Yesterday, Leftlane received an anonymous tip about some troubling practices of the Chysler Group regarding new car storage and transportation in the Detroit area. While we cannot confirm the authenticity of these reports, we feel this information could be useful to consumers in ensuring their new vehicles are in good condition upon taking delivery. See the full story after the jump…
The first concern, according to our tipster, has to do with the storage of new vehicles before they arrive to dealers. His sources indicated that thousands of Chrysler vehicles were stored in less-than-ideal conditions, due to space limitations and cost cutting.
“Thousands of Chrysler vehicles were stored during the last 12 months, many times in wet muddy fields with brand-new $30k products buried up to their axles,” the tipster writes.
“The practice has currently been discontinued as the mud-caked cars were infuriating the dealers. Mud was coating the exterior, clogged in the undercarriages and slopped into the fresh interiors.”
“Buyers should be aware to thoroughly inspect their purchases (including underneath) before accepting delivery,” he advises.
The second issue is ongoing and “appears to be getting worse,” according to the tipster. “Beginning somewhere around the middle of last summer, Chysler Group, with storage and transport costs soaring, released product to an upstart driveaway service for short hauls to outgoing railheads.”
The cost-saving measure meant that the majority of stored units in Detroit are now moved over surface streets, typically twenty to thirty miles, the source said. Driveaway workers are typically younger non-professional drivers or older retirees usually working for minimum wage. Vehicles are driven from yard to yard by the dozen.
Those who have seen these “new car caravans” report of reckless driving, racing, and eating and/or smoking in transported vehicles, our source says.
“Again, it is highly recommended that buyers preparing to take delivery of new Chrysler products do an extensive inspection of their purchase before leaving the dealership.”
03/23, 11:48 AM
posted by:
WHUT
I’ve observed hundreds, if not thousands of Chryslers stored inside of 8 mile, in an open, dirt field. The last two times I’ve been by this location I thought it was a peculiar place to have new cars stored.
03/23, 12:02 PM
posted by:
BOB
WHUT, next time you see something like that take lots of pictures. it would be awesome to see a $35k 300C under two feet of mud.
03/23, 12:43 PM
posted by:
Joey D
WHUT, I know what you are talking about and I’ve seen the cars as well.
03/23, 2:16 PM
posted by:
Brian
That’s Chrysler for ya. Anyone surprised??
03/23, 2:17 PM
posted by:
Ray
Umm…this is just plain false.
03/23, 2:19 PM
posted by:
Nick
While I don’t doubt some less than ideal conditions for storage, god knows I’ve seen it from dealerships as well as a couple manufacturers in the southeast, I think the level of this reeks more of FUD than the actual truth.
03/23, 2:29 PM
posted by:
Der
like WHUT and Joey, I’ve seen cars stored in fields like this. I would not be surprised if a few sunk in the mud when it got wet.
03/23, 3:52 PM
posted by:
ali
What reputable news organization prints an unsubstantiated story from an anonymous source without at least trying to do the most minimal further investigation? As it is, it’s no better than plain old gossip. And of course, as with most gossip, the more scurrilous and shocking it is, the faster it spreads. LeftLane “news” should be ashamed of itself for not even bothering to check. Oh well, at least they said that their “story” isn’t worth %$%$ right up front
03/23, 3:57 PM
posted by:
John
LLN isn’t trying to spread rumors, they’re trying to protect buyers. They said right up front that they weren’t sure if this information was accurate, but that buyers should inspect vehicles thoroughly before buying them. Give them a break for trying to help. I’m glad they share this type of information with us. Thanks for watching out for us, LLN.
03/23, 4:09 PM
posted by:
Duck
“They said right up front that they weren’t sure if this information was accurate”
This means they are spreding rumors….
03/23, 4:12 PM
posted by:
timbo
Exactly, if you are not sure about your information than it is nothing more than rumors
03/23, 4:44 PM
posted by:
John
My point wasn’t that they weren’t spreading rumors, my point was that they didn’t find the information and go “OOOO A RUMOR! I CANT WAIT TO SPREAD IT!” They probably said “wow, if this is true, then car buyers are getting screwed. We care about car buyers (which is why we have this badass website), so lets let them know to be careful.”
Besides, isn’t about half the stuff on this website rumors anyway? Heres a few quotes: “A 911 on stilts? Porsche’s sub-Cayenne SUV rumored”, “There have been rumors recently of a “baby Cayenne,â€?” “Moreover, the report reiterates rumors that GM is planning a Chevrolet Sting Ray.”
Thats part of what this site is about– Rumors about the automotive industry. Not everything reported on this site turns out to be true, but they’re TRYING. They aren’t trying to screw anyone by spreading rumors, they’re trying to help us all out. Just relax and say “Thanks for the tip. I’ll be careful when buying a Chryseler in Detriot.”
03/23, 5:31 PM
posted by:
none
An anonymous source offered the following information to me. I can’t prove it, and won’t even take the time to look into it, but here it is:
The publishers of Left Lane News practise bestiality with dead rodents.
03/23, 5:34 PM
posted by:
Left Lane News
If you read some of the above comments they confirm the report that cars were stored in dirt lots. Therefore, it’s highly unlikely that our source’s report is fictitious. If they’re storing cars on dirt lots, then it’s very reasonable to understand the scenario put forth by the tipster.
As for the second part of the story, if it’s true they are hiring these sort of people to drive the cars, OF COURSE the cars will be abused. Have you ever seen how workers drive the cars at a factory? Let’s just say they don’t baby them.
03/23, 6:08 PM
posted by:
Ron Burgandy
Whoever posted comment #13, please, never post here again. I’m so tired of people resorting to child-like insults and immature comments on this site. Please, be mature and keep the comments relevant. Come on, I’m 19 and I know better than to waste peoples time by posting garbage like that.
To LLN, I’d like to apologize for people like that, and request that you kindly ignore them, and continue posting information like this. Those few idiots who think that its OK to vandalize these message boards with their ignorant nonsense do not represent the majority of us, who truly respect and appreciate the service you provide us car enthusiasts/consumers. I’m sorry you actually had to defend yourself a moment ago, as this is not the kind of thing you should have been attacked over. Again, thanks for all that you do. Keep up the good work.
You stay classy, Left Lane News.
03/23, 6:36 PM
posted by:
Ahk-Med
It’s not uncommon to see dealers in SoCal stuff their overflow inventory where ever they’ll fit, including dirt lots. Personally, I’d be very suprised to see factory fresh inventory sitting in a dirt lot.
I’ve seen brand new Toyota’s sitting in a weed covered dirt lot directly across the street from Toyota’s NA headquarters in Torrance, CA. I’m fairly confident that the cars belonged to the dealer down the street, but it’s interesting to see nonetheless.
03/23, 7:36 PM
posted by:
blkstratus
everyone seems surprised by this… im quite sure there alot of extra bs in here.. but yeah companys store the new cars in dirt lots.. obviously if it rains it gets dirty… But ive seen Gm, DC, Ford, Honda, and Toyota car brand new sitting in dirt lots.. lets not pic on one manufacture when many others do the same practice…
03/23, 9:46 PM
posted by:
Ray
I once saw a dirty car. It really needed a bath. I hope someone gave it one.