[LOWDOWN]

What follows, Number 3, is purely an example of a "formal relationship" between a Manufacturer's Sales and Parts departments..."synergy", if you please...or "vertical integration"......

If you take a look at the "formal" relationship between TRD and Toyota, or Lexus and their F-Sport Boutique (really a TRD off-shot), a parts purchase AND installation before 1st Retail Delivery carries the New Vehicle Warranty coverage (of course, depending on the part(s)). In Toyota's case, 36/36. In Lexus' case, 48/50. Instead of the "usual" 12/12 Parts-only Warranty you generally receive at a New Car Parts counter.

This "formal relationship" involves things like polished stainless cat-backs, 14" brakes, lowered coil-overs, monster sway bars, 19" forged wheels (less expensive than a similar-sized BBS rim from Tire Rack - BBS is the Lexus supplier!). Choose one...choose 'em all...choose what YOU want...supplied/installed/warranted! Of course, in the case of brakes, the warranty is against manufacturer's defect, NOT wear...just like any other New Vehicle Warranty. Wanna turn an IS 250 into a pseudo-ISF? And add it to your subvented-rate Financing? Ready-willing-able, the day you take your new pride-'n-joy home? No problem...

If you venture into a Lexus store, you'll see a display, approved and supplied by Parts, sitting in the showroom with a CAI, a c/f Engine Cover, a forged 19", a Stainless Cat-Back, a dropped Coilover, a 14" Big Brake caliper/rotor...in a freakin' LEXUS store! Who'da thunk?! You won't see that sort of thing at a Caddie ("V is for VICTORY") or Buick ("The GS Salon") showroom...or a Chevy ("The BOWTIE Boutique" or "BRIGADE" or [heaven forbid] "The CHEVY SHOP") showroom, generally, for that matter...

The Dealer makes the profit on the parts AND installation. The Customer has "Factory-approved" parts AND installation AND Warranty, and only ONE place to go if a problem occurs. And the Manufacturer has more profit$, happy Dealers, happy Customers...and a greater likelihood of retained business for Sales, Service, AND Parts...

THAT'S what I'm talkin' about as far as a "formal relationship" between GM and GM PP...

It speaks directly to why GM is building the ZL1...not ALL that LS3 hop-up money needs to go to SLP/LPE etc...but THIS sort of "program", assuming certain Parts sold by GM PP are New Vehicle-worthy and -certified and -validated, opens all manner of profit opportunities...and encourages the Aftermarket to construct and deliver OE-validation/complient products.

Right, Pete?

Look at the relationship that has grown between SEMA and GM/Ford/Mopar etc. Significant dollar$ $pent for the first week of November, and the indoor car-show season beyond, trying to get the message across to the enthusiasts that the OEMs are "hip to the cause". Each OEM has their own "performance parts" operations...and, unfortunately, a SEPARATE MISSION without, generally, a New Car Showroom parts display presence OR a New Car upfit presence. That's like swimmin' half way 'cross the creek...and turnin' around!

Take a look at this TOTAL Forum...how many modifications? By how many folks? And how much of that was through GM PP? How much was done at/by a Camaro Dealer? How much was already on the car before/at New Car Delivery? How many folks are waitin' and savin' for this or that? To be bought from whom, or from where?

How many could/should already HAVE it? Covered in their payments?

GM goes to great lengths to arrange "measuring sessions" for soon-to-arrive New Vehicles. How much of that stuff will ever have a GM/GM PP part number? Could MORE be made available? Could MORE be licensed? Could MORE be done?

After all, it IS "new" GM...sorry, Number 3, just had to stick that in...

Really, folks, there's NOT all that much truly "new" stuff/ways/procedures...but there IS a "new" way of lookin' at what IS "out there"... You don't have to "reinvent the wheel". And there's no shame in adapting others' ideas, where meritorious...