Kia purchase, dealer info

[onemoreday55]

I'm simply curious, or should I say, maybe a bit disappointed.

I put my money down on a 2023 Telluride, August, 2022, and was told the manufacturer was requesting dealers tell the perspective customers at the time, delivery would be in 8 months. The dealer did say some were coming in at the 4-5 month range, but not likely. My 8 months, at initial sign-up, would be May, 2023. I'd asked him at the time, what was the problem with production - was it the chips as with other manufacturers. I was told no, that Kia makes their own chips; it was some plastics and seat leathers that seemed to be some of the issues.

Monday, April 10, I called the dealer, as I'd not heard from him in several weeks. I was told it may likely be July before my vehicle would be delivered. I asked if the "ordered" cars were the first to be built, rather than just dealer stock, to which he remarked, "yes". I too realize, or this was the case originally, the customer had to order the vehicle regardless, as dealers couldn't keep them on the lot - they were so popular. The dealer did reflect there was a slump in production between November and February, but they'd stepped up production in March and were seeing results.

My dealer is from a smaller town, Granbury, Texas, outside the DFW area, rather than in the metroplex; I chose him as I could save 3k on the purchase from local stock.

Can anyone give me more info? Does the delay sound kosher and reasonable? I'd hate to start over at this juncture, especially since I can save a few grand on the purchase. As best I've found, the dealership has a good rating, and comes highly recommended. I could have incorrect information.

Many thanks on any response.

Freda

 

[StephenCantrelle]

I'm simply curious, or should I say, maybe a bit disappointed.

I put my money down on a 2023 Telluride, August, 2022, and was told the manufacturer was requesting dealers tell the perspective customers at the time, delivery would be in 8 months. The dealer did say some were coming in at the 4-5 month range, but not likely. My 8 months, at initial sign-up, would be May, 2023. I'd asked him at the time, what was the problem with production - was it the chips as with other manufacturers. I was told no, that Kia makes their own chips; it was some plastics and seat leathers that seemed to be some of the issues.

Monday, April 10, I called the dealer, as I'd not heard from him in several weeks. I was told it may likely be July before my vehicle would be delivered. I asked if the "ordered" cars were the first to be built, rather than just dealer stock, to which he remarked, "yes". I too realize, or this was the case originally, the customer had to order the vehicle regardless, as dealers couldn't keep them on the lot - they were so popular. The dealer did reflect there was a slump in production between November and February, but they'd stepped up production in March and were seeing results.

My dealer is from a smaller town, Granbury, Texas, outside the DFW area, rather than in the metroplex; I chose him as I could save 3k on the purchase from local stock.

Can anyone give me more info? Does the delay sound kosher and reasonable? I'd hate to start over at this juncture, especially since I can save a few grand on the purchase. As best I've found, the dealership has a good rating, and comes highly recommended. I could have incorrect information.

Many thanks on any response.

Freda

Are you still waiting on your first Telluride? Or have you gotten one and waiting for another? I think you been waiting since the 21MY switch over to the 22MY

 

[onemoreday55]

Are you still waiting on your first Telluride? Or have you gotten one and waiting for another? I think you been waiting since the 21MY switch over to the 22MY

This is my first. I originally ordered in May, 21, a 22 model, but had to cancel theorder due to personal circumstances. I reordered, August, 22, for a 2023 model, as I was told they'd start making the 23s in September. Was I misled?

 

[onemoreday55]

I still see no firm reply to my original question.

After no responses here, I reached out to 3 different local dealers, and was told a variety of things that were holding up the process: 1) the Georgia plant shut down, November through January, 2023, - why, I was not told; I was told plant management ramped up production some time in March or early April, to further meet demand; 2), there was a significant storm in the area, potentially damaging 13,000 vehicles. Plant personnel were in the process of inspecting all 13,000 cars, to determine the extent of any damage, before making determinations regarding any required repairs, or further transport to dealers; 3) Plant management, or the company itself, determines what models of the Telluride encompass the 100% manufactured in a selected time frame, based on sales - in essence, 6% appear to be the SX with all whistles and bells, 15%, each, for the EX and one other model are created, and the remaining percentages for the other models. Fair enough, and since I ordered an EX with the Ex premium package, I'm pleased I'm in the higher bracket; 4) There's a "Turn & Earn" policy: the dealerships who sell the most get the orders faster, regardless of when said customer places their order. While I realize that's the nature of the beast, it is very unfair, when you're told your order was placed August 15th, for example, the dealer tells you it will be 8 months before your vehicle is delivered, based on several factors at the time, so, your vehicle should be delivered no later than May. Could we call this "false advertising? YA THINK!!

In my opinion, it will do me no good to start over with a larger, more popular dealership, as now they're telling customers, it could be one year or more before the current orders are delivered. Not acceptable, in my humble opinion.

I realize many factors lead to delays in production (mostly, the lack of the ability to get required materials for the orders, as well as ongoing contract disputes with suppliers), nearly all out of the customers' and the dealer's control. Too, since Kia is supposedly a Korean company, if North and South Korea start saber rattling again, and it comes to a head, the company officials could easily halt production the the US entirely. We're no longer the world's friends.

So, to answer my original questions, can someone, any one, please shed any light on the issue? I'd really appreciate any wise counsel. As you might imagine, I'm very disappointed, and almost sorry I started this process. As I've said for many months, customer service is dead!! It left the building with Elvis, and he's been dead since 1977!!

Please advise, and be kind.