Meet a Dealer: Introducing Bob Frederick to RLD
Mar 14, 2008 at 1:39PMBy Bob Frederick
RLD Dealer Contributor
Hello Dodge Blog Readers:
My name is Bob Frederick, I’m a Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealer. And I’m not just a
dealer, I’m a fellow enthusiast. And I’m hoping
to be a regular contributor here at Red Letter Dodge in the months to come.
Maybe I can even answer a question or two or shed some light on a few things anyway.
My main experience with the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 began in Chicago at
the debut. We arrived about an hour before the reveal. It was standing room
only- We were greeted immediately by Kathy Graham (Manager of Motorsports
and SRT Communications) as well as several pumped-up factory executives such
as Mike Accavitti,Mark Mallie and Jim Yetter.These guys have a genuine
enthusiasm and passion for the Challenger and it really showed, The
excitement wasn’t limited to just factory guys, the media and everyone else
in McCormick Place were all jazzed up with anticipation. When the video
began, the crowd grew quickly. As the cover dropped from the car, all eyes
were on the Hemi Orange beauty on the turntable. That had to be the most
beautiful sight I’ve ever seen- after waiting so long for Chrysler to build
a Rear-Drive 2 Door like Challenger, there it was! Unreal!!
After Jim Press and Frank Klegon spoke about the three vehicles,
Press invited everyone up to check the cars out close-up. Every comment that
I heard was positive. It’s amazing how many people have been waiting as long
as I have for Chrysler to build a car like this. As I listened, I must have
heard it said a hundred times.
The executives at Chrysler are amazingly accessible. They were all hanging
around talking with everyone about the car long after the reveal was
over–Every one of them, from Mike Accavitti and Mark Mallie, to Jim Yetter,
Deborah Meyer and Steve Landry, even Bob Nardelli and Jim Press. Very
cool.The funny thing was, nobody seemed able to walk away from the
Challengers- the car is a magnet!
In our dealership, we’ve had 10 orders in the system since day one and could
have easily put in 20 more,but knowing the production is only going to be
around 6400, we held alot of buyers off until ‘09. Since the car was
revealed to the public, people are constantly calling or stopping in trying
to order a Challenger. We’ve been allocated 4 cars, the first of which will
be my Demo until an ‘09 comes in. To illustrate just how hot this car is, my
General Sales Manager came into my office, shut the door and said “You
better not even think of selling that car to anyone when you’re done driving
it.” I said: Why? He said “Cuz it’s going straight into my garage when your
‘09 comes in!”. The other 3 cars are pre-sold to customers. All 4 were sold
at MSRP.
With Job 1 being around April 22nd, our first cars should start arriving in
early May. Nobody is any more excited about that than I am.
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89 Comments
I got my VIN late last night too - same starting sequence as SIXPAK. Seems production sequence / last 6 digits for the 2008 Challenger LE is starting at some April time point? Be curious to see where people are at in the SN position. I know of others in my state (Mountain time zone) who did not move to “D” build status . . .
Anyone’s VIN # ?
This was posted by a worker on the assembly line :
We had our first order move to “D” (firm schedule) last night, so it now has a VIN. Looks like the 08’s will VIN like this 2B3LJ74W-8H—— using the current 08 sequence.
I’ve been reading the comments on our color and trim guy’s post and it appears that we all agree on how important the original Hi- Impact colors are to us!
Keep up the comments, I couldn’t agree more!!
Bob
Yes, I will try to find out VIN #1 on Monday!
Keep in mind that Chargers and 300s are mixed in with those VINs as well.
Thanks,
Bob
The information regarding the Canadian pricing and availability was reported on Wednesday and was attributed to a press release from Chrysler Canada documented in canadiandriver.com. There have been few places that have confirmed the information other than the Star. It is reproduced in full in challengertalk.com. It all seems odd, but production carries on. My grandson says that after the 14th, they will be working 7 days a week.
HI All: According to an article in the Toronto Star Sat.March 29….Canadian price for the 2008 srt8 500 special canadian edition?? is set at $44995 canadian plus 1300 destination charge ( does not say anything about the 1200 gas tax. I wonder why the paper found out before my dealer?
I will let you all know what happens next!
already working on vin #1.
that car belongs to craig jackson as in barrett-jackson. he won’t be back until next week. i suppose we could try and contact the owner of #43, that would also give us the info we need.
Hey Bob, can you find out the first VIN (for car #1) so we know where we are at in line???
thanks for the updates
Great news! The first batch of ’08’s just moved to “D” Status and now have VIN’s.
The rest should follow over the next several days.
Don’t worry “Notsure”- I will let you know the second that I find out that we can order ’09’s!
Bob
Bob please let us know asap when we can order the rt.Please!
Its getting close real close to the big order day ,now what is the cost of the rt is the big question.
Man its been a long 3 years to get to this point.
SIXPACK, thanks for the info. unfortunately the website has been down.
Yes, it is unusual for a model to be in “C” status for this long and so close to production, but don’t worry, they will all move to “D” any day now.
Thanks,
Bob
Bob, is it not unusual for a car scheduled to start production in two weeks to still be in “C” status?
That very well may have been the car I was in this week…It is the same car,has to be Im in the Detroit area
Click on link below see what your challenger will look like in nay color and also two toned and with decals offered very cool site..
I did a two tone black with purple and man o man what a beautiful ride.
www.ridebuilder.com/rb/fun/challengerPainter.html
FRONTYARDRESTOGUY - One Black has been spotted in Brampton , Ont. among other NA R/T’s - here : www. ontariostreetcar.com/showthread.php?p=5500#post5500
thanks for the painting info. no wonder factory paint is so much better than a bodyshop today.
I would like to help clear things up about how cars are painted in a factory. First of all guns are not used the type of equipment used to apply paint to the body is done either by electrostatic bells or by a robot using a robobell applicator. Most production is random. Sure there my be more silver cars painted on one day then say black ones but it just depends on build sheets. Color changes can be done in a matter of seconds usually under 10 seconds. The plant has a paint kitchen with pumps designated for each color with circulation lines moving the paint to the application equipment. All automotive paint now is two componet type and the catalist is added to the color (resin)at the applicator via a 2-K system. It is very expensive to have a bunch of colors because of the equipment involved like pumps, circulation lines (thousands of feet) filtration ect… If they are building other cars at brampton like the 300 and charger ect.. which comes in chryslers standard colors like silvers reds blacks they don’t have a bunch of extra equipment to add colors. Keep in mind most car plants don’t build every peace of the car they have satelite plants that build parts like facias,
mirrors, spoilers ect.. and all those plants would have the same type set up to paint those parts. My guess is this is why colors may be phased in at different times of the year. I install industrial finishing equipment for a living and its a very complex system to paint cars with some plants making up 600 hundred units per day.
aussie challenger, heres some info i dug up on right hand drive for you.
The LX platform is Chrysler’s new full-size rear wheel drive automobile platform for the mid part of the 2000s. The LX was developed in America using components borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class control arm front suspension, Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class the 5-link rear suspension, the W5a580K 5-speed automatic, the rear differential, and the ESP system. The LX cars are built at Brampton Assembly in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The European variant and all RHD models are built in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr, they go by the platform designation of LE.
Now your back………..well so much for my last post.
To Sixpack, No I am not going crazy, but I am ticked to say the least. Has anyone noticed that our dear friend “Bob” has not responded to anyone since March 21st ??? It could be that he is busy, or maybe he just gave up. Since Dodge is collecting “MONEY” I feel as though we deserve some answers. As far as an 09 goes, my point was that you’ll never get an 09 if I can’t get my 08. The whole thing has turned into a nightmare, and the good old “Dodge Boys” are doing squat about it. So going crazy, no, just concerned about my greenbacks. Thanks….
Frontyardrestoguy: With regard to them building all the Hemi Orange cars first, I still believe that they will build all 3 colors as they come down the line, not having to purge the lines because Black and Silver are standard colors in the plant and Hemi Orange is the Special color in one of the alternate lines/guns. They will be building Chargers and 300s right along with them in Black and Silver, so the Challengers are no problem to do in those colors as well.
CityGirl: I wish we had access to firm info on Canadian Pricing but I don’t think they have it cast in stone yet. It may be really close to when Canadian cars start to hit showrooms up there(Don’t know that date for sure either). Again,if I hear anything solid I will let you know. I understand your frustration.
StripeBoy: I agree,a few stripe packages on each model would be great- I’m pretty sure Dodge is working on a few. In the short-term,I’ve heard that Mopar is going to offer a few styles as accessories. As ‘09 marches on,I think there will be a few styles as options on the car from the factory, that’s certainly what I’m pushing for.
Capitalcarz:The first of the ’08’s are only a few weeks away- they’re coming.
I think we’re talking so much about the ’09’s before the ’08’s are even here because all the ’08’s are already spoken for, and many of you weren’t able to get one or want a different model than an SRT8 Auto.
AussieChallenger: I would think that since they make a RHD 300 and Charger that you would eventually see the same with the Challenger. I would hope so-That’s really cool that you are some “American Muscle Car” fans down there! If I hear anything on that, I will let you know.
Chally: Believe me, I’m pushing hard for ALL the original Hi- Impact colors on the Challengers for’09 and beyond, and Plum Crazy and Sublime are certainly right at the top of the list!
I hope that I didn’t miss anybody’s questions. If I did, hit me up again and I’ll answer them the best that I can.
Thanks,
Bob
I had seen the same pic it cant be a flipped pic it is obviously a europeon model as it is required for all prodution cars to spec out right hand drivers for possible over seas sales.They may not have made many and are not planning on it I bet.
I think its a requirement for production Us vehicles.
I found the pic very strange and noticed the fact the pic cant be flipped it wouldnt put the gas filler on the other side if flipped.
Its a right hand driver has too be.
Bob - Please help us get Sublime and Plum Crazy in the first 2009 production run. You’re our only hope!!
capitalcarz - you goin’ crazy hahahaha
just pretend that your car is an ‘09 and that the first year they build them for is ‘09 and only coming out in JULY and SART TO dealers AUGUST , but that you’re getting them ahead NOW of these ’09’s - as you REALLY ARE in MAY or soon after;)
If you search or ask on ChallengerTalk forum ; someone posted pics taken from Ontario plant where one black Challenger was seen with a colored gaz cap on the RHD with driver seat-belted …. now was it a flipped picture ? I can’t say ….
Hi Bob, sure looks like you opened the pandora’s box with this blog. Anyway just to add fuel to the fire, here in Australia we have been watching the inception of the Challenger with great interest and wonder if a RHD version will eventually be created for our shores. The 300C is already here in RHD, so it’s technically feasible. Of course judging by the waiting lists in the USA for the Challenger, even with the greenlight it could be awhile. We are big muscle car fans and would love to be able to purchase a Challenger just like you guys. Please think of us and keep up the good work.
What the hell is going on Bob? All this talk about options, colors, wheels, after market parts and etc. for the 09’s and we can’t even get the 08’s. I paid a $5000.00 deposit down in February of 07 (yes I said “07″) and agreed to pay full MSRP no matter what it was. It’s no wonder we constantly get told “C” status week after week, hell they have not even started making the 08’s yet, and won’t until aroung April 14th. The Dam things will be a year old before we even get them. What is Dodge thinking?? Can we concentrate on the 08’s…………for now?
you can now see the whole options/packages list on Dodge.com , including striping for the R/T as an option (remains to be seen exactly what it will look like - R/T cut-outs ?)
allpar posted an accessory list and it did have decal packages as a option.
Those heritage rims look like old cragers ,good job dodge you have been listening to us..
citygirl, if they can price the charger srt8 at $42985.canadian, why would there be any difference in the challenger, us prices for the srt8 charger/challenger are virtually identical (charger has rebates). i honestly don’t think you will see challengers delivered to canada for 08′. i would advise you to purchase a car and have it brought in to canada.
Bob, whats up with the no stripes on the SE and RT? any options for the hood to get stripes? THX!!!
Everyone.. I am so confused .. I have had 2 emails from Chrysler Canada, again roundabout answers to questions about price and availability. On both emails they state that the srt8 are only coming in hemi orange and black?? honestly does anybody know what is going on. I thought as the days went on and closer to April, the more information we would get. Mr. Frederick, why would they say this?
Bob, doesn’t the factory have to purge the lines before they go to the next color? or is the equipment more sophisticated? we know production #1 will be in hemi orange, so hemi orange will be the first color used. Have you had a chance to talk to the factory? if you would like i could call you and give you the direct # for the head honcho. let me know.
No,I haven’t heard of them building ‘08 Challengers in order of color.
The cars will be built in order, according to their BuildSheet, regardless of color.
Thanks,
Bob
btw DODGE - you’re going to put ”20in. heritage 5-spoke wheels” on that Special Edition R/T as I’ve read - would be smart to put bigger rotor brake package so that it doesn’t look silly through them new wheels .
I hope it doesn’t make the car look like a luxury boat - reason why the designers of the Concept ruled it out and opted for the ones we’ve seen .
Canadian law (at least Ontario) prohibits price gouging -they are obliged to sell no higher than MSRP
Now if they sell it as used (showroom owned), then they can asked whatever they want .
What’s going on DODGE !? Hemi Orange only slated in ‘09 for the R/T !!! What about the R/T Special Edition (later in year production)- it will only come in B5 Blue !!?? What a mistake - when you have another opportunity for the retro high impact colors !!!
Citygirl - There are dealers gouging customers here in the US too. Look at the Shelby’s - still going for rediculous money over MSRP. I’m sure the Canadian allotment of vehicles will be MUCH lower than the number available in the States, and those low numbers will help inflate the price the dealers ask for Canadian Challengers. Smart Canucks will make the trip across the border and buy in the Northern States - after the hoopla dies down. Those who have the moeny and want it bad enough will buy it regardless.
Clo - Thank you. Your interpretation is correct. US company = US pricing. Prices will be determined with sufficient time for our Canadian friends to pay a relatively accurate amount for the Challenger in US vs. Canadian dollars and enjoy timely delivery.
Some folks can’t walk past a mirror without getting into an argument. :Oo
Hey Bob, is there any truth to the rumor that all the orange ’08’s are being built first, then black, then silver??
thanks for the updates
FRONTYARDRESTOGUY… love the comment on the French Canadians (couldn’t agree with you more)… as for the exchange rate, I believe that is the main reason for the delay in pricing.. its not that the car is built in Canada and that the salaries are paid in Canadian money… its that the profits have to be converted to US dollars, but as you noted if the Canadian dollar is higher than the US then prices in Canada should be lower, not higher, than those in the US.
thankyou for that info Bob.
Regarding canadian challengers: I don’t buy currency fluctuations that is a load of crap. The cars are built in Canada. the employees are paid in Canadian dollars. It should be easier to price the canadian challengers than the us models. The really crazy thing to me is that they will be charging $8000 canadian more than the us version! How can this be? The canadian dollar has surpassed the US dollar in value! It would seem to me that the price should be equal on either side of the border, with the possible exception of the french canadians who definetly should pay more.
Ordering Info for ‘09 Challenger will tentatively be out in May, as I had suspected and hoped! I will continue to keep you all updated.
Thanks,
Bob
HowSoonCanIgetmine: I was told by at least 3 dealerships in Toronto, that the price would start at least 8Grand over the US price. And at the autoshow, they nodded their heads when I mentioned that price. As Bob said, MSRP is just as it says ’suggested’. Funny how all the dealerships here are advertising, their prices on par with the US prices. I just wish they would make up their minds! SOON
After listening to the news conference and reading the announcements about options for the 09 version, I am disappointed to see that my hopes have not been met and may mean that unless there are additional changes to the package, I will have to give up my hope to own one.
The reason the pricing for Canada is being withheld is because of the exchange rate volatility between the US and Canadian dollar. I’m sure Dodge doesn’t want to underprice or overprice the Challenger in Canada, so they’re waiting until the time is close for sale to issue their pricing strategy.
For those who are interested, the posters that you see in the Dealer’s showroom(one with the Challenger on a beach, the other gettin’ some air) are available on Dodge.com. Once you get to the site,move the cursor to “For Owners”, then click on merchandise and then the “Challenger Posters” tab. They are available for 13.65 each.
I noticed on an earlier post that a few of you were asking about where to get them.
New York Reveal of the ’09’s tomorrow!!
Bob
Im sure there will be a massive after market goodie lists for striping,and other add on’s-,decal kits,and mods.
Gotta have oki seat covers asap made,and a front end protector(bra).
Dodge should hook up with them and offer the seat covers in (special edition) dodge pattern,and emblems.
I need the car for a drive-in to the Silver State Race in early sept.
Hope this happens!!!!!!!!!!
Seems like the car you had seen is exactly what Im going to order.
waitingforchallenger
I would have wanted to drive it home,lol.
Cool sighting you where due,and know this the info is most appretiated.
Mr Bob fredricks you may be hearing from me soon and please keep us informed on when we may be able to really get to our dealerships to get those cars built.
Ill stand there until its inputed into the system,lol.
Weds -am allpar is updateing NYC auto show info.Cant wait.
So I saw what I believe to be a pre-production 09 Challenger today. There have been several pre-productions spotted in the area (Dexter/Plymouth, MI) by co-workers of mine. One of them calls me almost everyday to say he saw another one. Well, today I saw one at a local restaurant. It was black with the six speed manual. The sunroof didn’t look bad with the black. The major difference I noticed was the matt black stripes on the hood instead of the “carbon fiber” stripes. With the overcast skies I had trouble seeing any differences IP, although I liked what I saw. I must say this is a beautiful car up close.
Hey Dodge, can we have the “carbon fiber” stripes as an option for the 09 on, or are those for the 08’s only?
Testing, 1, 2, 3….
I tried posting on the 16th, and as soon as I clicked submit, everythign I typed went away, and didn’t get posted.
Just in case this one works, Bob, thanks for the assistance and info. Here is my short list for the challenger:
1) Make sure the R/T is more affordable for those of us who are not lottery winners.
2) Please offer both trannys.
3) Yes, offer as many of, if not all of, the cool 60’s and 70’s colors that muscle cars came in, but only offer them on THIS car, not any other ones!
4) Any chance we could get those butterfly valves back in the hood?
5) Make it availabe with, or able to be changed to, taller tires/shorter wheels. Yeah I know it’s a “performance” thing, but those tires on that car make it look like a “tuner”, aka fast and the furious (not the charger, all the other cars) ick!
Bob,Im in Michigan( holland) and will be contacting you soon on a preorder of a 09 srt8 or RT gotta see how much stock I can sell to pay for this baby..
My local dealer is acting very shady to say the least and I feel they are hawking big dollars event for the first few rt’s I wont settle for that and only a honset dealer will get my business like yourself.
Thankyou
NOTSURE.
It would be nice to see.
This is a big one,Metallic flake offered for paint on rts.Nothing screams retro than a cool paint job and metal flake was the order of the day back then and still looks stunning.
6 speed with mds.
Like the factory rear window louvers idea.
Tint windows darker.
A few styles of rims offerd for the RT.
A interior trim package.
Limited edition models.
Do all the old colors and a few new.
Pro shop parts bolt-ons right from dodge you buy a car you get a speacil acessory catalouge with all the goodies to add to your car at delivery or when built,
so to make your car more unique and for future value if the is gas then.
re: brake upgrades,exhaust,intake,rims have several too choose from,custom matts and seat covers,all in a very nice accessories catalouge to pick from before we actually order the car.
This would be like the old DODGE days load up on options we can choose from.
You cant buy brand loyality like that anymore Dodge would be a house hold word again,and your well on the way that is for sure.
It is one of those gotta have it cars ,and what comes along with it is many long talks with the wife justifing the purchase,like a kid conning his folks for his first bee bee gun..
Ill most likely buy two one hard top(now) and one convert in a few years.
Thanks very much for trying to get us folks from Canada some information, Bob. Like I have stated before, it is very strange. I can only hope we are not left high and dry.
I will make it a point to drop in and see you at your dealership, on our way to the next Congress quarterhorse show in Columbus.
A few more answers: As for Canada,I checked and it looks like pricing may not be out until closer to when Canadian Units start shipping. I don’t have a reason why. As for Unit Totals to Canada, I don’t have a firm total either. With a U.S. Total of 6400 and a Grand Total of around 7100, that leaves about 700 units for Mexico,Canada and the rest of the world. Sorry I can’t be more specific.
‘08 Color Popularity: While we have no exact numbers, Hemi Orange is #1 by a wide margin, Black is #2 and Silver is by far the least popular.
Allocation: There are more like 2700 or so Dodge Dealers in the United States. Yes, each Dealer gets one car. From there it has to do with Dodge Car Retail volume and SRT volume to determine which Dealers get the remaining units and how many.
Order of Production:There are many factors that determine the order of production– When the order was put into the system, whether or not the Dealer had Allocation, and Parts Availability for certain options that a car may have, just to name a few.
“BG” Orders: I would have your Dealer put in a “New” ‘09 order when the ‘09 ordering info comes out(Refer to my comments earlier for timing of that). This is just in case Chrysler cancels the ‘08 unbuildable orders. I’m not sure what the plan is there so you would have a back up order in place.
Chrysler may announce the process to Dealers by then though.
‘09 SRT8 Production: There are no official production numbers. My opinion is that the SRT8’s will be in limited supply so get your orders in.
Yes, you can definitely order your ’09’s from me. I’m really not on here to steal business from your local Dealer but I’m happy to be your Dealer if you should so choose. The Dealership is Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Boardman,Ohio (Just Southeast of Cleveland).My Phone is 330-726-2777 X203 and my Email is stpcharger@zoominternet.net
Thanks for all the comments, Bob
Hi Bob,
Would you know how many ‘09 STR8s are being planned? I definitely want an SRT8 and hope that the production numbers are not so limited that it will be hard to get a hold of one.
Thanks!
clo, thanks for the link. thats exactly what i am talking about.
Bob it is Great to have someone answer a few questions. Is there any idea as to the production numbers of the 08’s that have been ordered. I.e. How many Hemi orange, Black and Silver, etc. How are is dodge making the allocation? if every dealer is getting one of the 6400 cars and there are say 4500 dealers, how does dodge allocate the last 1,900 cars, and how will they decide which car to build first and which one is built last? Just some thoughts on how the whole thing works?
Thanks Bob, It’s definetly not the news I was hoping for, but at least now we know. It’s nice to get some real info for a change since the Dealership can’t tell me anything. Although he did ask me if I wanted my money back? I asked “him” if he was out of his mind!!! Then we both laughed alot……
The cars built in February and up until now have been Pre-Production Challengers not for retail sale to the public. April 14th is the tentative First Day of Production for Retail Sale Units. You could receive your car as early as the last week in April and as late as Late-July.Im not sure how many they can build per day– they are built along with chargers,300’s and Magnums.
“Sixpack”– I checked out your “Challenger Talk” Forum,it’s very cool and you guys have some great ideas. With being involved in this(RLD),as much as I’d love to,I don’t think that it would be right for me to comment over there. Have those guys make the same suggestions on RLD where Dodge will see them,and where I can answer if they have questions. I saw where you welcomed me in(much appreciated) and you pretty much told them where to find me but I just wanted to make sure you guys knew why I didn’t sign in over there.
As far as that “Ride and Drive Away” on April 4th, I haven’t heard a thing on that. It’s actually impossible because “Job 1″ for Retail Production Challengers is April 14th.
The Console on the ‘09 6-Speed: I haven’t been in an ‘09 other than a real early Pre- Production R/T with a 6-Speed so I’m not sure where they are going with that for production. Hopefully they do it like we want. Sorry I can’t confirm that at this time.
“Highwayman”– Sorry, I can’t comment on future product until it’s time. However, the major difference between the ‘08 and the ‘09 will be the availability of the 6-Speed Manual in the ‘09. That much,I can say. We should have all of the info to order an ‘09 no later than Mid-June. It is quite possible that we may have it in April or May–I will let you all know the second it comes out. Don’t worry, some really cool stuff is coming for ‘09!!
Thanks and keep those suggestions coming,
Bob
Hi Bob, and thanks for giving us a breath of fresh air. I think everyone was concerned that our thoughts were falling on deaf ears. Anyway, I was wondering if you could tell us what time frame we should expect in receiving our 08 Challenger. Both the earliest and latest expected arrival dates if possible. Also, is it true that production started on February 6th, and how many cars can they produce in a day. Thanks, and again, Welcome to the Blog.
Bob,
You are a godsend! This is the information that so many have been waiting for.
My car is in “BG” status currently. My order is the second at my dealer and was placed on December 3rd. I am a little disappointed to hear that other dealers are getting more than 1, and orders placed after mine will be fulfilled.
If “BG” orders are canceled by the factory can they be transferred to an ‘09 model or do I have to put in a new order with the dealer for an ‘09? I am concerned that I will run into the same issue of getting bumped for the ’09s.
Thanks again for your help!
be it that some dlealer will be pissing off customers you may really make out here I know that is not your intensions here but if needed can we order from you where are you located?
Bob can we order form you?
FRONTYARDRESTOGUY… regarding Cuda check out http://www.hxcperformance.com/ they are making the Cuda from the Dodge Challenger w. shaker hood and a 426 Hemi (among other engine options). The 426 Hemi according to HXC will be producing around 575 HP and the supercharged version around 800 HP. I am waiting to test drive the demo this summer and Challenger to see which one I will buy as an 09. Since I previously owned a CUDA I am leaning in that direction.
Bob,
Thx for the answers. Please keep us posted with all the latest details. Chrysler if you are really reading/listening, please think T/A sytle stripe packages and high impact colors. You folks have a great opportunity here so don’t blow it like you did with the Charger and please don’t the independent dealers rap your potential with crazy markups as you will loose slaes to the Ford Mustang.
Oh Bob , once you’ve introduced yourself in your appointed thread - http://www.challengertalk.com/forums/f5/meet-dealer-introducing-bob-frederick-1512/#post20912
Can you confirm this other thread that mentions this dealer said that on April 4th that he was attending a Ride and Drive event by Dodge where dealers can ride/drive the new Challenger and then drive some of thier alloted cars home to thier respective dealerships
http://www.challengertalk.com/forums/f5/attention-2008-challengers-coming-1514/
Dodge if you are reading my post - DO GO CLICK THE LINK I POSTED BELOW :
Here’s a very good idea what I want (among others) done to my Challenger : http://www.challengertalk.com/forums/f19/what-you-would-desire-modify-your-new-chally-interior-exterior-1471/
I hear it is confirmed that the rippled seats similar to the Concept’s are on their way into the R/T’s - this makes me ecstaticly enthused !
My pleasure Bob - we all in it together ! We expecting your visit , anytime you feel up to it !
Bob, thanks for answering my vin # question.
The vin # is important because once it is assigned i will have a way to track my order, as well as gaining a better idea of when i shall receive my personal 2008 car.
Bob, you mentioned dodge is listening, so im gonna lay out what i would like to see on my 2010 challenger that i will order next year. (yes, i will be buying more than 1 challenger).
convertible
side exhaust
shaker hood
pistol grip
white interior
white top
sublime green or plum crazy paint
after dodge builds that one for me, lets talk about the 71 cuda you are gonna build for me next.
6400 orders X $5000 down = $32,000,000! Yes, that’s 32 million dollars. Wow, these guys are smart!
Come get your 09’s, and lay your money down! (and wait and wonder).
Yes, thanks alot Bob. I agree with clo, let’s all order our 09s from Bob!
What will be the major differences between the SRT’s first run and the 2009’s? Can’t wait to see one and order mine!
Even though I ordered a vanity plate for the 08 as soon as it was announced, I did not think that the opportunity to buy a car would become a bidding war. The first new car I bought was a 1968 Coronet R/T. I ordered it he way I wanted and sat and waited 3 months for it to arrive. I have waited far longer for this and have not even been able to place an order. The dealer that I am registered at says that I am number 5 at his dealership. Here in Canada, they do not even have access to the order process yet. Since he knows that I have a short list of colours that I would like, I have already ordered the 09 vanity plate. I would however prefer to order a car and wait patiently for its arrival without all af the current rumour and worry about what you will get and when. I would like to drive it before I am too old or there is no fuel left.
thanks Bob! we really appreciate you and RLD for letting you post some information that we have been dying for.
I say we all place our ‘09 orders with Bob!!!!
Sensing some universal frustration out there, I thought that I would go ahead here and post a few comments/answers prior to the next “Official” Posting. As far as Dodge not responding to the many questions that you all have, they created this Blog to hear what all of you have to say. Believe me,they are listening! There is no way that they can please everybody, no matter what they do- nobody can do that. If you want factory installed Original Style Hood Pins,a Shaker Hood,a Tuff Wheel or every one of the original Hi-Impact colors for instance, say it! The more universally that they hear it, the better chance we have of getting what we want. The Dodge Product and Marketing Guys/Girls really are great people and are just about as passionate about Challenger as we are! With that said, as I mentioned in a comment yesterday, I will answer every question to the best of my ability. I cannot answer questions about future product until it’s time to. When I can talk about ‘09 Challenger, I will. Keep up the recommendations for ‘09 and beyond,please!!!
As far as Canada goes, Im a U.S. Dealer so I don’t know about their pricing or lack there of. I will get ahold of a few of my contacts at Chrysler and see what I can find out for you though. While I’m at it, I will try to confirm the production total for Canadian Retail Sale. That is odd that you have no pricing up there yet, considering that we’ve had it here since December.
As far as VIN’s go, Yes, I would expect that there will be VIN assignments in the next several days.
Thanks “SIXPACK” for the link and welcoming me in to the “New Challenger Forum” I will check it out.
Yes, any ‘08 Challenger order that is currently scheduled to be built, is in “c” Status. I would never cancel a “BG” Status order though because there is still a slight chance that the order could get picked up unexpectedly. Although unlikely, I’ve seen it happen. If the one that you most recently placed a deposit on is truly that Dealer’s first order, he should be getting the car because every Dealer gets at least one. You still may want to put plans in place for an ‘09 in case both of those orders don’t work out. Good luck- I hope you get your ‘08.
In regard to MSRP- It’s just that, Manufacture’s SUGGESTED Retail Price.
Thanks for the comments, and please keep those suggestions coming through so we continue to get what we want on these cars!
Bob
Bob,
Can you confirm rumors that if you are getting an ‘08 then your order status will be at “C”. I placed my order on Dec 3rd but the dealership waited until Dec 13 before putting the order through. My sales associate claimed she didn’t know availability would be a problem. I have since found that 2 orders were sent through before mine, both for dealership employees. My order was at “BG”, and still is, so I called some smaller dealerships and found one that had placed an order, but did not have a buyer. I put down my money and thought I wouldn’t have a problem since rumors suggested that each dealer would be allocated at least 1 ‘08. As of 3/10 that vehicle is still at “BG” status. Is there a chance it can still move up to “C” and even “D” or should I plan for an ‘09?
Also, do you have any information to Dodge/Chrysler customer services stance on dealerships that are charging 10-15,000 over mrsp? Some of us don’t have that kind of money to throw at this, despite desire and enthusiasm to purchase our dream car.
Thanks in advance Bob.
Here’s a direct link with a welcome thread for you , Bob !
http://www.challengertalk.com/forums/f5/meet-dealer-introducing-bob-frederick-1512/#post20912
Ya I’m with citygirl on CDN pricing ! The way I see it , with the exchange rate - they are skimming to the last seconds !
It is a pleasure to see Bob Frederick and his dealer sell at MSRP - proving how smart they are about preserving customer satisfaction for the long run (making money along the way) , instead of a quick profit and end up losing customers coming back for maintenance service ;)Not only that , but the dealer and Dodge move out the door more Challys which means more production and overall better for EVERYONE , not just the quicky salesman . Dodge has started looking down on certain dealers a ssuch and some risk losing car priveleges … just not smart and so short-sighted …. glad you’re on the right side of the fence Bob !
Bob , I hope you will come visit/contribute to our New Challenger forum on www.challengertalk.com where it’s happening as well …. btw all Challenger fans should check it out too heheh …. I’m 6 Pack over there ; I’ll be mentioning you over there as well .
SO, WITH PRODUCTION STARTING AT APRIL 14, I WOULD EXPECT TO GET A VIN # BY APRIL 1ST. HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ON THAT?
Mr Frederick… where have you been all this time? We needed someone like you to keep us all happy. Do you know why Canadian dealerships do not have the price of these cars yet? I can’t believe that head office do not know what they will be asking for them here. Any clues?
thanks for stepping up to the plate.
One more thing- as I read through the earlier blogs,I noticed that everyone seems pretty confused about the production start date for the ‘08 model. If you refer to the 2008 Challenger Part 2 Blog comments, “DodgeBoy” is right on the money with his answers. Thanks, Bob
I also wanted to mention that I have read the earlier Blog questions and will keep those in mind too when we do the next answer posting. Thanks, Bob
I applaud you for selling the Challengers at MSRP. I am 6th on a waiting at my dealer for a 2009 model. They also received 3 2008 models and all Challengers are being sold for MSRP. Even though dealers could make a little extra cash by charging a premium, it’s not worth the blow to customer satisfaction. I showed my appreciation to my dealer by purchasing a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country a couple of weeks ago. I chose not to buy my new van from the other Chrysler dealer in town - they’re charging a premium for their Challengers.
I’m just happy to see that you replied to a post Bob. If we could just have a periodic answer session to some of our questions, that would be great. - Welcome! -
Greg, Approximate Start Date for ‘09 production is tentatively scheduled for somewhere between July 21st and August 4th.
The next model year’s ordering information is normally not available to the dealer until early-mid June,although I think they may release the Challenger info early. I will keep you informed going forward. Pricing may or may not be released with the ordering info initially. The ordering info will contain available models and options. I will handle questions going forward to the best of my ability in a periodic posting so that we can cover several at one time. I wanted to clarify that up front because I don’t want anyone to feel like I’m ignoring their questions or comments.I want to help all that I Can. Thanks, Bob
Bob, either read the earlier blog questions or be ready to be bombarded. We’ve had zero answers to our questions at this point.
Bob,
Can you provide any information on the 2009 Challenger.
1. Production start date?
2. Options available?
3. What will an R/T sell for?
4. Whats will be available?
Thx