Your thoughts on why Camaro is important to success of Chevy/GM

[DerbyChamp06]

Hi everyone. Great site here! Just curious what your thoughts are on why introducing the new Camaro is very important to GM.

Some of mine-

1) Heritage
2) Fosters enthusiasm for brand
3) Generates showroom traffic
4) Gives performance enthusiasts, who buy other GM products, something to be excited about
5) Big part of Chevy's identity, that they can be proud of! It plays major role in setting them apart from being just another car company.

[DerbyChamp06]

Just for kicks, here's another classic icon many of us kids wanted/had growing up. A Schwinn Orange Krate next to Camaro. IMO, Schwinn lost sight of their heritage in recent years, and is now just a name only, made in China, and sold in K Mart.

[Camaro_Corvette]

It just happens to come out at a time where GM needs to sell cars the most. Oh, and everything you said.

[radz28]

I can't add anything more to those great statements. It would be great if it can fulfill all those criteria.

[Mr Twisty]

GM's ship was already turning before the economic mess, ex. Volt, Cobalt, Malibu, etc.
But it's a big ship and doesn't turn on a dime.

The big 3 also relied heavily on truck sales, there's the killer, now is the best time to buy a pickup.

The Camaro was developed all over the world, U.S. design, Aussie chassis, Japanese body stamping, German track testing, and put together by our brothers up north.

If it lives up to it's design, and it will, it will be THE car to have in the sports/performance/economy segment.

[FenwickHockey65]

Every single sale is important to GM right now. From the Aveo to the Corvette.

[jgr]

Yes,and it is time to take on the competion.

[Foster26]

I think alot of what you said is right on the money. The generation of enthusiasm in my opinion, is the single-most important thing it can do for GM. However, the car's quality and fun-factor must absolutely match this excitement. There is not many greater frustrations than to be giddy about something and spend alot of money to get it, then it becomes a big disappointment. When this happens, most people talk about it--and usually very negatively. But, I don't believe this will happen with the Camaro, there's no reason to believe it will. At least I hope not cause I'm pretty giddy about it. If it doesn't disappoint, people be very vocal about it as well, basically showing it off to any and everyone and bragging about it as often as they can. This is what will get people's attention and hopefully they will give GM a chance to earn or regain their trust.

[TomServo]

I echo everyone's comments so far. While I don't want to overstate the importance of the Camaro in the BIG scheme of things, GM needs a NO EXCUSES world class car considering the state they are in.

If they fail to deliver they most likely won't survive all the negative press that will be directed at them. The car magazines will tear them apart even with great 0-60 times.

[Hylton]

Every product is important but anything selling 100-150K units a year does mean a whole lot to the bottom line compared with selling a million pick-up trucks.

[garfin]

I don't think the importance/success of this car can be overestimated.

The acceptance of this car by the public will be a real shot in the arm for GM in the sense that it is a very high profile car which has already grabbed the attention of a whole lot of people, more so (I believe) than even the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze would have. So...

A successful launch, along with excellent reviews from the press as well as sales figures that meet projections will indicate that even with all this crap going on, the controversy surrounding the gov't loans (bailout) plus all the doom and gloom, GM can build successful and profitable vehicles that are world-class, an excellent value and that people want!

I for one, am looking forward to watching this car succeed in the marketplace despite current circumstances and as well, at some time down the road, being able to throw this success in the face of so many naysayers.

Best regardSS,

Elie

[Hylton]

Any company that owes 300 billion dollars (yes that's a "B") had better start building a few winners.....

[2001ragtop]

The Camaro success makes a huge statement by itself. It means GM gives the customer what they want and you get something better than what someone else is offering.

Clearcut example of this: the GM Suv/Avalanche/Tahoe/GMT900 product line is very high profile. I look at them as the same I do Cadillacs now. Those new trucks look very clean, new stiffer chassis, etc.

That same attitude will transcend to the Camaro as well. GM products to me are upscale and this should be winning people over. The Camaro is probably going to be the higher calibur musclecar compared to everyone elses.

I doubt they would release this car without having made sure the design is up to stuff. I don't see this car having a bunch of recalls. It might come back if owners take the abuse too far, but thats another story.

[dbotsfordtat]

Originally Posted by DerbyChamp06

Just for kicks, here's another classic icon many of us kids wanted/had growing up. A Schwinn Orange Krate next to Camaro. IMO, Schwinn lost sight of their heritage in recent years, and is now just a name only, made in China, and sold in K Mart.

OMG I got a schwinn just like that for christmas one year. I loved that bike, 5 speed w/banana seat. I got hit by a car on it and it was totaled out (bent frame). lucky for me just a few scrapes and a renewed sense of respect for traffic. Merry Christmas everybody!