Chrysler to have 22 - 25 models by 2013

[XDCX]

Automotive News released a report indicating that a full-line Chrysler dealer may have as many as 22 - 25 models to inventory by 2013.

While I'll work on a separate new product thread later this morning, I couldn't help but think of many of the comments our member Ralph made when he first joined the forum. How can a dealer who sells 30 - 50 new cars per month manage to inventory 25 different models?

As before, I don't want to sound like I'm always critical of Chrysler and second-guess everything they do. I agree that the Chrysler dealers need new product and the sooner the better. I just question why Auburn Hills thinks they need the Jeep Patriot and the Jeep Compass when it's likely going to be at the same store that already has the Dodge Caliber?

[SHACOS]

How many models do the other manufacturers have? 25 seems like a hell of a lot and frankly I don't think the designers at Chrysler can be or are that creative.

[LJS]

Originally Posted by XDCX

While I'll work on a separate new product thread later this morning, I couldn't help but think of many of the comments our member Ralph made when he first joined the forum. How can a dealer who sells 30 - 50 new cars per month manage to inventory 25 different models?

Or worse yet, how about a small rural store that sells 5-15 per month?

[XDCX]

Originally Posted by SHACOS

How many models do the other manufacturers have? 25 seems like a hell of a lot and frankly I don't think the designers at Chrysler can be or are that creative.

According to Automotive News, Toyota/Scion currently has 19 and Ford/Lincoln will have 21 once the Mercury division is eliminated.

Ironically, the 22 - 25 models the CJDR dealers will have doesn't include the vehicles the Fiat/Alfa dealer will be selling down the street. It's possible Marchionne could end up with 30+ models he need to support in the U.S. Quite a challenge for a company with less than 10% market share.

The second irony is Chrysler's fixation with Project Genesis. They're hell-bent to complete Genesis by the end of next year and then they're going to ask 100% of their dealers to support/inventory 22 - 25 different models. I don't follow the logic.

[XDCX]

Originally Posted by LJS

Or worse yet, how about a small rural store that sells 5-15 per month?

Great point.

In fact, based on the June Sales Report for the West BC 80% of the dealers retailed fewer than 35 vehicles and over 50% retailed fewer than 20 vehicles. How can those stores be expected to support/inventory the full line of CJDR vehicles?

For those who love irony, what do you say about a company which takes a "scorched earth" approach to adding rejected dealers back to the network while they add brands and models like they're going out of style? More dealers don't add to an OEM's fixed expenses, but more brands and models sure do.

[steve_biegler]

Originally Posted by XDCX

Great point.

In fact, based on the June Sales Report for the West BC 80% of the dealers retailed fewer than 35 vehicles and over 50% retailed fewer than 20 vehicles. How can those stores be expected to support/inventory the full line of CJDR vehicles?

For those who love irony, what do you say about a company which takes a "scorched earth" approach to adding rejected dealers back to the network while they add brands and models like they're going out of style? More dealers don't add to an OEM's fixed expenses, but more brands and models sure do.

Maybe we should have the government look into that?

[79LilRedExpress]

20 models wouldn't be so bad if each model didnt have 5 or 6 packages.