Chrysler dealers set to service more competitor cars

Chrysler dealers set to service more competitor cars

Chrysler dealers will have an opportunity to service competing makes as the result of a three-way partnership between Chrysler’s Mopar parts division, Fiat’s parts producer Magneti Marelli and Shell Lubricants that will provide them the parts they need to do the work.

Chrysler dealers see about 2.6 million cars a year belonging to other automakers in their service lanes, according to Mopar President Pietro Gorlier.

Initially, Magneti Marelli will supply filters, brake pads, rotors, batteries, shock absorbers, wiper blades and other parts for maintenance.

Chrysler wants its dealers to compete with an average of 37 independent repair shops that border each of them. “Every dealer is surrounded by people set on eating their lunch.” Mopars Gorlier said.

The move by Chrysler is part of a broader strategy to increase Chrysler dealership service revenues that includes longer service hours and a push for more express service lanes. According to Chrysler, 72 percent of dealerships now offer Saturday service, up from 60 percent a year ago. Nearly 26 percent of all dealers now offer quick oil change and maintenance service. That is double the number a year ago. The target is 80 percent by 2014.