Fiat->ke30 Chrysler->ke21 Automobile is rolling out a new program this winter. Chrysler’s long-time parts group, Mopar, is now offering winter wheel and tire packages available at the local dealership level. This marks the first time an automaker is offering such a service.

“Mopar is rolling out our first-ever offering of winter wheel assemblies for those customers who desire a little extra control during the cold weather seasons,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global. “The assemblies arrive ready to install and deliver additional peace of mind, even in areas unaffected by the harshest winter weather.”

This simplistic yet profound program helps keep customer dollars flowing into FCA dealerships rather than going to aftermarket tire shops or online tire retailers. What’s more, FCA dealers take care of all the installation, including programming the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Customers can choose their preference of tire from brands including Bridgestone, Goodyear, Yokohama, Pirelli, BF Goodrich, Michelin, and Continental. The winter tires are then mounted on cost-effective steel rims, which are fitted with the required TPMS sensor. Mopar is offering more than 1,100 fitment sizes for many of its vehicles.

The vehicle list includes the Dodge Caravan, Dodge Charger, Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Cherokee. Both the AWD and RWD versions of the Charger and 300 sedans, along with the Cherokee, are included in the fitments.

Prices for the winter wheel and tire packages start at $242 per tire and peak at $292 per tire. Installation is a separate charge.

Come spring, the winter tires can be swapped out for the vehicle’s standard wheel and tire combo. Though FCA doesn’t mention it, the customer is likely responsible for hauling and storing the unused set of tires.

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Why It Matters

It seems like a no-brainer that an automaker would offer winter wheels and tires at the dealership level. Think of the business case. Dealerships already offer a wide selection of replacement OEM-style tires, so why no expand the business to include the proper winter shoes? That keeps more money in the automaker’s pocket, gets the customer inside the dealership at least two more occasions (where other sales can be made), and keeps customers driving in adverse winter conditions an extra level of safety not found with summer or all-season tires. It’s a win-win.