Ken Fichtner

Ken’s Weekly Newsletter – Part 2

Index of topics:
Weekly Newsletter – Part 1
1) Museum Delivery Program – A Reminder!
2) Chevrolet 2003 Model Year Product Changes
3) Commemorative 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Package Distribution Plan
Announcement
4) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates – UPDATED
5) 2003/2004/2005 SSR Information
6) Event Codes and what they mean - New

Weekly Newsletter – Part 2
7) 2002 Corvette Lug Nut Change
8) GM Licensed Corsa Exhaust Line – GROUP PURCHASE, LOOK!!!!!!
9) Corvette 50th Anniversary Website
10) New GM Website – This is really cool!
11) General Motors Protection Plan, MajorGuard – Detailed Explanation Here!
12) GM Employee & Supplier 2003 Eligibility - UPDATED
13) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED

7) 2002 Corvette Lug Nuts – Production Running Change

To: All Chevrolet Dealers

In an effort to improve quality from lost plastic covers and enhance overall exterior appearance, a running change is being made to 2002 Corvette lug nuts. The current plastic caps will be eliminated and replaced with a new stainless steel overlay lug nut (#9595165). The locking nuts and key are eliminated and dealer installation is no longer required. If the customer so desires, a matching locking set is available thru GM SPO, part #12341287.

Please note this change stops the reimbursement for dealer installation of the locking lug nuts.

Also, an owners manual insert is added to replace page 6-52 that adds ‘(If Equipped)’ under the Using the Wheel Lock key section. Please check to make sure the insert is included on delivery.

Chevrolet Corvette Team

8) GM Licensed Corsa Exhaust Systems! - Updated

It’s time to thank all of you for your support this year by offering a special price on Corsa Exhaust Systems!!

You must place an order by August 10th to take advantage of these prices.

Call Bob or Tom at 406-628-4121 or email them at: corvetteparts@hotmail.com


Here’s a list of what we are offering:


C5 Corvettes:
Touring Classic Exhaust System $746
Touring Pro Exhaust System $772
Touring GTR Exhaust System $842
Indy Classic Exhaust System $746
Indy Pro Exhaust System $772
Indy GTR Exhaust System $842

C5 Corvettes:
Crossover Pipe $257
Classic Tips $95

Chevrolet/GMC/Cadillac Trucks:
Silverado/Sierra 1500 4.8 or 5.3 V8 Ext Cab Short Box $530
Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade 4.8 or 5.3 V8 $530
Suburban/Yukon/Escalade 6.0 V8 $565
Avalanche 5.3 V8 $565

Remember, we don’t charge an arm and a leg for the S/H, just the cost of shipping with UPS is charged.

9) Corvette 50th Anniversary Website

GM Access Message -- May 6, 2002

Corvette50th.com Now Live!

Timeless designs. Priceless experiences. Endless dreams. The Corvette year odometer is rolling toward 50, and Chevrolet is preparing for the Celebration of a Lifetime in Nashville, Tennessee June 26-28, 2003.

Corvette50th.com is the home to everything Corvette 50th, and the site is now live with:

* Anniversary Celebration overview
* Anniversary Road Tour dates and details
* Caravan information
* The Corvette 50th Store
* Anniversary Stories

Corvette50th.com is your one-stop shop for everything regarding the Corvette 50th Anniversary, including event registration and hotel reservations. Registration for the Anniversary Celebration goes live in late-June.

Check the site often for the latest news regarding event activities, pictures and stories from Anniversary Road Tour stops and the latest celebration news. Visit and bookmark Corvette50th.com today and prepare for the Celebration of a Lifetime.

10) New GM Website – This is really cool!

Though this administrative bulletin indicates that the site is only open to dealers, it is now open and functional.

It would be wonderful if all CorvetteForum members would logon and establish their accounts as soon as possible. Let’s let GM know that we appreciate what they are offering!!!

SUBJECT: The Owner Center at MyGMLink
Online Owner Service Center

GM is pleased to announce a brand new online service that will provide GM owners with something they’ve been asking for: a single, comprehensive resource for all of their GM product ownership needs.

Research shows that more than 90% of a customer’s experience with GM and its dealers comes after they purchase or lease their car or truck. Created with dealer input, Owner Center will help our customers get the most from their ownership experience and will reinforce a customer’s relationship with their GM dealer, thereby increasing the lifetime value of these relationships for customers, GM and its dealers.

Owner Center will initially serve all Pontiac customers and Chevrolet Corvette, Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban owners. It will become available to all GM owners during the first half of 2002. Dealerships can take a tour of the Owner Center by going to https://www.MyGMLink.com.

The news release, including more detailed information will be published to all GM dealerships in GM DealerWorld on next week.

11) General Motors Protection Plan, MajorGuard

To find out more about the GM Protection Plan, click here: http://www.gmprotectionplan.com

Remember that NO ONE sells the GMPP MajorGuard for less than one of the original supporting dealers, Fichtner Chevrolet!

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU PURCHASE THE PLAN THE SAME DAY AS YOU TAKE DELIVERY OF YOUR NEW CAR OR TRUCK, THE PRICE IS LOWER!!!

As an independent new car dealer, Fichtner Chevrolet is authorized by General Motors to sell the GM Protection Plan/MRP.

Here’s more about the plan!

Major Guard can be purchased from any GM Dealer. To save big dollars, buy it from
Fichtner Chevrolet. Many dealers mark-up Major Guard beyond GM suggested prices by several hundred dollars. We are continuing to offer the plan at a substantial discount below the suggested retail price!

I am also offering the same pricing on all GM vehicles. Not just Corvettes!! Please email me for a quote specific to the model of GM car or truck.

Major Guard is honored nation-wide and it doesn't matter where you bought the plan!

Major Guard is a policy of General Motors Corporation. Be very careful of policies written by other companies that may no longer be in business when you need them! There have been hundreds of these companies going broke in the past. In addition, this policy is good at any GM dealership. The vast majority of dealerships will not honor any policy except those sold by General Motors. The GM Protection Plan protects your vehicle and assures that it is repaired to GM standards whenever necessary. Second, the plan is completely transferable to subsequent owners of your vehicle adding to the vehicle's resale value. The GM Protection Plan comes with a GM money-back guarantee of satisfaction. You get a full refund if you cancel the Plan within 60 days of purchase and no claim is filed. After 60 days, your refund is prorated, (less a small administration fee).

For years, millions of Major Guard customers have known that, “From the engine to the trunk lock, if it breaks – or even if it just plan wears out – and it’s not on the list of the few items not covered, Major Guard will pay for the repair less your deductible – whatever it is!”

What does Major Guard cover?
It’s as simple as this: If it’s not on the very short list of what’s not covered, it’s covered!

WHAT’S NOT COVERED? (Quoted from the actual policy)
“Unless required in connection with the repair of a covered part, GM will not pay anything under the agreement that is related to normal maintenance service including engine tune-up, suspension alignment, wheel balancing, filters, lubricants, engine coolant, drive belts, radiator hoses, heater and vacuum hoses, windshield wiper blades, air conditioning recharging, fluids, spark/glow plugs, brake pads, linings and shoes, brake rotors, manual clutch disc, or any other maintenance service or part required to be performed or replaced as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule. Additionally, neither rust damage nor any of the following parts or services are covered under any circumstance: sheet metal, body panels, carpet, weather-strips, lenses, sealed beams, light bulbs, tires, trim, convertible or vinyl tops, moldings, bright metal, upholstery, paint, exhaust system, catalytic converter, hinges, brake drums, shock absorbers, batteries, carburetor, correction of air and water leaks, wind noise, odors, squeaks, rattles, contaminated fuel systems, bumpers, body parts, and glass.”

Major Guard provides 24-hour no cash needed towing and roadside assistance. Major Guard will authorize towing or emergency road service for any disablement of your covered vehicle, or will reimburse you up to $50 for these expenses. Benefits include towing, flat tire service, battery jump, out-of-gas fuel delivery and locksmith and key service. Major Guard will pay the charge to rent a replacement vehicle whenever the new vehicle limited warranty or Major Guard covered repairs require 2.0 or more manufacturers’ labor time guide hours to repair.

For any vehicle that is still inside the new vehicle limited warranty period, Major Guard time and mileage limits start on the same day as the new vehicle limited warranty and at 0 miles. Coverage ends at the earlier of the selected time or mileage. The term of coverage includes the new vehicle limited warranty. You may purchase the plan at any time but such coverage must be purchased prior to the end of the new vehicle limited warranty of 36 months or 36000 miles. Major Guard can be transferred when you sell your vehicle. Major Guard is recognized by dealers in the US and Canada. It makes sense to return to your selling dealer, but if you find it inconvenient to do so, you may use any commercial repair facility! Just refer to the Coverage Agreement for the appropriate phone number to call.

Due to an amendment to the GM Protection Plan Dealer Agreement I am not allowed to post the prices of the plan. Please email me for a specific quote. I would be pleased to email or fax you the prices. Of course you may also call me at 406-628-4618. Here are the plan terms that are available:
36 Months with mileage total of 50K, 60K, 75K, or 100K
48 Months with a mileage total of 50K, 60K, 75K, or 100K
60 Months with a mileage total of 50K, 60K, 75K, or 100K
72 Months with a mileage total of 50K, 60K, 75K, or 100K
84 Months with a mileage total of 50K, 60K, 75K, or 100K
Application is simple. Provide me with your name, address, phone number, VIN of you car, present mileage or the odometer reading upon delivery when purchasing the plan the same day, and the term and miles desired. I will prepare the paperwork and mail it to you for your signature. Return it to me with your payment and you are all set!

Benefits of having the GM Protection Plan during the base warranty period

I am often times asked why one should purchase the GM Protection Plan before the base warranty expires so I thought it would be beneficial to all if I published a list of some of the benefits.

A) The price is lower if you purchase the plan the same day as you take delivery of a new car or truck.
B) The price increases annually so waiting will without a doubt cost more.
C) GMPP is honored at all GM dealerships versus the base warranty which is only honored at Chevrolet dealerships.
D) GMPP covers a rental car if your vehicle needs 2.0 labor hours or more of repair versus the base warranty which only covers a rental if your car is disabled, in the dealership all day and then overnight.
E) GMPP covers items that break or wear out versus the base warranty which only covers items that fail due to a quality or workmanship issue.
F) If your base warranty expires your car is no longer eligible for a GMPP.

General Motors has refined their marketing approach to be tuned to the lifestyle and buying approach of today’s consumer. These buyers seek information from a variety of sources. So, for the first time, the GM Protection Plan (GMPP) is being introduced to the information-seeking customer via the internet!

Please visit the new website here: http://www.gmprotectionplan.com

You will be able to view information on the available GMPP plans as well as brand specific information and more!

What’s new for 2002 (effective 10/1/01):

New Names:
*Powertrain is now called Basic Guard
*Custom is now called Value Guard
*Major Guard is still called Major Guard

Expanded and Modified Coverages:
*Expanded time coverage up to 7 years
*84 Months with mileage options of 50K, 60K, 75K and 100K

Supplemental Coverage:
*Tire Road Hazard

A new choice for customers this year is the Tire Road Hazard protection. This option is available for new vehicles exclusively and must be purchased with a GMPP on the date of new vehicle delivery. This coverage includes:
*100% flat tire protection
*Complete or prorated replacement of original 4 tires
*$150 per tire maximum
*$0 deductible
*The term is equial to the GM Protection Plan with a cap not to exceed 60 months or 50K miles whichever comes first

12) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2003 – Revised 7/27/02

EMPLOYEE PURCHASE PLAN UPDATE

Following are the 2003 Model Year restrictions from the individual Brand Teams for the GM Employee Purchase Program, the GM Supplier New Vehicle Purchase Program, and the GM Dealership Employee Purchase Program as of July 10, 2002:

Buick - No restrictions.

Cadillac CTS - Very limited GMU.

Chevrolet Corvette - No GMO orders will be accepted.
Very limited GMU, Z06 is not available for Drive and Buy.
GMS and stock sales of Supplier are eligible.
Only eligible for the U6C portion of the Dealership Employee Purchase Program.

Chevrolet Trucks
Astro van - No cargo models in GMU.
Express van - No cargo models, E26 (left hand door), or AWD ‘H’ models in GMU.
Silverado 1500 - 1SS (Silverado SS) will not be available for GMU or GMO until approximately April, 2003.
Silverado 3500 - GMU or GMO orders must include a box (E63), no chassis (ZW9) models allowed.
Cutaway vans - Not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.
Top Kick (C4500) - Available through GMS only.

GMC
Safari van - No cargo models in GMU.
Savana van - No cargo models, E26 (left hand door), or AWD ‘H’ models in GMU.
Sierra 3500 - GMU or GMO orders must include a box (E63), no chassis (ZW9) models allowed
Cutaway vans - Not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.
Kodiak (C4500) - Available through GMS only.

Oldsmobile - No restrictions.

Pontiac Vibe - Very limited GMU. Available for all other programs.

Hummer H2 - Very limited GMU. No GMO.

Saturn No GMO is allowed on any Saturn unit.

The GMO dates expressed above are the date that orders can be accepted, provided the dealer has allocation available.

The above restrictions are subject to change at any time.


13) Weekly Constraint/Production News - UPDATED

Constraints are distributed based on Available Days' Supply (ADS), Controlled Method or Percent of Allocation (POA). Please refer to your GM Common Training Course Book #XDS01.OGD (page 2-12) for more information regarding these three methods. It is anticipated the majority of the time the ADS calculation will be used to calculate dealers' weekly constraints. Dealers can use the weekly constraint wire to see the basic availability of an option. However, to view your availability of an option, dealers will need to view the "available constraints" screen in order management. The percentages on the weekly constraint wire are estimated based on the national retail number of the constrained option divided by the amount of retail orders being allocated for the week.

To: All Chevrolet Dealers
From: Distribution
Date: July 24, 2002
Subject: CHEVROLET TRUCK AND CHEVROLET CAR Constraint Wire for 7-25-02

2003 CHEVROLET CARS

PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR "2003 MODEL YEAR ALLOCATION TAB" UNDER THE
ALLOCATION INQUIRY SCREEN FOR EARNED 2003 MODEL YEAR ALLOCATION.

CORVETTE ORDERS SENT TO POMS 7-30-02 ARE TENTATIVELY ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK OF 8-19-02.

CORVETTE (50TH ANNIVERSARY)

No retail allocation/order management activities for this week.

CORVETTE

79U (Millenium Yellow). Constraint code 464. Limited availability (26%).
G92 (Performance Axle). Constraint code 467. Limited availability (31%).

CORVETTE (HARDTOP)

79U (Millenium Yellow). Constraint code 461. Limited availability (18%).

Topic: VOMS Calendar for the Next 4 Weeks

Week 34- Beginning Thursday, July 25th, 2002
Direct Contact Dealers/RCC Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning, Thursday, July 25th, 2002 view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. On Tuesday, July 30th, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 PM EST on July 30th, 2002.

Week 35 - Beginning Thursday, August 1st, 2002
Direct Contact Dealers/RCC Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning, Thursday, August 1st, 2002 view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. On Tuesday, August 6th, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 PM EST on August 6th, 2002.

Week 36 - Beginning Thursday, August 8th, 2002
Direct Contact Dealers/RCC Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning, Thursday, August 8th, 2002 view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. On Tuesday, August 13th, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 PM EST on August 13th, 2002.

Week 37- Beginning Thursday, August 15th, 2002

Direct Contact Dealers/RCC Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning, Thursday, August 15th, 2002 view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. On Tuesday, August 20th, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 PM EST on August 20th, 2002.

DISTRIBUTION ISSUES:

Topic: VET50 Allocation – UPDATED!!

Topic: Corvette - 50th Anniversary Preliminary Orders and Target Production Dates

The Corvette - 50th Anniversary Phase I orders will be submitted through Dealer Order Submission Process (DOSP) Cycles 1 - 8. The last Phase I, for the 50th Anniversary Corvette - DOSP Cycle will be July 11,2002 which will sustain current production through November. Be sure to have buildable VET50 Allocation Group Preliminary Orders loaded in VOMS so you do not lose VET50 allocation. To determine the specific Target Production Week (TPW), please follow your 50th Anniversary Corvette Order in VOMS.

Topic: Corvette - 50th Anniversary Wheel Change

The 50th Anniversary Corvette is only available with QD4 50th Anniversary Aluminum Wheel. Any 50th Anniversary order submitted with the N73 5-Spoke Magnesium Wheel has been changed to the QD4 50th Anniversary Aluminum Wheel.

Thanks for reading this section of this week’s news!

YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!
:cool:


[Modified by Ken Fichtner, 1:57 PM 7/27/2002]