It is a story we have all heard time and time again. A limited-run model is announced by an automaker and certain dealerships take advantage of this by marking up the price. Dodge had come up with a clever solution to prevent dealers from doing this with the upcoming Challenger SRT Demon by pushing their orders to the back of the line if they decide to mark up the price. But never underestimate dealers to find a way around this.
Automotive News reports that various dealers are using intermediaries on eBay to auction off the right to purchase one of their allocated Demons. Last week, eBay had auctions by intermediaries that represent dealers in Louisana, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The minimum bid to have the privilege of later paying sticker ranged $10,000 to $22,500. Completed auctions showed buyers were willing to pay $20,000 to $75,000 over sticker price. It should be noted that eBay doesn't indicate whether or not the transactions were carried out or not.
An intermediate that was contacted by Automotive News said that he had an outside relationship with the dealer and that "there will be somebody directly from the dealership contacting the winning bidder prior to any money being exchanged so that the deal is understood from both sides."
A source at FCA tells the publication the company is "monitoring" dealer actions, but there is little they can do about this.
Some dealers it should be noted are trying to reach a moral comprise of sorts. Bill Marsh Chrysler in Traverse City is auctioning off the right to buy their Demon to existing customers. The amount will be donated to four local charities. The Demon itself will be sold for $1 under the sticker price.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
-3707742431.jpg.06edf8e14f4ccf35c60d4774a543cc11.jpg)
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.