Corvette Production Reduced Today

als2052 · 09-16-2008, 08:14 PM

Heard it on NPR today...Corvette sales are down and factory is reducing output from 18 units/day to 15 starting today. What are your thoughts??

vett boy · 09-16-2008, 08:42 PM

It doesn't surprise me .There are still a lot of 2008's still unsold and on dealer lots.

In my case it kind of sucks as i'm waiting (and waiting and waiting and waiting) for the green light to order an 09.It'll take a couple more weeks for delivery.

98 softtail · 09-16-2008, 08:54 PM

As long as they're still rolling off the assembly line.

**Rich Z** · 09-17-2008, 12:40 AM

If they want to sell units, they need to offer substantial sales incentives to potentially interested buyers. People are squeezing their money pretty tightly lately, so they have to make offers that we just can't pass up. People are worried they may not have a job in six months, so they certainly aren't going to be interested in a big monthly payment for a new vette. Let's face it, no one NEEDS to buy a vette like they might another type of vehicle for work or family needs. These are TOYS for older boys and girls bought with disposable income that isn't quite so disposable right now.

And I think the 2008s will likely rot on the lots unless they make SUBSTANTIAL price cuts on them. Otherwise anyone interested in buying a vette right now would most certainly want a 2009 if the prices are anywhere near to being close. GM certainly can't raise prices on the 2009s without cutting their own throats for sales, so the only thing they CAN do is lower the prices on the 2008s until they reach a point where they begin moving. Otherwise dealers will still have 2008s on their lots when the 2010s are supposed to be hitting the streets. What would they do then?

vett boy · 09-17-2008, 05:03 AM

Three weeks ago there we're still 300 unsold 2007's.
I can order an 09 for less money than the discounted 08's ,doesn't make sence.

Z06 Rocket · 09-17-2008, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98 softtail

As long as they're still rolling off the assembly line.

I agree.

thebeepster · 09-17-2008, 07:52 AM

What is really mind boggling is that I had a retail order in for an '09 for almost 7 weeks and ended up cancelling because I couldn't get it built! Dealer had plenty of allocation but order status did not advance beyond 2050 after almost 7 wks...still waiting for an explanation from GM or dealer...

Dick · 09-17-2008, 11:59 AM

IMO its kind of a good thing. . . I see so many c5's and c6's on the road. . . Maybe this will help the value and exclusiveness of the car. Sucks that it came as a result of the economy.

**Rich Z** · 09-17-2008, 12:12 PM

In my opinion, seeing a lot of C5s and C6s on the road is a GOOD thing. It means GM is selling them, which means we can hope to see C7s and C8s in the future. If the selling numbers are too small, they will simply cease production of the Corvette to use the assembly lines for products that are selling more readily. That is what they are in business for. According to the history books, we've come VERY close to losing the Corvette in the past.

Personally, I think their marketing strategy should emphasize the outstanding gas mileage that the later model Corvettes get. I have yet to talk to a non Corvette owner that has even a clue about this, and quite certainly they mostly believe that the car is a gas hog and not about to buy something like this with gasoline prices being what they are. Most people would be astounded to learn that the C6 can get as good as, if not better, gas mileage than their Honda Accord gets.

Lou G · 09-17-2008, 01:40 PM

You are right about the gas hog comment. Some of my friends have asked if I will cut down on driving the Vette because of gas prices. They are surprised when I tell them that I get about 22 mpg in combined city/highway. Highway alone it gets up to 28 mpg.