I think most car manufacturers are starting to move towards the same goals and at the same time, trying to figure out how they can cut out dealers totally.

It's all about margins and right now, dealers are a necessary evil for manufacturers but with growing acceptance of Internet car buying, we're already seeing small dealerships either suffering or going away.

I remember speaking to a Chrysler executive in Canada a few months back and he said that the plan is to be able to sell Chryslers like they do MB, MSRP most of the time with minimal to no incentives.

You don't see many small MB dealerships, if any, they are all huge with large overheads when it comes to their showrooms, facilities and staffing.

Not many 40k models yet, but you must admit, with the 2005 line-up, particularly the 300C, it is one heck of a car for the money if they deliver.