Ken Fichtner

This past summer, Mark Reuss visited the Bowling Green Assembly Center – the home of the Corvette – and announced a significant, multi-million dollar investment to upgrade the plant. During his remarks, Mark told the audience that there were two model years (2012 and 2013) remaining for the current generation of Corvette.

The purpose of this letter is to share with you some details around the 2012 and 2013 model runs as well as Alan Batey’s remarks, so you can prepare your sales team and customers for the end of the C6 Corvette.


Information Regarding 2012 Corvette Model Run

The current 2012 model run which features the Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette will end in May 2012. The final consensus for 2012 Corvette is scheduled to occur during February 2012 period, and the last cycle to submit orders for the 2012 model run will occur in March 2012.

The completion of the 2012 Corvette model run is also the last opportunity for dealers to order the current Chevrolet Centennial Edition Package (RPO: ZLC) featuring the Carbon Flash metallic paint, and Carlisle Blue exterior color (RPO: GLF). The Centennial Edition package, and the Carbon Flash and Carlisle Blue exterior colors will NOT be offered for the 2013 model, and will end production BEFORE the rest of the 2012 Corvette model run (please monitor the weekly constraint wire for specific timing). If you are interested in either of the Centennial Edition Package or the Carlisle Blue exterior color, it is suggested you make plans now to consensus and submit orders for the desired 2012 Corvette model.

The last day to submit orders for 2012 is tentatively scheduled for Mar 15 - 17.
But before that date arrives, Carlisle Blue last order date will be 2/9 - 2/11, and Centennial Edition will be 3/1 - 3/3 (all dates are tentative and subject to change).


Information Regarding 2013 Corvette Model Run

The 2013 model run is also scheduled to start production in May 2012. The first consensus cycle for the 2013 model run is targeted for March 2012, with the first opportunity to submit orders into production occurring after the conclusion of the March consensus cycle.

The 2013 model run is the final model run for the C6 Corvette. This means for many customers, the 2013 model run will be the last opportunity to purchase the current Corvette models, including Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 In addition, the 2013 model run marks the 60th Anniversary of this Great American Sports Car. Information about exciting changes for the 2013 Corvette will be shared with you in the coming weeks.

The 2013 Corvette production period is expected to run for approximately nine months. Dealers planning their Corvette business into 2013 calendar year should plan their inventory needs to last through late summer of 2013. This will require dealers to closely study and plan their sales and inventory needs throughout the condensed 2013 model run. It will also mean the next model run will NOT immediately follow the end of the 2013 model run. Dealers will need to be prepared for several months in 2013 without Corvette production.


Allocation Earn for the Next Generation Corvette

Suffice it to say the introduction of any next generation Corvette is one of the most highly anticipated introductions in the automobile industry. The expected arrival of a new generation Corvette generates a lot of showroom excitement and traffic. It also requires the dealership’s sales and service teams to sharpen and improve their performance and technology skills to meet the needs of the Corvette customer. It is for this reason that any Chevrolet dealer seeking to sell and service Corvette must agree to invest in special tools and training for the dealership’s personnel.

Information regarding the requirements for the next generation Corvette’s training and special tools will be shared in the coming months. However, before any dealer is requested to make a decision on investing in the next generation Corvette, it is necessary to understand the anticipated allocation method for the next generation Corvette.



The next two years promises to be two of the most eventful years in Corvette’s nearly 60 years of existence. As events dictate, messages will also be sent to you via GM Global Connect.



Good luck and good selling in 2012.

DJackman

Thanks for the info. I bought the 05 model back in 04 and Im already itching to get the C7 as soon as its out.

JoesC5

With the gap between the last 2013 and the first 2014, it appears that the C7 is going to be more then a body panel change. When the C5 was brought out, there was a 6 month gap between the last 1996 C4 and the first 1997 C5.

Dragracer_Art

Lets not forget about the missing '83 Corvette.

C7Joy

It will be an interesting couple of year to say the least!!

need-for-speed

Thanks Ken. Regarding the committment to purchase special tools and train techs if a dealer wants to sell Corvettes: is that something now or have they always required that?

timd38

Guess I want a 2015, so they have time to get he bugs out of the first model year.

JoesC5

Yes, but that doesn't stop the tech from using a monkey wrench if he has to walk two feet to get the proper size box end wrench.

mpuzach

Thank you very much for sharing this information with us, Ken. I know that I speak for everyone here in saying that we really appreciate it.

peter pan

I am ready to see the new C7

MKenM

That's why some dealers don't sell the ZR1. They need to make the commitment in $$$'s and training.

Kevin_NYC

Glad i got 2012

Waiting 3yrs is too long

ptaylor_9849

So, do I understand this correctly? Production of the 2013 model will begin in about four months? If that's the case, would I be better off waiting a few months and ordering a 13 instead of ordering a 12 now?

jschindler

What is interesting is that new model year changes have been announced the end of April at the "bash". That will be too late this year as they dealer should be able to order '13s in March. I wonder when they will announce the 2013 special last year edition.

beepster

Sounds to me like any of us itching for a new ride will be better off just cooling our jets and waiting for the C7...

hyteck9

From a collectors point of view, waiting for a 2013 vs. 2012 is best. It will be a short run and low production numbers always make it more rare. Chose the rarest piant color and its even better. :P

el es tu

I think a used c6 is the best bet unless you can afford a new corvette every couple of years.

Seeing all those revisions/bug fixes that they do to each model of vette, I wouldnt consider getting a new one until a few years into the c7 line.

lastcowboy

azcanuk

Everyone has their opinion.. and mine is.... glad I've got a C6!

Don't think this is it but...

AFVETTE

the C6 is getting a long in the tooth.

Tom