The mega dealership groups must be stroking out.
I'm no marketing expert but how many people plan their purchases 2-3 months in advance vs impulsive decisions made within a week or two or sooner?
Sounds like the perfect storm for another manufacturer to step up and give people what they want when they want.
All manufacturers are going to this program.
When it gets stamped out, it won't be 2-3 months wait...it'll be 1.
There are A LOT of people that will wait 1 month to get the exact car they want and not settle.
Same here.By contrast, I have almost never bought a car "off the floor". I can never find what I want. So yes, I do plan many months in advance and order what we want.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they try to cut out the dealerships and in return, mark up vehicles slightly to bring in additional revenue since they can't currently pump out the quantity of cars they're used to. People are paying over MSRP as is.
I just can't see that working. I think they may want to do it but I see that falling apart real quick.
Ford isn't Ferrari or Porsche where you order your dream. It's a regular vehicle. If they think people are going to go into their local dealer and order an Expedition and wait for it when they can go to the Dodge, Chevy, Genesis, Kia, VW, Audi, (Insert manufacturer hungry for market share here) and drive away that day, I think they're mistaken.
The industry hasn't been like that since Albert Sloane took over at GM.
It's just not going to happen, but I guess we'll see.
Yep, I get news from corporations informing me of "new" changes, most of which affect me negatively, but cloaked in a "positive" narrative. It's GOOD for you, they say. LOL.I like the positive spin they put on it.
Dealerships can't get inventory regardless. This is a non issue. If it was like just a few years ago with a couple of hundred F-150's on the lot, that is one thing. Now most Dealerships are lucky to have half a dozen or so in inventory at one time. Most new inventory is sold when it shows up. It is why the used vehicle market is so hot. Nobody has anything to sell.
If you can not get inventory, making changes to inventory requests is a moot point...
100% correct, Nick. I would bet that 90% of customers would want that exact scenario. I'll add that IMO they'd love to be able to visit a "manufacturer showroom" to see an optioned vehicle model they're interested in, and then either sit down at the dealership in a cubicle to order their specific vehicle, or go home and do it online. No sales pressure. Just let them order what they want. Make a deposit and apply any discounts/incentives, arrange financing and wait for the vehicle to be delivered. No pushing on the lot deals trying to clean up inventory, or those "extras" at the closing. Keeping it simple. I honestly expect this is ultimately where we're headed.All manufacturers are going to this program.
When it gets stamped out, it won't be 2-3 months wait...it'll be 1.
There are A LOT of people that will wait 1 month to get the exact car they want and not settle.
I was just going to tell him that this is already happening. I fully expect that all of the manufacturers are going to go this route.GM and Stellantis have already said they're following suit with the retail order process.
GM and Stellantis have already said they're following suit with the retail order process.
Same here.By contrast, I have almost never bought a car "off the floor". I can never find what I want. So yes, I do plan many months in advance and order what we want.