| Rivals' Vehicles To Be Eligible for Chrysler Certified Status Chrysler Group LLC is aiming to assist its dealers sell more new Jeeps, Dodges, and Fiats by offering company-backed warranties on used cars from the competition. "The perception is, and rightfully so, it's a car that is likely to have less exposure for some kind of catastrophic problem," he said. Although Chrysler would rather see buyers put themselves in new or certified pre-owned Chrysler products, officials feel sure that building relationships with buyers who chose other manufacturers will eventually net new-car sales from within Chrysler Group. Though many individual dealers have offered extended warranties on their used cars, Chrysler says it's the first manufacturer to give rival makes company-backed, certified pre-owned status. Zalud predicts other manufacturers will eventually follow suit. Dealers have the option of participating, but Ralph Mahalak Jr. " . According to data from the National Automobile Dealers Association, Chrysler's market share rose to 11. Zalud said consumer interest in them seems to be growing. Chrysler has been increasing its market share in recent months, and officials are hopeful the program will help dealers earn even more "conquest sales," the term for an auto company luring a loyal buyer away from another company. Although the label should help dealers sell used cars, the real target is new-car sales. The certification will only be available on vehicles from the 2008 model year and newer with fewer than 48,000 miles. "We really need it right now because we've been taking in some tremendous trade-ins -- all sorts of off brands, Fords, GMs, imports," he said. Dealers like them because certified pre-owned cars typically sell for more than similar used cars without the certification. "It's a good time to do this because Chrysler is growing so fast on the new-car side. That's up from 11 percent in January and from 9. 5 percent in February, 2011. "In theory, what Chrysler is saying is absolutely correct. "The program is so new, we haven't really had a chance to mull it over and the advantages for our facility," sales manager Travis Dupont said. Many buyers like certified pre-owned cars because they get vehicles that have met a certification process and are backed by manufacturers' warranties. Certified cars will carry a five-year, 60,000-mile full-mechanical warranty. "We get that customer to come back to our service department, we'll get them back to sell them a new car," Swanson said. Rivals' Vehicles To Be Eligible for Chrysler Certified Status |
Friday, 9 March 2012
Rivals' Vehicles To Be Eligible for Chrysler Certified Status
