Does Dodge have to share its New Truck?

[XDCX]

Does Dodge have to share their New Truck?

http://i9.tinypic.com/6tk9w79.jpg

The Sterling Bullet, a 4500/5500 Cab and Chassis, is arriving at Sterling Truck Dealerships now.

While the break-up of Daimler and Chrysler may be complete in many areas, there are still some reminders of the relationship that remains.

Many Dodge Dealers have been waiting patiently for over a decade for a Cab and Chassis truck that would allow them to compete with GM and Ford in the 4500/5500 truck segment. While the great news is that they finially have a new truck that allows them to compete, the bad news is that they have to share the truck with their local Sterling Dealer.

Who's Sterling? Sterling is part of Daimler's Heavy Truck Group which includes the Freightliner Brand, Western Star and Thomas Built Bus.

Is this a big deal to a Dodge Dealer, or is it a non-event? Please take our poll and share your opinion.

[bruce350]

Non-event. Period.

[XDCX]

Non-event. Period.

I think that you're 100% correct and I'm 100% wrong.

When I first marketed this site I sent a FAX to local Dodge Dealers about the Sterling Bullet 5500 - I was sure that they would be outraged.

I didn't get a single response - no one seemed to care. I was dead wrong on that bet.

You've got it nailed - it's a non-event.

[XDCX]

Non-event. Period.

You certainly got that one right.

In fact, it was such a non-event that Daimler just announced that they are going to drop the entire Sterling brand.

Here's a link to the news report: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a_zTI9mxB9os&refer=home

Between the Mitsubishi Raider and the Sterling Bullet, Dodge hasn't had very much success building trucks for other brands. I wonder if Nissan's worried?