Chrysler Launches Genesis
Automotive News [AN, sub] reports that Chrysler is stepping-up– as in scrapping and starting again– its plans to trim products and dealers. Much to Hyundai's delight, the new new plan is called Project Genesis. And in the beginning, there were three brands, 28 models and 3600 dealers. And lo, Chrysler decided to place all three brands (Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep) unto one dealership and, uh, "eliminate duplicate models on the same platform." Oh, and also "develop new ones in segments where it doesn't have current entries." To get the dealers on board (toss them overboard?) Chrysler is sending out its emissaries. "Business teams will descend [from on high] on those cities to help dealers arrange to buy or sell franchises to make the consolidation happen." And they means business. "Chrysler will then hold individual meetings with dealers and review whether they want to be a willing buyer or willing seller." On the other hand… "Project Genesis will not be a 'push program,' and there will be no deadlines or timetables. Nor will the company open the Cerberus bank account to dealers, Press said." So, how will Chrysler coerce dealers to buddy-up or die? Hell if I know.
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MPLS, I haven't seen that sort of thing where I'm from. Then again, I'm in rural east Texas. In fact, I have seen an improvement in the closest Chrysler dealership (the only place my family would buy a car 6 years ago or so). All three Chrysler brands are sold there, and while half of the lot is "pre-owned" cars, mainly used Chrysler and GM products, he used to have an entire lot across the street dedicated to used car sales, which is now a fleet vehicle dealer (owned by the same guy). So one of two (or both) things are happening: he has been dramatically losing money selling Chrysler products and cut down the amount he gets from the factory. Or he is selling more new Chryslers than he is used cars and decided to expand into fleet sales. Either way, I haven't seen the downsizing everyone talks about.
red dawg, Chrysler is definitely the only one of Detroit's automakers that's in real trouble. Ford has trouble in America, but do very well in Europe, and as soon as they bring those cars here, they'll recover. And GM has been turning it around for the last year or so.
Cool...how long until I see a naked little Spock in my neighbors Town and Country?
I think it is a good idea to put verything under one roof and cut back on the number of models being make but it it would be a big mistake to close the small dealers if it wasn't for them they would not be where they are today we need the small dealers around just like we need the small stores in a country town it seems like the bigger get bigger and they force out the little people and when that happens that cost us more because we got to travel a long ways to get something done or to buy something and the price of gas we do not travel as much also if the poor cannot pay for it at least they can make payments on the bill and that is plus .