SRT Idling Viper Production Due to Sluggish Sales

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Chrysler is shutting down one of its plants for almost two months due to sluggish sales of its flagship sports car.

The SRT Viper’s sluggish sales have continued and as a result, 71 hourly workers at Chrysler’s Conner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit will be laid off. The plant will be shut down beginning the week of April 14 with production resuming the week of June 23, the American automaker confirmed.

SEE ALSO: SRT Viper Sales Slump Prompts Production Slowdown

A mere 91 Vipers have been sold through the first two months of 2014 and inventory supplies are at 756 vehicles unsold as of March 1. The 756 vehicles marks a 412-day supply, more than enough reason for Chrysler to shut down production of its sports car. Chrysler is not sweating the details however, stating that the SRT Viper has and always will be “a a hand-crafted American exotic car that is designed for a specific consumer that values performance, style and exclusivity.” As a result, the company’s ability to increase and decrease production at the plant helps keep the vehicles exclusive.

The SRT Viper has typically done poorly during the cold weather seasons and test drive teams will start their marketing push in the South over the winter and will expand north as warmer weather returns.

GALLERY: 2014 SRT Viper TA

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story at SRT Viper forum

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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 4 comments
  • Jamie curry Jamie curry on Mar 18, 2014

    They need to focus on a mustang/camaro killer. The viper is so outdated and ugly, they need some Italian input. I know I said it, but the viper is for Neanderthals and the sales figures show it.

    • STI Turbo STI Turbo on Mar 18, 2014

      thats what makes it so fliping awesome, who in their right minds wants an 8.4 litre engine. its just cazy and that is its character, its always been the beast that wants to bite you and kill you. i love that chrysler still makes this car completely ignoring downsizing or mpg or pollution. its like a bid middle finger to rationality and the srt looks amazing (and im waiting to see it in person, hopefully someone imports one to spain)

  • Haji Haji on Mar 18, 2014

    EXPORT THIS. fans outside want this type of car, not those crappy avengers and darts.

    • Alex Kozovski Alex Kozovski on Mar 19, 2014

      Good idea. I wonder if there's a big market for the Viper in the Middle East and Asia...

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