Thousands of General Motors dealers frustrated by logistical bottlenecks slowing new-vehicle shipments from the factory to their lots have become do-it-yourself car haulers.
GM is now paying dealerships up to $1,050 for each vehicle they pick up from four of its most important assembly plants. More than 3,100 retailers have taken the automaker up on its offer this year to collect 25,000 cars and trucks so far.
It's not just dealerships that are conveniently located across town from a plant. Some have teams regularly driving all the way from Ohio to Texas for SUVs or from New York to Missouri for pickups.
The number of vehicles being picked up is not insignificant, said Scott Bell, vice president of global Chevrolet, adding that he thinks the extra volume is beginning to show up in the brand's sales.