Chrysler sales down 34% in August
Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans have strong sales month, up 7 percent over last year
Dodge Ram light-duty truck and Jeep® Liberty performance improves versus July
Dodge Journey gains momentum; buyers coming out of larger SUVs
Dodge Charger sales continue to grow
Up to 40 percent off MSRP available in September
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 3, 2008 - Chrysler LLC today reported total August 2008 U.S. sales of 110,235 units, down 34 percent from the same period last year. Total August sales reflect an industry-wide slowdown, segment shifts and reduced fleet sales. Compared with July 2008, Chrysler’s August sales increased 12 percent supported by enhanced financing offers, efforts to shift lease-oriented customers to purchasing, leasing availability from independent financial institutions and better demand for key vehicles. Although Chrysler Financial is no longer offering leasing options to Chrysler customers, customers are still able to lease Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge products through independent financial institutions and qualify for available discounts.
Chrysler LLC Reports August 2008 U.S. Sales; Continues ‘Shop ‘Til You Drive’ Campaign with up to 40 Percent off MSRP - chrysler.com
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
By any measure Chrysler’s sales stink.
Take out the “reduced” fleet sales and they stink even worse.
“Shop till you Drive” is not working but Chrysler is going to stick with another lackluster campaign.
So what ideas does the team come up with?????
EMPLOYEE PRICING for military and returning lease owners.
This doesn’t cost Chrysler anything as its dealers have to absorb the discount—-Chrysler still makes the same amount if it is EP Pricing or not.
Gee, Thanks Chrysler, you sure a great Partner!!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080903/ANA05/809039969/1078
Here’s the Automotive News article on the August sales stats for those who want a glimpse of the big picture across the entire industry. It ain’t pretty. We’re in a hell of an economic slump.
September 3rd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
All the more reason for selling the whole business to a company in the USA or Canada! Chrysler needs a car guy who understands the industry to run the company if it is to survive.
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Oscar we have a car guy—-his name is Jim Press.
We need products—and not Plymouths, Simcas, or Imperials.
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Oh, come on now… We all know who wears the pants in the Chairman’s Office.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Chrysler had the worst sales record among the auto makers is the USA during August. Its sales fell about 35% with a little over 110,000 units sold. Chrysler, once #3 in the industry, with a 25% market share is now in danger of becoming #6. That is really sad. Yes, I agree, it is time for a change! Selling off the Viper and the Plymouth brands is sacrilege.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Mopar Dealer, I agree, Chrysler needs better products, especially in the midsize, compact and sub-compact classes. But, they also need better service. Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealerships stink. The sales tactics are shady, and the repair service is sub-par. I have always been a huge Mopar fan and an exclusive life-long owner of Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and Jeep products until the disappointing (ugly as crap) Charger that I had been waiting for came out. I then bought a used Maxima from an Infiniti dealer. The sales staff and service blew me away! I was treated just as if I bought an new Infiniti. I get a loaner car anytime I bring the car in for an oil change or simple repair. I can get a courtesy wash anytime I want. Even the when I take the car to the local Nissan dealer for an oil change, the experience is far superior to any Chrysler dealer experience. My Chrysler/Jeep dealer doesn’t even wash my Grand Cherokee anymore that I bought new, even when I come in for a $600 repair. Even if the product is a little behind the competition, the dealer experience can negate all of that with superior service. Chew on that for a while!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Amen, brother! You nailed it TRaceR. Hear! Hear!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Its bad for all automakers right now.Its kinda sad that Honda will be the number 3 automaker in a month or two.
I really thought chryslers sales would be much worse.I was thinking more in the 90 thousand range.And how could they let the 300 sales tank like that?Were in the hell are the updates to these once great vehicles.Under 4000 units is pathetic.
Bad bad times for the auto industry. I sure hope things improve sooner or later!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
The 300 sales have tanked because they have waited too long to change it. Also, the V6 model still only has 250 HP and a 4-speed automatic. A 6-cylinder Camry is nearly as quick as a Hemi 300C and costs less too.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
“A 6-cylinder Camry is nearly as quick as a Hemi 300C and costs less too.”
Camry XLE…….
3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i V6 268 hp @ 6200 rpm/ 248 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
————————————————————-
Chrysler 300 C…….
5.7 Liter Hemi 340 Horsepower 390 lb-ft Torque
————————————————————
I really dont think the Camry comes close to the 300C power!
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I just don’t give a damn anymore about Chrysler. No leadership, poor products, and sorry dealers. It is all about making money. No passion for Chrysler people or products. The problem is when owners get to that point, customers look for better options. No sales = bankruptcy!
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
It’s a light car than the 300 and may have a six-speed. Read the test results in the mags. I’m not defending Camrys. I hate Toyotas. I just think it’s time for Chrysler to compete. How about a 290 hp V6 in a rear-drive mid-size sedan with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto? ? Don’t tell me the Avenger fills the role. Are you listening Chrysler?
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
You are so correct, Vern. I am out of here too! The Chrysler situation is simply hopeless. The August sales report spoke volumes. There are so few Chrysler products on the road these days. Its day has come and gone. Time to move on…
September 4th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Just ordered my 2009 crew cab.I really love the new two tone interior.The new crew cab addition is just what i always wanted out of dodge and they finally came through.Im sure a lot of people will love the new crew cab.Its so big and roomy inside.I think this truck is going to do really well.Looks ten times better than the new f-150.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Steve and Pat, then dont come back to this forum anymore.If you dont like chrysler then bye bye.You two have to remember they were sucked dry with no good product developement when they were with the germans.Give cerberus a chance to get things turned around.Cerberus already has teams making adjustmenst to all their vehicles to make them better until the new one arrive further down the road.Goi to your local dodge dealer and look at the interior in the new rams.If this is the new direction theyre going with interiors then i really think they got something going on.
Just gotta give it time and better things will improve for the CG!
September 4th, 2008 at 4:15 am
TRaceR nailed it. That product called a Charger is not a true Dodge Charger. They got the Challenger right, but not the Charger. Its a ripoff of the name and an injustice.
September 4th, 2008 at 5:49 am
I know no one wants to hear this, but Chrysler still needs time to correct the ship…I know its been a year now, but in car talk that is not much time.
Please remember that Daimler basically paid Cerebrus (sp?) to take Chrysler off their hands…let’s repeat that, Daimler basically paid Cerebrus to take Chrysler off their hands. Daimler sucked every nickel and dime out of Chrysler and put nothing back into the company. They rode the ride as it was going up, but jumped off when it was time to come back down. It takes time to recover when you are put in such a bad position. It’s hard to make a 180 degree turn to right the ship when you are managing a company that spends billions a month…everyone is hurting, some are weathering the storm better than others, but everyone is hurting. I know it seems like forever, but come 2011 or even 2012, and we are having the same discussions about falling market share, bad marketing, and bad sales then I will believe the naysayers and jump ship.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Get over the Charger 4-door. Good Lord, its in its 4th model year, it is one of the few Chrysler products that is still hot and selling well. Obviously the market has decided that it likes the new Charger. If you want something true to tradition, now you can buy a Challenger.
Once again, the sales for Chrysler cars are falling. Including small cars. This is indicative of both product and sales. Other automakers do not have a problem moving small cars right now, they are all selling well. Chrysler is not, again.
AND I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT VOLUME. I am talking year over year.
Now that we have a new Patriot/Compass interior (along with some engine tweaks) that looks very competitive, let’s see how it sells in the coming months. The “poor product” argument is now removed from the equation. If Chrysler can’t show some strength with the new Patriot/Compass, then it is proof that they have forgotten how to SELL PRODUCT.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Chrysler will survive, but it will look nothing like it has in the past. It will be smaller and half of the product line up will be out sourced.
Chrysler will hang on to the core business truck, Minivan, Crossover, SUV and Mid Size vehicles.
They will out source small car A and B plat forms, small Crossovers and small SUV’s.
We won’t see new product until the 2010 model year, so we just have to hang on and hope.
I’m sorry many of you are having bad experiences with Chrysler Sales and Service departments. Was this a problem before the recent slump or has it always been a problem?
Also high line luxury makes are the lastest to see tough times, it will be interesting if they will be able to continue to offer over the top service as they swim in red ink.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:57 am
The whole automotive industry is in trouble,I wonder what they have that is so great for 2011 or whatever LaSorda said..Good news, Ram sales did better than last month and Charger sales look to be average .
Ed,TRaceR,I would say the new Charger is a closer example of the original..Hemi option ,rear drive…Remember the 1980’s Charger anyone..?And lets not forget the late 70’s Challenger, remember a mitshubshi made junker..Yikes !!(not the e body mopar 70-74)Though, I know what you are saying a 69 Charger new, would be great..but at least ..thank God we have the new 2 door Challenger.
As to say the camry v6 is almost as fast as the 300c,well its 600 lbs lighter plus a more aggresive axle ratio 3.69 vs the 300C 3.08.The 0-60 are 5.6 0-60 for the 300 vs toyota 6.2..The 300 is a few car lengths ahead.And lets not forget to mention the Accords 4.31 gear !!! With that gear the 5.7 300C would out run the 300srt 8 by a car length !!!Oh yeah the 6 cyl 300 has a dismal 2.82 rear gear,at least with a 3.08 it would run high 6’s low 7’s to 60.I would like to see some axle ratio options,and a 4.10 at least.
September 4th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Toyota/honda/nissan could afford to just keep making small cheap cars in the 90s, they all fell into their success with the high oil prices. Ford/chrysler/gm didn’t really advertise bigger vehicles until it became clear that bigger vehicles are what people wanted. Now with gas at 3.50-4.00/gallon people want smaller cars. So the US automakers are shifting, but like rich says it’ll take another couple years to get there.
In the mean time all the automakers are experiencing bad sales compared to last year, how will the asian automakers quality be affected by the red they see on their bottom line every month? How will they’re support and customer service be affected?
September 4th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Believe me, I want to see Cerberus turn Chrysler around. I hope they can weather the current economic crisis. I’ve always been a fan and will probably never buy another new car if they go under. I patiently waited and was disappointed with the Charger, so I bought a used Maxima SE with a 5-speed. Now that the Challenger is out, I can’t afford it. This horrible economy, the fuel prices and Hemi engines that get less than 20 mpg in the city doesn’t justify the purchase of one. If they come out with a 300 hp V6 with a 6-speed manual trans like the the new Camaro is going to be offered with, then we’ll talk. As far as the Sebring/Avenger twins, what a joke. That and the Caliber were Daimler’s parting gifts. I agree with Bill, Daimler sucked them dry, and then left them for dead. I really hate Mercedes Benz right now and wish a Chinese or Indian company would overtake them! As far as the Chrysler dealer experiences, they’ve been average in the past, but have gradually gone to below average, even the “5 Star” Chrysler dealers. Not even washing my car after a $600+ repair is unacceptable when they used to do it. As I said, the Infiniti and Nissan dealer experinces were far superior. Even when my 2000 Maxima is in for repair, I get a new G35x as a loaner. Try to even get a test drive in an SRT4 Caliber at the local Dodge dealer! (Good luck if you can even find a dealer that stocks one.) They act like it’s an exotic or something, and tack on a sucharge to the price. Geesh! By the way, I stood right next to Ralph Gilles several times at the Viper Owner’s Invitational last week, and wanted to tell him my thoughts, but thought it wouldn’t do a bit of good. It was announced and confirmed by Ralph himself that the possibility of sell off of Viper was true. What a downer!
September 4th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
R.I.P.
September 4th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Steve appears all mixed up. Why is he tellling himself not to post to the Chryslerweblog anymore??? He told himself not to come back to this forum anymore. What’s up with that???
September 4th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I hate to admit it, but my next car won’t be a Chrysler. I have purchased Chryslers most of my life, but they’re not building them like they used to. I am switching to Mercury. That is too bad, but I just don’t have any connection to Chrysler anymore. So long boys…
September 4th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Mercury! Now there’s a brand with a solid future!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Well I got to tell ya, that Grand Marques is one heck of a car. Chrysler needs a luxury sedan like that, but I don’t think it will ever make one again — at least not as long as Cerberus owns it. I’m thinking about bying a Grand Marques myself.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Thanks to some friends at allpar… there is some light in this wretched tunnel. One of the guys there took the time to compare July 2008 to August 2008… how’s this for doom and gloom
Grand Caravan were flat when compared with August 2007 sales, but compared to July 08 they were up 54%. Town & Country sales were up 15% compared with August 2007, and up 26% compared to July 2008.
Dodge Ram sales doubled in the last 60 days. Sales were down 7% compared to August 07, but up 16 percent compared to July 2008.
Journey sales were up 33% over last month, and Chrysler states that 35% of Journey buyers came from existing large SUV owners downsizing, and half the sales were from new first-time Dodge buyers.
Liberty was down 14% from August 07, but up 24% from July 08.
Charger was up 3% from August 07, and up 48% from July 08.
I guess, shop till you drive isn’t so bad afterall if sales are up for the month compared to last month.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Mopar dealer sell your dealership or quit complaining & do some marketing to sell whats on your lot. I know many dealers that are profitable selling used car & giving GGRRRRRRRRRRRReat service in service depts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Hey ATL why don’t you buy our dealerships?
Have you asked your Bosses how many Chrysler dealers are UNprofitable?
Chrysler has one of the most unprofitable dealer networks in the industry, and unprofitable dealers are not good for MoPar.
We don’t want to just sell used cars and service, it would be nice if some customers would want the crap Chrysler is building!
September 5th, 2008 at 8:55 am
mopar dealer: and I use that title loosely!!!!!
Go into any Toyota dealership sales floor & service dept & you will SEE WHY Cry-slers sales are in the tank!!!! I a third gen Chrysler dealership & we are very profitable & always have been. We pattern are service & sales to put our customers FIRST, something I learned from a Westfield, N.Y. Dealer!!!
TRY IT YOUR CUSTOMERS MIGHT LIKE IT & keep you busy enough so you won’t have time complain about the product you sell !!!
P.S.
Hope you sell before 2011!!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Chrysler to Cancel Nitro or Liberty by End of 2012 (Update1)
By Mike Ramsey
Sept. 4 (Bloomberg) — Chrysler LLC, the third-largest U.S. automaker, will eliminate either the Dodge Nitro or Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicle by the end of 2012, according to a sales executive.
North American sales chief Steve Landry was asked on a conference call if the automaker would offer only one of the two vehicles by 2012. He said that was the plan.
“As we move toward 2012, we won’t have this dual badging of products and duplicating products,'’ Landry told reporters on the call yesterday. Chrysler plans to have “one branded body'’ for the Nitro and Liberty after that, he said in response to a question.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Gas guzzling temptation as prices fall
With prices at the pump continuing to slip, will memories of the summer’s gas crunch fade, tempting drivers to fall off the conservation wagon?
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Although it was a painful summer for most drivers, it could have been worse had Americans not cut back on their gasoline consumption. Now, as summer ends and gasoline prices fall, drivers may be tempted to resume their gas guzzling habits.
Since July, when gas hit a record high near $4.10 a gallon nationwide, prices have fallen 10% to $3.678 a gallon on Thursday. And according to Geoff Sundstrom of the American Automobile Association, prices could fall even further.
“We think gas prices could reach $3.50 a gallon nationwide sometime this month,” Sundstrom said.
Retail gas prices typically fall after Labor Day as demand drops off during the fall months. Gas prices have also been brought down by a recent decline in oil prices due to a slowing global economy and a stronger dollar.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
When a dealer says “it would be nice if some customers would want the crap Chrysler is building!” I think it shows much of the problem.
No, I’m not happy about the competitiveness of a lot of their current stuff, but on the other hand, it seems to me that your attitude might be bleeding through just a little. Do you think your customers can’t sense it?
You can sell even an inferior product if you have better service and more real consideration for the customer’s needs. Among other things, you’ll get the repeat buyers who won’t even consider another dealer.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
ATL,
I can see by your postings and writing that you are not very intelligent.
You are absolutely correct in your statement that if you go to a Toyota dealership you will see why Chrysler’s sales are in the tank—because the Toyota and Lexus product looks better, has a better quality reputation, and they have alternatives to just gas engines.
The Toyota products have higher Consumer Reports ratings, higher initial quality ratings from JD Power, and higher residual values from ALG.
Do you believe this is due to dealership service experience?
Could it be because Chrysler products have not been that good, certainly not as good as Toyota products the past 10 years?
Could be!
Chrysler sales are not “in the tank” because of Chrysler dealers!
I happen to be a 4th generation dealer, my grandfather worked for the Dodge Brothers, and as a long-time dealer (I don’t believe you are) you would know that the Dealer Body has saved Chrysler’s neck more than once.
You can stick your head in the sand and believe otherwise, the new people in Cerberus know that Chrysler made shitty product and cut corners especially in interiors.
Mr. Press has publicly stated that most of his time has been spent fixing the awful mess at Chrysler and attempting to develop an actual product plan—-other than 11 SUVs.
Dealers can always be better and do more, but we need decent product—something we have not had consistently for years.
The truth may hurt, but it is reality.
PS—Learn proper English before you post unless you like
looking stupid!
September 5th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
ATL, you seem like the type of dealer I’d like to buy my next Chrysler product from. Service sells. A positive attitude about what you are selling is important too. I’d much rather buy from someone that not only has a good relationship with the company that supplies their product, but goes the extra mile to satisfy their customers. Customers are unbelievably forgiving when they are treated fairly. In most cases, they’ll return to that dealership. However, a dealer that makes excuses, blames the company, and doesn’t provide good service with a smile, shouldn’t expect to see that customer return.
September 5th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Note to service advisors and managers: Don’t treat customers as if they are stupid. Most of them have limited mechanical knowledge. Be honest. Walk them through the process of why they are going to have to pay $1,200 for that brake job. Many of them will be angry…at you! It takes a great deal of patience to deal with someone at 7:30 a.m that just found out that they are going to have to put a second mortgage on the house to get their car running again. Most of the major repairs are due to negligence to basic maintainace anyway. Educate the customers when they buy their cars. Follow up with reminders to service them with a personal call. Dealers, carefully select who you put out there doing this job. Reward them well too, if they do a good job.
September 5th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
mopar dealer
“PS—Learn proper English before you post unless you like
looking stupid”!
because the Toyota and Lexus product looks better,
ABOVE COPIED & PASTED FROM YOUR QUOTE!!!!!!
DUMMY!!!!!!!!
September 5th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Hey fellas, I seen on the TV tonight that crude oil prices is down to about $106 a barrel. I hate to say I told you so, but I have been around this block for many, many years. Oil prices always spike before Memorial Day and drop like a rock after Labor Day. This year was no exception. I think sales of RWD autos like the Grand Marques will spike as we get used to the lower oil prices. Chrysler needs to build the Imperial concept and a Chrysler New Yorker Brougham now! I say build them now, in the states, as soon as possible. Eventhough people like the good MPG today, they will go back to luxury products as the price of gas goes down. That’s my 2 cents worth.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
http://thegarageblog.com/garage/chrysler-design-boss-taking-on-targa-newfoundland-in-bright-green-2009-dodge-challenger-srt8/
Ralph Gilles to drive ‘09 green Challenger SRT 8 in Tagra Newfoundland
For a change of pace from all of the shrill postings above, including my own, get a load of the green Challenger SRT 8 in the piece from the Garage Bloc. Read all of it.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
http://www.autonet.ca/donut/content/search/testdrives/2008/08/26/6579101.html
Anybody think this review of the top-of-the-line Avenger is off-base? Man, I think they nailed it accurately, both the favorable and the unfavorable aspects, especially the power train. The Phoenix Engine Program can’t get here soon enough.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I’m not buying another gas hog. It’s like getting caught with your pants down and it will go up again, big time. Notice, the pump prices haven’t gone down in proportion to the barrel prices. The greedy oil companies now know how much we are willing to pay and they aren’t looking back. Don’t expect it to go much below $3/gallon, if ever.
Much as I like to think about the return of the Imperial (which by the way the Daimler concept looked horrible) it isn’t goint to happen unless it gets 30 mpg or better.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2801b.shtml
MotorWeek’s test of Durango Hemi Hybrid
Tell me the media is biased against Chrysler. BS! Let Chrysler put a competitive product on the market and it gets a fair shake in the media.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I’d by a Mercury. Its a nice ride. Chrysler need a car like that on the dealer lots. The Grand Marques has room enough to haul all the family in confort. My brother has one and it is great.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
ATL is rude.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
The Bush oil war is almost won my friends, the stakes were high many good American men and woman have paid with their lives, but it was a war fought out of necessity.
My friends we have let all who have lost their lives in this war down, we let this wonderful country lose its path when we lost our passion to be Americans.
Instead of using our technology to move us away from our dependance of foreign oil we grew fat eating CheeseBurgers and Freedom Fries.
Now we’ll have an all out drill feast in our pristine waters and wilderness.
If we were real Americans we would have demanded from those who represent us nothing less then to remain the top of the heap the leaders of the free world.
People want to come to America to realize their hopes and dreams, the problem is we got believing what every one was telling us instead of making sure we keeped ahead of the game.
Oil prices will fall, history tells us so, Boom to Bust to Boom again.
Remember all the talk about electric cars, fuel cell vehicles and hybrids when your filling your gas guzzling what ever it will be 5 to 10 years from now.
History repeats itself we didn’t learn from the 70’s or 80’s, we will not learn from the the early 21st century.
Our collective asses are to big to fit into small cars, push back from the Cheese Burgers and mix a salad in.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Driving With Dan: 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
http://chrysler-news.newslib.com/story/2782-3257147/
…
September 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
This morning I test drove a Diamler-Chrysler Smart car. Nice if you are going to go across town for shopping, interesting as to the looks people give you, but the engine had an irritating vibrating noise. The 40 mpg is much better than my Avenger:)
September 6th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
America - Love it or leave it!
September 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
The “Durango” is a tired old badge. Let’s move on with a more contemporary name like the Ram 7XC.
September 6th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Now with Chrysler, he’s making alternative plans
http://chrysler-news.newslib.com/story/2782-3257144/
….
September 6th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
DaveS, I’d have to agree and disagree there. Consumer reports does recommend the Charger/300 as vehicles to buy. But when they go through their list of negatives on a vehicle the reasoning is pretty clearly biased. As an example: when the Nitro first came out the reviewer hated the center dash area (where the stereo/ac/stuff was), he said that it was too complicated and you needed to be a rocket scientist.
Then the same guy reviewed an Acura on the next page, he said that the instrument panel was well laid out and intuitive (even though it had 2x as many screens/button/sliders…).
While he might have thought it was well laid out and intuitive I though it looked complicated as hell, much more daunting than the Nitro. Thus his review of each vehicle came down to his personal taste, and I have no doubt that he favors imports over US autos.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080904/BUSINESS01/809040356/1014
“Chrysler banks on vehicle quality”
Detroit Free Press, Sept. 4, 2008
The last three paragraphs of this FREEP article are very reassuring because they tell us that top management at Auburn Hills has its eye on the ball and is trying to dig its way out of the hole the company is in.
You wanna know how to identify an ignoramus? It’s a guy who can’t distinguish between the world as he would like it to be and the world as it is. In the real world, Consumer Reports ratings influence buying decisions.
Ignoramuses who don’t agree with those ratings reside in a state of denial when they claim that those ratings have no influence on the American public. Management at Chrysler knows better.
Definition of an A-hole: That’s a guy who is so blinded by his own belief system that he has no sense of reality. Example: someone who views himself as a big Mopar fan and who writes that if you slap a Honda badge on Caliber it would sell out. Isn’t that a tribute to the public’s perception of Honda’s quality, reliability and resale value vs those of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep? What about the damned fools who vent their spleen by bad-mouthing Toyota? The Big Three would kill to enjoy the sales growth enjoyed by Toyota and Honda, and their balance sheets and their profits, over the last several years.
September 7th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
DaveS ,Yes of course Consumers reports has an influence on people,as you can see by the monthly sales stats and perception…I have never argued they influence people…
I believe Allpar even said of the last generation,then current Sebring/Stratus if it had an H or a T slapped on the hood it would be flying off the lots,so its not just my astute opinion.Their meaning was the Sebring/Stratus was as good and if not better than the Accord/Camry. And yes the Caliber is even liked by some journelists,dont be mad at me if some journelist says they like it,and it does not have a t or h slapped on the hood..
Once again ..I will say Chrysler needs to improve all of its cars..DaveS did you read that..probably not!!! Even the new Ram I am sure a flaw or 2 will come up as on the Challenger fix them now before it tarnishes the brand further.And I think you helped to describe how off you are in your last post..You think you understand me, but clearly you are lost in your own minds perception.
Need I even mention Chrysler was the most profitable company before Mercedes screwed them,but even in these trying times of high gas prices your beloved T & H cars sales are down…How can that be ? By your accounts they should be up 70% because of fuel prices..I would not bad mouth Toyota or Honda if they actually made reliable cars,by the way C.R praises them they should never break down,never have major recalls especially with a car with fine,elegant interiors,I guess they forgot to rust proof them,weld properly,have functioning transmissions,non cracking water pump housings,timing belts that last as they were so focused on the interiors…
September 7th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
TraceR,
Wow,alot of the dealers are really rude,and charge the hell out of you. I hear this all the time $1,200+ for a brake job that takes about 1 hour to change all 4 corners and $200-$300 after tax for brand name quality parts,including new rotors,cant really turn new rotors they are too thin now ,well you can but they dont last as long,plus they charge as much as buying new ones.They charge way to many hours for really a simple job,brake jobs are easy.Hell I taught our accountant,yes he couldnt stand wasting money,a white collar accountant with no mechanical knowledge whatsoever ,He can do it Im sure you can..Im sure DaveS could do it even with all his limitations.Yikes DaveS I showed him on his Lexus,but not his Aspen yet.I thought I would throw that in for you,as I know you like my personal entries.
September 7th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
c - I have noticed the extremely rude behavior as well. There are some with very bad attidudes on this weblog as well. Wonder how long it’s been since some have gone to Sunday go to meeting? Whatever happened to the golden rule? Treat others as you want to be treated! Remember that one? Just stop it with the unkind behavior. Let’s all get along! Be kind to others and make your mother proud of you once again. c just wants some respect.
September 7th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
C,
(1) Are you at all aware that the the market place doesn’t share your view of Toyota and Honda if the the hard numbers on monthly sales are to be believed? Or do you think they are inaccurate? Everyone is entotled to their own opinion, but the monthly sales numbers reflect real buying decisions made by real consumers. Apparently their view of quality, reliability and resale value is out of sync with yours.
(2) Whether it was you or Allpar or Joe Blow, whoever said that putting a Honda or Toyota label on a Sebring or Stratus would increase their sales is obviously making the statement that the public’s perception of quality is better on Honda or Toyota product than Chrysler or Dodge? If that isn’t a correct reading, what is? Is it that the American car buyers lacks your refinement and sophistication, and you are right and they are wrong?
(3) You have nothing in the way of hard evidence or reported data —nothing—to document your inane prattle about Honda and Toyota quality and reliability. CR reports the results of the annual surveys sent to its subscribers. Are they all wrong, and you are the only one that has the true wisdom on vehicle quality? Is J.D. Powers a conspiracy of Asians and Europeans to put the Big Three out of business and only C and Bubba have the real skinny? The wacky manner in which you refer to recalls in tandem with vehicle quality displays nothing but ignorance about the American automotive industry. Recalls and owner satisfaction surveys by J.D. Powers and Consumers Report are two entirely different things. In addition, all of you anecdotal references are:(a) not substantiated by any verifiable reported data; and (b) repudiated every day in the dealers’ lots and showrooms of America by the buyers who decide which brand they spend their money to buy. Chrysler management understands that. Simple minded fools never will.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Mopare Dealer, Rich, Any other Dealer out there,
What gives with the Automotive News article in the Sept. 8 edition that just went up online reporting that “Chrysler Financial has told dealers that it will jack up their floor plan interest rate and force them to pay off older, unsold vehicles. In an August 27 letter to dealers, Chrysler Fiancial CEO Thomas Gilman called the moves ‘unprecedented actions for unprecedented times.’ ”
Is it off-base to view this as another effort to get around the various dealer franchise laws that most states have enacted to protect dealers from being strong-armed by manufacturers? Am I wrong in thinking that Chrysler may be using these hard economic times to accomplish its long- sought goal of drastically reducing the number of dealers ?
While I really like you guy, I’m just asking a question, not passing judgment. There just may be a case to be made that the number of Big 3 dealers vis-a-vis Toyota, Honda and Nissan is a relic of the old days and not the way to maintain an efficient distribution network in the 21st Century. I don’t have a dog in that fight.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:48 am
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/09/08/098859.html
Jim Press video at Western Automotive Journalist Meeting
September 8th, 2008 at 5:11 am
Hear, hear. Enough is enough. Let’s treat each other with some respect. DaveS, would you talk to your mother that way? I don’t think so. Come on now. Be kind to one another.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Hey c! I already do my own brake jobs and other basic maintainance on my vehicles. Fortunately, I have a relative that manages a wear-parts replacement warehouse so I can get, all the brake, suspension, exhaust parts, etc., that I want at a fraction of the cost. I even taught my teen-age son and his friends how to do brakes. It’s the electrical problems on modern vehicles that alude me as well as anything that has to do with air conditoning and other problems for which I haven’t the tools, nor a lift in my garage. I’ve been observant of other people getting their cars serviced at the local Chrysler/Jeep dealer, for example, women and the elderly. I’ve sat their and heard the service advisor tell a women her brake job would be $1,200 before her trip to Florida, when I know I could do it for under $200 in parts, rotors, pad, calipers and all. I overheard an elderly gentleman one morning when he couldn’t understand why a problem with his door locks wasn’t covered on a relatively new vehicle, and he got extremely upset and said he would never buy another Chrysler. I felt bad for him and the service advisor that tried to appease him, but that is one of those instances where it probably would have been better to just fix the problem for free to not risk losing a customer.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:49 am
DaveS
Chrysler Financial is dealing with several issues.
Over the past couple of years Chrysler Financial lent money to consumers that had no business buying an automobile, these loans are all coming back as Repos, they have maturing leases that are way out on residual values, and the costs associated with closing Chrysler dealerships is also hurting them.
The problem is that Chrysler LLC (Motors) and Chrysler Financial aren’t on the same page.
Chrysler Financial is making the necessary changes for them to absorb the blow from all their past bad business practices, Chrysler Motors wants to continue to operate business as usual.
DaimlerChrysler and then Chrysler LLC pressured Chrysler Financial in to taking on bad Consumer loans to move distressed inventory, now it is time to pay the piper.
It is a shame that many of us hard working Chrysler dealers are going to be made to pay for the sins of others, but isn’t that how it always works.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:21 am
TraceR,
You are right,I agree 100% with you,they should pay closer attention to the customer,repairing some items for free or a greatly reduced price it is better to keep them happy then to lose them.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
DaveS,
Sorry, I dont send links to my references.I am way to busy for that.
Like I said before,consumers,J.D are very influential to people, and it plays a huge roll in what they buy.
The testing method they use and surveys are not 100 % accurate,polls in general are not accurate.For example consumers rates a 300 with the same engine poor and the Magnum is given excellent marks.Explain that,they were rating the motor/trans I dont know how the 300 would be unreliable,not recommended…If you dont know the cars motors/trans are the same.
Once again, I did not hear of any Chrysler products side glass shattering and spewing glass all over the passengers(2008 corolla/matrix)its well documented with recalls,you can look it up ,Tundra problems,Tacoma rust issues.Honda,c’mon trans problems with every 3.5 recall to change the trans,how about MotorWeek they tested a new Accord and the a/c didnt work…You think this is reliable?If this would happen on a Chrysler it would be made into a big issue.
If I am a simple minded fool,I have driven every new Honda product in the last 10 years,as well as Acura,Lexus,Toyota among others,as I know people in the business.What did you do? Only look at cr reports and reviews on the internet…Simple minded fool,I think not.
Its funny when a major recall happens for lets say Toyota Tacoma’s rusted frames.People wrote how good it is to see Toyota standing up to fix the problem,But when Chrysler recalls a car to only to update some software in the cars computer, people bash them and say how bad of quality they are…Really now, least it wont rust in half..Yes it is wacky how you insist Toyota/Honda cars have no flaws it seems they have more major mechanical problems(well documented with recalls) than Chrysler!!!
If you look at the long term test magazines have,After 1 year Chryslers never have a problem.So I dont know how j.d,consumers picks the cars,it seems the journelists never have a problem,nor spend any money on them after 1 year 20,000 or so miles..but if you look at consumers they say they are riddled with problems..hmmm
As for Chryslers having lower resale value,no kidding look you can get 8 grand off a new model,and pay full msrp on a Toyota,so really the value did not go down as much you think on the Chrysler model.Furthermore how is a 1 year old x rental going to be only a few grand from the original msrp.Rentals are driven very hard,never buy an x rental..never .I will give a plug to Craigslist,you can look up the area you live and see the prices for yourself,Wow 4 grand differnce from a 07 Camry to a nobody wants 07 x-rental Sebring.Remember rentals bring down the whole product for resale values,and Chrysler is getting out of rental/fleet sales.
This whole consumers reports has people confused when looking for cars.On the lot there was a 2006 300C people look at it,sit in it and are impressed,they love it,but then they remember CR reports and they think its a junker,most say its nicer inside than a new Accord…
September 8th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Art,
Yes,I try to be fair to people,but DaveS,for some reason has it in for me.I guess he is upset that I like Dodge Ram’s,and the fact the Ram sales did not take a major nose dive last month,that really gets him .And the fact that I dont believe asian cars are superior,as I personally see the average person sit/look/touch/drive a Chrysler and see the puzzled look on their face,they actually like it,because some journelists, cr,jd gives them a junk rating,most people wont even look at a Chrysler product,but if they do and look at the nicer scale models they are truly impressed..
September 8th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Dave S
It is not insulting to the Dealer Body by saying that Chrysler has too many dealers—-they do. This is Chrysler’s fault, not the dealer’s.
The moves by Chrysler Financial are not designed (in my opinion) to reduce dealer count.
Chrysler Financial is a sick company that is barely making a profit.
It has too much exposure from old products pushed onto the dealers by the previous regime.
Its costs were increased by WallStreet bankers who wouldn’t lend Chrysler Financial money unless they made significant changes—such as exiting leasing and charging more for overage vehicles.
If I went out of business tomorrow and CFC took all my new cars and went to the auction they couldn’t generate enough monies to cover what they lent me for those cars.
So they are going to charge more for the old cars. This will make dealers order less cars and watch the inventory more close. I don’t think CFC had a choice. They are close to being non-competitive as a wholesale source now.
The moves will hurt the dealers, and ultimately Chrysler Motors in terms of sales. Less cars in stock means less sales—for all of us.
Chrysler Motors will attempt to reduce dealer count by eliminating duplicate models. The future product plan will assume that most of its dealers have all 3 franchises. So you won’t need a Dodge Grand Caravan and a Chrysler T&C.
In the old days you had to have a Dodge and Chrysler version due to the distribution network.
Look for “me-too” vehicles to disappear.
We don’t need a Nitro and a Liberty.
We don’t need a Compass and a Caliber.
We don’t need a Grand Caravan and a T&C.
If a dealership is a “stand-alone” single point store, ie just Dodge or just Jeep it is in long-term trouble because it will not have the scope of product in the future that it has today.
Jeep will be just Jeep—and no cars or trucks.
Dodge will be trucks and “sporty” cars.
Chrysler will be “near-luxury” vehicles.
So in the future the stand alone Dodge dealer will have limited products and not the complete line-up it has today.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I thought this was interesting… Jim Press talking to the Western Automotive Journalist group about Chryslers strategy and direction….. Hmmm… maybe these guys know what they are doing…….
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/09/08/098859.html
September 8th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Check out this link.. it sounds like maybe there IS some direction after all. I know all the naysayers will be disappointed… but what the hell….. this blog is to help us all understand whats going on.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/09/08/098859.html
September 8th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Sorry.. didnt mean to send it as Anonymous.. i hit enter too quick.. then the post delayed.. so I sent it again…
September 8th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Jona, the changes he talks about are spot on when it comes to future direction of the company. I’ve always thought of Jeep as offroading, dodge as performance, but I don’t know about chrysler. They always seemed like a nicer vehicle but I’ve never thought of chryslers are luxury vehicles so we’ll see how that works out.
In my humble opinion this kind of direction is exactly what the company needs, but I hope it doesn’t come too late. Cutting out models and production is going to be tricky since they have contracts with parts suppliers and of course the unions will push back too.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Has any one seem the Cerebus website they have a great deal of capital finances to draw from and or assist if the need arises.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Judy, I hope you have plenty of funeral insurance. Those so-called Smart cars are plastic death traps.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Rich and Mopar Dealer,
Many thanks for the informative response to my questions. You covered the subject with insight and in a thorough and thoughtful manner. I learned a lot from what you guys wrote.
I hope that both of you—and everyone else—watches the video of the presentation by Jim Press at the Western Automotive Journalists meeting, now posted above by several people. My guess is that the two of you will respond in an entirely different manner.
C,
In your second paragraph you seem to be saying that Consumer Reports and J.D. Powers are “very influential” on sales, but in your third paragraph you say that “The testing method they use and suveys are not 100% accurate; polls in general are not accurate.”
What’s your point? That your product evaluations are entitled to greater weight than the answers that subscribers mail in when they return their annual surveys to Consumer Reports and when car buyer answer a J.D. Powers survey? How many thousands of vehicle sales have your opinions generated for Chrysler LLC? Everyone is eager to know of your own personal experience and your personal opinions. None of us turn to this Weblog because we are interested in Chrysler. Hell, all we want to know is what you think and what personal experiences you have had. .
Your fourth paragraph begins, “Once again, I did not hear of any Chrysler products side glass shattering and spewing glass all over the passengers (2008 Corolla/Matrix)…..” Surely, you can get the word out on that because Corolla led the sales charts in July. Man, the public is really misinformed about the quality of those Toyota products. Maybe that’s why they rank so high in repeat buyers and owner loyalty. If only those Toyota owners had your superior insight and great automotive expertise. Then, Chrysler would be on top of the sales heap and raking in all the money that makes Toyota and Honda the two most profitable companies in the industry.
In the next paragraph, you begin: “If I am a simple minded fool, I have driven every new Honda product in the last 10 years, as well as Acura, Lexus, Toyotal…as I know people in the business….”
Once again, is your point that your hands-on experience with those new Honda and Toyota products over the last 10 years trumps the judgment of the buyers who have kept them in the top ranks of every monthly sales chart over that same period of time? Surely, your views after driving those vehicles is entitled to greater weight than the automotive journalists at Car & Driver Road & Track, Motor Trend, Automotive News, Detroit News. What do those ignorant slobs know? When we want an objective evaluation after a real pro has driven a vehicle, just ask C.
Seriously, how does your driving those vehicles translate into one additional sale for Chrysler? If it hasn’t,why then do you think it is of:(a) any consequence whatsoever;; and/ or (b) of interest to anyone who accesses the Chrysler Weblog. Folks bring up the Chrysler weblog to learn about Chrysler, not anyone’s personal opinions and views. Try Facebook, C. That’s all about social networking.
The dealer body that knows a thing or two about the consequences of the horrible resale value of Chrysler product has got to be laughing—or maybe crying—-at your paragraph that begins with: “As for Chrysler’s having lower resale value, no kidding, look you can get 8 grand off a new model, and pay full msrp on a Toyota, so really the value did not go down as much as you think on the Chrysler model.”
That’s impeccable logic, C. And it also shows your enormous grasp of the economics of the automotive market place and your ability to distinguish between a benefit to an individual owner without even thinking of its financial implications for the subject of this weblog, which is Chrysler LLC.
Finally, you conclude with this gem: “This whole consumers reports has people confused when looking for cars. On the lot there was a 2006 300C people look at it, sit in it and are impressed, they love it, but then they remember CR reports and they think its a junker, most say its nicer inside than a new Accord.” WOW! Your many friends here ought to contact Bob Nardellli in Auburn Hills and suggest that he put you on the payroll immediately as a consultant to dealers all over the country so you can straighten out the sales force on how confusing Consumer Reports is. While you are at it, set ‘em straight on J.D. Powers, too. Also, explain to ‘em how you so astutely gauged the feelings of those people sitting in the 300C who “think its a junker” even though you know as a certainty that “most say its nicer inside than a new Accord.”
I take it all back. C. You are not a damned fool. On the contrary, your
incisive understanding of how the cow ate the cabbage is the solution to all of Chrysler’s problems. Auburn Hills ought to put you on the payroll immediately to get everyone on your same wave length. Your logic is compelling. And you have a keen understanding of the elemental human factors that come into play in making buying decisions, no doubt from your intense observations of people sitting in 300Cs on dealers’ lots. On top of that, you really have the key to giving the entire sales force across the country the tools needed to overcome buyer resistance that is based on; (1) Consumer Report rankings; (2) J.D. Powers surveys; (3) Ownership loyalty/repeat buying records that Automotive News reports are so high for all of those sorely misinformed Toyota and Honda owners who keep coming back and buying the same brand year after year.
Please accept my apologies, C. I’m just overwhelmed by your persuasive reasoning. It is clear as a bell. You are a master at the subtle but complex logic of getting from Point A to Point B with the kind of clarity that just illuminates the whole automotive universe. I sure missed the boat until you set things straight. What really convinced me was how you sized-up those people who couldn’t overcome what they saw with they own eyes when sitting in that 300C because of the BS they read iin Consumer Reports. C. you really nailed those dumb bastards.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Crystal, you probably don’t know this, but those Smart cars come with advanced air bag technology:) so you are actually very safe.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Squat - for the very reason you mentioned, the Chrysler needs the Imperial flagship division.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I really think daveS needs a vacation. WoW!
September 8th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
The Press inverview was not all that impressive. Chrysler doesn’t need to be so timid about the future. It needs a full line of products in each segment of the market — Plymouths for the working man, Dodges for those wanting performance, DeSotos for the businessman, Chryslers for the rich, and Imperials for the filthy rich. It should aim for a 25% share of the total market. If Cerbus cannot come up with the money, then they need to let people publically invest in the company again. You know, sell stocks and so on and so forth.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I wonder what grade Oscar made it too.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:13 am
http://chrysler-news.newslib.com/story/2782-3257156/
Apparently, Chrysler has been demonstrating plug-in hybrids to select dealers around the US that have “at least” a 300 mile range and can go from 0-60 in “less than” 4 seconds. According to the LA Times, Chrysler Vice Chairman and President Jim Press claims these prototypes are in a “producible” state….
September 9th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Crystal… show us something that backs up your claim of “plastic death trap” when refering to the Smart car.
Don’t spout out ignorant claims like that if you can’t back it up.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:31 am
“Way to go Dave, Way to go!!!”
September 9th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Squat… only time will tell. To many people around here expect change way to quickly. People can not and should not expect change overnight. However, times are tough and it may only get tougher depending out the financial market moves with government entities like Freddie and Fannie getting bolstered.
The dealers are going to hurt for a while, it’s true. Many are not going to survive by the time it is all said and done. Unfortunately, it is a double edge sword. They need to trim the dealer fat, but that knife is dull and it will be painful as the cuts begin.
One model year down… minimum one more to go before we really see significant changes coming out of Auburn Hills. The Krauts left us bent over and sore, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:27 am
“Way to go Dave, Way to go!!!
I guarantee daveS posts about himself!
Lame Boy!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am
even the guys over at AllPar are harping about the 09 model year changes. Apparently there weren’t enough changes made. They also complained about the Neon and Plymouth going the way of the Dinosaur. I can understand that they’re upset with those changes. BUT those changes weren’t made by the current leadership.
Give it time guys, 09 model year is too soon for any major changes to the line up. I expect 2010 model year to have quite a few changes, just be patient.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:26 am
For anyone who questions the safety of Smart car, log on to youtube.com and do a search for “Smart car.” You’ll find a video of a guy who crashes one of those cars at 60 mph into a barrier wall. After the crash the guy is able to open his door, get out of the car - intact and do an inspection of the damage. I was a reluctant at the safety too until I saw this video.
September 9th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
The funny thing is it seems that most of you are OK with the lack of new product available for 2009 and the dealers should feel that is an honor for us to hang in there and hope that 2010 or 2011 new product is going to save us.
Jim Press interviews mean little to us, many of us have grown sick of his cheerleader approach to everything.
Now for a dose of reality:
Chrysler is in such bad shape financially they can’t afford to hold a national dealer convention, instead they will be delivering our national meeting via satelite at 100 movie theaters located through out the country.
Can I have extra butter with my popcorn?
Due to the closer of so many Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep dealerships in our area of Northern California Chrysler is founding it very difficult to reasign the closed dealerships inventories to other Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep dealerships.
Along with that Chrysler is dealing with a hornets nest of consumers who’s trades weren’t paid off, sales taxes weren’t paid, registration fees not paid, and vehicles that have been on the road for up to a year that were never financed.
Angry consumers have returned to the closed dealerships and caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to inventory stored at the closed Chrysler lots.
I spoke to my Chrysler Financial rep today, he told me that they have been moving product off the closed dealerships lots the last several weeks and he’s had his life threatened more then once by angry consumers.
This is reality this what is going on out there, you can’t believe anything Jim Press or Bob Nardelli tells you.
Oh by the way there are over 2,000 unasigned 2008 Ram Quad cab 4×4’s sitting in storage somewhere in the St. Louis area. These vehicles were built without dealer orders we were told by Jim Press that this would never happen again.
They are only lieing when their lips are moving.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-jeep-compass-sport-4×2/
Unbelievably good review of the ‘08 Compass in the Aug. 26 AutoBlog.
Just think how good it would have been if they’d waited a few weeks
to get their hands on an ‘09.
If anyone has seen a more favorable review of Compass, please
pass it along to the rest of us. Patriot gets favoarble mention on
several of its features and attributes in every article that I recall
reading, even those that on-balance downgrade it But this is
as good as it gets for Compass, at least until we see if the
‘09 model gets reviewed. But its low sales and small number
of changes probably discourage giving it any space in most
publications. ..The current Mike’s Jeep News has excerpts
of this, but you have to bring up AutoBlog to get the
entire article.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Rich says: “Chrysler is in such bad shape financially they can’t afford to hold a national dealer convention, instead they will be delivering our national meeting via satelite at 100 movie theaters located through out the country.”
So youre telling us that jim press and the rest of the gang are doing nothing but telling lies? In his interview he is telling people that chrysler is in pretty good shape right now financially. Is he lying? And if so, why would he. He sure as hell isnt trying to get the stock holders geeked up.
All we can hope for is the economy gets better and gas continues to fall and the housing and credit mess turns around in the near future. I will believe what jim press said in his video and hope there is light at the end of the tunnel.
And hopefully you dealers can sell the product you have instead of bitching and complaing how bad chrysler products are and how bad the dealer networks get treated.
I just read an article that said dealers are excited in the direction chrysler is going and the progress and relationships they are making with the dealers.
As i said before, Rich. Get out and sell some cars before your job is in the shitter. I guess you could go work for toyota then and be real happy!
September 9th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Rich says: “Chrysler is in such bad shape financially they can’t afford to hold a national dealer convention, instead they will be delivering our national meeting via satelite at 100 movie theaters located through out the country.”
So youre telling us that jim press and the rest of the gang are doing nothing but telling lies? In his interview he is telling people that chrysler is in pretty good shape right now financially. Is he lying? And if so, why would he. He sure as hell isnt trying to get the stock holders geeked up.
All we can hope for is the economy gets better and gas continues to fall and the housing and credit mess turns around in the near future. I will believe what jim press said in his video and hope there is light at the end of the tunnel.
And hopefully you dealers can sell the product you have instead of bitching and complaing how bad chrysler products are and how bad the dealer networks get treated.
I just read an article that said dealers are excited in the direction chrysler is going and the progress and relationships they are making with the dealers.
As i said before, Rich. Get out and sell some cars before your job is in the shitter. I guess you could go work for toyota then and be real happy!….
September 9th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Rich, I had no idea it is that bad our there for our beloved Chrysler dealers! You got to feel sorry for those guys. They spend all their lives building up their business and then it is ripped out from underneath them and so on and so forth. If I was a dealer these days, I would sell products from two or three separate companies.
You are right, Rich, about the talk from HQ. I just don’t buy that righsizing to the market line. If a company has a good strategy and a good leadership team who knows the business, it’s winner.
Nothing happens until a sale is made.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
WOW, what a day!
I had a customer that purchased a vehicle from Carmean Dodge in Shingle Springs California:The store was closed in July by Chrysler Financial.
This Dodge store has been through six different owners in the last 10 years, but this one takes the cake.
The guy bought a consigned used Dodge Ram, traded in a vehicle that he owed money on and thought that his purchased was financed.
WRONG!
The dealer never paid the consigner for the truck he bought, his trade was never paid off, and the new vehicle was never financed!
So he had to return the truck he bought to the consigner, he’s out his down payment, doesn’t know where or who has his trade and he’s 90 days in the rears on his old loan.
This is the kind of stuff that lends itself to customer loyality.
Yes, Chrysler did know about the problems at the dealership over six months before they finally closed the store, but the dealer was selling 60 cars a month in a store that traditional sold 15 cars a month.
September 9th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Youre full of shit , rich. Get a life!
September 9th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Dealers impressed with commitment to quality, new products
On behalf of the 18 members of your Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge Dealer Council, we are pleased to share with you the highlights of our recent two-day meeting with Chrysler management in Auburn Hills. Throughout the meeting, Jim Press, Steven Landry and Chrysler Financial’s Darryl Jackson and Mark Manzo demonstrated that they are living by the ideals of “Customer First” and “Quality … Period” and are committed to partnering with the dealers and driving dealer profitability. We left Auburn Hills very enthusiastic about our future products, and the processes being used to enhance their quality, appeal and reliability.
The meeting included good healthy dialogue on the issues of the day. But more importantly, we got renewed confidence in the financial health of the company, the future product plans and the commitment to quality.
Our first event was a visit to the Design Dome for an up-close look at 2009-2011 models. Without a doubt, the current leadership’s commitment to products and quality is having a significant impact on the lineup. The quality of materials put into the new interiors, such as in the new Dodge Ram, is unbelievable. The new approach to enhancing quality is evident in everything we saw. Jim Press then gave us an impressive look at product plans all the way out to 2014. Jim made it clear that Chrysler, with the support of Cerberus, is in this business to win and is making the investments in future products we need to succeed.
The surprise of the day came when Lou Rhodes, the President of Chrysler’s advanced propulsion technologies/electric vehicle group, ENVI, gave us an opportunity to experience a developmental, advanced electric-powered automobile. It was fast, quiet and the technology is closer to market ready than any of us would have imagined. ENVI is a significant part of our future as Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers, and we were thrilled to see Chrysler’s progress in environmentally friendly advanced technology for the next generation.
We left Auburn Hills with two clear challenges. First, leveraging all the tools we have at our disposal to drive sales in August and September. There are strong incentives available that can help us run out the model year and be ready for a stronger 2009. Second, we have to focus on preparing our businesses for a greatly enhanced, high-quality Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge product lineup in the coming years.
We look forward to our local council meetings to report out the details of our discussions and share some insight into Chrysler’s vision of the future. At the end of the meeting, Jim Press made it clear that the company is “all in” to grow our business, and the dealer council echoed that commitment on behalf of all 3,400 dealers. We are truly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us.
September 9th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Chip. Did you not see the part where they said on the video that the people in both cars would likely not have survived the Smart car crashes?
September 10th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Rich,
The customer was screwed by a mismanaged dealer… NOT Chrysler.
Ass.
Who said anyone here was “OK with the lack of new product available for 2009″
You are a hypocrit.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:25 am
DaveS,
You really dont understand anything do you?You first commented that I dont believe C.R in influential,You were wrong ,I do think C.R is influential..But as I noted,the testing methods are out of whack thats why I gave you the 300/Magnum references.As you clearly dont understand the engines/trans are the same,as the cars mechanics are the same ,just the sheetmetal is different ..So , how can one be junk the other great ?..please tell me….So I guess you would be pleased if Chrysler sold 50,000 Sebrings and the side glass shatters..I guess that is Quality & Reliability,as long as it sells right? I gave you the 300C reference to show how influencial C.R is, the people who looked at it, loved the 300 but they are like you thinking that the 300 is unreliable..it is not..As for resale values , It is due to fleet/rental sales that brings the value down.Fleet vehicles have higher than average mileage,rental cars are just beat to all hell.And if you consider that people do not pay full msrp for a new Sebring,just ask Rich,Mopar dealer if people pay full sticker…No, thousands off from the factory, even money off from the dealer to unload them.As the Camry sells for full msrp. So if you do the math 5 grand off a new Sebring and after a year the Sebring is about 5 grand lower than a similar year old Camry,you did not lose as much as the journelists/news reports say you do…get it…thought not…Remember,when they tell you how much the car depretiated in a year they base it on full msrp,not many Chryslers sell for full msrp…get it now…thought not..Chryslers problem is not the reliability of their cars but the lack of small cars,small sporty cars,hot mid size cars,not so much the quality or reliability,the interior is not cheaply made it does not break,wear out ,its some of the materials they use,some say harder plastics,surfaces….Furthermore, I firmly believe you just like twisting my words around because I sometimes use my personal refences…As you are at the end of the road and I still have miles to go,you are just a lonely,bitter old man…Well, I am off old timer, and I am drove my 74 Challenger to work..yes, I will refer to that because of its new Mopar crate motor that generated money for Chrysler LLC,and all my cars run Mopar oil filters small ,but they still give them some money to Chrysler LLC,ask Rich,Mopar dealer if they would appretiate some loyal customer coming in monthly to buy parts,and buying a bigblock crate motor,and a 360 stroker short block..I think they would like that.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
C,
Everyone bows to your superior wisdom and penetrating logic. You are the one who is absolutely right about the reliability of Chrysler products. The people who respond to the J.D. Powers surveys and the Consumers Reports’ subscribers who mail in their annual questionnaires are all wrong. Therefore, Chrysler’s sales should be at the top of the sales chart according to your logic.
C, you are a genius and ought to be able to communicate this to top management at Auburn Hills. What the hell do Jim Press and Tom LaSorda know about how the cow ate the cabbage in this business. You are the one with the keys to the kingdom.
And your insight into resale value is so compelling that the entire dealer body will be comforted by it.
Once again, I am overwhelmed by both your hands-on experience, ability to read the minds of people sitting in a 300C on a dealer’s lot, and your understanding of resale value and its impact on sales of new vehicles. Hell, C, Toyota and Honda wouldn’t be the most profitable companies in the industry if everyone knew what you know. That just shows how stupid everybody else is, doesn’t it?
September 10th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Derrik
Google Carmean Dodge of Shingle Springs Closure and you can read about the horror stories coming out of that dealership.
Anonymous you are right the customer was screwed by the dealer, but most of the customers think that the dealerships are Factory owned.
The sign out in front of our store reads Oroville Motors Chrysler Dodge Plymouth Jeep; the consumer doesn’t understand that we are an independent dealer that we aren’t owned by the factory.
I had my Chrysler Financial reps in the store today, the ones that shut down Carmean Dodge. They said it was very difficult to get the angry consumer to understand that it was the dealer and not Dodge that committed all these terrible acts.
The customers kept referring to the Dodge sign on the building that Dodge had screwed them.
It is all about perception and the perception is that Dodge screwed them!
Keep your heads in the sand boys and girls, because reality sucks.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Oh bullshit Rich. Yes a small percentage of customers are lacking knowledge but you are assuming ALL consumers are like that which is a false statement and you know it. So to you, all consumers are ignorant. Okay sure.
Did you bitch out the Chrysler Reps at your store like you bitch them out on here. Probably not. Let me guess, when they were in your stored you sucked on both the left and the right teet. Of course you did, because you are a big man on the internet, and a wimp in reality. You spew all this crap about being a small town guy and open 7 days a week… So where is your store because I would love to look it up and call the main line on Sunday to see if you, yourself, is really there. Where’s the beef Rich? Did you tell them all the shit you spew hear about how Chrysler Financial is killing dealers and how terrible the product is? Did you tell em Rich? Nope sure didn’t… that’s right.
You bitch and moan about no product, yet there have been good solid upgrades throughout the lineup from mid-year 2008 and for 2009, but none of that is good for you. You bitch about stagnant, older inventories, but you want new product??? Yeah that makes perfect sense.
Sounds like you need to get your head out of the sand Rich. Were you invited to Chrysler three weeks ago to see the upcoming 2010 models? Probably not, because you claim all this clout and you talk about all the “high ups” you know, but none of your “inside info” has ever panned out and since you are just a “rural dealer” you weren’t invited because no one really gives a shit about you.
Get over yourself Rich, your dealer maybe small and rural, but is by far not the most important dealer in your area, district, state, or this country.
Perception my ass… guess what, dealers are just as guilty for misconceptions. You are just as guilty of it. You SPIN EVERYTHING off as being Chrysler’s fault. I’m shocked you actually said that dealer screwed that guy. That’s not like you Rich. Typically all you do is cry wolf and how bad “THE MAN” is screwing you.
Ass, I don’t think you are a dealer. I think you are a young kid who hears daddy complaining about the dealer he is a manager for and you spew that sentiment on these boards in nice bias, misinformed way.
Keep up the good work Rich, go sell some fucking cars instead of playing on the internet.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
C, you need to become Rich’s sales manager… he needs all the help he can get you know… being a rural dealer, open 7 days a week, being salesmen, sale manager, service manager, finance manager, mechanic, make ready manager, book keeper, janitor, utility crew, CEO, CFO, etc. He wears all the hats and I’m sure he can share a ball cap with you. It might give him a chance to take that vacation he hasn’t had in 40 years because he’s to busy running his store.
Your wisdom is so great, it could help him sell a car or two. You two would be great together. Since you are so good are resell value, you could be the trade-in/used car manager. YES, exactly what Rich needs! He’s never mentioned that title on here before so he must need some help in that aspect. While your at it you can become the dealer body representative for your area, cuz Rich doesn’t have time for such things cuz he sooo busy. You can then go to Detroit a couple of times a year and do product evaluations! Woopie!!! Yep, then you can give them your two sense, like Rich does to his “insiders”, about how Chrysler should run. You can even bring ol’ Oscar as your special guest.
What a fun filled weekend!!! Yay for Rich, C, and Oscar… the nation’s most committed team! All the city folk will just be clammoring to get to that “rural” dealer that has a halo over it.
I bet we can see the image of Jesus on the stained roof of satellite views of Rich’s dealership. All of his customers are stupid, ignorant rural folk who think Chrysler actually owns that dealership anyway.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Anonymous I gave the name of my dealership in my previous blog and will be working on Sunday from 10:30am to 3:00pm Pacific Day Light Savings time.
Yes, I told my Chrysler Financial reps that the New Chrysler Floor Plan stinks and felt it would cause hardships for many of my fellow dealers.
You are right nobody at Chrysler gives a S@#* about me or my dealership.
Go to autonews.com there is an article about Chrysler’s new floor plan, you’ll find many quotes from dealers stating their concerns.
You are right I don’t have the kind of pull to view the new product in Detroit, only 18 dealers from Chrysler’s hand selected dealer council got to view the new product.
On September 23rd I’ll get to view the new product at one of the 100 movie theater meeting places.
My dad passed away 11 years ago next month of cancer. I’ve been running the store for the past 12 years.
I did sell a car this morning and my little store operates in the Black.
My Chrysler Financial rep put it this way: When Chrysler started closing dealerships it was supposed to look like a snow ball rolling downhill, but when Chrysler dropped the snowball at the top of the hill it started an avalanche.
He said it hasn’t worked as Chrysler planned, instead of the small mom and pop stores closing, it is the newer high overhead stores that are folding.
Sunnyvale Dodge Chrysler Jeep folded last week it had over 500 units on the ground when it closed.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Anonymous - just who do you think you are? Just who do you think you are? Abusing the name of the lord and your potty mouth language is not impressive; it only shows your level of intelligence. It certainly is not cute or funny. Why the site administrator lets you post such offensive comments is unconscionable. Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!
September 10th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Haha, Oscar your fake outrage about the lord is hilarious.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Sir, your writing skills are a window to your soul. Your approach is pathetic and your comments are inexcusable in a public forum. A gentleman would admit mistakes and apologize anonymous.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Chys Fin is only now enforcing rules that were in effect for years. If the car or truck is on your lot for a year…it’s time to get rid of it..it’s not making money, it’s costing you money. We don’t keep used stuff for a year..Move it, take the loss, and get some new inventory. I know it is easier to write about than taking the loss but you and I know that the vehicle is growing less and less valuable every day. Check Galves.. Chrys Fin may be the heavy but it is only good business sense.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Haha Oscar, this from a man who wrote: “Hey fellas, I seen on the TV tonight that crude oil prices is down to about $106 a barrel.” Polish up on your own grammar before you make accusations about my writing skills.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
My reference was to your potty mouth mr. A. Yes, to your potty mouth. It is a window to your soul. For the sake of others on the weblog, please stop the cuss words and the hate speech. Please! Enough is enough!
September 10th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I hadn’t seen the Smart Car video on youtube for a while, but this is the one I was referring to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHpUO-S0i8
September 10th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Put up or shuddap Oscar…
Do us all a favor and quit spewing your ignorant bullshit. Your game is obvious and we are all tired of it.
You want the profanities to quit… then quit posting your bullshit.
Deal?
September 10th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Rich, I apologize about your father… However, I still don’t believe you said anything to Chrysler with half the passion you spew in your hate speech about them here. Big man on the internet that’s all you are. Man up… prove it.
Yep, this little cost cutting Genesis thing did some what backfire on Chrysler, but did it. It has slowly but surely weeded out the dealers are not financially responsible enough to be selling the cars or stocking the cars that they have been carrying. Fat is fat, trimming is trimming.
Also, cut the politcal crap too, that doesn’t belong here either. I don’t give a shit if you don’t like the President or the war… this weblog is about Chrysler, not your political agenda.
Again I apologize about your father… I may not like your attitude here, but I can respect you and the loss of your father.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Rich got owned……. LMFAO!
Time to move on ‘PORTER………………
September 10th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/index.jsp?dealership_view_name=null&dealer_id=100000930&car_id=null
Anonymous,
You are wrong. Rich is real and you can see that his dealership is real. Also, you can call him at the number shown in the ad linked in the url above, 1-866-922-5118. In addition to looking at this ad for Oroville Motors, you will learn a few things about his disputes with Chrysler by running a Google search on his dealership. By the way, a few months ago, he answered a question here by posting his full name, name of his dealership and inviting everyone to look him up..
Rich has never claimed to speak for all dealers. Nobody can do that because the dealer body is not monolithic but includes major metro shops with investment in facilities and other assets in the multimillion dollar range to the smallest mom and pop operations in rural communities and everything in between. And you don’t have to like everything Rich says. I sure don’t. But he raises serious issues that need to be heard by everyone who is seriously interested in the future of Chrysler. Some may think that he speaks with a chip on his shoulder. But that chip was earned in the trenches selling Chrysler products in California, not the most favorable state for Big Three sales. And he brings with that chip a record of attendance at dealer meetings, contact with factory reps and Chrysler Financial guys, other dealers and live customers. Hell, he may have even seen more people on his lot sitting in a 300C than C said he did.
The whole point is that this ought to be a place where we obtain news and views about Chrysler from across the spectrum and where informed and intelligent people who are concerned with Chrysler can share information and exchange opinions and ideas and learn what’s going on. The only people that I would exclude are: (1) those whose own words provide objective evidence that they are self-centered ignoramuses who cannot navigate in a logical sequence from Point A to Point B; (2) obsessive-compulsive types seeking to draw attention to themselves and provoke others with hysterical and irrational crap about Imperials and other nameplates out of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. Let’s all resolve to ignore every one of them. Those folks should be sent to Facebook or one of the other social networking websites where preening adolescents are fixated on themselves and think that the world revolves around them. own activities.
September 10th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Chrysler may offer 9 new vehicles in 2010
Chrysler executives are talking about a “product renaissance” in 2010 when the company plans to launch seven, eight, or, perhaps nine new vehicles.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/BUSINESS01/809100355 …
September 11th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Some food for tought for Mr. A….
“Those who throw dirt, only lose ground”. Please think about this before your next post. Please!
Honestly, do you think anybody wants to read trash talk? I don’t think so.
My friend, I do hope your soul settles tonight and that you find the peace you deserve.
Good night.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:59 am
Not only do we need to leave politics out of this blog, we also could do without Oscar’s righteous morality. Let’s put that to bed, ok Oscar? We don’t need to keep hearing about your god and religious beliefs. Stick to Chrysler.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Anonymous
At the last Chrysler grass roots meeting the assembled dealers thought that the Business Center Director and I were going to go to blows in the parking lot after the meeting.
Chrysler dealerships in California are not closing because of Genesis, they are closing due to massive profit loses.
Sunnyvale Dodge Chrysler Jeep wasn’t on the Genesis hit list.
I don’t know why you can’t understand the simple fact that Chrysler has built in so much fixed overhead into the large dealerships that many can’t operate at a profit.
Even if Chrysler is successful with launching new small car product the profit margins are so thin it won’t fix the problem.
Unless there is a surge of profitable SUV and Truck sales we are going to see a mass closing of Chrysler dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year and in the first quarter of next year.
Anonymous I’d be more then happy to speak to you by phone and have given you enough info that without much work you could come up with my work number.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
DaveS,
My wisdom and logic come from the real world,not the magazine/internet/sheltered world I believe you live in..Get out much ? Have you not checked the value’s of year old Sebrings & Camry’s..I pretty much told you how it really is…And since you love journelists so much,I guess MotorTrend,Car&Driver,Motorweek are all wrong when they put 20,000-30,000 miles on a Chrysler product and they have NO mechanical/reliability issues,and wrong when they test a Camry with a loose door panel,Accords a/c that does not work or the Honda Oddysseys doors that get stuck open..How about your logic of reliability with Honda’s transmission problems that covered all Minivans,Pilots,Accords it took a class action law suit for them to fix the problem,and to extend the list of affected vehicles.Need I mention Toyota’s problems..For me to agree with you that H &T are reliable they should not have these major issues..For anyone to say Honda and Toyota are more reliable than a Chrysler product, truly is ill informed and live in a delusional world …….By the way DaveS,just because a car does not sell in high numbers does not mean it is a poorly built car..So once again your logic would say the Lexus GS Sport sedan is a junker because of its under 1,700 a month sales..right….DaveS,On a personal note,though we may disagree on things,I do not hold any of our blogging wars personaly,and I hope you do not as well.But just in case you do, I will add a personal piece of information I did drive the Lexus GS,and I found the seat does not go back far enough, on a long drive it would drive me crazy,oops gotta go Tee Off at 2:45……P.S in you dont hold our blogging wars personal, ignore my personal review at the end..
September 11th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
CHRYSLER TO PARTNER WITH ZF AT NEW AXLE PLANT
Automotive News just posted an article online with this headline.
The new axle plant is the one at Marysville, Mich, and the article say that
while it is still under construction, Chrysler expects it to be ready in 2010.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN1131913620080911
This is Reuters’ version of the story on Chrysler partnering with ZF at the Marysville, Michigan axle plant now under construction.
September 12th, 2008 at 6:24 am
If you put lipstick on a pig…it’s still a pig. Apply that logic to Chrysler, the Republicans, or just about any a-hole you know.
September 12th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/12/MT3M12Q7UT.DTL
Another favorable article on Durango Hemi Hybrid, this one in San Franciso
September 12th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
It is definitely time for me to go. Betty Sue and I talked it over, and she reminded me that a fish rots from the head down and that man is judged by the company he keeps. I cannot, and I will not be judged for the actions of some on this weblog for the vile and venom they spew is evil and filled with hate. The lack of respect for the deity and the potty mouth language used by some must be censured by the Chrysler Weblog Administrator. It cannot, it must not be tolerated any longer! Personally, I no longer want to be associated with Chrysler, and I look to Mercury and Ford for all my future transportation needs. That is unfortunate, for I have been a Chrysler man all my life. However, it has become apparent that many do not appreciate my desire to return Chrysler to the great conglomerate icon it once was. That is fine, but the lack of vision along the lines of WPC, Lynn Townsend, or even Lee Iacocca is clear. At this point; however, I no longer care. The brand and its products mean nothing to me now. It saddens me, for I now know that previous statements such as, “the return of the icon” were mere ploys. Those words ring hollow because it is apparent that they are only in it for a quick buck. Soon, the unintended consequences of this approach will become evident to all. Tolerating such filth on the Chrysler Weblog is just one example. It is sad, but the end is near. Yes, the end is near. Good bye.
September 12th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080913/OPINION03/809130336/1148/AUTO01
DODGE BANKS ON REVAMPED RAM
Detroit News column by Scott Burgess, Saturday, September 13,2008
September 13th, 2008 at 1:05 am
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080913/BUSINESS01/809130363
The Detroit Free Press covers that Friday Ram celebration at the Warrant Truck AP this way. The hard number in this article on both sales of trucks and the range of incentives are very interesting.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
To: All Chrysler LLC Dealers
From: National Dealer Council Co-Chairs
August 13, 2008
Dear Dealer Colleagues,
On behalf of the 18 members of your Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge National Dealer Council, we are pleased to share with you the highlights of our recent two-day meeting with Chrysler management in Auburn Hills. Throughout the meeting, Jim Press, Steven Landry and Chrysler Financial’s Darryl Jackson and Mark Manzo demonstrated that they are living by the ideals of “Customer First” and “Quality… Period” and are committed to partnering with the dealers and driving dealer profitability. We left Auburn Hills very enthusiastic about our future products, and the processes being used to enhance their quality, appeal and reliability.
The meeting included good healthy dialogue on the issues of the day. But more importantly, we got renewed confidence in the financial health of the company, the future product plans and the commitment to quality.
Our first event was a visit to the Design Dome for an up close look at 2009-2011 models. Without a doubt, the current leadership’s commitment to products and quality is having a significant impact on the lineup. The quality of materials put into the new interiors, such as in the new Dodge Ram, is unbelievable. The new approach to enhancing quality is evident in everything we saw. Jim Press then gave us an impressive look at product plans all the way out to 2014. Jim made it clear that Chrysler, with the support of Cerberus, is in this business to win and is making the investments in future products we need to succeed.
The surprise of the day came when Lou Rhodes, the President of Chrysler’s advanced propulsion technologies/electric vehicle group, ENVI, gave us an opportunity to experience a developmental advanced-electric-powered automobile. It was fast, quiet and the technology is closer to market ready than any of us would have imagined. ENVI is a significant part of our future as Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers, and we were thrilled to see Chrysler’s progress in environmentally friendly advanced technology for the next generation.
We left Auburn Hills with two clear challenges. First, leveraging all the tools we have at our disposal to drive sales in August and September. There are strong incentives available that can help us run out the model year and be ready for a stronger 2009. Secondly, we have to focus on preparing our businesses for a greatly enhanced, high-quality Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge product lineup in the coming years.
We look forward to our local council meetings to report out the details of our discussions and share some insight into Chrysler’s vision of the future. At the end of the meeting, Jim Press made it clear that the company is “all in” to grow our business, and the dealer council echoed that commitment on behalf of all 3,400 dealers. We are truly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us.
Thank you for your support.
Jim Arrigo
Hayden Elder
September 13th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
?
September 13th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Good bye, Oscar - and good riddance!