Ken Fichtner

Greetings from the staff of Fichtner Chevrolet in Laurel, Montana.

I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt sympathies to those who has lost loved ones during the worst tragedy in the history of our great country. I am confident that our national leaders will see that justice is served and that we can return to being able to live without fear of terrorist attacks. The United States of America is and always will be a free nation thanks to those who have given their lives in the past to protect us. During these times it is important that we take the time to remember those who have fought on our behalf and to support those who continue to protect and serve us today.

The 2002 model year Chevrolet cars and trucks are rolling in! We are deeply discounting all models to Corvette Forum members. Further, GM has announced special financing as low as 0.0% on 2002 models! We have already had several Forum members order and take delivery of 2002 Chevrolet trucks in addition to Corvettes. Thanks for your business!

Email me for a quote on the Chevrolet of your choice. We can arrange delivery here in Montana or at a Chevrolet dealer in your area under the courtesy delivery program!

This week's news includes:

*Special GM Finance Program

*Corvette Price Increase

*GM Card Earnings Cap

* General Motors Protection Plan MajorGuard
1) Price Increase on 10/1/01
2) New Website

*GM Parts Prices = GM Dealer Wholesale

*Parts Shipping and Handling = Our cost from UPS without any exorbitant markup!

*Price Reduction/Parts Special - New Slotted and Drilled C5 Rotors.

*Overstock Sale - Corvette Promotional Collectible Models - We ordered too many and need to move them!!

*2002 C5 Service Manuals - We are taking orders now for the first shipment of Service Manuals!

*Revised Customer Satisfaction Campaign-Corvette Electronic Column Lock

Please call or email me for any other Corvette or automotive needs including Vehicle Sales, GMPP, Promotional Material, Production and Allocation Questions here:
Phone: 406-628-4618, Fax: 406-628-2025
Email: kenfichtner@hotmail.com

Please call or email Bob Wendorff for any Parts and Services needs here:
Phone: 406-628-4618, Fax: 406-628-2025
Email: corvetteparts@hotmail.com
http://www.angelfire.com/mt/corvetteken/parts.html
View many of the parts that we are featuring. You will find photos and prices at this site.
http://www.fichtnerchevrolet.com
This is our dealership home page. Visit us and let us know what you think of our site!
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/kenfichtner/
This is my new personal homepage in the Corvette Forum!

Index of topics:

Weekly Newsletter - Part 1

1) GM Special Financing - New
2) 2002 Corvette Price Increase
3) 2002 GM Card Earnings Limit
4) 2002 Corvette Order Information
5) New Website - General Motors Protection Plan - New
6) PRICE ALERT!! - GMPP Prices Increasing on 10/1/01 - New
7) General Motors Protection Plan, MajorGuard
8) Benefit to having a GMPP during the base warranty period
9) GM Employee & Supplier 2002 Eligibility
10) Weekly Constraint/Production News - Updated

Weekly Newsletter - Part 2
Promotional item news - updated (photos added)

Weekly Newsletter - Part 3
1) Parts Special of the Week - Slotted/Drilled C5 Rotors
2) Parts News - Updated
3) Corvette Parts Specials - Updated
4) Official C5 Service Manuals - Updated

Weekly Newsletter - Part 4
GM Service & Recall Information for C5's

1) Special GMAC Financing on new 2001/2002 GM Cars & Trucks

To: ALL GM DEALERS


Dear General Motors Dealer:

I want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support of GM at this time of national tragedy and to assure you that General Motors is committed to continue to support the efforts to help families and friends of the victims in the worst terrorist attacks in our country's history. Ongoing efforts in New York and Washington, D.C. and successful actions by our nation's intelligence and military organizations are critical to bringing about a return to normalcy in our daily lives. The American people have repeatedly demonstrated unparalleled resolve in the time of tragedy and we should not expect anything less today.

Throughout its history the automotive industry has played a significant role in our nation's economic strength, which has enabled Americans to enjoy our freedoms and to aid others in their time of need. General Motors takes that responsibility seriously. Today, the world is closely watching how the marketplace reacts to recent events. We are doing all we can not to let uncertainty get the better of us by sitting idly by waiting for events to unfold. During the past week, we have taken actions to minimize any disruption to our vehicle and parts production. Our sales and marketing organization is prepared to see that our dealer network meets the needs of the marketplace. A key to instilling confidence is to wholeheartedly support the administration's request to protect our economy and the way of life Americans hold dear.

Beginning September 20, 2001, we are offering interest-free GMAC financing on all GM vehicles through October 31, 2001. Program specifics are highlighted in the attachment with details in forthcoming GM incentive administration messages. In addition, all GM retail advertising will be focused on our efforts to 'Keep America Rolling.' We urge your advertising messages to support our theme to 'Keep America Rolling' in order to get maximum impact through a truly united GM front.

In spite of the negative impact caused by these unspeakable events, we are counting on you as community leaders to send a message throughout your neighborhoods. We can't let terrorists control our lives and negatively influence the way we live and the freedoms we practice and enjoy. As community and business leaders, we have a responsibility to bolster public confidence. Our early in-market research is telling us that consumers appear to be waiting to see what develops, and that shoppers have been distracted but not abnormally so for the circumstances. Consumer credit application volumes are relatively steady at about eighty percent of pre-attack levels. We are closely monitoring the marketplace and will adjust plans and programs as needed. Let me assure you that General Motors will do all that is necessary to help lead our economy out of this difficult period and we are asking you to support our efforts.

The next few weeks will be trying for all of us as Washington and the military take actions to bring the terrorists to justice. Events in the coming weeks and months will impact the daily patterns of the lives of all Americans. However, at the same time we have to be certain we send the right signals to our communities. Regardless of events around us, we need to pull together as business partners and demonstrate that we are proceeding forward as united community leaders.

I've always said that GM dealers are unique and outstanding business leaders who generously support their communities, neighbors and friends. In the coming weeks you'll have the opportunity to prove me right about why I enjoy and admire the energy, individualism and 'can do' attitude of the GM dealer body. Together, we have a great opportunity to be visible leaders by positively influencing our national economy and our nation's efforts to recover from this terrible tragedy. I'm truly proud to count you as my friend and I know you all agree we will recover together and become stronger partners in our great industry and great nation.

Thank you for the outstanding job you do as a member of the General Motors family and as our representative in your community.

Sincerely,
Bill Lovejoy
Group Vice President, VSSM

TO ALL GM DEALERS
GENERAL MOTORS AND GM DEALERS
KEEP AMERICA ROLLING

0.0% Financing on All GM Cars and Trucks
September 20 through October 31*


Cars Trucks

2001 36/Mos 0.0% 36/Mos 0.0%
48/Mos 0.0% 48/Mos 0.9%
60/Mos 0.0% 60/Mos 2.9%


2002 36/Mos 0.0% 36/Mos 0.0%
48/Mos 0.9% 48/Mos 2.9%
60/Mos 2.9% 60/Mos 4.9%

Please refer to the program guidelines for specific vehicles incentives and eligibility.

2) 2002 Corvette Price Increase

Chevrolet will announce revised 2002 model year Suggested Retail prices effective with vehicles produced on or after August 31, 2001. The revised Suggested Retail prices will affect the Chevrolet vehicles listed below. Dealer invoice amounts will increase accordingly. Dealer discounts remain unchanged.

Model New Price Change

Corvette Coupe $41,005 $200
Z06 $49,705 $200
Convertible $47,530 $200

Dealer price schedules will be available on internet address.

All qualified bona fide sold retail orders entered in VOMS on or before August 30, 2001 and delivered to the original customer after that date will be price protected. These units will be invoiced at prices in effect at the date of production; however, the dealer open account will automatically be credited for the price increase once the unit has been delivered.

Generally, fleet orders are invoice price protected (i.e., bid center FBC order types, VQ orders). All other fleet orders will be price protected according to the bona fide sold retail price protection policy above. Refer to the price protection effective date on the invoice.

3) 2002 GM Card Earnings Limit

2002 GM Card Earnings Redemption Allowance Summary

Attention Dealers:

Indicated below are the GM Card Earnings Redemption Allowances* for all 2002 GM Vehicles. If you have any questions regarding the 2002 Vehicle Redemption Allowances, please contact The GM Card Dealer Hotline (Open Monday through Saturday, 8 am - midnight). Current GM Card Vehicle Redemption Allowance information is also available at http://www.gmcard.com.

* Redemption Allowances may change based on such things as promotional offers and new model year introductions and will never be less than $1,000.

Partition Model 2002 Redemption Allowance

Large Bonneville $2,000
Large LeSabre $2,000

Luxury Aurora $2,000
Luxury Catera $2,000
Luxury Corvette $1,000
Luxury DeVille $2,500
Luxury Eldorado $2,000
Luxury Park Avenue $2,500
Luxury Seville $3,500

Mid Alero $1,500
Mid Century $1,500
Mid Grand AM $1,500
Mid Grand Prix $2,000
Mid Impala $1,500
Mid Intrigue $2,000
Mid Malibu $1,500
Mid Monte Carlo $1,500
Mid Regal $2,000

Pickup Silverado $1,500
Pickup S-10 Pickup $1,500
Pickup Sierra $1,500
Pickup Sonoma $1,500

Small Cavalier $1,500
Small Prizm $1,500
Small Sunfire $1,500

Sport Camaro $2,000
Sport Firebird $2,000

Utility Aztek $1,500
Utility Blazer $2,000
Utility Chev Suburban/Tahoe$1,500
Utility Yukon/Yukon XL $1,500
Utility Tracker $1,500

Van Astro $2,000
Van Express $2,000
Van Montana $2,500
Van Safari $2,000
Van Savana $2,000
Van Silhouette $2,500
Van Venture $2,500

2002 Introductions:

Utility Avalanche* $1,000
Utility Bravada* $1,500
Utility Envoy* $1,500
Utility Escalade* $1,500
Utility Trailblazer* $1,500
Utility Rendevous $1,500
Utility Escalade Ext $1,000

* Approved for 2001

4) 2002 Corvette Order Information

2002 Corvette Order Information:

View the 2002 Corvette Coupe/Convertible/Z06 Dealer Order Guide here: http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/kenf...eOrderGuid.htm

5) New Website - General Motors Protection Plan

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!

6) PRICE ALERT!! - GMPP Prices Increasing on 10/1/01

GM has announced that all GMPP prices will increase on 10/1/01. The price increase is up to several hundred dollars!

If you have an intent to purchase the GMPP please contact me ASAP so that we can take care of you before the price increase. Further, if you have received paperwork from me and have not yet returned it with your payment, please do so immediately!

7) General Motors Protection Plan, MajorGuard:

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

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!

8) 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.

9) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2002 - Revised 9/6/01

CORVETTE
The 2002 model year Corvette Coupe and Convertible models are now available for the GM employee drive and buy program. This does not apply to the Corvette Z06 model. Corvettes purchased under this program must be held for a minimum of two years before the vehicle may be sold. GMS continues to be available on all Corvette models, while GMO is not available on any Corvette models. Please keep in mind that only a limited quantity of Corvettes are placed in PEP service (and thus available for drive and buy).

Topic: GM Employee Purchase Program - Update
Following are the 2002 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 Sept. 6, 2001:

GMU = GM Employee drive and buy
GMO = GM Employee order
GMS = GM Employee and Supplier out of stock purchase

Chevrolet Cars
Camaro - No 35th anniversary models available (Z4C) as GMU or GMO
Corvette - No GMO orders will be accepted, No PEP - GMU usage fully Utilized, GMS and stock sales of Supplier are eligible.

Chevrolet Trucks
Astro Van - No cargo models in GMU
Express Van - No cargo models in GMU (Y91 SLT/LT O.K.)
Silverado 2500HD & 3500 - Very limited GMU. GMO continues
to be available, however, orders that contain the LB7 Dura Max
Diesel engine will be available on a limited basis starting 9/1
with weekly order flow monitored subject to cancellation at any
time.
Cutaway Vans - Not available for GMU,GMO, or GMS

10) Weekly Constraint/Production News - UPDATED

ALLOCATION REPORT - UPDATE
Final Allocation Reports for Direct Contact Dealers for the month of September are available on the allocation web site beginning Tuesday, August 7th. As a reminder, these reports may be updated weekly, if weekly allocation volumes for an individual dealer change.
Estimated shipment dates for the month of October will be available on the web site on Monday, August 13th.

THIS MEANS THAT DEALERS NOW POSITIVELY WHAT THEIR ALLOCATIONS ARE FOR PRODUCTION THRU OCTOBER.

Ask the dealer of your choice to share with you their "Extended Allocation Horizon"
report as soon as possible. Remember, this report confirms whether or not a dealer has
any orders available and when they will be produced. Though the order system has
been revised, dealers may not order any more Corvettes than they have available in the
"Extended Allocation Horizon" report!

DEALER ORDER SUBMISSION PROCESS (DOSP) FOR DEALER CONSULTING CENTER (DCC) DEALERSHIPS
All DCC dealers will begin using the Dealer Order Submission Process (DOSP) to order vehicles and manage inventory effective September 10, 2001. The training starts on August 14, 2001.

A DEALER ORDER SUBMISSION PROCESS (DOSP) - REMINDER
If dealers want to receive all or a portion of their Allocation Quantity for a particular week, they must have sufficient orders on their "Preliminary Order List". If the "Preliminary Order List" does not contain sufficient orders that can be "Placed", some or all of the Allocation may go to other dealers that have a Desired Quantity that is greater than their Allocation Quantity.
This functionality provides a dealer with a means to tell the system to "Place" orders as configured, and if it can not "Place" the orders due to constraints, then attempts will be made to offer the Allocation to another dealer (PFT). It is only when there are no requests for additional allocation by other dealers that National Pattern Orders may be assigned to the original dealer.
The Bottom Line: Even when you have allocation you must have a sufficient quantity of "Prioritized Preliminary Orders", that take into account constraints, to have orders "Placed" in-line with your allocation.

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.

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE CONTAINS CONSTRAINTS FOR CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION FOR 9-20-01.

To: All Chevrolet Dealers
From: Distribution
Date: September 19, 2001
Subject: CHEVROLET CAR Constraint Wire for 9-20-01

CHEVROLET CARS:

2002 CORVETTE (VET)
Models 1**07/1**67 (Cpe/Convert) w/Exterior Paint Millenium Yellow (79U)-Limited Availability (11%). Constraint code 822.
Models 1**07/1**67 (Cpe/Convert) w/Exterior Paint Magnetic Red (86U)-Limited Availability (15%). Constraint code 821.
Performance Axle Ratio (G92)-Limited Availability (42%). Constraint code 461.

2002 CORVETTE HARDTOP Z06 (VETH)
Exterior Paint Millenium Yellow (79U)-Limited Availability (14%). Constraint code 464.

Topic: VOMS Calendar for the Next 4 Weeks

WEEK 38 - Beginning Thursday, September 20, 2001

Direct Contact Dealers/Telemarketing Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning Thursday, September 20th, view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. Tuesday, September 25th, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 P.M. ET on September 25th.

WEEK 39 - Beginning Thursday, September 27, 2001

Direct Contact Dealers/Telemarketing Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning Thursday, September 27th, view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. Tuesday, October 2nd, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 P.M. ET on October 2nd.

WEEK 40 - Beginning Thursday, October 4, 2001

Direct Contact Dealers/Telemarketing Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning Thursday, October 4th, view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. Tuesday, October 9th, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 P.M. ET on October 9th.

WEEK 41 - Beginning Thursday, October 11, 2001

Direct Contact Dealers/Telemarketing Dealers: Submit preliminary order requests. Beginning Thursday, October 11th, view allocation and constraints. Set desired quantities and establish priorities. Tuesday, October 16th, review and modify orders. Orders will be sent to POMS at 9:00 P.M. ET on October 16th.

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

YLWFVR75

As always, great newsletter! One quick question..... Someone mentioned to me, that they had read that there is an additional $1000 rebate towards corvettes in conjunction with the 0.0% interest rate. Could you shed some light on this?

Thanks

Zack

Vette Nut

Ken, do you know anything about the GM gas tank rebate that had to do with Tahoes in 1997 ? A few weeks ago i got a letter in the mail with a form to fill out about it but then was no mention on how to or when the rebate would take place.

01 Yellow Roadster

Ken Fichtner

Hello and thanks for the questions.

There is no rebate on a Corvette.

The fuel tank settlement certificate was not for a Tahoe. I personally am not aware of a recall on this unit either.

Have a great week,
Ken

Vette Nut

Ken , the story on the Tahoe was that some advertising listed the Tahoe as having a larger Gas Tank than they did. There was no problem with the tank or any recall. I got a letter 2 months ago and they wanted some information from me. They said i may be eligible for a $ 750 rebate, but nothing appeared to be set in stone at that time.

01 Yellow Roadster