Originally Posted by Chris L.
Yesterday I got to looking at the 08 (built Dec. 07), as it turns out it had a Mopar battery in it ??? Sticker said manufactured May 05, shipped Feb 06.......doesn't that seem odd for a car that was assembled in Dec. 07?? I went ahead and replaced it with a new Walmart Everstart.
Actually, it's more common then most of us think. Batteries aren't much different than any item used in quantity. It's manufactured and kept in a "ready-state" until needed for use. Battery probably was stored in inventory somewhere without electrolyte, which means there was minimal impact on its service life.
We found out on our home heating systems (2-Carrier heat pumps) that the serial numbers correspond to units manufactured in 1987. Home was built in 1990 and units were drawn out of an inventory somewhere when the contractor performed the installation during construction. He probably got a good deal on the units. I'll bet your 08's Mopar battery didn't have any cost associated with it other than getting it shipped to Germany.