Corvette Blog

February proved to be yet another difficult month for Corvette sales, and for those dealers that are holding Corvette inventory.  We haven't seen a growth (from the same month last year) in Corvette sales since June of 2007, and even that was by less than 1%.  If we compare January's sales of this year to February's, there is over an 18% decline.  But that's not the worst of it.

What's going on?!  One can only speculate that the sales declines recently could be attributed to both the current economic climate, and the current general climate (aka the weather) in most places.  That still doesn't account for the over 25% decline in sales compared to February 2007.

Here are the details: 

• Corvettes Sold in February 2008:  2,071    (-25.6%)
  
  
• Corvettes Sold in February 2007:  2,784

The market cannot continue to handle the production GM is cranking out without some great incentive programs.  Sure, the $2,000 and $3,000 Customer Cash incentives are still available on 2007 models as they have been for 2 months now.  It doesn't seem to be making much of a difference.  Today they have announced another program which might help the 2007 inventory move out, which we'll be posting shortly, but will it be enough?

Let's all hope that March thaws out the snow we have here in Michigan and the seemingly frozen interest Corvette buyers have had recently.

[ GM ]

Posted By Ryan In Buying a Corvette , Corvette Dealers , Corvette News , Corvette Production , Corvette Purchase Incentives | 1 Comments Permalink

GM surpassed expectations for sales in January, which is great news.  Would the same be true for the Corvette, given all the hype of the new 2009 Corvette ZR1 and the North American International Auto Show?  The answer:  No.

January isn't normally the strongest month for Vette sales nationally, given the majority of the country is stuck in snow (like us) until late March.  That said, sales of Corvettes were down almost 10% from 2007's figures for January.  Here are the details:

• Corvettes Sold in January 2008:  2,015    (-9.8%)
  
  
• Corvettes Sold in January 2007:  2,234
  

We've reported the past two months on the continuing sales declines Corvette has faced, even with the $2,000 and $3,000 incentives GM still has the remaining 2007 models.  Something must be done to spur the Corvette market again, besides introducing new models that will be in limited production.  The coupes and convertibles (and for the matter the Z06's) are still amazing vehicles to be had at an outstandingly low price point.  Perhaps the fear of recession and the housing crisis has made its way into the realm of Corvette sales.  A sad thing to think about, but more realistic than not.

[ GM ]

Posted By Ryan In Corvette Dealers , Corvette News , Corvettes for Sale | 0 Comments Permalink

While all the hype has been on the new 2009 ZR1, we can't forget about our favorite powerhouse Corvette of today, the Z06.  This past week, GM sent letters out to all dealerships who have estimated 2008 Z06 allocation through May, when the 2008 build out occurs.  Did you know many Chevy dealerships across the country aren't even allocated 1 Z06?  Distribution is based on many factors include previous sales and Corvette certification through training and testing of the dealership's staff.

We at CorvetteBlog are proud to report we have quite a few Z06's coming our way over the next few months and, as always, we will offer them to our CorvetteBlog readers first, and at discounted pricing.

Currently, we have 3 2008 Z06's instock ready for delivery.  All three are completely loaded with Nav and Wheels and come in such colors as Black, Victory Red and Jetstream Blue.  All are being offered at discounted pricing, so if you're interested, please contact us by posting a comment (kept private) or by calling us direct at (888) 875-0728.

Posted By Ryan In 2008 Corvette Ordering , Corvette Dealers , Corvette News , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

November sales figures are in for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette and they aren't pretty.  Even as GM raises the price of the coveted Coupes and Convertibles, sales decline.

Here are the figures:

• November 2007 Sales:  2,438  (-12.1%)
• November 2006 Sales:  2,773

In fact, as surprising as it may seem, the Corvette has not seen a single month sales increase from 2006 figures since June!  In fact, Calendar year to date figures for the Vette still have the pace 8% off from the same time last year.

One must wonder why GM feels that it needs to increase prices at a time like this, not to mention not including the 08 Vettes in the Red Tag Sale promotion that continues to roll-on to lackluster results.

[ GM ]

Posted By Ryan In Buying a Corvette , Corvette Dealers , Corvette News , Corvette Pricing | 1 Comments Permalink

Many Corvette owners diligently work to protect their love, whether it be Coupe, Convertible, or Z06, from ever being rained on, or (perish the thought) snowed on!

Yet, countless Corvette dealers in the United States make no effort to protect the cars in their inventory from wind, rain, sleet, and snow.  Does this not seem outrageous?

The parent company of CorvetteBlog (George Matick Chevrolet) not only protects its inventory from the ravages of weather by keeping all Corvettes, new and used, indoors, they also offer a unique service to those purchasing a new Corvette.

Call it nothing fancier than Corvette Storage, but consider the advantages if you buy or lease a new Corvette from George Matick Chevrolet:

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In 2008 Corvette Ordering , Buying a Corvette , Corvette Dealers | 0 Comments Permalink

Chevy dealers all across the country have access today to their November Consensus.  For those who don't know what Consensus is, it is the report that Chevy sends to their dealers showing their estimated shipments of vehicles they can order for the following month's production period.

So what does that mean?  Basically it means that dealers know now how many Corvettes and Z06's they have been initially allocated by GM.  The Corvettes and Z06's that are ordered for this consensus period will be produced after November 15th.

Dealers can always ask for additional Corvettes and Z06's for the next week, but it is rare that GM provides any additional units than what they initially allocate.  Consensus is open for dealers until next Friday at which time they must commit to their orders.  We then find out the following Wednesday what has been approved by GM.

CorvetteBlog.com is set to have a great allocation of both 2008 Corvettes and 2008 Corvette Z06's during this period.  If you are interested in purchasing or leasing a new Corvette - give us a call at (888) 875-0728 or post a comment (which will be kept private).  We are proud to offer delivery throughout the United States, at our Corvette Showroom in Detroit, or at the Corvette Museum.

Posted By Ryan In 2008 Corvette Ordering , Buying a Corvette , Corvette Dealers , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

One of only 399 being produced, a Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Championship Corvette Z06 is expected to reach Al Yousuf Motors showroom in the United Arab Emirates in June.

Having written about the Ron Fellows Edition Corvette previously at Corvette Blog several times, the news is that one of these fabulous Z06's is now bound for the Middle East. 

Although the Dubai City Guide claimed that Dubai City is now the only city outside of North America to get its hands on the very limited signature series Ron Fellows Corvette Z06, the original announcement from GM was that a total of sixty-six were to be exported (not counting Canada).  Perhaps the distinction is that, while not exclusive, they are first.

[ Dubai City Guide ]

[ Original Corvette Blog Story ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Dealers , Corvette News , Corvettes for Sale | 0 Comments Permalink

We recently blogged about the arrival of our beautiful new Ron Fellows Edition 2007 Corvette Z06.

The stunning creation of the Bowling Green Assembly Plant drove out the doors of our dealership in just a few days from hitting the showroom floor!  And what a happy customer!

Stay tuned for the arrival of our first fabulous Indy 500 Commemorative Edition Corvette Convertible.

[ Blog Story ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Dealers , Corvette Equipment | 0 Comments Permalink

Our parent dealership has just taken delivery of our Arctic White Ron Fellows Corvette Z06. And what a beautiful car this autographed #190 is (out of 399 total being built)!

It arrived in the place of honor behind the cab on the car carrier, safest there from bugs and flying debris. The vehicle had the typical clear stretchwrap on it, and it came with a trunk full of decals, the front splitter, the wheel hubs, etc.

Careful attention was given to prepare it for showroom display behind the stanchions, not too far away from our gorgeous Black and Victory Red Z06’s.

Of course, every Ron Fellows Z06 comes with metric gauging, so some feel that kilometers per hour and miles per liter are there to honor the Canadian roots of racing driver Ron Fellows. I haven’t checked, but the navigational radio probably calls out all the Tim Hortons restaurants across North America, eh?

 

 

Continue Reading Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Dealers , Corvette Equipment , Corvettes for Sale | 12 Comments Permalink

Once a year, most of the Corvettes in Michigan's largest automobile showroom are removed to attached indoor storage to make room for a school auction!

The "before" photograph  was taken a few years ago, before the C6 Corvette introduction.  The "after" shot shows some of the current Vettes moved to one side of the showroom to make room for tables and baskets.

The South Redford School District has benefited by tens of thousands of dollars over the years as parents, students, educators, and friends pour into the monstrous showroom of George Matick Chevrolet of Redford to bid on selected auction baskets and offers from local businesses, and to enjoy a great party.

The dealership prides itself in effective community activities like this.  Do unto others as you would have them do for you.

This year's event is Friday, March 23, and, as you can see, the dealership is ready for the crowds.  If you're in the area, feel free to join us for the fun!

[ Matick Community Involvement ]

Posted By Bill Connell In Corvette Dealers , Corvette Events | 2 Comments Permalink

According to a memo recently received by new Chevrolet Corvette dealers, Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat (80U) is being discontinued.

The final date for order submission in this color is April 7, 2007.  If that's the color you want, you do not have much time to order.

The memo indicates that a replacement color will be made available at the beginning of 2008 Model Year production.

Posted By Bill Connell In Buying a Corvette , Corvette Dealers , Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Production | 4 Comments Permalink