DCX: 300 is 47,000 orders behind, solution needed

Buick61 · 08-26-2004, 04:36 PM

Automotive News

DETROIT -- The Chrysler group is scrambling to boost production of the hot-selling Chrysler 300 at its Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.

Union officials are lobbying for a third shift.

Although Chrysler group officials are noncommittal, they must ensure capacity for production of the Dodge Charger sedan at Brampton beginning in January.

Brampton also builds the 2005 rear-wheel-drive Dodge Magnum wagon.

The unexpected sales success of the 300 is testing the Chrysler group's production flexibility - and dealers' patience. Customers are waiting several months for delivery of the 300C, dealers say.

Inventory of the Hemi V-8 300C stands at an 11-day supply nationally, well below the 70-day supply the industry considers optimal.

"We're working with the manufacturing team on what we can do to get more output" of the 300 and 300C, says John Sloan, director of Chrysler brand car marketing. "We plan to do our best to manage the demand for the 300 and the Magnum, recognizing that we have this four-door (Charger) sedan coming."

The Chrysler group would not confirm that the Charger will be built in Brampton. But the plant is the only rwd car plant in the Chrysler group manufacturing system. Brampton has begun building Charger prototypes, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The Canadian Auto Workers has asked the automaker to consider adding a third production shift, says CAW President Buzz Hargrove.

"The next two to three months will be critical in terms of trying to come to a conclusion about whether there is enough demand for a third shift," Hargrove says.

The company declined comment on a timetable for a three-shift decision. It is too early to determine if the sustained demand exists for a third shift, said Chrysler group spokeswoman Mary Beth Halprin.

Through July, the company had orders and sales for the 300 and Magnum totaling about 146,000 units. Brampton began producing the 300 in January and the Magnum in February. For comparison, Brampton built 201,723 units in 2002 before beginning model changeover in 2003.

The plant operated with three shifts from 1998 to 2001 building the Chrysler Concorde and 300M and the Dodge Intrepid. The three vehicles were replaced by the 300 and Magnum.

A three-shift schedule would yield an estimated 1,350 vehicles daily, according to a source familiar with the situation. That is 380 more units than produced on two 8-hour shifts at the plant, the source said.

But on Aug. 9, Brampton workers began working two 9-hour shifts Monday through Friday, building 1,088 units daily, the source said. The extended shift is scheduled for 90 days.The plant also works two 8-hour shifts on Saturday and two 6-hour shifts on Sunday.

Dealers are impatient

Dealers are tapping their feet in impatience. "About 25 people a day come in looking for information on the 300C," says Eric Van Ace, general manager of David Ellis Chrysler Inc. in Canoga Park, Calif.

"We are not doing pre-sells. We have a waiting list of 316 people who we call. The V-8 models sell within an hour. The 6-cylinder turns in one or two days."

Says Alan Helfman, general manager of River Oaks Chrysler-Jeep in Houston, "The wait is eight to 12 weeks. I've got 68 sold orders with deposits."

The order bank for the 300 and 300C stands at 47,000 units, says Kevin McCormick, Chrysler group spokesman. The Magnum order bank totals 33,000 units, he says.

During the first seven months of this year, Chrysler sold 53,708 300 units. The total includes a small number of 300M vehicles. Dodge has sold 12,456 Magnums since the wagon hit the market in May.

Supply of the V-8 300C stands at 11 days; the V-6 300 is at 27 days, McCormick says. The Magnum has a 61-day supply, he says.

The Charger is a full-sized sedan based on the 300 and the Magnum's rwd chassis. Dodge dealers have pressed the automaker for a sedan since Intrepid production ended in summer 2003.

The Chrysler group will boost 300 production cautiously, Sloan says. The company wants to protect quality and foster the aura of exclusivity cloaking the sedan, he says.

"We are trying to get every additional unit, but we are going to do it prudently," he says. "We're getting feedback from customers that those who have them now appreciate the exclusivity, and those who are waiting believe it's a vehicle worth waiting for. I don't want to put a glut of product in the marketplace."

Article for Subscribers Here

montess2k · 08-26-2004, 04:42 PM

The bad news...:

Quote:

The Charger is a full-sized sedan based on the 300 and the Magnum's rwd chassis. Dodge dealers have pressed the automaker for a sedan since Intrepid production ended in summer 2003.

...no Coupe Charger

The Good News...

Quote:

Although Chrysler group officials are noncommittal, they must ensure capacity for production of the Dodge Charger sedan at Brampton beginning in January.

...If they can make the 4 door charger look Bad A$$ and it has the 6.1 Hemi at least they plan on making enough for me to get one

Joe

zeobandit · 08-26-2004, 05:12 PM

When are they gonna release pics of the new Charger! Production starts in January, you would think that pics would have leaked out a long time ago already! They said that the Brampton plant had built prototypes already.......

sheithappens · 08-26-2004, 05:20 PM

I was just looking at one of these 300c's. It has a sweet road presence about it. Basically the Hummer of cars so to speak. Although Chrysler is struggling to meet demand I think I might limit production myself. This would make the car a little more exclusive and ensure high margins via demand (ala corvette, H2, viper, etc.).

silverado_13 · 08-26-2004, 05:22 PM

All I can imangine for the Charge is a Magnem Coupe that has the same weight as a small truck. I doubt they can get that hefty 4100lbs down enough to compete with the other muscle cars on the market. With out the 6.1Hemi my Malibu would probably be a match for it

.

mjd1001 · 08-26-2004, 05:26 PM

Isn't there information that Chyrsler is going to produce a 300c Coupe? I think I saw "an artists" rendering of one someplace.

SaabKing · 08-26-2004, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Buick61@Aug 26 2004, 08:36 PM
Inventory of the Hemi V-8 300C stands at an 11-day supply nationally, well below the 70-day supply the industry considers optimal.

70 days is optimal, huh why is it when a GM product gets into the 60s 70s and 80's people make a big deal about their inventory being WAY over the industry average.
IE the H2 news this week.

The Media is so bias to GM on every front. I say GM pulls their Media budget, invest it in new product. And let the media type their magizines on a type writer since the cash cow won't be giving any more milk

vanshmack · 08-26-2004, 06:13 PM

Solution needed?

Is this a marketing contest or something?

72lemanscvbl · 08-26-2004, 06:16 PM

I saw a Magnum in some Rap video today that was black on the bottom and silver on the top with maybe a red pinstrip separating the colors. It was beautiful. It reminded me of the special edition Prowler that had the same two-tone a while back.

As far as back orders on the 300 I can only congratulate DCX on a great car.

Does any one particular designer get any recognition for this pairing of cars (300c/magnum)? One person, many people...just curious.

vanshmack · 08-26-2004, 06:19 PM

Double post! My bad.

New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 · 08-26-2004, 06:25 PM

this proves what I have thought for several years. I even sent a quite passionate letter to GM mucky-mucks in the early 90's expressing my frustration. That American DO WANT RWD vehicles.

YES, FINALLY.............

finally, a vehicle I can drive without feeling like I am holding my wifes purse.

CANT' WAIT TO SEE THE CHARGER!!!! FIND A SOLUTION DCX!!!

HEY, GM AND FORD LISTEN UP!!!!! BUILD A QUALITY RWD PLATFORM AND THE MASSES WILL RESPOND!!!!!!!

:P :P :P

xellow · 08-26-2004, 06:25 PM

Good news for DCX, Bad news for GM/Ford being.

New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 · 08-26-2004, 06:27 PM

Yea, I saw an episode of 'West Coast Choppers' where Jessie James modified a Magnum. I could tell he was excited to drive it.

:P :P :P

**jro4566** · 08-26-2004, 06:28 PM

<jaw dropping>This is amazing!

GM-10 · 08-26-2004, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66@Aug 26 2004, 10:25 PM
this proves what I have thought for several years. I even sent a quite passionate letter to GM mucky-mucks in the early 90's expressing my frustration. That American DO WANT RWD vehicles.

YES, FINALLY.............

finally, a vehicle I can drive without feeling like I am holding my wifes purse.

CANT' WAIT TO SEE THE CHARGER!!!! FIND A SOLUTION DCX!!!

HEY, GM AND FORD LISTEN UP!!!!! BUILD A QUALITY RWD PLATFORM AND THE MASSES WILL RESPOND!!!!!!!

:P :P :P

amen.

08-26-2004, 04:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Buick61 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: DC Metro Area Drives: 58 Belvedere; 61 LeSabre; 96 Fleetwood; 07 SRX Posts: 8,487	Automotive News DETROIT -- The Chrysler group is scrambling to boost production of the hot-selling Chrysler 300 at its Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant. Union officials are lobbying for a third shift. Although Chrysler group officials are noncommittal, they must ensure capacity for production of the Dodge Charger sedan at Brampton beginning in January. Brampton also builds the 2005 rear-wheel-drive Dodge Magnum wagon. The unexpected sales success of the 300 is testing the Chrysler group's production flexibility - and dealers' patience. Customers are waiting several months for delivery of the 300C, dealers say. Inventory of the Hemi V-8 300C stands at an 11-day supply nationally, well below the 70-day supply the industry considers optimal. "We're working with the manufacturing team on what we can do to get more output" of the 300 and 300C, says John Sloan, director of Chrysler brand car marketing. "We plan to do our best to manage the demand for the 300 and the Magnum, recognizing that we have this four-door (Charger) sedan coming." The Chrysler group would not confirm that the Charger will be built in Brampton. But the plant is the only rwd car plant in the Chrysler group manufacturing system. Brampton has begun building Charger prototypes, according to a source familiar with the situation. The Canadian Auto Workers has asked the automaker to consider adding a third production shift, says CAW President Buzz Hargrove. "The next two to three months will be critical in terms of trying to come to a conclusion about whether there is enough demand for a third shift," Hargrove says. The company declined comment on a timetable for a three-shift decision. It is too early to determine if the sustained demand exists for a third shift, said Chrysler group spokeswoman Mary Beth Halprin. Through July, the company had orders and sales for the 300 and Magnum totaling about 146,000 units. Brampton began producing the 300 in January and the Magnum in February. For comparison, Brampton built 201,723 units in 2002 before beginning model changeover in 2003. The plant operated with three shifts from 1998 to 2001 building the Chrysler Concorde and 300M and the Dodge Intrepid. The three vehicles were replaced by the 300 and Magnum. A three-shift schedule would yield an estimated 1,350 vehicles daily, according to a source familiar with the situation. That is 380 more units than produced on two 8-hour shifts at the plant, the source said. But on Aug. 9, Brampton workers began working two 9-hour shifts Monday through Friday, building 1,088 units daily, the source said. The extended shift is scheduled for 90 days.The plant also works two 8-hour shifts on Saturday and two 6-hour shifts on Sunday. Dealers are impatient Dealers are tapping their feet in impatience. "About 25 people a day come in looking for information on the 300C," says Eric Van Ace, general manager of David Ellis Chrysler Inc. in Canoga Park, Calif. "We are not doing pre-sells. We have a waiting list of 316 people who we call. The V-8 models sell within an hour. The 6-cylinder turns in one or two days." Says Alan Helfman, general manager of River Oaks Chrysler-Jeep in Houston, "The wait is eight to 12 weeks. I've got 68 sold orders with deposits." The order bank for the 300 and 300C stands at 47,000 units, says Kevin McCormick, Chrysler group spokesman. The Magnum order bank totals 33,000 units, he says. During the first seven months of this year, Chrysler sold 53,708 300 units. The total includes a small number of 300M vehicles. Dodge has sold 12,456 Magnums since the wagon hit the market in May. Supply of the V-8 300C stands at 11 days; the V-6 300 is at 27 days, McCormick says. The Magnum has a 61-day supply, he says. The Charger is a full-sized sedan based on the 300 and the Magnum's rwd chassis. Dodge dealers have pressed the automaker for a sedan since Intrepid production ended in summer 2003. The Chrysler group will boost 300 production cautiously, Sloan says. The company wants to protect quality and foster the aura of exclusivity cloaking the sedan, he says. "We are trying to get every additional unit, but we are going to do it prudently," he says. "We're getting feedback from customers that those who have them now appreciate the exclusivity, and those who are waiting believe it's a vehicle worth waiting for. I don't want to put a glut of product in the marketplace." Article for Subscribers Here __________________ Used to own: 1959 Cadillac Series 62, 1960 AMC Rambler Six, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 2000 Saturn LS2, 2005 Chrysler 300C, 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP

08-26-2004, 06:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
vanshmack 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: People's Republic of California Drives: 2007 Tahoe LT, 1987 Buick Grand National Posts: 1,378	Solution needed? Is this a marketing contest or something? __________________ The new American reality where green is the new red. 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 1987 Buick Grand National 1977 Camaro LT: Vortec 4.8/4L80-E Retrofit

08-26-2004, 06:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
vanshmack 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: People's Republic of California Drives: 2007 Tahoe LT, 1987 Buick Grand National Posts: 1,378	Double post! My bad. __________________ The new American reality where green is the new red. 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 1987 Buick Grand National 1977 Camaro LT: Vortec 4.8/4L80-E Retrofit

08-26-2004, 06:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (formerly sunny New Mexico (y muchacho lo falto)) Drives: '02 Corvette Z06, '01 Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab, 19 Posts: 5,667	this proves what I have thought for several years. I even sent a quite passionate letter to GM mucky-mucks in the early 90's expressing my frustration. That American DO WANT RWD vehicles. YES, FINALLY............. finally, a vehicle I can drive without feeling like I am holding my wifes purse. CANT' WAIT TO SEE THE CHARGER!!!! FIND A SOLUTION DCX!!! HEY, GM AND FORD LISTEN UP!!!!! BUILD A QUALITY RWD PLATFORM AND THE MASSES WILL RESPOND!!!!!!! :P :P :P __________________ 1979 Chevy Van 1978 Pontiac Firebird 1985 GMC S-15 Jimmy 1992 Pontiac Grand Am 1998 Oldmobile Intrigue 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 1972 Chevrolet C-10 P/U 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2001 Chevrolet Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab "Sometimes you gotta say, 'What the *******'. "What the ******* gives you freedom, freedom creates opportunity, ... opportunity - makes your future." - 'Risky Business' 1983

08-26-2004, 06:27 PM	#13 (permalink)
New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (formerly sunny New Mexico (y muchacho lo falto)) Drives: '02 Corvette Z06, '01 Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab, 19 Posts: 5,667	Yea, I saw an episode of 'West Coast Choppers' where Jessie James modified a Magnum. I could tell he was excited to drive it. :P :P :P __________________ 1979 Chevy Van 1978 Pontiac Firebird 1985 GMC S-15 Jimmy 1992 Pontiac Grand Am 1998 Oldmobile Intrigue 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 1972 Chevrolet C-10 P/U 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2001 Chevrolet Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab "Sometimes you gotta say, 'What the *******'. "What the ******* gives you freedom, freedom creates opportunity, ... opportunity - makes your future." - 'Risky Business' 1983

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08-26-2004, 05:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
zeobandit 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,235	When are they gonna release pics of the new Charger! Production starts in January, you would think that pics would have leaked out a long time ago already! They said that the Brampton plant had built prototypes already.......

08-26-2004, 05:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
sheithappens 2.0 Liter Supercharged ECOTEC Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 162	I was just looking at one of these 300c's. It has a sweet road presence about it. Basically the Hummer of cars so to speak. Although Chrysler is struggling to meet demand I think I might limit production myself. This would make the car a little more exclusive and ensure high margins via demand (ala corvette, H2, viper, etc.).

08-26-2004, 05:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
silverado_13 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Newfoundland Drives: 1998 Malibu, 3100V6 155hp 180tq. Dark Cherry Met. Posts: 820	All I can imangine for the Charge is a Magnem Coupe that has the same weight as a small truck. I doubt they can get that hefty 4100lbs down enough to compete with the other muscle cars on the market. With out the 6.1Hemi my Malibu would probably be a match for it .

08-26-2004, 05:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
mjd1001 6.2 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Daytona Beach, FL and Upstate NY Drives: 2008 Saturn Vue Redline Posts: 2,624	Isn't there information that Chyrsler is going to produce a 300c Coupe? I think I saw "an artists" rendering of one someplace.

08-26-2004, 06:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
72lemanscvbl 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 208	I saw a Magnum in some Rap video today that was black on the bottom and silver on the top with maybe a red pinstrip separating the colors. It was beautiful. It reminded me of the special edition Prowler that had the same two-tone a while back. As far as back orders on the 300 I can only congratulate DCX on a great car. Does any one particular designer get any recognition for this pairing of cars (300c/magnum)? One person, many people...just curious.

08-26-2004, 06:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
xellow Banned Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Either Mc Donalds or Computer Posts: 327	Good news for DCX, Bad news for GM/Ford being.

08-26-2004, 06:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
jro4566 GMI Staff Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dallas, Texas Drives: 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette 2003 Suzuki XL-7 2005 Posts: 5,050	<jaw dropping>This is amazing! __________________ 2007 BMW 328i. Black sapphire metallic. Terra leather. Poplar wood. Automatic trans. Xenon adaptive headlights. BMW Assist. Bluetooth. Premium package. Heated seats. iDrive navigation system. Rear sonar. Comfort access. LOGIC7 surround sound. Sirius. 18" BMW wheels. Rear spoiler. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury. Black onyx pearl. Beige leather. 4WD. Chrome hood vents, mirror covers, exhaust. Silver grille, taillight trim. Brushed metal bumper protector. Running boards.

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