The Mother Ship Speaks

[Lucas & Craig]

Got a note that (80) 2020 S Tellurides are being made available as they wind down 2020 production. This is for all dealers so very slim chance we can get one or two. I suspect that they had all of the parts/suppliers on deck to crank these out. All the info we have for now but I will keep you updated if we hear anything.

 

[Schlegel]

Got a note that (80) 2020 S Tellurides are being made available as they wind down 2020 production. This is for all dealers so very slim chance we can get one or two. I suspect that they had all of the parts/suppliers on deck to crank these out. All the info we have for now but I will keep you updated if we hear anything.

Thanks for the LATEST & GREATEST info. from stupendous team!

 

[Lucas & Craig]

Thanks for the LATEST & GREATEST info. from stupendous team!

Not much but it is info.

 

[NDBlackEX]

There seemed to be quite a run on S and LX models on the lookup site for a couple days there. I assumed they have parts to build those or are looking to target the backlog of orders on the lower trims to wind down production since it seems that more of the higher trims are getting pushed to 21s.

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[jenfowler78]

I noticed there was a long run on Black interior the last few days. No Dune and just a few Grey. I had assumed pretty much what you both have assumed -- they have the parts and are trying to crank out to end production for 2020. I am really hoping supply issues for the 2021s will not be an issue and they are already stockpiling so they can start cranking them out in mass.

 

[MarcinTexas]

it seems that more of the higher trims are getting pushed to 21s.

So the problem that continues to plague the Telluride (not enough of the trims people want) is just getting pushed to the 2021 model year. Most folks that have been waiting long waits (6+ months) are waiting for the SX and SXP.

KIA needs to find a way to get production of these trims up. Way up. The thing I don't understand is they make the most money off these trims - so you would think it would be in their best interest to do this. I'm talking push production of the SX and SXP to 50% of their daily volume until they clear the backlog for those of us wanting one. I am seeing more and more frustration from folks on this forum - and many of those are wanting an SX/SXP. They desperately need to fix this issue.

 

[Lucas & Craig]

So the problem that continues to plague the Telluride (not enough of the trims people want) is just getting pushed to the 2021 model year. Most folks that have been waiting long waits (6+ months) are waiting for the SX and SXP.

KIA needs to find a way to get production of these trims up. Way up. The thing I don't understand is they make the most money off these trims - so you would think it would be in their best interest to do this. I'm talking push production of the SX and SXP to 50% of their daily volume until they clear the backlog for those of us wanting one. I am seeing more and more frustration from folks on this forum - and many of those are wanting an SX/SXP. They desperately need to fix this issue.

I think that is the plan for 21. At least that is what the discussion has been.

 

[jenfowler78]

So the problem that continues to plague the Telluride (not enough of the trims people want) is just getting pushed to the 2021 model year. Most folks that have been waiting long waits (6+ months) are waiting for the SX and SXP.

KIA needs to find a way to get production of these trims up. Way up. The thing I don't understand is they make the most money off these trims - so you would think it would be in their best interest to do this. I'm talking push production of the SX and SXP to 50% of their daily volume until they clear the backlog for those of us wanting one. I am seeing more and more frustration from folks on this forum - and many of those are wanting an SX/SXP. They desperately need to fix this issue.

I have to imagine (hope) that since it seems primarily the outstanding orders on the SX and SXP are getting pushed to 2021MY, that the first couple months of production would be primarily (again, hopefully) over 50% -- even 75% of their daily output. I also have to also assume they are banking on some backlogged orders changing to the blackout edition which I keep seeing people state this is coming later.

I read an article somewhere too, that Kia is learning that they missed on how popular and how willing people would be to spend the extra $$ on the higher trims, so I really hope that means they're planning correctly for 2021MY.

I really just hope we're all pleasantly surprised and that supply chain issues go away.

I really do appreciate all the insiders sharing all the info they have, even the tiniest little bits help keep me optimistic.

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[JerseySXP]

Great sign of them gearing up for 2021 production...

Let's hope that the mid-July delivery date for old 2020 orders being transitioned to 2021s comes true.

 

[MarcinTexas]

I think that is the plan for 21. At least that is what the discussion has been.

I sincerely hope so. At this point - KIA risk losing sales as these waits drag out longer and longer. Thankfully my wife's car is holding on...but at nearly 10 years old - if something happens to it before the car I ordered in January is ready I will have to go to a plan B. I really hope that doesn't happen. The Telluride is what we want.

It would be good to see a KIA rep on here - I really hope they have someone that visits these forums as they need to see the frustration they are causing due to the inability to build what buyers want. Yeah - COVID-19 hurt things - but their inventory management and production mix was a problem long before COVID-19.

 

[JerseySXP]

I sincerely hope so. At this point - KIA risk losing sales as these waits drag out longer and longer. Thankfully my wife's car is holding on...but at nearly 10 years old - if something happens to it before the car I ordered in January is ready I will have to go to a plan B. I really hope that doesn't happen. The Telluride is what we want.

It would be good to see a KIA rep on here - I really hope they have someone that visits these forums as they need to see the frustration they are causing due to the inability to build what buyers want. Yeah - COVID-19 hurt things - but their inventory management and production mix was a problem long before COVID-19.

Being a part of the Rivian Forums as well - Rivian does a great job at staying afloat on what the community is discussing in those forums...

I would assume that Kia Manufacturning, and C-Suite employees would keep an eye on this forum...for their own benefit...

 

[Lucas & Craig]

Being a part of the Rivian Forums as well - Rivian does a great job at staying afloat on what the community is discussing in those forums...

I would assume that Kia Manufacturning, and C-Suite employees would keep an eye on this forum...for their own benefit...

Trust me, they do.

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[mrmac]

We must keep in mind that the lower priced models will sell fast, no matter what, so there is less risk to KIA by manufacturing them in higher quantities.

As a consumer, I love that my Black Copper SXP is rare and highly desirable. I selfishly hope it stays that way.

 

[MarcinTexas]

Trust me, they do.

Yet they continue to send inventory to dealers that have SXP's on their lot with huge market adjustments (that don't benefit KIA at all - in fact one could argue hurts their reputation long term) while not giving allocation to dealerships with sold orders with customers waiting close to a year for their SXP's. That just doesn't make sense.

 

[F2BT]

Trust me, they do.

That’s good to hear. Not to harp on it, and with a great deal of respect to honest dealers like yourself and a few other guys on this forum, KIA needs to hear that a large number of their dealerships and salespeople are doing a horrific job of representing the brand. I’m on the West Coast, but I can only imagine there are similar situations elsewhere. I don’t fault the markups, I get it, if you can sell it for that, why not try. I don’t personally agree with that, as I’d rather have happy customers who came back to me in the future than customers who got what they wanted but felt they were taken for a bit of a ride. Still, the main issue is how many of the salesmen are treating people. A lot of them have an attitude about the Telluride, a swagger if you will, which is fine. It’s an excellent car. But you shouldn’t let that attitude carry over into your dealings with customers. I’ve found many dealers here on the West Coast aren’t just marking up, they’re also treating interested buyers poorly and criticizing them when they balk at $3-5,000 markups, insinuating they can’t afford the car if they aren’t willing to pay, or that they can take their business elsewhere if they don’t like the markups. Of course, this isn’t unreasonable at face value, but the tone across the board has been one of total apathy toward interested buyers, because (for now) they know they can sell the Telluride.

Anyways, not directed at you Jason, just following up on your point. Hopefully Kia recognizes the dealerships that value their customers and rewards them. For the others, I wouldn’t mind seeing them reap what they’ve sown.

 

[MarcinTexas]

We must keep in mind that the lower priced models will sell fast, no matter what, so there is less risk to KIA by manufacturing them in higher quantities.

As a consumer, I love that my Black Copper SXP is rare and highly desirable. I selfishly hope it stays that way.

Yeah - I get that. But one way KIA could keep some exclusively is offering colors on the SXP that are exclusive to the trim - while keeping production high. For example - Black Copper - I have yet to see one in person. So yours will remain relatively rare.

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[Lucas & Craig]

Hope these dealers with massive mark up's get to enjoy looking at them parked like flower pots. Expensive lot decorations.

 

[MarcinTexas]

That’s good to hear. Not to harp on it, and with a great deal of respect to honest dealers like yourself and a few other guys on this forum, KIA needs to hear that a large number of their dealerships and salespeople are doing a horrific job of representing the brand. I’m on the West Coast, but I can only imagine there are similar situations elsewhere. I don’t fault the markups, I get it, if you can sell it for that, why not try. I don’t personally agree with that, as I’d rather have happy customers who came back to me in the future than customers who got what they wanted but felt they were taken for a bit of a ride. Still, the main issue is how many of the salesmen are treating people. A lot of them have an attitude about the Telluride, a swagger if you will, which is fine. It’s an excellent car. But you shouldn’t let that attitude carry over into your dealings with customers. I’ve found many dealers here on the West Coast aren’t just marking up, they’re also treating interested buyers poorly and criticizing them when they balk at $3-5,000 markups, insinuating they can’t afford the car if they aren’t willing to pay, or that they can take their business elsewhere if they don’t like the markups. Of course, this isn’t unreasonable at face value, but the tone across the board has been one of total apathy toward interested buyers, because (for now) they know they can sell the Telluride.

Anyways, not directed at you Jason, just following up on your point. Hopefully Kia recognizes the dealerships that value their customers and rewards them. For the others, I wouldn’t mind seeing them reap what they’ve sown.

Couldn't agree more. One of the local dealerships here in San Antonio treated me the same way about their mark up when I tried to buy an SXP back in January. Treated me like I had a disease when I balked at paying the mark up. Thankfully I found @StephenCantrelle who is honest and helpful. There are others like him on the forum - but it seems most KIA dealerships still think they don't have to work for your business because for years they were the go to brand for entry level sales. KIA corporate needs to engage with these dealerships and train them how to work with more discriminating buyers.

 

[F2BT]

Hope these dealers with massive mark up's get to enjoy looking at them parked like flower pots. Expensive lot decorations.

Agreed. For now they have the advantage of desire and scarcity, but those are usually temporary. Dissatisfied customers have much more permanent memories.

 

[F2BT]

Couldn't agree more. One of the local dealerships here in San Antonio treated me the same way about their mark up when I tried to buy an SXP back in January. Treated me like I had a disease when I balked at paying the mark up. Thankfully I found @StephenCantrelle who is honest and helpful. There are others like him on the forum - but it seems most KIA dealerships still think they don't have to work for your business because for years they were the go to brand for entry level sales. KIA corporate needs to engage with these dealerships and train them how to work with more discriminating buyers.

You’re right. It’s encouraging to see people like Jason and Stephen working with customers. That’s the smart play, but it’s more work and sometimes, less reward in the short term. It’s still the right way to conduct business, and it’s just respectable in general.