GRANDVIEW, Mo. - Dumped by Chrysler, the clock is ticking for a handful of metro dealers scrambling to unload inventory. The climate translates into great deals if you are in the market for a new car or truck.
Weinberg Dodge in Grandview is trying to unload about 100 new vehicles by June 9--the day Chrysler is cutting the cord. The way the family-owned business sees it: the cars will be sold to competing dealers at huge discounts in a few weeks, or buyers can scoop up the same bargains before the deadline arrives.
"Right now, we're stuck retailing everything we can possibly sell," said General Manager Frank Clinton. "For anyone in the market for a new Dodge, you couldn't have picked a better time."
The Weinberg family has been in the auto business since the 1930's and the location at 13100 71 Highway has been around more than four decades. That is why the letter that arrived last Thursday from Chrysler caught the dealership off guard.
"We tried to plan for the worst but until you actually see it in writing... it was pretty disheartening," said Clinton.
Across town at Lee's Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep, 1051 Oldham Parkway, there is evidence drivers are seizing their window of opportunity.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mark Twidwell showed up to get an oil change for his '07 Dodge Charger. Minutes later, he was signing paperwork, and driving away with a new '09 model. Twidwell said he talked to a salesman, learning he could get a lower interest rate and save about $100 per month on his payment.
"I'm doing this because I'm cutting down on costs. I get a brand-new car for a good deal," Twidwell said. "I mean, it's an American company. I'd like to keep us buying American if we can."
The Lee's Summit dealership survived Chrysler's round of cuts and will be around as the auto giant drives into the future. There will also be less competition around the metro.
"It was a sad day for a lot of friend I've known over the years," said Steve Landers, who owns the Lee's Summit location along with other regional dealerships. "But Chrysler will be much stronger going forward with a much stronger dealer body."
Back in Grandview, the Weinberg family plans to stay in business, with or without Dodge. The dealership will not close its doors for good on June 9. Instead, the business plans to sell used cars and do service and repair work for long-time customers.
The major difference: there will be no warranty-related work and the business name will likely change to "Weinberg Motors."
"We're dedicated to Grandview. We're going to be here for the community we've served for years and years," said Clinton.
