from forbes.com
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 763
from forbes.com
something interesting from forbes.com...
For more than half the cars on the list, the sales declines have to do with aging models. A car typically goes seven years between overhauls, and sales tend to decline near the end of what manufacturers call its "life cycle." A healthy model line, however, can remain popular until it is replaced--and can be a tough act to follow. General Motors put out an overhauled Chevrolet Corvette in the later part of 2004, but in 2005 Corvette sales have actually decreased.
In fact, not only has the new Corvette not lived up to the dying days of the old Corvette, but the dying Corvette’s sales actually improved as the car was dying. From January to July 2004, just before Chevrolet released the overhauled Corvette, the outgoing model line managed to post a year-over-year sales increase, according to Automotive News.
...now you have to wonder, just how much of an improvement is the (base) c6 over the c5? i understand that production numbers for the 2005 corvette are something like 37500 units, whereas for the 2004 c5, its something like 34500(???). if all this is true, there are a lot of 05 models sitting on the showroom floors. one thing though, gm was offering really good incentives, and some dealers were selling below invoice, all of which boosted final sales figures.
For more than half the cars on the list, the sales declines have to do with aging models. A car typically goes seven years between overhauls, and sales tend to decline near the end of what manufacturers call its "life cycle." A healthy model line, however, can remain popular until it is replaced--and can be a tough act to follow. General Motors put out an overhauled Chevrolet Corvette in the later part of 2004, but in 2005 Corvette sales have actually decreased.
In fact, not only has the new Corvette not lived up to the dying days of the old Corvette, but the dying Corvette’s sales actually improved as the car was dying. From January to July 2004, just before Chevrolet released the overhauled Corvette, the outgoing model line managed to post a year-over-year sales increase, according to Automotive News.
...now you have to wonder, just how much of an improvement is the (base) c6 over the c5? i understand that production numbers for the 2005 corvette are something like 37500 units, whereas for the 2004 c5, its something like 34500(???). if all this is true, there are a lot of 05 models sitting on the showroom floors. one thing though, gm was offering really good incentives, and some dealers were selling below invoice, all of which boosted final sales figures.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by Dark-Knight
It's how I bought my '04, glad I did.
About the only way I could afford a brand new corvette! Until then, I'd only had used vettes (2 others) - but having a new one beats all...JCR_Indy
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,969
Likes: 24,705
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
With dealers asking MSRP or better, no question why people are holding off buying the C6. The C6 is nice, but so is a C5 for a lot less money.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
Likes: 1
From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
The C6 just hasn't had the same enthusiasm from the vette community as the C5 did. Of course, the C4 was around for a long time and when the C5 came out, it was totally new and was leaps and bounds above the C4 in terms of technology, performance and construction.
The new C6 Z06 seems to be attracting alot of attention, hopefully, it will keep showrooms busy during GM's tough times. If sales of the vette start to waiver, then its existence may be in trouble down the line, but its too early to think like that.
The new C6 Z06 seems to be attracting alot of attention, hopefully, it will keep showrooms busy during GM's tough times. If sales of the vette start to waiver, then its existence may be in trouble down the line, but its too early to think like that.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 124,328
Likes: 283
From: .... NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '19
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
With dealers asking MSRP or better, no question why people are holding off buying the C6. The C6 is nice, but so is a C5 for a lot less money.
Kerbeck is discounting the 06 C6, why wait. Got to feel sorry for the people who paid over the sticker price for 05s http://www.kerbeck.com/
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville AL
I lusted over the upcoming C6 for the whole first 6 or 7 months of 04, reading everything I could find, spec-ing it out, just waiting to buy the first one I could get my hands on. When it got crunch time, I couldn't stomach the dealer markup, wasn't sure of the look after I actually saw the first one, and kept thinking of the typical first-year of a new model problems. $12K off a brand new 04 C5, with 7 years under it's belt to get to the best, sure changed my direction.....and haven't for a moment regretted the decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 12
From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by StephenT
With the incentives on the 04 and the looks of the C6, it was a no brainier to get my 04 
with that and most of the other posts. No regrets on my MY mn6, z51 vert for 20% off MSRP. Thank you Les Stanford Chevrolet!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 2
From: Whidbey Island WA
Originally Posted by TheBull
I bought my '04 at the end of April 2004. I got a great deal...The dealers were really trying to move them off the lots at that time...
They were giving them away!!
Got mine in May 04 and there were only 2 left in a 500 mile radius that had the combo I wanted. I figured I'd waited long enough and pulled the trigger...
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Harrison Township Michigan
I just purchased 2000 C5 convert 6 speed Red/Black/Black 15,000 miles at a very fair price very pleased. I believe hide away head lights will keep value in C5"s.
I have heard many people say new design not that great.
I also will never buy a new car to big a drop first & second year.
I have heard many people say new design not that great.
I also will never buy a new car to big a drop first & second year.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
From: I'm not quite middle aged and I only own one gold chain! San Jose CA
Originally Posted by StephenT
With the incentives on the 04 and the looks of the C6, it was a no brainier to get my 04
Thats what I did and I haven't regretted it since! Saved almost 12k off of sticker.
