Corvette production halted temporarily

[Leonidae]

Autoblog

It's been more than a decade since the "recession-proof" Chevrolet Corvette had to endure a production cut due to excess dealer inventory, but that's apparently the case once again. Citing slow sales related to the ongoing automotive recession, GM will turn off the Corvette's factory lights during the week of October 6th. When Vette assembly resumes the following week, production will be scaled back to 15 cars per hour (normal speed is 18.5 cars per hour). Unfortunately, GM says layoffs will accompany the new schedule at the Bowling Green facility, with up to 75 workers losing their jobs. While surprising, the news isn't entirely unexpected. Corvette sales were down 8.5 percent for the year through August of 2008. They only rebounded after GM included the model in its employee pricing sale... and we all know a shot in the arm like that won't hold out over time.

 

[Joey D]

If people aren't making as much money, they won't be buying sports cars. It's that simple, especially since the Vette really isn't a huge player outside the US. I mean there are only so many dentist out there .

 

[Kylehnat]

One of our plant mechanics just bought one. He was able to talk the dealer down $10,000.

 

[homeforsummer]

It's a pity that jobs have to go, but that's how business works sometimes I guess.

 

[Jim Prower]

Oy...Joey, You realize that MINI'll eventually see a slump. Difference is, they'll end up returning to normal production capacity.

It's sad that 'Vette production's being turned down, but I can see why, with Lenders and a Major Insurance company in big trouble.

 

[Joey D]

Ya, every company will see a slump although small car makers will see less of a slump. Frankly I'm surprised MINI's sell so well based on how much they cost.

 

[Jump_Ace]

One of our plant mechanics just bought one. He was able to talk the dealer down $10,000.

Good for him.

Jerome

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Ya, every company will see a slump although small car makers will see less of a slump. Frankly I'm surprised MINI's sell so well based on how much they cost.

I wonder how many stripper-like models they sell versus the more optioned out $30k-like models.

One of our plant mechanics just bought one. He was able to talk the dealer down $10,000.

That must be why I've been seeing a lot more C6's out there lately. In two days or so I saw four, where as usually I just see 2 or less per week. I didn't check if they were on temporary plates.

 

[Joey D]

Even the basic version is expensive which is why I wonder why they sell. In this time when the economy is tanking I would expect the cheaper cars like the Yaris would be selling much better.

 

[YSSMAN]

Its a temporary halt on production, and then I believe they're going to be slowing the line down from 17 units per hour (I think?) to somewhere closer to 15 or less. Not a huge deal, but when everyone's cash is in limbo and no one has much credit to speak of, it isn't much of a surprise at all.

Still, given the amount of money they make off of every one, this by no means is the death of the Corvette at all.

 

[Azuremen]

Even the basic version is expensive which is why I wonder why they sell. In this time when the economy is tanking I would expect the cheaper cars like the Yaris would be selling much better.

Its a regional thing. I see the Yaris all over the place here now. Same with the Fit, Versa, and other cars in that range. You live in a place that domestics rule and that gives you, what, the Aveo (rofl)...

 

[Joey D]

Its a regional thing. I see the Yaris all over the place here now. Same with the Fit, Versa, and other cars in that range. You live in a place that domestics rule and that gives you, what, the Aveo (rofl)...

Hell people here won't even buy Aveo's, if you are in the market for a small car you get a Cobalt.

 

[Jim Prower]

Aveos are quite common, here, but I think the most common small car is the Toyota Corolla. No. Joke.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

...but I think the most common small car is the Toyota Corolla. No. Joke.

It's probably the same here. Civic would probably be next with a couple of Fits and a sprinkling of Yaris. I'm not sure about the Cooper, but it's probably there with the Fit.