2024 packages, beginning of the end

[Aj58]

Stellantis has already said that they want to make their operation more efficient. It looks like bundling all of the packages together is the first step. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them severely limit custom orders in the future like the other companies (Toyota)

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[Rahkmalla]

I wouldn’t be surprised to see them severely limit custom orders in the future

i would. One of the benefits of bundling options together to improve build efficiency is custom orders become easier to build as well. we're down to 3 trims and a removal of a large portion of a la carte options. how complicated could any custom order be?

I'd be more worried about additional option streamlining than the removal of retail orders.

 

[Sandevino]

Honda made this change decades ago and it worked out well for them. Base, LX, EX, EX-L and minor variants build off the latter and it’s simple. Their customer base is significantly different from Jeep but I can imagine the economy of scale Stellantis would realize making this change, but what would it cost them.

 

[WoolyKris]

Sounds like Stellantis just learned about 6s concepts lol. If anything streamlining operations will help Jeep with build quality issues. In an ideal world this should translate to lower production cost, but I doubt we will see that on the consumer end.

 

[Phishs]

Have yall every went on Toyota's website and built a Tacoma? It is so confusing. They have around 20 packages that are all similar except one thing here and there. I do prefer the way Jeep has done it and these new packages take away from that some but not as confusing and jumbled as Toyota, and Chevy too for that matter. I have never built a car on Ford, etc.

 

[Rahkmalla]

Have yall every went on Toyota's website and built a Tacoma? It is so confusing. They have around 20 packages that are all similar except one thing here and there. I do prefer the way Jeep has done it and these new packages take away from that some but not as confusing and jumbled as Toyota, and Chevy too for that matter. I have never built a car on Ford, etc.

Yea, toyota's web builder isn't the greatest. instead of picking individual packages, you have to pick one package of packages. Though to their credit the packages are much cheaper than Jeep or a lot of other manufacturers out there. My wife's rav4's panaramic sunroof was only $500 more than the regular sunroof, whereas with other mnfr's it's usually at least $1800 more. Makes it a touch easier when you realize this and enter the toyota builder with the understanding that your best bet is probably the fully loaded version of each trim.

 

[Phishs]

Yea, toyota's web builder isn't the greatest. instead of picking individual packages, you have to pick one package of packages. Though to their credit the packages are much cheaper than Jeep or a lot of other manufacturers out there. My wife's rav4's panaramic sunroof was only $500 more than the regular sunroof, whereas with other mnfr's it's usually at least $1800 more. Makes it a touch easier when you realize this and enter the toyota builder with the understanding that your best bet is probably the fully loaded version of each trim.

True. It takes some studying and time for sure though.

 

[Aj58]

Have yall every went on Toyota's website and built a Tacoma? It is so confusing. They have around 20 packages that are all similar except one thing here and there. I do prefer the way Jeep has done it and these new packages take away from that some but not as confusing and jumbled as Toyota, and Chevy too for that matter. I have never built a car on Ford, etc.

the “web builder” is just a tool to show what you can potentially get. But the reality is that Toyota limits custom orders and it’s not entirely easy to get as custom of a build like Jeep offers. Came across this article talking to it in a little more detail. It does make sense to me because years ago I was trying to build a car only to be told by every Toyota dealership I contacted they couldn’t order it.

https://jalopnik.com/actually-getting-that-all-new-tacoma-with-a-manual-is-n-1850456148

 

[Phishs]

the “web builder” is just a tool to show what you can potentially get. But the reality is that Toyota limits custom orders and it’s not entirely easy to get as custom of a build like Jeep offers. Came across this article talking to it in a little more detail. It does make sense to me because years ago I was trying to build a car only to be told by every Toyota dealership I contacted they couldn’t order it.

https://jalopnik.com/actually-getting-that-all-new-tacoma-with-a-manual-is-n-1850456148

wow

 

[Aj58]

And this link directly from Toyota.

https://support.toyota.com/s/article/If-the-dealer-doesnt-7809?language=en_US

 

[Phishs]

And this link directly from Toyota.

https://support.toyota.com/s/article/If-the-dealer-doesnt-7809?language=en_US

It sounds like they will let you place the order but they'll send what they want to send anyways. Thats crazy.

 

[Hootbro]

Toyota also has a habit of building vehicles that are not on the allocation lists and just sending them to the dealerships unannounced.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Stellantis has already said that they want to make their operation more efficient. It looks like bundling all of the packages together is the first step. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them severely limit custom orders in the future like the other companies (Toyota)

I'd hate to see that happen. I wasn't much a fan of the previous gen Tacoma anyway (2023 and back) and only being able to get what was on the dealer lot (which wasn't much of anything) and not what I actually wanted was a deal breaker. Toyota being one of the main originators of lean manufacturing and being primarily known for its reliability over the years - it doesn't surprise me in the least that you 'get what you get and you'll like it'.

Being able to walk into the Jeep dealer, spend twenty minutes optioning the EXACT truck I wanted, and leaving a deposit check was much preferred. Two months later, it arrived. Now I am very happy paying the truck note knowing I didn't settle for 'close enough'.

I think streamlining packages is a great plan, as long as you can still order a vehicle and get what you want within reason (e.g., color, package, etc.) That is why they have the up fitting building near the main plant. Anything that doesn't go on every vehicle or otherwise hinders assembly line flow is installed there, not on the main line. Running boards, rock rails, stickers, bed covers, bed liners, dual top package, upgraded wheels / tires, and all the other odd and ends.

I work for a company that builds custom fire apparatus. We are two brands under one roof. We look at the same things. What can we do to streamline packaging / products while still offering the customers a custom solution and not sacrificing what makes the brands unique from one another, and from the rest of the market.

 

[Hootbro]

If one usually buys their vehicles highly optioned, the bundling may be a money saver. For everybody else, you are forced into things you really did not want and even though a lower bundled savings, you are still paying for it.

Bundling saves the manufacturer more money in less logistical and labor costs rather than being a value passed on to the customer.

I have to admit I liked the À la carte optioning when I spec'd out and ordered my 2020 Rubicon. When I bought my 2022 Rubicon, bundling already forced me into $4K + more into things I did not want and now came standard.

 

[montechie]

Have yall every went on Toyota's website and built a Tacoma? It is so confusing. They have around 20 packages that are all similar except one thing here and there. I do prefer the way Jeep has done it and these new packages take away from that some but not as confusing and jumbled as Toyota, and Chevy too for that matter. I have never built a car on Ford, etc.

Yeah, Toyota and Ram are horrible, both those builders have horrible usability for shoppers. Ram lists everything out, but good luck figuring out the difference between the 25 items in Level I and the 27 items in Level II in small gray font. Ford's about the easiest, they mostly just list the additive items in a package, but even they don't include descriptions often of many items.

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