Dodge Dealer Terminates Employees for Mishandling Soldier’s Challenger SRT Demon 170 Order
Dodge Takes Action Against Unethical Behavior
Earlier this month, a Mississippi Dodge dealership faced backlash for selling a Challenger Demon 170 that was originally ordered by an active-duty servicemember. Dodge intervened, rectified the situation, and provided the soldier with a new car at no additional cost. Following this, the dealership took swift action and terminated the General Manager, Sales Manager, and Salesperson involved in the incident. Mac Haik Flowood Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram stated in a recent Facebook post that the employees’ actions contradicted the company’s core values, leading to their dismissal.
Dealer’s Past Behavior and Resolution
Mac Haik Automotive Group, with 17 dealerships across Texas and Mississippi, has a history of price-gouging limited edition cars. However, the recent incident involving the mishandling of the Challenger Demon order was deemed the most severe.
How the Situation Unfolded
The service member had ordered a limited-edition Demon 170 from Mac Haik in F8 Green, agreeing to a significant markup. Another customer who ordered a different Demon in Triple Nickel silver arrived for collection, only to discover that their car had been sold to someone else. To remedy the error, the dealership sold the servicemember’s F8 Green Demon to this customer, although it was intended for the soldier’s family member while he was deployed abroad.
Dodge’s Intervention and Resolution
After the soldier learned of the incident through social media, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stepped in and secured another Demon 170 for the servicemember. The car, originally in Pitch Black, was customized in F8 Green to match the soldier’s specifications. Dodge sold the car at MSRP, waiving the $50,000 dealer markup. The delivery was even arranged at Jay Leno’s acclaimed garage, further adding to the remarkable gesture.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the customer who unknowingly purchased the servicemember’s car returned it to the dealer. The vehicle is now up for auction, with proceeds designated to the soldier’s chosen charity. With Dodge’s intervention, the Challenger community’s support, and the dealership’s efforts to make amends, the contentious situation seems to have reached a resolution.
FAQs
What was the dealership’s response to the employee’s misconduct?
The dealership promptly terminated the General Manager, Sales Manager, and Salesperson involved in mishandling the Challenger Demon 170 order.
How did Dodge rectify the situation for the soldier?
Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis facilitated the purchase of a customized Demon 170 for the servicemember at MSRP, avoiding the $50,000 dealer markup.
What happened to the original F8 Green Demon 170?
The customer who purchased it unknowingly returned the vehicle. It is now being auctioned off, with proceeds going to the soldier’s chosen charity.