The (soon to be) End of the Line for the 6th Generation Corvette

Article contributed by Dave Salvatore / Kerbeck Corvette

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.

Recently, Alan Batey, GM Vice President of Chevrolet sales, informed dealers attending the regional Chevrolet dealer meetings what their sales goals would be for Corvettes in the 2012 calendar year and what Corvette training requirements would have to be completed to be eligible for initial production of the next generation Corvette. This is based on the anticipated limitations that will be applicable to the initial production of the next generation Corvette.

These announcements make evident that one of the most exciting Corvette generations is coming to a close. Kerbeck Corvette would like to take some time to share with you some details around the 2012 and 2013 model can be prepared 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. Under the current schedule the last time we will be able to order Carlisle Blue is 02/09/12 and the last chance to order the Centennial Package will be 03/01. The last week to order ANY 2012 Corvette will be 03/15.

Keep in mind that these dates are flexible and could change a week or two in either direction. If you are interested in either of the Centennial Edition Package or the Carlisle Blue exterior color, it is suggested you contact us now to check current availability or to order your desired 2012 Corvette model.

Information Regarding 2013 Corvette Model Run

The 2013 model run is scheduled to start production in May 2012. New model year Corvettes usually don’t start production until the last week or so of June so this signifies a move up in production.

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. GM will be sending us information about the exciting changes for the 2013 Corvette and we will be sharing it with you in the coming weeks.

The 2013 Corvette production period is expected to run for approximately nine months with production to end sometime around February 2013. This does not mean that the C7 Corvette will be out early. The next model run will NOT immediately follow the end of the 2013 model run since the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, KY will need a few months to retool the assembly lines for production of the 7th Generation Corvette.

The Coming of 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. Since we have been the World’s Largest Corvette Dealer for 18 years in a row, Kerbeck Corvette is ready to meet all of Chevrolet’s requirements and the Corvette community’s expectations!

The next two years promises to be two of the most eventful years in Corvette’s nearly 60 years of existence and we hope that you will join us on this journey.

This article was contributed by Dave Salvatore of Kerbeck Corvette, the world’s largest Corvette dealer since 1994. Looking for a new 2012 Corvette? Call Dave at 877-537-2325 or visit them on the web at www.Kerbeck.com.

Related:
GM to Offer Another Mystery Corvette at Barrett-Jackson?
Download the 2012 Corvette Brochure
Update from GM on 2012 Corvette Production