GM Updates Dealers on the Current Corvette Retention Periods

Nov 17, 2025

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GM Updates Dealers on the Current Corvette Retention Periods

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

General Motors sent out a memo to its Chevrolet dealers today with an update on the current Corvette retention policies that are currently in effect. Customers are required to acknowledge the retention policy by signing a form which is then retained in the dealer’s deal jacket.

The retention policy was first put into place prior to the launch of the 2023 Z06 to deter flipping. Failure to retain the car for the one year from delivery could result in being blackballed by GM from ordering other high demand vehicles, and the warranty on the flipped car will be blocked. We’ve maintained that the policy doesn’t deter flipping and instead it empowered dealers to sell the cars with outrageous markups, and yet GM still persists!

In this new update, GM addresses the retention policy for the Model Year ’25 and ’26 Corvette E-Ray and Z06 as well as the MY25 ZR1 and MY26 ZR1 and ZR1X.

Corvette Retention Policy

To: All Chevrolet Dealers, Dealer Operators, and General Managers
From: Chevrolet
Subject: Changes to MY25 and MY26 Corvette Retention Periods

Please be aware that, effective immediately, the 6-month retention period for both MY25 and MY26 Corvette E-Ray and Z06 have been removed. The 6-month retention period on the MY25 and MY26 Corvette E-Ray and Z06 will remain applicable to vehicles delivered (Event 6000) on or before November 5th, 2026.

Moving forward, only ZR1 and ZR1X are subject to retention periods:

MY25 Corvette ZR1 is subject to a 1-year retention policy

MY26 Corvette ZR1 & ZR1X are both subject to a 1-year retention policy

The 1-year retention period for ZR1 and ZR1X starts the day the vehicle is reported delivered to the original retail customer (Event 6000). If the original retail customer decides to sell, or otherwise transfer ownership of their ZR1 or ZR1X within the first twelve (12) months after delivery:

The original retail customer will be ineligible to place a vehicle reservation or a sold order with a Chevrolet dealer for certain high demand models (as identified by GM), including but not limited to future Chevrolet Corvette models.
The Bumper-to-Bumper, Powertrain, Sheet Metal, Electric Vehicle Propulsion (ZR1X only), Tire and Accessory coverages under GM’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be voided (this does not include the EV Battery Warranty Coverage, which will not be voided).
Please see the attached form, which is also located via the following path:

GlobalConnect > Chevrolet Brand HQ > ICE Product Information > Warranty Forms

This form must be signed by the original retail customer at the time of delivery. A copy must also be kept in the deal jacket and is subject to audit by GM.

Any questions, please contact your local Zone Team.

Chevrolet

Source:
MidEngineCorvetteForum

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5 COMMENTS

Ralph Nov 17, 2025 At 5:20 pm

I understand the intention with GM, but it may not work well. When something like a ZR1/Z06/E-Ray are so desired by some buyers it is difficult.

Although slightly different, as a wristwatch guy, this reminds me and is similar to Rolex to a degree, which are also very desired by some buyers.

Some authorized Rolex dealers pick who they sell too (sometimes), give repeat customers priority, might put you on a real or not real waiting list and frown upon flipping/reselling. (although now they themselves are reselling)

At least GM doesn’t make you buy 2 base C8’s before they “let” you and take your money for a new Z06.!😄😲😄lol
Boba Fett Nov 17, 2025 At 6:14 pm

Well, as long as boomer and YT influencer continue to flip at the first sight of a new model, the practice of these obscene markups will continue.

Yet, you & yours have no problem running a puff piece on Princess Emelia the second she gets her mitts on the latest & greatest.

As the old saying goes, “Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes”.
Michael J Genzale Nov 18, 2025 At 5:57 am

Dealer markups at times may be ‘outrageous” but they are in business. Business is driven by profit.
You want to gat angry not with the dealer but whoever is willing to pay the mark up. No buyers, no mark up.
Supply and demand. We’er not taling about gouging on a food product for family, or gas during a shortage.
Besides, the whole argument is based on over MSRP. What else has an MSRP?
You pay one price for milk at Harris Teeter, yet a lower price for that same brand milk at Aldi.
Tommyboy Nov 18, 2025 At 5:03 pm

Does anybody really care! The Corvette market has gone soft and to compel new buyers to keep their car for a year is ridiculous. GM leadership should be happy when a buyer forks over a ton of money and drives one off the dealers lot and deletes it from manufacturers inventory. Like every hypocrite, GM will soon be forced to do a “Buy a ZR1 and get a second base Corvette free”
🤣🤣🤣
Bob in FL Dec 2, 2025 At 6:08 am

Does anyone care? Yes. Has the corvette market gone soft? No. There is plenty of demand for ZR1 and ZR1X – probably 1-2 years of buyers waiting in line. Is that a soft market? It took 2-3 years for Z06 demand to wear off and they are still selling quite a few. Grand Sport and manual transmission rumors are out there.

Several of my friends would sure like to buy a used Stingray. But the used C8 market has to “soften” some more. They’re still looking at $50,000+…

I don’t see the point of blaming GM. GM gets nothing extra from the dealer bribes except unearned bad PR. Bribes inflate prices, discourage buyers and can impact sales.

The retention policy GM has established for the high end models is something that they have implemented voluntarily. It may not be 100% effective, but it shows their position on the matter. It must be working to some extent because annoyed would-be flippers are always complaining about it.