[rickaren]

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

 

[LeeSoFL]

Any idea on how long I can expect to wait for an R/T I ordered on April 15, 08?

 

[rickaren]

Any idea on how long I can expect to wait for an R/T I ordered on April 15, 08?

ARI's current and comprehensive report of vehicle delivery holds and delays listed by manufacturer as of April 17th show the same, 4x4 models have a 6-8 week lead time on the Nitro (others 6-10 weeks). There are no listed delays as of that date. A new Report is due out so I will post it as it become available.

Keep in mind the the Nitro is built in the Toledo (Ohio) North Plant that was extensively retooled to manage the complexity of building two different models on one production line and to improve quality, productivity, and worker ergonomics. The retooling of Toledo North was part of $3.9 billion spent on Toledo manufacturing capabilities that include an original $1.2 billion to build Toledo North (opening in 2001) and $2.1 billion for Chrysler’s Toledo Supplier Park, home of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.

My previous Post was about the BELVIDERE Illinois plant production and not Toledo, so you should be O.K.! What did your Dealer estimate?


Good Luck and enjoy your new special ordered Nitro R/T!!!!!!

 

[LeeSoFL]

When they very happily took the deposit on April 15th, they said 4-6 weeks.

I had occasion to call them with a question this week (two weeks later) a different sales person said "you never can tell, could be three months."

I found that rather un-reassuring.

As soon as I get a VON, I will be able to contact Chrysler directly, and found the list of codes that are used for the stage of manufacture.

 

[rickaren]

Any idea on how long I can expect to wait for an R/T I ordered on April 15, 08?

Latest Production Info, as of May 1st, shows same 4x4 models have a 6-8 week lead. This can be viewed as Good News!

 

[LeeSoFL]

(cross thread post)

I just heard from Chrylser, and the R/T will be built May 14th (oddly the one year anniversary of the day my dad died). If built on time, it would be shipped between May 17th and 19th from Ohio. I imagine they're first loaded onto a train, or do they truck ship from the factory?

The dealer is expecting anywhere between 8 and 12 days in transit time.

We're looking at the end of May to get the Nitro.

 

[rickaren]

(cross thread post)

I just heard from Chrylser, and the R/T will be built May 14th (oddly the one year anniversary of the day my dad died). If built on time, it would be shipped between May 17th and 19th from Ohio. I imagine they're first loaded onto a train, or do they truck ship from the factory?

The dealer is expecting anywhere between 8 and 12 days in transit time.

We're looking at the end of May to get the Nitro.

Great News! Let us know when you get your new Nitro. Sorry to hear about your DAD and that he can not be around to see how happy you will be when you take delivery. I'm sure he would have been pleased to see you enjoying life, and everyday of it. Something about buying a new car really cheers me up, too. If my DAD was still here he would have loved my Nitro R/T and would have wanted to take a drive in it, first thing.

 

[LeeSoFL]

Chrysler Corporate actually called us!! to say the car was shipped and was presently on a train as of Wednesday, May 14th.

The gave me the VIN number, so I was able to contact our insurance carrier and the good news is our rate for this vehicle is lower than our '04 Stratus R/T; more safety features like stability control and more airbags.

Thursday afternoon, the dealership called to say they had received notification too. They now have a 5 Star "closer" who tracks the car and does the make-ready once they get it in.

I am impressed with this new level of customer care. Although the buying experience in '06 for the 300C was good, this is a whole different route.