Marshaling Locations And How They Work

[TCBronson]

I understand that there are 14 models that Elio will produce 7 colors with manual transmissions and 7 with automatic transmissions. They will ship those out to the marshaling locations to have the additional options added and then send the vehicle to a retail store. So I was wondering what happens for example when a person wants leather seats. The vehicle is shipped with standard seats and each of the marshaling locations will stock leather seats and change them out? Then I suspect they will have to ship the stock seats back to Shreveport to be reinstalled?

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

My mind went to the seats as well when I first heard this. If upgraded seats are a common enough option, I could see them leaving Shreveport sans seats an just having them all installed at the prep centers. It'd save a ton on return shipping as well as potential handling damage to new seats that could otherwise be put in the next car off the line.

Perhaps temporary shipping seats will be needed for loading unloading, but they could be designed for durability and folding for return rather than comfort.

 

[slinches]

Yeah, there are plenty of ways to optimize as the popularity of options becomes apparent. That's one of the primary advantages of the Elio distribution model.

 

[Ty]

My mind went to the seats as well when I first heard this. If upgraded seats are a common enough option, I could see them leaving Shreveport sans seats an just having them all installed at the prep centers. It'd save a ton on return shipping as well as potential handling damage to new seats that could otherwise be put in the next car off the line.

Perhaps temporary shipping seats will be needed for loading unloading, but they could be designed for durability and folding for return rather than comfort.

I agree. Seats are easy to install

 

[TCBronson]

I am guessing each of the marshaling locations will have to stock a lot of options. This could be interesting from a logistics point of view, having the quantity of options on hand and not running out and potentially having delivery delays. Not to mention a facility with space for installations and a work force to perform the installation of the options. In essence a mini manufacturing plant.

 

[floydv]

Not a fan of leather seats. I'd rather get the cloth seats and put on upgraded aftermarket seat covers. Man, I hope the aftermarket goes crazy making stuff for the Elio.

 

[Ty]

By planning ahead, they'll know what seats each marshalling center needs. They could probably keep parts shipping costs lower by utilizing the infrastructure for shipping the Elios.

 

[Rob Croson]

And use the marshaling centers as forward stocking locations for factory replacement parts?

 

[wizard of ahs]

I understand that there are 14 models that Elio will produce 7 colors with manual transmissions and 7 with automatic transmissions. They will ship those out to the marshaling locations to have the additional options added and then send the vehicle to a retail store. So I was wondering what happens for example when a person wants leather seats. The vehicle is shipped with standard seats and each of the marshaling locations will stock leather seats and change them out? Then I suspect they will have to ship the stock seats back to Shreveport to be reinstalled?

My mind went to the seats as well when I first heard this. If upgraded seats are a common enough option, I could see them leaving Shreveport sans seats an just having them all installed at the prep centers. It'd save a ton on return shipping as well as potential handling damage to new seats that could otherwise be put in the next car off the line.

Perhaps temporary shipping seats will be needed for loading unloading, but they could be designed for durability and folding for return rather than comfort.

I certainly hope so !!!!!!!!!!!

I'm wanting HEATED, LEATHER seats

 

[RUCRAYZE]

I am guessing each of the marshaling locations will have to stock a lot of options. This could be interesting from a logistics point of view, having the quantity of options on hand and not running out and potentially having delivery delays. Not to mention a facility with space for installations and a work force to perform the installation of the options. In essence a mini manufacturing plant.

This has been kicked around quiet a bunch, but always fun to hear a"plan"
There are a few members here in the business who have offered opinions- stocking/transporting the E's to the centers.
My take, the centers will have to be VERY large to accommodate multiples of the 14- i.e. 3-5 of each? (maybe more) at centers As sales come in, and to keep to the "overnight next day delivery" heaps of space for the extras,trucks from factory to centers, trucks to transport out to the stores, trucks to bring units to centers and as I learned they will all be dead-enders- returning empty. There will have to be, on the road more than one truck to each center, and perhaps a few more to the store, trucks to keep the options flowing to the centers. as there could be multiple 1000+ miles round trips.
It can't be done with a few elves working through the night, loading 'em up and shipping them out.
The one known (approved vender) company that produces the plastic extras, and all the other options will need space and installers- I'll be build lines like the factory.
It's not like "dealers" who can keep some transporter trucks local to relocate from one to another- dealers don't keep all models/colors/options in house -they trade with nearby dealers- as in "we don't have that in stock, but if you want one today, it only comes with the "additional accessories" or the ever famous- oh you want a "Plain one", that'll have to be ordered from the factory.
AND, how does someone come in to a store Monday who might have to travel 400 miles there, test drive,resolve the finances (bank loan reps),go home or stay in a motel, have a second driver when you pick up your unit, the next day. O. K. the easy part will be the person who puts the paper mats in- they will only need one!!!
REALLY- trucks that carry (say 12 units) 250k production, 6,000 units per week.?? that's gotta be as difficult as Walmart's distribution process.
I'm sure I'm missing somethings- opps a snow storm and related road conditions (out here Interstate 90 has been closed a few times this year concern for avalanches) , road work/accident delays, slowdown on the line., each will dramatically affect the customer's one day-
It seems good on paper- I think on this one as some other E M plans will have to be scaled back- painted themselves ( not saffron) into a corner.
I don't think it would be a big deal to give it two or three day delivery.
BTW, the early folks- before the stores/centers are built, will be contacted a few weeks before they produce your unit to have time to do all the options at the factory.
Hey but thats my 2 cents.