The Mother Ship Speaks

[jenfowler78]

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.

I have a Black Copper/Dune SXP I'm waiting on and I had that same exact thought -- I'm getting the unicorn. I have to admit that I was a little sad to see that color being offered on lower trims for the 21MY. Having some things remain exclusive to the SX/SXP trims is nice. But, I get it, so I can't complain too much.

 

[JerseySXP]

I have a Black Copper/Dune SXP I'm waiting on and I had that same exact thought -- I'm getting the unicorn. I have to admit that I was a little sad to see that color being offered on lower trims for the 21MY. Having some things remain exclusive to the SX/SXP trims is nice. But, I get it, so I can't complain too much.

Pretty solid combo.

I am starting to trend away from wanting Boss Moss since it will be the most common color after Black when all is said and done. That is a major assumption and noted based on reviewing any factual data. Mistake me if I'm wrong.

 

[miller8731]

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.

So they are producing 80 more S Tellurides for dealerships across the country? Any idea if this is for already-allocated orders or is it in excess of that? I have a 2020 S that still has an ETA of 7/1 with no VIN generated yet, so I'm just trying to understand how this impacts my odds of actually getting it!

 

[jw_tx21]

Pretty solid combo.

I am starting to trend away from wanting Boss Moss since it will be the most common color after Black when all is said and done. That is a major assumption and noted based on reviewing any factual data. Mistake me if I'm wrong.

Actually, in line with overall car stats, white is the most common followed by shades of grey and then black. Then Moss. Yes, BC is rare now, but will increase in popularity next year. Either way, can't go wrong! I really like the Moss. Lots of depth to the color. BC is similar.

Kia Telluride US production stats. by trim and colors

If you look at the sales mix - a larger percentage of Tellurides have been SX models - and many of those with the Prestige package. If anyone had said two years ago that KIA would have trouble filling orders for a $50K vehicle...they would have been laughed out of the room. Did KIA...

tellurideforum.org

______________________________

 

[Lucas & Craig]

So they are producing 80 more S Tellurides for dealerships across the country? Any idea if this is for already-allocated orders or is it in excess of that? I have a 2020 S that still has an ETA of 7/1 with no VIN generated yet, so I'm just trying to understand how this impacts my odds of actually getting it!

All we know is that approximately 80 additional units are being made available. I would not read too deep into that. In the big picture it's like saying it might snow Monday.

 

[jw_tx21]

All we know is that approximately 80 additional units are being made available. I would not read too deep into that. In the big picture it's like saying it might snow Monday.

Considering that there are over 700 dealers ... for sure.

 

[mcbrains001]

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

Back in April I was trying to get a SX and southwest kia in TX had it for 53K. I asked them why so much and they blatantly told me because of the high demand. I walked away. Then weeks later almost all their sales folks started calling to find out if i want to still buy the SX because they have more in stock now. Told ive found a better dealer (Moritz Kia) with no markups and saved myself over 3K.

 

[StephenCantrelle]

So they are producing 80 more S Tellurides for dealerships across the country? Any idea if this is for already-allocated orders or is it in excess of that? I have a 2020 S that still has an ETA of 7/1 with no VIN generated yet, so I'm just trying to understand how this impacts my odds of actually getting it!

The Telluride S models were already assigned to dealerships as 2020’s.. Kia moved them to 2021’s and then afterwards figured out they have enough parts to make these remaining Tellurides S models. My store had 1 2020 S model get moved over to a 2021.... now it has been moved back to a 2020.

*Sorry missed a 2nd memo that states some additional 2020 S models will be allocated to dealers.. so a few fresh units will be committed as well but seems like a low number

______________________________

 

[Lucas & Craig]

Back in April I was trying to get a SX and southwest kia in TX had it for 53K. I asked them why so much and they blatantly told me because of the high demand. I walked away. Then weeks later almost all their sales folks starting calling to find out if i want to still buy the SX because they more in stock now. Told ive found a better dealer (Moritz Kia) with no markups and saved myself over 3K.

I've yet to come across someone who's paid 10-15k over and felt like they hit the lottery with the elusive Telluride.

 

[JerseySXP]

The Telluride S models were already assigned to dealerships as 2020’s.. Kia moved them to 2021’s and then afterwards figured out they have enough parts to make these remaining Tellurides S models. My store had 1 2020 S model get moved over to a 2021.... now it has been moved back to a 2020.

Stores are not getting additional S model Tellurides they are simply making for stores who had assigned S models that had crossed over to 2021’s.

Music to my ears!! Combing through the plant to finish off the remaining 2020 vehicles...literally scraping parts together - haha.

Come on 2021s baby!

 

[jw_tx21]

I've yet to come across someone who's paid 10-15k over and felt like they hit the lottery with the elusive Telluride.

There was one person on the forum who admitted to +$10k and he was initially happy. But, I think after he thought about it more ... he had a bit of remorse. Nevertheless, he was happy with the Telluride. His story was crazy... they essentially "stole" his nice trade in. Oh well, that's part of the game.

 

[Lucas & Craig]

There was one person on the forum who admitted to +$10k and he was initially happy. But, I think after he thought about it more ... he had a bit of remorse. Nevertheless, he was happy with the Telluride. His story was crazy... they essentially "stole" his nice trade in. Oh well, that's part of the game.

It's all coming back to me. Traded in a SUV for like $10k but still paid sticker.

______________________________

 

[Idicula Samuel]

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.


Here is the review I gave them when they tried to sneak in more money for a preordered car at MSRP and waited for 5 months.

Stick to your word. Respect your customer. No car sale should result in a permanent loss of customer- mind you my other cars are Lexus and Infiniti. I do now realize you buy more than a car and they value you as customer. I gave them 10 plus years of service business. Mind you i will not give Central Kia even one oil change.

Here is what is happening - Kia cars are getting better but service is still the same at the generic below basic mentality folks. Wearing a suit don't clean your attitude up.

 

[JP#]

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...

KIA lack of keeping their customers updated on communication for Telluride orders is horrible and pathetic. These high markup Telly do have problems and will need service from time to time. Makes me think that the lack of customer service at the dealership will continue long after the purchased date.

 

[JerseySXP]

Lets just say that Kia is going to dethrone Honda/Toyota in the next 3-5 years...along the lines of Samsung/LG (Korean Companies) unseating Panasonic & Sony (Japanese companies)...Panasonic who?

Then these dealers who are acting professionally, and with decency may find themselves very happy (and wealthy) if they think long term...just sayin'.

 

[MarcinTexas]

Lets just say that Kia is going to dethrone Honda/Toyota in the next 3-5 years...along the lines of Samsung/LG (Korean Companies) unseating Panasonic & Sony (Japanese companies)...Panasonic who?

Then these dealers who are acting professionally, and with decency may find themselves very happy (and wealthy) if they think long term...just sayin'.

I have been saying this for a couple of years. The trajectory that Hundai/KIA/Genesis are on - it to eclipse the Japanese brands in terms of design, quality and value.

______________________________

 

[NDBlackEX]

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'm guessing that with other models like Sedona and Sorento, the lower end of the lines are the volume sellers. I don't see nearly as many SX Sorentos as I do LX running around.

People buy Sedonas because they're the more affordable option and the Sorento is kind of a tweener in the SUV market. (The biggest available for Kia loyalists)

The Telluride stacks up against its competition apples to apples. It's not so much of a niche vehicle like some of the Kia lineup. The mistake they made was trying to align their production with what they normally sell rather than what the segment sells. I'm not saying the top of the line model is always the volume leader in the 3 row class but it seems to be a higher percentage than say, midsize SUVs.

I'm betting Kia wondered if they were going to be able to draw different kinds of buyers to their brand. (They really don't seriously compete with with class leaders with any of their models.) In my opinion, had they gone with a more traditionally Kia looking interior, it wouldn't be nearly as popular.

So, that's probably the route they took and with what it takes to line up all the components needed to build a vehicle, changing gears isn't easy to do. They found out early that demand for higher trims was much greater than expected and then it turned into a scramble to accumulate the parts to build them. The other thing is that you can't really shelve parts for the other trims, you have to build the majority of what you planned to build.

 

[MarcinTexas]

I'm guessing that with other models like Sedona and Sorento, the lower end of the lines are the volume sellers. I don't see nearly as many SX Sorentos as I do LX running around.

People buy Sedonas because they're the more affordable option and the Sorento is kind of a tweener in the SUV market. (The biggest available for Kia loyalists)

The Telluride stacks up against its competition apples to apples. It's not so much of a niche vehicle like some of the Kia lineup. The mistake they made was trying to align their production with what they normally sell rather than what the segment sells. I'm not saying the top of the line model is always the volume leader in the 3 row class but it seems to be a higher percentage than say, midsize SUVs.

I'm betting Kia wondered if they were going to be able to draw different kinds of buyers to their brand. (They really don't seriously compete with with class leaders with any of their models.) In my opinion, had they gone with a more traditionally Kia looking interior, it wouldn't be nearly as popular.

So, that's probably the route they took and with what it takes to line up all the components needed to build a vehicle, changing gears isn't easy to do. They found out early that demand for higher trims was much greater than expected and then it turned into a scramble to accumulate the parts to build them. The other thing is that you can't really shelve parts for the other trims, you have to build the majority of what you planned to build.

Good assessment. That said - I think the new Optima (K5), Sorento and Sedona are headed in the same trajectory as the Telluride. They are going after the level of quality that made the Telluride a success. If in the market for a mid size sedan - the new K5 is a standout. The GT especially looks to be better than anything Toyota or Honda have in terms of features, style and performance. I just hope KIA has figured out the production issues as they get ready for 2021 production next month.

 

[Dredre3]

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.

Absolutely agree with this. Just dealt with a dealer yesterday on the east coast that was trying to charge me $10k more than what the car is listed at and then proceeded to tell me that I was going to pay that everywhere and that production on the Telluride has been completely stopped and good luck to me on finding one. Seriously couldnt believe it. Some of these dealers who are treating people this way are going to ruin the reputation of Kia, no matter how good of a car the Telluride is. Really unfortunate!

 

[NDBlackEX]

Good assessment. That said - I think the new Optima (K5), Sorento and Sedona are headed in the same trajectory as the Telluride. They are going after the level of quality that made the Telluride a success. If in the market for a mid size sedan - the new K5 is a standout. The GT especially looks to be better than anything Toyota or Honda have in terms of features, style and performance. I just hope KIA has figured out the production issues as they get ready for 2021 production next month.

They definitely need to stack a few good models on top of each other if they want to gain ground on their competitors. There's not much of a sample size to judge reliability and quality off of as far as the Telluride is concerned. I was impressed by the seltos when I sat in one so it seems that they are trending upward. Time will tell.

Production capacity could be an issue as they grow. It certainly has been an issue with the Telluride.

This vehicle seems to be attracting buyers from other brands and the quality of the Telluride as it ages will likely play a factor in Kia's growth the next few years. Personally, Kia doesn't have the track record that makes me want to replace my garage full of Hondas with Kias right now. If people have good luck with their Telluride, they may look at Kia for their next vehicle. If not, people may never come back to the brand. The Telluride could prove to be pivotal for Kia.

I have some friends in the market for a big SUV and I suggested they look at the Telluride. They wouldn't even consider it because it was a Kia. They're probably going to be beating down the doors at the Kia dealer once I take them for a ride in mine though.