Marchionne's interview in Automotive News

[XDCX]

While the interview really didn't cover any new ground it was still an interesting read.

Obviously I take issue with Marchionne's statements regarding the health and viability of the U.S. Dealer Network, but I don't think I'd want to hear him reveal the truth either. (Telling the truth would do more harm than good and may scare away customers who would otherwise buy a Chrysler vehicle.)

On the plus side, it's nice to hear he knows that the U.S. consumer is different than the European consumer and the A and B segment vehicles are not likely to be big sellers here.

Conversely, it's somewhat distressing to hear that he thinks Chrysler's current advertising campaign is an example of something that's going well. It would seem to verify earlier reports that Marchionne played a role in pre-approving all the TV commercials before they aired.

[XDCX]

Another news report yesterday indicates that Marchionne will drop his current dual-CEO role in the next two years.

To the extent I've been critical of Marchionne for his silence in the past I think it's great he's been more accessible to the media. He even stated he's open to a meeting with the Chrysler dealers if that proves to be necessary.

[ssdd]

Originally Posted by XDCX

While the interview really didn't cover any new ground it was still an interesting read.

Obviously I take issue with Marchionne's statements regarding the health and viability of the U.S. Dealer Network, but I don't think I'd want to hear him reveal the truth either. (Telling the truth would do more harm than good and may scare away customers who would otherwise buy a Chrysler vehicle.)

On the plus side, it's nice to hear he knows that the U.S. consumer is different than the European consumer and the A and B segment vehicles are not likely to be big sellers here.

Conversely, it's somewhat distressing to hear that he thinks Chrysler's current advertising campaign is an example of something that's going well. It would seem to verify earlier reports that Marchionne played a role in pre-approving all the TV commercials before they aired.

They have not gotten the November financial statements in yet I can bet they wont be able to say that after they do... every dealer I have talked to lost a ton of money in November...

[XDCX]

Originally Posted by ssdd

They have not gotten the November financial statements in yet I can bet they wont be able to say that after they do... every dealer I have talked to lost a ton of money in November...

That's an excellent point.

If you were to measure the health of the Chrysler Dealer Body based on the Financial Statements that followed the spike in sales caused by the CARS program it probably would be a rosy picture.

A review based on November Financial Statements would definitely tell a different story.

[LJS]

November was the worst month we have ever had (profit wise) since my family got into the business in 1985. We are in the black for the year luckily.

[Ralph]

November was the worst month I've had in 29 years. Guess that's kinda like since 1985... :-)

[s32741bb]

The scary part is that December for us is starting out slower than November.

[Txflyer]

Originally Posted by s32741b

The scary part is that December for us is starting out slower than November.

Same here.

[Ralph]

Ugh....same here. The good thing is I have my MSR letter they're begging me to sign that shows me under 50% and the Customer care/SGS "independent ""trial"" review" of my facility and practices on Monday. Like there's nothing else more pressing with Chrysler right now but hire an outside company to evaluate us poor saps? But in fairness...I don't know what I'd do if I was running Chrysler...check that...I do know what I'd do but most wouldn't like the decision. LOL :-)

[ssdd]

same here, worst month ever since 1976

[LJS]

Originally Posted by Ralph

and the Customer care/SGS "independent ""trial"" review" of my facility and practices on Monday. Like there's nothing else more pressing with Chrysler right now but hire an outside company to evaluate us poor saps?

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but this review from SGS has put me in such a bad mood I feel like I want to start kicking trash cans. We are at 106% MSR, our sales volume over 08' is actually up about 39%, we are profitable for the year, our CPS is in the upper 90's. Now the last thing I need is some guy who has probably never sold a car, more less ran a dealership coming out here and he's gonna tell us how to run something that my family has built and sweated over for twenty four years?


I guess I am really getting grouchy in my old age, but I feel a scene coming on like in The Godfather when Tom Hagen goes to California to talk to the big movie producer for Johnny Fontaine and they are sitting having dinner and the movie producer starts yelling at Tom calling him some slang names for an Italian and telling him to "get the hell out of here".

[possum]

My opinion is that someone with no money at risk, or in your facility, will find it very easy to say you need to upgrade.

Heck, its a job for them ($), and no risk to them.