Chrysler: How the Hell Do We Make Some Money?
With new vehicle sales set to tank by over 30 percent this year, Chrysler is casting around for a way to generate a little cash. And the answer is… the after market! “[Chief marketing officer] Meyer said Chrysler’s loyalty study group includes dealers. The group is looking hard at service issues, notably customization. Advances in vehicle telematics and connectivity promote customization, she added. ‘If buyers keep their vehicle longer, do they want to customize it more?’ Meyer said. ‘Do you want something new on the interior or a little something to spiff the car up? There are opportunities for us.'” So, one failing business model ( Pep Boys) replaces another (making cars). Oh, and did I mention ChryCo wants to get into the rental business? “Chrysler also is looking at ways to provide customers occasional-use vehicles, Meyer said. As an example, she described an owner who has unloaded an SUV but ‘you have to move things twice a year for your parents.’ She said Chrysler and its dealers will seek to respond to that need.” Meanwhile, Automotive News [sub] reports that Jim Arrigo, chairman of the Chrysler Jeep National Dealer Council, says customer loyalty “has gone right out the window.”
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This is the saddest story yet - I'm going to miss Pep Boys.
Hmmmmmm.... Static Strips with a genuine Chrysler Pentastar stamped right on there for all to see
I loved my 300C. I miss it. Chrysler needs to study why that car was such a success before price increases, no ad support, and decontenting did it in.
Customization? Going up against the existing rental companies with "occasional-use" vehicles? Pathetic. Hey, here's an idea. Forget rentals. Chrysler should go into the time-share business. Every shareholder gets to use the SUV for two weeks a year.