Opinion ID: 352548
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Characteristics of Chrysler Distribution System

Text: 13 Appellants allege that several aspects of Chrysler's dealings with its dealers put illegal pressures on the dealers to sell at lower prices to fleets. These aspects include: 14 1. Minimum Sales Responsibility (MSR). Chrysler dealers have an obligation in their franchise to make a certain minimum number of sales per year. A dealer may count sales to fleet purchasers toward meeting his MSR. 15 2. Regional Representatives. Chrysler maintains representatives in the field who, among their other duties, encourage the dealers to make sales to fleet purchasers. 16 3. Factory Dealerships. Chrysler itself owns or controls some dealerships and thus has influence over the prices charged to fleets by these dealerships. 17 At least in part as a result of these programs, 11 Chrysler was able to increase its share of the total fleet market from 10.8% In 1962 compared to 41.1% For Chevrolet, 27.2% For Ford, and 20.9% For others (including other General Motors and Ford products but no other Chrysler products) to 21.2% In 1974 compared to 25.1% For Chevrolet, 23.9% For Ford, and 29.8% For others. 12 Chrysler's share of the domestic retail (non-fleet) automobile market also increased during these years, from 9.8% In 1962 to between 16 and 18% In the years 1965-1972. 13