Last week, CDG News published an article discussing the state of Stellantis’ $STLA ( ▲ 3.65% ) much-scrutinized turnaround plan. And many dealers we talked to are confident that the automaker can reclaim some at least of its former success.
Josh Clinton, managing partner of Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR is owned by Stellantis) agrees.
What they're saying: "There's really nothing but positives," Clinton told Daily Dealer Live hosts Sam D’Arc and Uli de’ Martino. "I think Antonio Filosa has a really strong vision for the company. Seeing Tim Kuniskis come back—I mean, what dealer wasn't excited about that?"
However, Clinton also admits there are a few things breaking at the operational level that need to be addressed now.
Driving the news: Clinton is achieving 145% of his market share responsibility right now. That ranks his store seventh in the region and 27th in the country. But to hit lucrative bonus tiers, Stellantis needs him above 200%.
"I don't feel that that's a fair ask," he said. "I'm a guy that wants to chase every number. I want to be number one, don't get me wrong, but it has to be within reason."
The bigger problem: Clinton says that these programs thrive off of a race-to-bottom mindset and Stellantis should "reconsider the stair step volume as the basis to dealer income."
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So, instead: He wants Stellantis to figure out the upcoming product pipeline faster.
"Cherokee. That is, I think every Stellantis dealer is starving for a midsize SUV that can be competitive in the market," he said. "I mean, it's the largest segment in the country and we don't play in it."
On top of that, the Durango runs on a nine-year-old platform with no refresh coming for another two to three years.
The reality: None of this works without better reliability and quality control.
“I think they've done their best to make changes, and improve that over the last five, six years that I've been with Stellantis, but it still continues to be problematic. And as these cars get more and more complex, this isn't just a Stellantis issue. It's an everybody issue,” said Clinton.
Bottom line: Clinton is optimistic because the pieces are moving in the right direction.
"The OEM is your partner. You have to recognize you guys are in it together. Now, that doesn't mean you shouldn't air your grievances. They have to listen. That's the key," he explained.
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