Hey Robert, I think you may need to make a bit of a clarification regarding your comment about "driving the same roads... up and down the canyons". That felt _awfully_ like you were directly throwing shade at Matt Farah. If you were in fact doing so, you should come right out and say so. If you _didn't_ intend your viewers to make that connection, then I think you really need to clarify that in a follow-up video. Especially because the message is pretty muddied, as Matt is _both_ a traditional automotive journalist (and indeed, a contributor to Road and Track specifically) _and_ (quite obviously) a pretty damned notable automotive KZfaqr - and a pioneer in that latter regard.

Brooks is McLaren's 765LT salesperson of the year and they don't even know it.

Mclaren would be the #1 supercar manufacturer if it could sort out these issues. They drive so well, but man do they miss the mark when it comes to connecting with their target audience.

McLaren shooting themselves in the foot over a video on KZfaq? NEVER

McLaren’s arrogance is on a par with their quality control.

This day and age, these companies act like social media has no impact. Especially when they say such derogatory statements. Total BS from McLaren.

Great video buddy, McLaren seem genuinely clueless with their marketing and customer service!

At the rate you're covering news in the Motoring industry, you're already #Tier1 😂

Hi Robert , as you may remember I was out with Apex last August in my 600 LT , had some tuition with Apex and a fast lap with you in the 620 R, great experience. I am furious with McLaren, customers like you and Brookes are tremendous adverts for the McLaren product, having owned and run my own business, I am aware of the importance of marketing, for this so called VP to feel he can treat and speak to customers this way, customers that do so much to promote the McLaren is senseless. I try to promote in my limited way the McLaren brand , to insult these guys is totally out of order , unnecessary and has not been thought through. Again McLaren have damaged their own brand , please for the love of God I hope they think very carefully before they start abusing high profile costumers. Hope to visit Apex beginning of June , if I can sneak out of the U.K., difficult in a Luminarie green McLaren 🤣👍.

Thank you for mentioning this! DragTimes responsible for a lot of McLaren sales and he has great content. McLaren is acting more pretentious than Ferrari and they already have bad track record for reliability and customer relations. What you need to do to consider as a motoring journalist!? Outrageous. An owners insight is more important than an opinion based on limited time review.

I have a 15 year old 997 and when I recently took it to my local Porsche dealership I was treated with nothing but respect, even though in terms of revenue it was worth pennies to them. When it comes to splashing out in a few years time, I've decided to stick with Porsche. How you treat your customers matters just as much as the car imo

Robert on not picking up a 765LT "It's not about the money, it's about sending a message." - Joker

Do you know how many UPs we've sold? Yet no Golf 8 was given, so we're rocking MK4s instead. Better car anyway.

Ohh it’s my new favourite seeing you go in on marketing teams!

In the Netherlands we have the expression: "A cat in a corner makes strange jumps". And maybe the Egos are too big at McLaren so that they don't want to see reality.

Brookes is a freaking legend. He has access to such a quantity of extremely powerful cars and is able to bring us that raw, non-edited content and still make that feel entertaining. I don't know what he did to deserve all that cash but he surely milks the performance of every car.

My take on this: Mclaren has deals with autmotive journalists and they must have threatened Mclaren to write garbage if they did not get the premieres. Its all about the $$$

Brookes should be the head of marketing and social media in north america for Mclaren, hes done more than anyone else to promote the brand, it would be a dam shame if Mclaren decided to fall out with Brookes and other youtube channels, its free advertising and 95% of it is positive, im British and proud of Mclaren, im ashamed by their actions regarding the management decisions!

Car Drama: *happens* ... "Hey everybody, I'm Robert!" Love it! :-D

I hope that VP watches *this* Video here and then feels ashamed of himself for making the wrong decision. And you Robert explain perfectly why.

"Andy was the Experiential Sales & Marketing Manager at BMW." Oh

Spot on tier 1 opinion as always. I used to religiously get EVO magazine here in the UK (the glory years, 2003 till 2015ish) but have not bought one in years. All motoring content is now from KZfaq, the good ones like Harris, Smith, Metcalfe, Tim, yourself not the buy, wrap, exhaust, sell, repeat brigade. Not because of cost etc but because of the engagement, seeing and hearing the cars and what they can do. If someone whose pushing 40 is doing that where do they think the buyers of tomorrow are getting their info from. Short sighted at best. Like us without the specs!

Robert so glad you digged into the R&T podcast. I made my detailed comment posted below about the R&T quip through my own research before I got to that part in your video. Great minds think alike!

1:08 Analiese: PISTA? He sold the Pista! ... Why does he keep saying PISTA?! It’s making me sad...

Brooks was literally the best advertisement for the 720s and the 765LT lol

Oh I’m glad you’ve picked this up 🤓

Spot on Robert! I applaud your stance on remaining an independent and beholden to none commentator. You deserve more respect from your suppliers than you have received.

The real problem was: Brooks forget to put on the TIER 1 TAN...

I appreciate channels like yours, Tim's and Brook's that get good honest unbiast opinions and tests of the cars.

McLaren VP of marketing doesn't like exposure - well he's got it now. Not sure he's in the right job.

Anyone that’s worked in Sales or Marketing won’t even be remotely be surprised that a VP reacted like this. It’s a toxic environment at best. Not even remotely surprised he tried to do the same thing to a McLaren owner as what happens to employees. Welcome to the world behind the curtain.

Hey Robert, I'm shipping out to the US Air Force soon. If I get stationed in Germany I'll be seeing you at the Ring, it's my dream to come and check it out, go around, and watch cars fly around! Take care.

How these companies can be so naive to this stuff is beyond..

Sounds like this VP gets kick backs from these Magazines.

They’ve struggled to sell the Elva yet are refusing free publicity to perhaps persuade a billionaire or two to throw spare change at one. Strange.

I'm SUPRISED these magazines still exist. I grew up reading them . But wouldn't buy anything without watching you tube first.

You are the only reason I would even consider a McLaren over a Ferrari, Porsche, or Lambo.

I like how you called Shmee by his real name Tim Burton. Some people may be wondering what a Hollywood director has to do with any of this.

I have to agree with what you said, pretty crazy to stifle free positive press for their brand

There’s not a person alive that would watch a KZfaq podcast with R&T and Andy Thomas (VP of McLaren NA) @jathomas1004 about flame paint on a McLaren, let alone be persuaded to buy a McLaren, rather than watching and being impressed by Brooks’ @dragtimescom McLaren videos. “Just an owner with a KZfaq channel”, said by just a DB. Very short sighted and ignorant, especially for someone that totes on their LinkedIn page that they have vast knowledge of CRM and customer acquisition. Have a feeling Andy Thomas’ relationship with Road and Track’s executive editors and their let’s call it unappreciative competition had something to do with making those additional comments

Some brand marketing department living at the past. Time's changed. I'm trusting you cause you're honest, not journalist no one paying to talk about it. Damn bommers :) ✌️

Excellent video! I watched 30 video's before I even went to the dealership to buy my newest car. If they can't see the reality of what you and others are providing for them? Let them fail, maybe then I could actually afford a McLaren. LOL Keep up the good work!

I don't even know what Rodentrack is? Mice driving cars?

Im a 12c owner and I appreciate you and this video. I came across it randomly and im now subscribed. 🙏🏿 I look forward to your content.

Awesome video Robert! Explained everything so perfectly! Being an owner of a Huracan for a few years and Lamborghini as a brand has been fantastic to us. It’s so sad and aggravating that these “big” automobile journalists that are so stuck up and twisted that they mess up facts and statistics to hold a lousy relationship with a low tier car company. Keep up the great content have a good one!

I agree with your McLaren assessment. I think these odd specials are for collectors who want a car that is viewed as a collectable that will rarely if ever be driven. Think of the profit they make on a Senna, Speedtail or this Elva car over their regular production cars. More of these guys are like Manny Koshbin than the FFF family. Perhaps McLaren and BMW are having trouble communicating with their boomer owners? Where is Ron Dennis when you need him to straighten out these clowns? No glasses today, did you get your Lasik done?

This was such a good, well spoken and well articulated video. It just made a lot of sense. Thanks for being logical and down to earth.

Fantastic work Robert - Thankyou for putting in the effort and showing as what automotive emotion is all about. I take my hat off to your enthusiasm, your sense of maturity and your understanding of what takes to make things happen.

All facts, you and Brooks helped me make my decision on buying my 600LT, both of you gave me great insight, McLaren employees couldn’t answer simple questions about the car they sell,

I honestly cringe about McLaren since nearly two years. It’s really sad to see so much potential thrown away. And to have the audacity to call brooks out in that way is just the icing on the cake.

Great video. Such a smart and insightful man with some seriously impressive driving skills. I’m 23 and I loved brooks video. Seeing that car and the enjoyment he expressed it was motivating to me and enjoyable. His reach goes so beyond just who can immediately buy a car like the elva. He’s painting this reputation for this new brand that is influencing and inspiring people to buy this brand. Can’t believe they made him take the video down.

Top drawer Robert!! Personal Testimonials are the best free marketing! A prerequisite for any marketing analysis! Feedback from People who have invested & experiencing Your product is priceless! Especially if it's positive expanding awareness for Clients(Past & Future)& Company!!

The joys of the current age is that anyone can broadcast their opinion. You don't have to go and buy a magazine or look for a dedicated website to read an opinion and find out information about any specific car. For better or worse this means that good opinions can be shared and gain traction if it provokes interest or discussion. Owners are the feedback prospective buyers need. Loving what you're doing with impartial advice (unless it's spray-tan) and opinions on cars you own. It provides and insight to what many owners hope to do (run TF laps) and rather than speculate they can see first hand how a car they may consider buying is for the owner. I'd rather see and hear this than X journalist for X marketing/sales/broadcasting team power-sliding the car around an empty airfield slaying someone else' tyres (they don't have to pay for). I hope one day to research buying a new super/sports car and finding niché reviews by owners like yourself to give a real world example of the vehicle.

If it weren't for Brooks, I would never have known how fast McLarens are on the drag strip. His channel is certainly helping McLaren sell cars

Robert is the voice of reason in the car community

A great piece again Robert. You even snuck the Garnier reference in there at the end, I near spat out my tea 🤣

The quality of your video. I like the new platform. The mic helps so much. Keep up the good work

Even my small channel gets DMs from people saying they've bought cars and products because of my content. The way brand and product marketing works has changed. If companies like this don't appreciate this, their voluntary ambassadors will stop promoting their products, not because of the products - but because of the brand.

I also had no appreciation for the 765LT until @dragtimes videos. And thanks for this insight.

That was brilliant. In fact I’m for once lost for words over this VP issue. Oh, I have a word Ego. Robert, you are great. I learn so much from you and your cars. Do not stop the way you go about you YouTub work. Again, great conversation. Ted

Another fantastic video Robert, so glad you covered this topic as well! Brooks has been one of the best McLaren ambassadors out there, he did so much incredible marketing for 720S and 765LT, he probably resurrected 765LT by himself! So what that guy did is complete stupidity, I can't even comprehend that level of ignorance at such position 🤦🏻‍♂️ And also like many I've never even heard about 620R before you got yours, you did so much for that car. That guy needs to be fired asap, and not because of what he did to Brooks specifically, but because he has no clue about the job he is being paid big bucks for

Marketing degree student here. Lecturer just straight up told me don't be like Andy from McLaren after watching LoP's video (he's also a car guy)

Mclaren needs to sack the tools in their marketing team.

I don't know much about McClaren, so I learned a lot from your video. Fascinating to say the least. I have to say your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Keep up the great work!

Outstanding video man, I don't think these companies understand how much money on marketing they could save by working with "owners that have a KZfaq channel"

Hi it's 12am here I was just waiting for your vedio always love to watch them!

If Ron Dennis still on board McLaren, I believe he would fire that guy immediately

All of your videos are great. This one is over the top great! Your points are so damn good, honest, and common sense. McLarens VP of marketing needs to go. I’m an owner. I am proud of my brand, but horrified that they have a VP making huge amounts of money that is damaging the reputation of my brand

I've never seen you before, but I respect what you did with this video. What a great impression. You sound like one of the guys in my circle

Robert you have the best comments section KZfaq should give you a reward like those subscribers plaque.

Seems like McLalen' are worse than SSC on handling their PR. They've been relied on rich people to buy their car and not enthusiasts. What do you expect when they talk like that with their own customer. They always been rude. Most of Mclaren car are lemons.

Very erudite video as always, thanks Robert. I was an early adopter, buying one of the first 12Cs. Did over 12,000 miles in the car in 2 years, and loved it. Despite some reliability issues (including a rocker arm failure that necessitated a top end rebuild at Riccardo), McLaren were fantastic on service. But, this was before volumes increased and sadly over time it became so clear that the UK dealer network, supply chain for parts, warranty policies and so on were all behind the curve. And their biggest failure in the early years - no OEM backed finance to set a GRV, allowing residuals to free fall. The engineering acumen has always been ahead of the commercial acumen, but hopefully that will change as I do love the brand. PS. My ride with Tim in the Apex GT2RS definitely persuaded me to buy the MR kit for my 2RS!! Apex does influence :).

Great video and everything you said was spot on. Brooks channel is also very good and what he does and says is worth noting and taking into consideration when it comes to getting your next fast car. McLaren need to get rid of this VP in America as he quite clearly doesn't have a clue on what it going on in the world and where new car owners get a large chunk of their information from.

so this is how my frends feels when i take off my glases. werd how someone you have used to see whit glases can look so different whit out them.

How many "automotive" YT'ers have McLaren invited to car launches in the past that are not journalists. Hypocrites.

Another impressive delivery of the matter at hand, educating top to bottom on the simple matter of “Respect”.. Good Points, Well Made Robert,..👍🏽

And the sad thing in most of this old companies is that they don't get serious about the opinion of the new "opinion leaders" and don't let new faces with fresh and new knowledge to join them. As a marketeer who companies don't want to hire, because I'm too young and don't have the experience is frustrating most of the times.. This video is going VIRAL Robert :)

It is sad to see a brand like McLaren understand so little about how the online world works and what actual bad PR looks like... They might do well taking some business classes from you :D

If McLaren watches this video and actually listen to it, they would win the internet's respect I honestly would sell all the McLarens if they keep this attitude

Everything you've stated here is absolutely spot on. 1) The last time I bought an automotive magazine was back in the early 2000s. Who even reads those things anymore? 2) I would ABSOLUTELY 100% get my research on cars to buy and arrive at an informed decision by REAL OWNERS or these cars via objective real world empirical data from KZfaqrs. For the purpose of being explicit, I would absolutely NOT waste a single minute trying to get what I consider as "reliable information" from Car journalists knowing full well that a half day photo shoot and the need to embellish information based on a short stint with the car does not qualify as being reliable information in the real world (to make my purchasing decision on a big ticket item such as a supercar). 3) If the VP of Maclaren Marketing doesn't get that, he has NO BUSINESS sitting in that seat. 4) I watched this video because of the title drag times which happens to be a channel I subscribe to and watch every episode to build on my personal schema on the real world pecking order of supercars featured in that channel. I'm also a subscriber of your channel, Misha's channel as well as Shmee's channel.

I'm not one to comment on any videos I watch, however, Robert your insight from your front row seat is so enlightening I have to say kudos. Keep it up!

I'm always asking myself, how those (let's say) less competent people get in such a high decision making positions, screw up and still can sit in their chairs and get pay checks. 😐

Where’s my popcorn… All in all I’m so glad that we can hear your unbiased/biased opinion on such subjects and more. Keep it up Robert!

Thanks Robert for bringing this one up, I'll admit before covid I bought a few magazines a month, not any more I watch way to much U tube now, but hey, I found you & Micha, and heaps of other really fun car stuff, Rj in Oz

Great video - I hadn’t encountered your channel before but am now a sub! Hopefully someone higher than Andy at McLaren gets the message.

McLaren VP to me: You can not even consider buying one 😂 But to be fair, on each Geneva Motor Show I have been McLaren treated us very nicely even though we were just there for seeing the cars. 👌🏻 Cannot tell this about some italian brands

What about Journo times done on different tracks? How trustable are they? For example how is a Porsche Turbo S almost as fast as an Aventador SVJ on Hockenheim and is 1.2 secs quicker than Huracan Evo while on other tracks it's barely faster or even slower than Huracan Evo?

Thanks for the valuable insight. This obviously needed to be said and I can’t think of a better source to say it. Thanks for the pragmatic approach.

The word according to Robert is what maclaren need to hear now before its too late...fantastic topic and great content...

Motortrend repost dragtimes videos and then writes a 4 sentence “article” about it!

Absolute stone face when mentioning the Spray Tan. What a perfectly tanned trooper you are Robert :D

Valid points Robert. Word of mouth could be the strongest marketing campaign.

Great video and great points! I honestly think it's hilarious that the VP of marketing is so oblivious to the effects of social media influencers. I only ever knew and liked McLaren because of Shmee's content, from picking up his first MP4-12C all the way to drinking a shot every time Shmee says "MSO CERULEAN BLUE". I've had the honor of driving a 675lt and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life and I don't believe I would have care about it at all if not for Shmee's in-depth content on McLaren.

So, great fun cars, shitty upper management. Oh well, in another 5 years, I'll be able to pick up a high-mileage 675LT for $72,500. Lol

Mclaren should be worried about reliability, and lack of the cars to hold any value.

Nice one Robert, honesty is a rare commodity these days

I could listen to you talk all day , your very knowledgeable and straight forward and I agree with everything you say 👍

Snaffoo, never heard that before but it could well be my new favourite word knocking discombobulated off the top spot.

You think that McLaren would value someone like Brooks with whom his followers are the target market for their cars. Ridiculousness!!

Again a solid video with well thought out reasoning, that is right on the money! If you go on like this, Robert, you’re going to end up VP marketing of McLaren! (If they know what is good for them) 😇