Agree. I think it depends on the American consumer. I have always factory ordered my cars even back in the day, but if the average consumer wants to see and feel the vehicle before buying, then they're going to gravitate towards the brand that will have more dealer inventory.
But profit is also made on parts and service as well as the sale of the vehicle. If a manufacturer wants to adopt a lean model and keep very low inventory, they may have to accept declining market share compared to a competitor that is willing to carry more dealer inventory. That declining market share translates into less parts and service revenue later on.
In the short term, it appears to be profitable. But over the long run, will that manufacturer get squeezed out of the segment by decreasing sales? I don't know.