Blog Post
MY 2023 Ordering Update
By Sheryl Sawyers & Hasnain Jetha
September 15, 2022
In late July we provided you with OEM updates, as we knew them at the time, with the promise of regular communication. As of today, this is what we have to share.
The “allocation only” approach to MY2023 continues for most of the vehicle manufacturers with price protection and fleet incentives suspended in many cases. “Out of Stocks” continue to be difficult to source and several of the manufacturers are no longer honoring client incentive agreements on “Out of Stock” vehicle purchases. Please refer to the chart below for specifics and note that several ordering deadlines are quickly approaching.
The new wrinkle to supply chain disruption is the potential for a rail strike, which we are closely monitoring. Wheels Donlen is in constant contact with the OEMs and they are communicating with the major railroads and the White House. Nearly 75% of the automotive industry is touched by rail, so we will be
The following are the current OEM updates on ordering of key 2023 models:
OEM updates
| Ford | Ford has implemented a quarterly allocation methodology for approved customers on popular models—Bronco, Escape (gas and hybrid), Econoline, F150 (ICE and Lightning), Mach E, Maverick, Medium Trucks, Ranger, Super Duty, Transit (all), and Transit Connect. Customers who do not receive approval to order will be allowed to place a limited number of orders per quarter, typically 3-5, the amount will vary by model and quarter. Ford has indicated that it will be very difficult to secure allocation of F150 Lightning orders, especially those placed by clients without specific approval to order them. Pricing and Incentives: Ford CPA programs will not include price protection to intro pricing and pricing could fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Ford has announced that National Fleet Incentives will be zero on MY2023 models and they will NOT honor CPA incentives (56A) on out-of-stock purchases. Transit Van: Q42022 ordering ended on 8/5. Q2023 ordering will open on 10/17/22Ranger: Q42022 ordering cuts off on 9/23/22 F150: Q42022 ordering for F150 cuts off on 9/30/22Transit Connect is also open for Q42022 ordering super Duty: we expect Super Duty (F250 and up) to open for ordering in mid-late October |
| General Motors | General Motors has implemented a pre-approval process for the following models: Silverado/Sierra HD Crew, Express/Savana, Equinox/Terrain and Malibu. Clients are being approved to order in Waves which began in June. All Silverado and Sierra HD orders must be placed by 9/20/22 so we can get them clean and “on order” with GM by 9/30/22. Colorado ordering begins in the 4th quarter of 2022 and will likely be available to pre-approved clients only. Pricing: GM Cap agreements will not include price protection to intro pricing |
| Stellantis | No special allocation will be assigned. We are told that MY2023 VIP Programs have been finalized. MY2023 Ordering: Ram 1500 (DT models) and 2500 thru 5500 – open for ordering Ram 1500 Classic – early November Promaster ordering is already shut down for the model year. Canada: Promaster – currently openRAM – MY2022 Ram trucks are still orderable in Canada |
| Toyota | All Toyota ordering is restricted to pre-approved clients and volume. Prius and Prius Prime – October 1st |
| Subaru | All Subaru ordering is restricted to pre-approved clients and volume. Expect longer lead times, especially on models built in Japan, such as the Forester. Forester – ordering is to open on 9/19Solterra – No Fleet allocation |
| Nissan | Nissan does not expect to have any fleet allocation for MY2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, Leaf or Ariya. In the US, only clients with canceled MY2022 Rogue and Pathfinder orders were allowed to place MY2023 Rogue and Pathfinder replacement orders. Nissan has just announced that the MY2023 order cutoff for ALL models will be 9/30/22. There is NO Rogue and Pathfinder allocation available for Canadian Fleet customers. Infiniti fleet allocation has been suspended for MY2023. |
| Volkswagen | VW will be restricting factory ordering to pre-approved clients. |
| Hyundai | No commercial fleet allocation at this time. |
| Audi | No commercial fleet allocation at this time. |
Additional Updates
- Upfit vehicles – lead times have increased.
- Out-of-stocks – continue to be difficult to source as dealer inventory is at an all-time low and dealers continue to be unwilling to sell limited inventory to fleet customers. Prices are higher than normal—often above MSRP.
- Remarketing – with fleets needing to hold onto vehicles longer, resale values are strong.
- Rentals – are difficult to find due to limited fleet sizes resulting from restructuring during COVID. They require many more calls and hold times to obtain.
We still have the expectation that order cutoff dates could be announced with little or no notice. Order cutoffs will be earlier than in “normal” order cycles. We will see longer lead times and extended production time frames along with higher prices and lower incentives. Truck, van and EV production, especially, will be limited along with shorter ordering windows.
Wheels Donlen promises to be proactive in providing the information that you need. We continue to work on your behalf through engagement with OEMs regarding allocation and production, weekly delayed order reviews, weekly executive leadership meetings, increased staffing to acquire out of stocks, and by rapidly updating our systems with order status. Please continue to order early—get your orders into the pipeline.
Reach out to your OEM rep and don’t take your allocations for granted.