years ago that was absolutely identical, right down to the letter fonts. They called it the "Jolina" rather than "Maggiolina", an in your face move. I would think it would be disheartening to come up with novel designs, and support the overland community for so long then see your designs made in plastic by companies who don't support their product or their customers.

I see AutoHome has changed their North America support. It looks like instead of catering to everyone, they are there for anyone who is serious and wants their products made in the same way they have made them for a very long time. Built by craftsmen in a small Italian village, handmade with no intention to ever change that. I respect that, still miss my old Columbus I had back 40 years ago. I don't do the type of camping anymore that would justify getting a new one, but it is nice to know they are there if I need one again.

 

[mep1811]

Their customer service was pretty much nonexistent. The only time I got a response from them was after I filed a BBB complaint.

The Italian website is working. I was told that Defenders Northwest is the new USA dealer but they, like Autohome USA , are very difficult to contact.

 

[stevegutenberg]

Here is my fair warning for anyone in Canada wanting to buy an Autohome product like a Maggiolina.

The so-called official Canadian retailer (and the only one) is 'West Coast Offroaders' in North Vancouver. My experience with West Coast Offroaders was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with purchasing anything, ever. I have never been so frustated, never been treated so badly, and never had more regret than I did buying my Autohome RTT from West Coast Offroaders. They were without a doubt some of the most unaccountable individuals I have ever had the displeasure of interacting with.

Long story short: I had to get Autohome USA and Autohome Italy (the head company in Mantova) involved to straighten things out after West Coast Offroaders completely bungled my very expensive order. I spent 1.5 years chasing down my goods, all the while West Coast Offroaders had my money. They would string me along with half-truths, excuses, and eventually, they stopped answering my calls and communications - that's why I had to get Autohome USA and Autohome from Italy involved. Tent arrived 1.5 years later, damaged. I also had ordered almost every Autohome accessory to go along with my tent. I was sent wrong and incompatible parts. Thankfully Autohome USA were decent and approachable about the situation, and they had to admonish West Coast Offroaders, but it was too little too late. To this day West Coast Offroaders have not attempted to reach out, to smooth things over, to address anything - just simply stonewalled me.

I will never again buy an Autohome product and it is because of the unacceptable behaviour of their only Canadian retailer West Coast Offroaders.

If you want an Autohome tent in Canada, your only viable option is to drive down to the USA and find a retailer who has the exact tent in stock, and buy it there. Save yourself the absolute frustration that I encountered and stay well away from West Coast Offroaders.

 

[Roger M.]

Great info.
Autohome should be considered non-existent in Canada, and West Coast Offroaders avoided.
You can tell everything you need to know about a retailer by how they handle a challenging situation.

In this case both manufacturer and retailer utterly failed all legitimate purchaser expectations.

 

[expeditionbala]

True - no response to their listed email either. Local dealer here confirmed that they had no current intention of carrying future Autohome tents and were trying to clear existing inventory. Last spring, the Autohome USA site had the 'new' tents on display for pre-order, stating that deliveries would only start around September 2024 at the earliest expected timeframe. But their website's been cleaned for at least 3 months now, with no mention of any products. A real shame, as their lightweight tents (among other features) are really good for mid-sized vehicles.

 

[DefendersNW]

True - no response to their listed email either. Local dealer here confirmed that they had no current intention of carrying future Autohome tents and were trying to clear existing inventory. Last spring, the Autohome USA site had the 'new' tents on display for pre-order, stating that deliveries would only start around September 2024 at the earliest expected timeframe. But their website's been cleaned for at least 3 months now, with no mention of any products. A real shame, as their lightweight tents (among other features) are really good for mid-sized vehicles.

No location in your profile so not sure who your local dealer is but we are the dealer for the PNW (WA, OR, ID, AK, HI) and have tents, accessories, and spare parts in stock. Autohome is available and supported in North America so not sure where this misinformation is coming from...

 

[Dendy Jarrett]

DefendersNW - Appreciate you coming here and setting the record straight. Leaving the thread so folks who have inquiring minds know - Thanks - Admin

 

[expeditionbala]

No location in your profile so not sure who your local dealer is but we are the dealer for the PNW (WA, OR, ID, AK, HI) and have tents, accessories, and spare parts in stock. Autohome is available and supported in North America so not sure where this misinformation is coming from...

No location in your profile so not sure who your local dealer is but we are the dealer for the PNW (WA, OR, ID, AK, HI) and have tents, accessories, and spare parts in stock. Autohome is available and supported in North America so not sure where this misinformation is coming from...

Thanks for the note. I am based on the East coast. Since you are still carrying Autohome tents, any information on when the new version of these tents, as released in 2024, will be available for purchase in the United States (happy to drive up to where you are, if that's what it takes)?

 

[DefendersNW]

Thanks for the note. I am based on the East coast. Since you are still carrying Autohome tents, any information on when the new version of these tents, as released in 2024, will be available for purchase in the United States (happy to drive up to where you are, if that's what it takes)?

Long way from the east coast to Seattle... Tents can be special ordered any time - including the 2025 models, lead time on production varies from 6-18 weeks plus air freight time. Special order tents (models, colors, or sizes not carried as stock in North America) plus shipping gets expensive quickly however so most people will buy a stocked version (usually 2-3 times less expensive than a special order)

(as we understand it) The five stocked-models for North America are the Columbus, Airtop, Maggiolina Airland, Maggiolina Extreme, and Carbon Fiber in sizes Small, Small X-Long, and Medium . Everything else in the lineup is special order.

 

[expeditionbala]

Long way from the east coast to Seattle... Tents can be special ordered any time - including the 2025 models, lead time on production varies from 6-18 weeks plus air freight time. Special order tents (models, colors, or sizes not carried as stock in North America) plus shipping gets expensive quickly however so most people will buy a stocked version (usually 2-3 times less expensive than a special order)

(as we understand it) The five stocked-models for North America are the Columbus, Airtop, Maggiolina Airland, Maggiolina Extreme, and Carbon Fiber in sizes Small, Small X-Long, and Medium . Everything else in the lineup is special order.

Thanks - will reach out to you directly. Appreciate your detailed response.

 

[Kiwibru]

I purchased a Columbus Medium from Defenders NW last year. Have since then ordered other parts and add-ons. No problem. I am lucky being in WA state and a short shipping trip from their location.