Found some 2014 stats again

[81Wayne]

Found some 2014 productions stats. I didn't realize there were 2 manual options. Guessing the Z51 had a better one? 6speed auto was very popular at 64.6% of production.
Interesting all those that went to Mexico, Europe, Russia and the UK all were Z51's. 70% of the ones to Japan were Z51, and roughly 80% to the Middle East were Z51's. Canada even though we had the most out of any other country was just under 63% for Z51. Doesn't seem right as way more people wanted Z51's here but couldn't get them last year.
Yep Canada treated worse then other countries. GM has our pants down around our ankles while we have to take you know where, we don't even get spit. It'll be real interesting to see how many Z06's these other countries get.

http://www.corvetteconti.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014-corvette-production-stats.pdf

 

[ojamali]

Very interesting read! And a great find! Thanks for sharing this.

Not sure if I can agree with your conclusion though that Canada was treated worse than other foreign countries. With a quota of 2-3% of production history they still ended up with over 3% non-Z51 coupes and over 5% Z51 Coupes.

The lack of convertibles could be explained with late convertible availability and lesser interest in Canada due to colder climate.

 

[AllFlash]

I have to agree here where Canada fared very well when comparing population densities of other countries...and even continents in fact. Europe as a whole has 742 million people compared to Canada's 35 million, several European countries also being significantly richer than ours. We still doubled there allotment.

 

[81Wayne]

I have to agree here where Canada fared very well when comparing population densities of other countries...and even continents in fact. Europe as a whole has 742 million people compared to Canada's 35 million, several European countries also being significantly richer than ours. We still doubled there allotment.

But is the demand as big for the Corvette there as it is Canada? Is Europe or other countries as big on North American muscle as we are?
They have money and access to way more exotic cars then we do. A Corvette there could be a poor mans' entry level sports car. Maybe a Corvette to them could be like a Mustang to us, more like a soccer mom's car....

 

[AllFlash]

It is actually hard to say, especially with the Z06. Exotic cars in North America are domestic in Europe. Is the newest vette considered exotic now in Europe? I dont think any of us can answer whether Canada or Europe in its totality has more demand because, well GM has never really ventured into accurate demand needs I might think.

IMO, worldwide marketing is definitely not GMs strongpoint.

 

[81Wayne]

I have to say I agree somewhat with ojamali no way would GM be take a loss on any Corvette leaving the factory. The factory price no matter where it goes in North America or overseas, the price out the back door of the factory is the same to everyone in US dollars. The General always gets his money.

I can only speculate or guess GM Canada is trying to keep the demand and interest high here and taking a lower cut as well as the dealers may not have the same profit margin as years ago. I know in 2003 the dealer was making about 17% when I bought my 50th, (I have copy of dealer cost papers to back that up) today the dealer is making about 9% - 10% on a Corvette. Not sure but possibly the rebates and year end incentives to Canadian dealers may help offset pricing too. I don’t know all the logistics but there must be some in play and they may be applied differently here. It’s a fine line and if all manufactures raise their price to be in line with current exchange rates you’ll see a huge drop in car sales hurting the economy. I don’t think anyone wants to rock the boat too drastically, too quickly.

So I'm guessing that is why the price hasn't been keeping up on par with exchange. I'm willing to bet the dealer margin on the US side is higher. As for a base price on a Z06 of $99,000.00 and say it’s a bargain under a 100K, who orders a Corvette with zero options? Raising the base price and options to match US pricing after exchange will put an end to the allocation issues for sure because it'll take a lot of potential Z06 buyers out of the market. How many of you wanting a Z06 would be willing to pay the US price after exchange? If a decent mildly optioned Z06 after exchange was $132,000.00 plus, I’m willing to bet 28 to 40 allocations would fill the orders in hand.. Currently it’s a great deal, can’t deny that…

It is what it is and no matter what Canada is capable of selling a lot more than allocated GM US doesn’t care. I’ll be happy to get a new C7 but it’s still working out to be the worst car buying experience of my life to date… Bottom line, not being able to get exactly what you want is a huge disappointment………….