Even though this article was referring to cars that would normally be leased could this be have anything to do with why the SRT,s are being delayed?
The Chrysler group is jumping the gun on the 2004 model year, particularly with the Chrysler brand. Within the next three months, every car in a Chrysler showroom is expected to be a 2004 model.
Dealer and company sources say Chrysler is advancing the model year for the cars to:
Boost residuals.
Give the same look to all Chrysler cars.
Build adequate inventory of the 2004 Chrysler Concorde and 300M and Dodge Intrepid because their factory will be down for about six months to retool for their rear-drive replacements.
The company declined to comment on the record. Dealers and company sources provided the following picture of the strategy.
Advancing the start of the 2004 model year will help Chrysler's vehicle residuals, which have been taking a beating. After the lease is over, the company figures a 2004 model will be worth more than a 2003 assembled at the same time
The Chrysler group is jumping the gun on the 2004 model year, particularly with the Chrysler brand. Within the next three months, every car in a Chrysler showroom is expected to be a 2004 model.
Dealer and company sources say Chrysler is advancing the model year for the cars to:
Boost residuals.
Give the same look to all Chrysler cars.
Build adequate inventory of the 2004 Chrysler Concorde and 300M and Dodge Intrepid because their factory will be down for about six months to retool for their rear-drive replacements.
The company declined to comment on the record. Dealers and company sources provided the following picture of the strategy.
Advancing the start of the 2004 model year will help Chrysler's vehicle residuals, which have been taking a beating. After the lease is over, the company figures a 2004 model will be worth more than a 2003 assembled at the same time