You’re right, i think that’s spot on.
Just.. How to check for that? The Motability account doesn’t really help there since the MB application doesn’t mean the car is ordered.
We got lucky with our sales lady, she gave us an order number immediately on the day we ordered (the one for the dealership) – and then immediately placed a factory order too, which got accepted 6 ish weeks later. Just today (because i got concerned, as the GTE is removed from the scheme too) i mailed her again and got an answer back promptly – order still going, but delayed (unsurprisingly) to week 34.
I suppose that if you place an order, you have to press them on commitment to order. As in, make absolutely clear that you expect the order to be placed with the factory without delay.
This is just a stupid situation that Motability absolutely should do something about. The car should be ordered with the factory the second Motability confirms the application, and they need to make sure about that very fact, or force the dealerships to pay compensation if they crook it like in this (and the Toyota) case.
Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.