New Camaro Launched

[Rick Parker]

I had the opportunity to view a live broadcast last summer that was available exclusively to Chevrolet Dealerships. Part of the broadcast after they presented the meeting was a question and answer session where dealership personel had the ability to direct live questions to the panel. The panel was primarily addressing questions regarding colors, trim options and what combos and such were going to be available at launch. Because the dealers were to begin placing preliminary orders for the car shortly not long after the broadcast (few weeks) They made it clear that they intended to have all engines available, and the SS and base model would both be available although if I remember there was some limitation on color or trim availability with the stripes.
The demographics for the intended market were college educated in their mid 40's and older in $70,000+ income bracket. They did not anticipate or perceive the market to be 20's & 30's, the price point is a little high.
The lead time for this type of project is quite long, and they certainly did not anticipate the financial crash that has happened. Too much money AND R&D involved to shelve the project it once it was really rolling. They enlist the help of major contributors for sub assemblies that themselve have their own timeline. If they bowed out it would take too long to relight the flame. I mentioned this a few weeks ago that I met an engineer for GM who said they did a large part of the chassis and suspension work at a business in Manteca Ca, nearby and they worked on the project for most of a year. Never heard a word!