In the eyes of Wheeler Dealers’ television personality Mike Brewer, the era of unscrupulous second-hand car salesmen has met its demise, giving way to a more modern and sophisticated breed. Brewer, 58, attributes this transformation to the influence of television personas like Arthur Daley and Frank Butcher, who have instilled a perception in the public mind that all pre-owned vehicle dealers are reminiscent of the shifty Del Boy archetype – individuals aiming to amass profits by deceiving unsuspecting buyers.
Brewer suggests that times have shifted, and contemporary used car salespeople have evolved beyond their predecessors’ shadow. He implies that the emergence of the “metrosexual” has played a pivotal role in reshaping the industry. This new generation of dealers is characterized by their refined tastes, urban sensibilities, and a focus on transparency and customer satisfaction. They have shed the dubious practices of the past and embraced a more ethical and professional approach to their craft.
As Brewer’s perspective underscores, the clichéd image of the conniving car salesman is no longer a faithful reflection of the industry. Instead, a wave of conscientious and fashion-forward dealers has risen to replace the caricature of old.
Through this evolution, they have managed to dismantle the pervasive stereotype that once painted all used car salespeople with the same tarnished brush. Brewer’s observations stand as a testament to the evolving landscape of the automotive sales world, where a new era of professionalism and authenticity has taken root, far removed from the outdated portrayals of yesteryears’ fictional characters.
He disclosed that he receives daily death threats from online trolls, some of which have been so severe that he’s had to involve law enforcement. These threats have included plans to harm him physically, as well as disturbing threats against his daughter and wife.
Mike Brewer, the long-time host of Discovery Channel’s popular show Wheeler Dealers since 2003, is frustrated with the persistent stereotype of car dealers resembling Del Boy. He has been actively working to change this perception.
Brewer believes that, like in any industry, there are both good and bad individuals. He emphasizes that many car dealers are reputable and contribute positively to their communities by providing employment opportunities. Despite this, he laments that buyers often approach car dealerships with skepticism, assuming they’ll be taken advantage of, which isn’t always accurate.
The comparison highlights the unfair perception of car dealers. A shopkeeper buying bread for 30p and selling it for 60p is not criticized, unlike car dealers who are often labeled as dishonest. This bias is rooted in TV characters like Arthur Daley and Del Boy, who perpetuated the negative stereotype. The character Frank Butcher in EastEnders also contributed to this unfavorable image of car dealers.
Mike Brewer noted that the era of unkempt appearances and outdated styles, like sheepskin coats and scruffy suits, is firmly in the past for car dealers. He mentioned that hosting the car dealer awards and customer reviews have pushed dealerships to improve their image significantly over the last decade.
This evolution is motivated by a desire to avoid negative reviews. Brewer observed this transformation firsthand, noting that the stereotypical image of car dealers with sheepskin coats is now a relic of the 70s.
He disclosed that he faces daily online harassment, possibly due to his personal success. The severity of threats has led him to involve law enforcement to track down his online harassers. Despite his honest business practices, he believes that his role on TV might lead some to unfairly label him as a “dodgy” car dealer due to lingering negative perceptions associated with the industry.
Mike Reveals he reports D3ath threats weekly
ike Brewer has had to involve law enforcement in response to death threats he receives globally, directed not only towards him but also his family. These threats stem from a combination of jealousy and resentment towards his success as a businessman and TV personality.
His public profile makes him an accessible target on various social media platforms. Brewer acknowledges that some individuals may lash out due to their own struggles or feelings of inadequacy, projecting their frustrations onto him.
He describes a disturbing trend of receiving threats that target him, his wife, and daughter, often triggered by viewers who feel envious or upset when comparing their own lives to the success and experiences he showcases on his show Wheeler Dealers.
Mike Brewer has been actively advocating for increased accountability on social media platforms to combat trolling. He’s been pressuring Twitter and Facebook to implement stricter measures. He highlights the issue of anonymity, as many abusers hide behind generic avatars like boiled eggs or cats.
Brewer believes that social media users should be required to provide proof of their identity, including their name, workplace, or location. He’s frustrated with waking up to threats from anonymous accounts, expressing his desire to put an end to this distressing situation where he receives messages threatening harm to his family.
