Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese

**JoeT** · 03-31-2006, 01:56 AM

Cor! The 'vette Is Coming

Joshua Dowling
31 March 2006
www.drive.com.au

The iconic American sportscar is destined for Australia - thanks to Japanese buyers.

America's favourite sportscar, the Chevrolet Corvette, could be sold in Australia if plans by General Motors in the United States are successful.

The latest, sixth-generation Corvette has sold beyond expectations both in the US and in the few foreign markets where the 6.0-litre V8-powered coupe is sold, such as Europe and Japan.

Buoyed by the success of its Porsche 911 rival, GM is holding high-level talks about making the Corvette available to more countries than ever before.

"With the next iteration of Corvette we really need to look at right-hand drive seriously," says GM's global product chief Bob Lutz. "There is clearly a demand there, if we get the car right, as the latest model has shown."

The first 400 Corvettes sent to Japan were expected to account for an entire year's allocation but all were snapped-up in just one month. Authorities in Japan allow left-hand drive cars to be sold there but GM believes there could be even stronger demand if they were made in right-hand drive.

"We would love to sell a right-hand drive Corvette in Japan," Lutz says. "And, of course, if you've developed it for that market, other right-hand drive markets can take the car if they want it, such as Australia and the United Kingdom.

"The C6 Corvette has gone phenomenally well in Japan and Europe and that is a clear sign that if you build a truly world-class sportscar there are plenty of people looking for an alternative to a Porsche."

Lutz says that, unfortunately, no allowance was made to build the current Corvette in right-hand drive.

"But with every model we develop going forward, we have to think of the global market."

Lutz says it is not economically viable to modify the current Corvette for right-hand drive, rather the car should be designed for both markets when the all-new model is being developed.

"That way you get the economies of scale and all the development is done at the same time. The Corvette is one of GM's treasured products, so we should make the most of it."

So, how long will it be before we see a right-hand drive Corvette in Australia? Lutz won't be drawn on an exact time, other than: "The current Corvette won't be around as long as the previous model".

The current model Corvette has been on sale for a little over two years but Lutz says GM is considering introducing the seventh-generation "sooner rather than later".

The previous model Corvette lasted for nine years but GM wants to cut the current model's life to five, which would mean the new model could be on the road by 2009.

Holden, GM's Australian outpost, is in the process of establishing Cadillac and Hummer distribution some time in the next two years. The Corvette could be sold at select Holden dealers, such as those which sell and service its high-performance range of Holden Special Vehicles.

**ChevroletRevived** · 03-31-2006, 01:59 AM

Cool, and very interesting.

56 Starchief · 03-31-2006, 02:01 AM

sweeet

MrMax · 03-31-2006, 02:35 AM

Its funny. Much as I love the C6, ever since the day I saw it, it made me wonder how awesome the next Corvette would be. Now I'll get the answer sooner than expected. New Vette, new Camaro, all at once. No wonder the Z06 came so quick.

**mgescuro** · 03-31-2006, 02:43 AM

Did GM's beancounters finally grow brains?!?!?!?!?

"GM believes there could be even stronger demand if they were made in right-hand drive."

Corvette, XLR, Solstice, and Sky would storm the Japanese Market.... IF THE PRODUCT FIT THE NEEDS OF THE MARKET.

But what annoys me is that the Corvette is a CHEVY.
but in other countries... it's not sold in Chevy dealerships... it's sold in caddy dealerships... or "speciality" dealers.. or whatever.

Make the Corvette a Brand in itself!!

Butz · 03-31-2006, 02:49 AM

Great! Selling 400 Corvettes in one Month in Japan is phenomenal!

redimpss5 · 03-31-2006, 03:04 AM

Well, when you make good things, they will buy them!

Flyingbunnys · 03-31-2006, 03:07 AM

Perhaps the corvette alone can save GM. forget the rest of their cars lol. Wow truely nice

**JoeT** · 03-31-2006, 03:07 AM

Quote:

It's not sold in Chevy dealerships... it's sold in caddy dealerships... or "speciality" dealers.. or whatever. Make the Corvette a Brand in itself!!

Why would GM do that? Thats just a waste of cash, like GM's multiple brand naming of similar products in the US.

HSV's are sold at Holden dealerships, so why can't the unique one-off GM imports like Chevrolet Corvette & Hummer models?

GM doesn't need anymore than one of it's brands in any one market.
Cadillac could be the exception to the rule, as it's GM's only true 'global' brand.
Hummer's & Chevrolet Corvette's should not be rebadged either, as they are unique makes, but any other GM products should be rebadged & sold under the local GM brand name.

RedVee8 · 03-31-2006, 03:20 AM

Great, though It'll take will a while to save the necessaries....

Re dealerships, I agree with Joe, though perhaps Saabs should be paired off separately from Holden dealers.
How about with Alfa? D'oh
Subaru? D'oh
maybe with Caddy.

King Riffle · 03-31-2006, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeT

Lutz says it is not economically viable to modify the current Corvette for right-hand drive, rather the car should be designed for both markets when the all-new model is being developed.

Thus, the guages in the next Corvette will be located in the centre of the dashboard, as they are in the Saturn Ion.

**JoeT** · 03-31-2006, 03:45 AM

The Saab brand should be scraped, except maybe for use in Europe.

Saab offers nothing unique to most GM markets, either with its brand image/appeal or products.

mike's 01ws6 · 03-31-2006, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Did GM's beancounters finally grow brains?!?!?!?!?

"GM believes there could be even stronger demand if they were made in right-hand drive."

Corvette, XLR, Solstice, and Sky would storm the Japanese Market.... IF THE PRODUCT FIT THE NEEDS OF THE MARKET.

But what annoys me is that the Corvette is a CHEVY.
but in other countries... it's not sold in Chevy dealerships... it's sold in caddy dealerships... or "speciality" dealers.. or whatever.

Make the Corvette a Brand in itself!!

How does that make sense? Spend money on something that does fine the way it is?

TKR · 03-31-2006, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike's 01ws6

How does that make sense? Spend money on something that does fine the way it is?

Have a look at an atlas and realise that there is a world outside of your own border that may actually want key GM vehicles. If Ferrri, Porsche etc can build a car in RHD then why can't GM? I think GM is actually finally waking up.

If GM had stayed as a solely US brand (ie no Opel, Holden and no exports) then I suspect this website would not exist as GM would have sunk many moons ago. If GM want's to increase prduction from US plants (and keep jobs) then they need to find other markets and adapt to suit, not just tell the markets to take it or leave it because with the other product from various manufacturers around the planet today I know what the answer will be.

kenman923 · 03-31-2006, 06:24 AM

Glad to see the Vette going to Austrailia. Those "mates" would have a really super car.

03-31-2006, 01:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
JoeT GMI's Holden Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wollongong, Australia Drives: 2003 Holden Monaro CV8 Posts: 4,854	Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Cor! The 'vette Is Coming Joshua Dowling 31 March 2006 www.drive.com.au The iconic American sportscar is destined for Australia - thanks to Japanese buyers. America's favourite sportscar, the Chevrolet Corvette, could be sold in Australia if plans by General Motors in the United States are successful. The latest, sixth-generation Corvette has sold beyond expectations both in the US and in the few foreign markets where the 6.0-litre V8-powered coupe is sold, such as Europe and Japan. Buoyed by the success of its Porsche 911 rival, GM is holding high-level talks about making the Corvette available to more countries than ever before. "With the next iteration of Corvette we really need to look at right-hand drive seriously," says GM's global product chief Bob Lutz. "There is clearly a demand there, if we get the car right, as the latest model has shown." The first 400 Corvettes sent to Japan were expected to account for an entire year's allocation but all were snapped-up in just one month. Authorities in Japan allow left-hand drive cars to be sold there but GM believes there could be even stronger demand if they were made in right-hand drive. "We would love to sell a right-hand drive Corvette in Japan," Lutz says. "And, of course, if you've developed it for that market, other right-hand drive markets can take the car if they want it, such as Australia and the United Kingdom. "The C6 Corvette has gone phenomenally well in Japan and Europe and that is a clear sign that if you build a truly world-class sportscar there are plenty of people looking for an alternative to a Porsche." Lutz says that, unfortunately, no allowance was made to build the current Corvette in right-hand drive. "But with every model we develop going forward, we have to think of the global market." Lutz says it is not economically viable to modify the current Corvette for right-hand drive, rather the car should be designed for both markets when the all-new model is being developed. "That way you get the economies of scale and all the development is done at the same time. The Corvette is one of GM's treasured products, so we should make the most of it." So, how long will it be before we see a right-hand drive Corvette in Australia? Lutz won't be drawn on an exact time, other than: "The current Corvette won't be around as long as the previous model". The current model Corvette has been on sale for a little over two years but Lutz says GM is considering introducing the seventh-generation "sooner rather than later". The previous model Corvette lasted for nine years but GM wants to cut the current model's life to five, which would mean the new model could be on the road by 2009. Holden, GM's Australian outpost, is in the process of establishing Cadillac and Hummer distribution some time in the next two years. The Corvette could be sold at select Holden dealers, such as those which sell and service its high-performance range of Holden Special Vehicles.

03-31-2006, 01:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
ChevroletRevived GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Good Ol United States of America Posts: 8,863	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Cool, and very interesting. __________________ GMI's Revitalization in Action Director Check out our latest lineup by Clicking Here If you've got inside news and would like to be a GMInsider, send me a private message or email me HERE.

03-31-2006, 02:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
56 Starchief 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NJ Drives: '56 Pontiac Starchief Hardtop '01 Ford Escape Posts: 1,475	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese sweeet __________________ General Motors Today-Tomorrow-Always

03-31-2006, 02:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
MrMax 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 766	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Its funny. Much as I love the C6, ever since the day I saw it, it made me wonder how awesome the next Corvette would be. Now I'll get the answer sooner than expected. New Vette, new Camaro, all at once. No wonder the Z06 came so quick. __________________

03-31-2006, 02:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
mgescuro GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 24,405	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Did GM's beancounters finally grow brains?!?!?!?!? "GM believes there could be even stronger demand if they were made in right-hand drive." Corvette, XLR, Solstice, and Sky would storm the Japanese Market.... IF THE PRODUCT FIT THE NEEDS OF THE MARKET. But what annoys me is that the Corvette is a CHEVY. but in other countries... it's not sold in Chevy dealerships... it's sold in caddy dealerships... or "speciality" dealers.. or whatever. Make the Corvette a Brand in itself!! __________________ 2000 Saab 9-5 Aero 1995 Mercedes C280 1994 Jaguar XJ6 ...when all hope is gone, you know sad songs say so much... My Vision of Cadillac My Vision of Cadillac (REDUX)

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03-31-2006, 03:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
redimpss5 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,631	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Well, when you make good things, they will buy them!

03-31-2006, 03:07 AM	#8 (permalink)
Flyingbunnys 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fairfax VA Drives: Chevy S-10 1985 Posts: 340	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Perhaps the corvette alone can save GM. forget the rest of their cars lol. Wow truely nice __________________ USA: 1985 2.8L Chevy S-10 Europe: 1987 Trabant 36 cu in Engine -I must not walk to save a child, thats how it works-

03-31-2006, 03:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
RedVee8 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Rosemeadow, NSW Australia Drives: 1984 Holden VH Commodore Vacationer 253 V8 2006 A Posts: 1,617	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Great, though It'll take will a while to save the necessaries.... Re dealerships, I agree with Joe, though perhaps Saabs should be paired off separately from Holden dealers. How about with Alfa? D'oh Subaru? D'oh maybe with Caddy. __________________ RedVee8 Current Holdens. VH Commodore Vacationer 253 V8; AH Astra CDX 1.8; CG Captiva LX 3.2V6 (work). Previous Holdens. 1969 HT Kingswood 186; 1975 HJ Premier 202; 1977 TC Gemini; 1985 JD Camira SL/E 1.8i Keep Holden On.

03-31-2006, 03:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
JoeT GMI's Holden Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wollongong, Australia Drives: 2003 Holden Monaro CV8 Posts: 4,854	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese The Saab brand should be scraped, except maybe for use in Europe. Saab offers nothing unique to most GM markets, either with its brand image/appeal or products. Last edited by JoeT : 03-31-2006 at 05:03 AM.

03-31-2006, 06:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
kenman923 6.2 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Feb 2005 Drives: 2009 Acura TSX Posts: 2,632	Re: Corvette Is Heading Down Under, Thanks To The Japanese Glad to see the Vette going to Austrailia. Those "mates" would have a really super car. __________________ Current: 2009 Acura TSX Gone but not forgotten: 2001 Saturn L300 1993 Saturn SL2 1986 Nissan Sentra

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