... because there is a 140 day supply of Patriots, Compai, and Calibers.
Apparently not the right mix of options, otherwise that would probably be lower.

 

Not necessarily a 'credible' source, but our management had a conversation with someone at corporate today who said that the Belvedere Illinois Plant (MK's and PM's) is on the 'short list' to become a "500" Plant.

Also, Toluca Mexico (Journey and PT Cruiser) is on that list as well. The PT is already a scratch, so maybe the Journey isn't far behind if they're thinking of making the little "500's" in Mexico. :icon_rolleyes:

I AM surprised that the Viper Plant is back in production. Is there really a demand for them in todays economy? Maybe they're just finishing up cars that are already started.

 

Chrysler (and the other US automakers) need to simplify their option lists to something more akin to Honda/Acura. Instead of having a long list of options and packages, you have a few trim packages to choose from. If there's a standalone option, it's probably the nav system. So instead of having a dozen cars on the lot, none of which may be the one model somebody wants, the vehicles are all of a few different trims, and the buyer just picks the trim and the color. None of this "well, I want the sunroof but not the Boston Acoustics."

I did read an article saying that the big SUVs were starting to be in high demand due to plant shutdowns and low fuel prices; the 90 day supplies of them is now down to 12 days or less (with trade values having recovered from last year's abyss). While they expect lower supplies (14-20 days instead of 60-100) to become the new normal in the auto industry, the only way that's going to be consumer friendly is if they get better at delivering build to order vehicles in short timespans (no more than 2 weeks, preferably 1) or simplifying the option lists so that fewer vehicles can meet more buyers' needs.

It will likely mean you end up having to pay more if you want just one particular option out of the higher trim level, but it seems to work well for the automakers who use it.

 

Instead of having a long list of options and packages, you have a few trim packages to choose from.

I would hate that. I like the fact that I can pick and choose.

A solution that I believe would work is this:

No dealer stock. They have maybe two of each model as show cars. When you decide you want/need a new vehicle you order it - exactly the way you want it. They build your vehicle and in 4 weeks (would be less if there were not so many generic orders being produced to build inventory) you pick it up. What if my old car is DOA, the dealer gives you a used vehicle to drive as a rental until your new baby arrives.

 

...(Our Patriot Plant is not included)...

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I guess I'll just have to continue waiting for my Patriot :BLAM:

 

(Our Patriot Plant is not included)

of course it's not included. they are just going to head down the same path and try to force high profit-margin vehicles down everyone's throats.

watch gas prices creep higher, and higher, and higher...they will "miss the boat" yet again..............

 

Here's an idea: pick the model combos that sell the best and make a whole pile of them!:doh:

 

That would be way too easy. Likely no bailout.

 

It's almost like their marketing guys don't have actual marketing degrees. Or maybe they all went to those online universities, not real ones.

Or maybe they're a bunch of hobos they found off the streets and who are high as tits and drunk on Listerine ALL THE TIME.:icon_rolleyes:

 

there is plenty of bright talent at these companies...it's the fact that the bean counters are running the show and chase after higher profits at the expense of innovation.

 

Days Supply

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gm3Y7jD3p8vwQUpP_4aeOJtrH0QgD98SLGVG1

'Days Supply' from article:


Challenger - 28 days
Wrangler - 38 days
Commander - 90 days
Ram - 115 days
Grand Cherokees - 130 days
Caliber and Patriot - 140 days
PT Cruiser - 158 days

Explains a lot about why various factories are starting up sooner than others. It doesn't explain the lack of consumer rebates and exclusion of owner loyalty rebate for the Patriot.

 

supply and deman

Explains a lot about why various factories are starting up sooner than others. It doesn't explain the lack of consumer rebates and exclusion of owner loyalty rebate for the Patriot.

Friend in Florida has been eyeing a patriot,
Kept seeing the lot he drives by with a decent amount
He finally stopped in,
from a few weeks ago,
now what they have on the lot is minimal, and few they do have were sold, pending etc...
and offering no big rebates he kept hearing about,
think they offered him $500 off sticker on a couple they had available

 

The Patriot's 140 days supply haven't changed since March/April??

 

The article says the source of info is Ward's AutoInfoBank and the figures are from the end of May. I suppose if the sales per day is decreasing the days of inventory could stay the same or increase even with the total number of Patriots available shrinking.

Another figure from the end of May

Viper - 159 days


quote from:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aRadqmLBP_ZQ

With virtually no production over a two-month period, Chrysler will be able to drive down its inventory of vehicles waiting to be sold. At the end of May, the company had 260,407 unsold cars and trucks on dealer lots, a drop from 412,009 a year earlier. Dealers were running short of some models, such as Jeep Wranglers, at month’s end.

Based on the current sales level and limited production, Chrysler’s inventory may be well under 200,000 at the end of July, said Haig Stoddard, an automotive analyst at IHS Global Insight’s Troy, Michigan, office.