Chrysler’s new management has their work cut out for them. With a brief hiatus before consumers can expect to see all-new models, Chrysler dealers are needless to say in a bit of a bind. But during the National Automobile Dealers Association annual convention, Chrysler executives quelled concerns, and left dealers encouraged by future vehicles and new incentives on existing models.
Dealers were eager to attend the first large meeting with Chrysler’s new management. The overall tone of this meeting focused on committing to the company’s commitment to revive the struggling brand, and avoid recent mistakes such as producing too many poor selling vehicles.
Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealers have had to endure plenty of hardships in recent months. Last year saw plummeting auto sales and widespread dealerships closures. Although Chrysler management was largely successful in keeping dealerships optimistic about the future, dealers nevertheless were not happy about the prolonged wait ahead for new vehicles, which won’t be arriving in showrooms until next year.
Among the vehicles in dire need of a refresh are the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country. As the minivan segment heats up with new minivans from Honda and Toyota, Chrysler’s once dominant minivan offerings are quickly falling behind the curve. In addition to modest updates to minivans and other vehicles, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs, as well as the all-new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, are also due soon.
While dealers are aching for new models, Chrysler management has also been aggressively cutting costs, reducing operating costs, and trimming vehicle volumes. The automaker will also be streamlining incentives to make them easier to track.
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