According to statistics from the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based market intelligence and technology firm, U.S. dealers had a 93-day supply of Calibers in October, a 142-day supply of Patriots and a 150-day backlog of Compasses. By the end of March, the
Caliber supply was down to 48 days, the
Patriot was at 39 days, and the
Compass was down to 34 days.
Typically, automakers want dealers to have a 60-day supply.
What is a bit ironic about the bullish sales figures is that dealers set the worldwide sales of the Caliber, Compass and Patriot in the same month the company eliminated the third shift at the Belvidere plant and let go of 1,100 workers. The company made the decision in early January, after a sluggish end to 2007 sales left many Chrysler products on dealer lots.
But if sales continue at or near the March pace, dealers may be scrambling.
“We have a managers meeting every Monday, and one guy in it said (Chrysler) may have to bring back that third shift,” said Dave Lusz, general manager at Anderson Dodge. “I don’t want to say I’m short, but I need more Calibers.”
More Here:
Belvidere's hot cars - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star or search under Belvidere's hot cars
By Alex Gary
BusinessRockford.com
Posted Apr 26, 2008 @ 09:58 AM
