Chrysler Calls Out Dealers for Shady Hellcat Sales Practices
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is warning consumers that its own dealers could be up to some shady, if not illegal, tactics.
With the Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat models in high demand, FCA is warning that some of its dealers are engaging in “unscrupulous” and perhaps illegal practices. The company’s vice president of communications, Gualberto Ranieri, has said that a handful of dealers have accepted a large number of orders “without regard to available supply and without advising their customers that orders may not be filled, if at all, for many months or longer.”
SEE ALSO: 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Review
Dodge is trying its best to be as transparent as possible when discussing how its allocating the supply for the Hellcat models, which is based on total Dodge sales and how long previous Hellcats have remained in inventory. Through this strategy, the company hopes to at least curb dealers that are holding the popular cars for themselves or marking them up way above retail, slowing sales to consumers.
The company even went so far as to release a document outlining the ordering process to better help consumers understand it.
Ranieri is urging customers to ask pointed questions to dealers before placing an order on a Hellcat model, including whether a deposit is required and whether the deposit is refundable.
A post on the official FCA blog, outlines the questions any Hellcat customer should ask their dealer:
- Is the dealer an authorized Dodge dealer?
- How many Hellcat orders does the authorized dealer have pending and where would I be on the list?
- Based on the dealer’s prior 90 day Dodge sales and previous Hellcat scheduling, when can I expect to receive my Hellcat order?
- Does the authorized dealer require a deposit for a Hellcat order.
- Is the deposit refundable and at what point in time? Please consult your state law governing the vehicle orders and the return of deposits.
Additionally, FCA advises that any customer who has placed an order and who feels it may not be filled are urged to contact their dealer to discuss the matter.
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