34 Comments

1. On May 5, 2008 at 8:54PM, Workaholic posted:

   Thanks Bob!

   I’m not surprised that things are different and I certainly appreciate your attempts to help out! Now if only they’d let you sell one to cross the line… LOL

   thanks again

2. On May 4, 2008 at 11:53PM, Bob Frederick posted:

   Workaholic:

   I sympathize with all of you Canadians. Being a U.S. Dealer, I have no connections to Chrysler Canada. However,I have been snooping around a bit and have heard that they are building the 500 units for Chrysler Canada and then distributing them to the dealers rather than letting dealers order them. I heard that they may all be equipped fully loaded the same except for color. I’ve seen them do that with special models before here in the States. As far as price, I think that they are going to release that when they distribute the cars.

   I know that you want firm answers and I don’t blame you a bit. As I hear things I will keep you friends in Canada posted.
   Just keep in mind that even the info that I get out of Dodge can change up there because Chrysler Canada does its own thing.

   I hope your cars start shipping soon- I will try to find out when they’re planning to mix in the Canadian cars, so check back here on RLD.

   Thanks,

   Bob

3. On May 4, 2008 at 10:20PM, workaholic posted:

   Hi Bob,
   you are becoming infamous at www.challengertalk.com

   As one of the most notable go-to guys on the net concerning the new Challenger, do you know anything about the 08 Canadian version?

   Although US buyers might take possesion as early as this week, us Canadians still don’t know how much an ‘08 will cost. Nor do we know when or even IF we will be allowed to order one.

   Any info you have would certainly be appreciated!

   Thanks

4. On May 2, 2008 at 1:47PM, tfinnell posted:

   Slim & none, we can’t even get a “D1″ car delivered.

5. On May 2, 2008 at 12:58PM, Patients posted:

   Anybody…What are the chances of me getting my BG status Challenger?

6. On May 1, 2008 at 2:24PM, Bob Frederick posted:

   Okay everybody- Here’s one that we got done that will allow you all to track your ‘08 Challenger orders! Your order has to be at Gateline (D1) Status or further to be tracked and you will need the following three pieces of info:
   1. First Name as it appears on the order
   2. Last Name as it appears on the order
   3. Last eight digits of the VIN

   The system is set up exclusively for ‘08 Challenger SRT8’s.
   The link that you need to go to is:
   http;//www.dodge.com/2008/challenger/ordertracking

   Put in that info and track your car!

   Don’t forget it has to be at least in “D1″ Status.

   Bob

7. On May 1, 2008 at 10:53AM, Venthos posted:

   Agreed with NOTSURE, Thank you Bob for taking the time to post this information and keeping us in the loop. Not all of us are irrational and want these cars to be rushed so that have problems. It’s very much appreciated. Still, I hope we see people getting their cars soon

8. On May 1, 2008 at 8:08AM, NOTSURE posted:

   Bob,Thankyou for the information that you provide us all.
   It is very much appretiated!!

9. On May 1, 2008 at 1:17AM, capitalcarz posted:

   Bob, Are you kidding? “ANOTHER” production start up delay. If this keeps up, it will be ‘09 before we get our 08’s. And if the 08’s are being pushed back, then I think it would be safe to say that the 09 ordering date will be pushed back as well. Which will mean there will be even more customers or potential customers hacked off at Dodge. Read the blogs on different websites, just about everyone on every website is really upset with Dodge.

10. On Apr 30, 2008 at 10:37PM, Bob Frederick posted:

    Yes,they are listening to us about the colors that we want. Unfortunately they are limited on how many colors they can run at one time. The 300 and Charger use up some of the capacity with their own unique colors which further limits the colors for Challenger. The good news is that special colors will be phased in when possible. The Dodge marketing folks are pushing hard for more paint capacity in the plant so hopefully that will happen and we’ll have a few more choices. There is more to it than meets the eye when it comes to this stuff in a big company like Chrysler.

    As far as I know, Plastech won’t be affecting the Challenger.

    All of the orders in “D1″ went back to “D” and all the “D” status orders went back to “C” Status as Chrysler delayed the start of production by a week or so. I would say with certainty that if you have an order in “C” Status that your car is planned for production. As production gets under way this week, orders should start going back to “D” Status and some to “D1″ and beyond.

    I haven’t heard plans for an AWD Challenger.

    I hope this helps.

    Bob

11. On Apr 30, 2008 at 9:05PM, Frank Brennan posted:

    ok here we go Bob i have an 08 on order with a VON# a valid VIN# but yet it has been stuck in a C status forever and a day 4 months every week i call Chrysler and nothing has changed is this deal even gonna happen or am i just getting smoke blown up my a** hopefully you can help ease my mind.

12. On Apr 30, 2008 at 7:15PM, NOTSURE posted:

    The cars you may be seeing are reported to be
    all exec and promo cars.
    Job 1 is May 1st that is more than understandable its better they have the launch right then have issues down the road.

13. On Apr 30, 2008 at 4:39PM, rtfromnc posted:

    If production starts tentatively May 1st I wonder where are all of these pictures of Challengers on trailers and reports of people seeing them on the road coming from? Are these test vehicles?

14. On Apr 30, 2008 at 3:57PM, Greg Anderson posted:

    I had heard this this from my dealer but many are saying their cars have already shipped. Is the 1 May start production a rumor or fact from Chrysler?

15. On Apr 30, 2008 at 3:26PM, Bob Frederick posted:

    No problem with production but they did move back the first day of production until tentatively May 1st.

    Bob

16. On Apr 30, 2008 at 12:51PM, smokey posted:

    Read Bob’s response below.
    “When a vehicle is released to the shipper,the car goes to “KZ” status and we are invoiced for it immediately. It can take anywhere from a day or two up to a week or so to arrive at the dealership after “KZ” status.”

17. On Apr 30, 2008 at 10:14AM, newchallengerowner posted:

    Anyone know how long it takes to get to the dealer after you get the build date?

18. On Apr 30, 2008 at 6:34AM, smokey posted:

    Bob,Is there a problem in production?I would think trucks would be pulling out of Brampton by now. Just a sugestion but they should have a status page for us to view. Just plug in your VON# and status would be displayed. Just a thought.

19. On Apr 30, 2008 at 1:11AM, capitalcarz posted:

    What the hell??? I called Customer service today to see if I could get a build date for my 08 challenger, which is still in “D” status. I ended up talking to some guy in “INDIA” who had about as much luck speaking english as my dog would. After several repeated attempts at trying to communicate with him, I just gave up. Will this crap ever end ???? I have never seen such a mess in all my life. One day your up, and the next day your down. Welcome to yo-yo town I guess.

20. On Apr 29, 2008 at 10:57PM, NOTSURE posted:

    Will we see the Challenger made as a AWD?

21. On Apr 29, 2008 at 6:01PM, Clo posted:

    if anyone is interested in a 2009 Hemi Cuda, check out the link below

    http://www.hxcperformance.com/

    I have mine on order and can’t wait… a 426 Hemi supercharged… life is good!

22. On Apr 29, 2008 at 9:29AM, Wrench posted:

    Bob Is the plastech case with chryslerberus going to affect the production of the challenger.

23. On Apr 28, 2008 at 11:54AM, gotmineithink posted:

    My dealer is a little slow on providing information, I have to pull it out of them and I usually know more about what is going on then they do. either that, or they do not care enough to want to provide the information as long as they get their money. They already have me so what is the point of doing more?

    I call Customer Support every week, and last week I got the VIN on my 08 (last six digits are 301895) and a build date of 5/14.

24. On Apr 28, 2008 at 11:06AM, superbird posted:

    Bob,
    Any mention is Chrysler is considering any additional colors for the 09 SRT8’s? I think it odd there are more color choices for the R/T and SE than the SRT8. I know in the past you were a voice for the people screaming for additional colors and I am glad to see they added another red, a white and another silver (titanium) but are they listening to the masses screaming for retro colors?
    Tey must have people who do color style engineering analysis for detemrining the “correct” color to match the lines of a car, but come on, do they have any imagination?
    Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

25. On Apr 27, 2008 at 9:31PM, Bob Frederick posted:

    The plan to roll-out ordering for the ‘09 Challengers is tentatively around early- mid May, but that can get pushed back a little bit just like the first day of production did on the ’08’s, so it’s not definite.

    For updates on orders, as a dealer, we have a direct link to Chrysler by way of a web- based system. Dealer order status is updated daily (Mon-Fri). When a vehicle is released to the shipper,the car goes to “KZ” status and we are invoiced for it immediately. It can take anywhere from a day or two up to a week or so to arrive at the dealership after “KZ” status. The Dealership’s geographic distance from the plant can delay it even further.

    Dodge delayed production of the ’08’s a week or so. The cars in “Firm Schedule”(D1) moved back to “D” status last week, mine included, and should move back to “D1″ this week if all goes as planned. As far as serial #, it really has no real meaning as to when your car will be built- mine is #290083 and the #1 car is reportedly up in the 294000 range. The best estimate as to when your particular car will get built is the Firm Schedule Date(D1). Of course you have to wait until it moves to “D1″ to know that date.

    Bob

26. On Apr 27, 2008 at 6:09PM, tfinnell posted:

    Bob, did it go as expected & would you care to share the last 6 VIN #’s so we can see how we stand in production? Thanks

27. On Apr 27, 2008 at 12:38AM, capitalcarz posted:

    Next month I take my 1970 Hemi Cuda to the Mecum sale in Indianapolis, I just finished the car and it looks beautiful. It is a Clone car, but it is an original high performance 340 car that has undergone a complete nut and bolt restoration. I put the 472 Crate Hemi in it, the added original shaker hood,bubble set-up and original B7 paint and black top and interior.I hope it does well at the sale, because I truly love doing restorations. But I must say that it will be nice to just look at the New 08 Challenger and know that I don’t need to do a thing to it. Just enjoy it ! ! !

28. On Apr 26, 2008 at 2:43AM, NOTSURE posted:

    It is a good time to be alive and to see this actually happen isn’t it.
    Capitalcaz I can relate big time!
    A whole lot of us diehards out there are going to get their wishes answered finally after all these years.
    For a car guy this is about as good as it can get.
    To actually have a company hit the mark as they have done with the challenger it is beyond amazing.
    Just seeing the car on the road will force the public will flock into the show rooms.
    Wait till all of you guys start getting them!!
    Are you ready for your jaws to drop when you pull into the lot take delivery.I can’t wait!
    Dodge from Ive seen up close you have made a iconic statement with this car for all others to follow as you lead once again.

    The Mopar gods are smiling

29. On Apr 26, 2008 at 2:02AM, capitalcarz posted:

    Thanks Bob, we all appreciate the good news. I would venture to guess that there are now some smiling faces in the land of future challenger owners! It’s kind of like the feeling I got when my kids were born. You know,Cigars for everyone.(smile) Lite em’ if ya got em’ boys……….

30. On Apr 25, 2008 at 11:04PM, NOTSURE posted:

    Im buying an srt 09 from Bob direct for many reasons but foremost is that he is not only a great guy to get this car from but he has a passion like we do to see this car out there!
    Its guys like Bob who will get my car sales for years to come,you know how hard it is to get a dealer you can trust!
    This is the guy!
    September is not long to wait!

31. On Apr 25, 2008 at 7:36PM, smokey posted:

    Bob, How does a dealer get there updates on a vehicle? Emails/Inquirys
    Also when do they get notified vehicle is shipped. 1 Week prior or more

    Thanks

32. On Apr 25, 2008 at 5:36PM, tigilles posted:

    Bob went we can pass a order for 2009 challenger srt8 6 speds Hemi I dream that car for long time also do you know went dodge gone give info on the 09 pricing on site web.

    I waith with impatience to pass my order on my preferite dealearshipp

    do you know went dodge start the proces of production for the 09.

33. On Apr 25, 2008 at 4:51PM, Greg Anderson posted:

    Thanks for the update.

34. On Apr 25, 2008 at 4:35PM, tfinnell posted:

    My build date was bumped from 4/29 to 5/6. As of today Dodge could not verify that. I’ve been in D status since 3/27. Bob, we really appreciate your input. It helps cope with the lack of communication from Dodge.