Dan

iTrader: (1)

Think they can sell that many per year? I don't


DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. on Monday showed off a Chevrolet Camaro prototype inspired by the 1969 version of the legendary muscle car to try to rev up demand for its return.

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Chevrolet had been widely expected to unveil the Camaro concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a day after DaimlerChrysler's U.S. division rolled out a version of the rival Dodge Challenger.

Many expect Chrysler and Chevrolet to put the Challenger and Camaro into production, given Ford Motor Co.'s success with its redesigned version of the original 1960s muscle car, the Mustang.

Executives at GM, the world's largest automaker, cited fans' intense interest surrounding the seven-month development effort behind the 400-horsepower concept car as an indication of potential demand from buyers.

But they said the company, which has been losing money and market share to rivals, had not yet decided whether to begin making the new Camaro. That production decision would hinge in part on the excitement generated by the new design, Bob Lutz, vice chairman of products, told reporters.

GM estimated 100,000 fans watched the Detroit unveiling via Webcast. It invited another 250 enthusiasts to watch in person. "It's like a cult out there," Lutz said of the Camaro fan base.

Restored, first-generation Camaros can fetch between $35,000 and $200,000, said Ed Welburn, vice president of global design for GM, whose own 1969 Camaro provided the launch pad for the rear-wheel drive concept design.

Lutz said GM could make the new Camaro profitably if it could sell between 150,000 and 160,000 of the cars each year.

A former Ford and Chrysler executive who came to GM four years ago, Lutz said U.S. automakers needed to roll out models with better fuel-efficiency and hybrid engines while still offering performance cars like the Camaro.

"It's two markets," Lutz said. "The whole country is schizophrenic."

As an example of the split in consumer thinking, Lutz said some Hollywood celebrities own both a Lamborghini Gallardo luxury sports car and a Toyota Prius hybrid.

kws87

iTrader: (6)

That seems like a lot, anyone know the numbers from the new Mustangs first model year?

flyin red TA

I don't even want one if I have to see another camaro at every intersection.

J E T

iTrader: (5)

To sell 150,000 Camaros per year is nuts. I just can't see that happening. 50,000 maybe, but not 150,000.

Hoss Ghoul

iTrader: (2)

http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/auto_shows/

Here's his blog on the Camaro.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

I hope that is a typo. 150K Camaros? They better sell a couple to every single police force, and start using them for rental cars and taxis too.

LTSpeed

150K/year? That shows you just how bad the condition of GM really is. This thing ain't gonna happen with thinking like that.

ss rally red

iTrader: (8)

I wish I had the #'s in front of me right now but I believe GM sold 180000 plus in the biggest production year of the Camaro/Firebird, 1979 believe it or not.Anyhow it is possible in todays world market.

ss rally red

iTrader: (8)

I hope I am correct but I think I have seen numbers of 18k units a month for the new Stang, X 12 months.......

Hoss Ghoul

iTrader: (2)

3rd gens sold in the 180,00's, and over 150,000 nearly every year.

NO-OPTION-2002

iTrader: (2)

According to a Mustang site found via yahoo: 143,258.

And 05 Mustangs got an early start to their model year.

chaman

iTrader: (5)

Everytime I hear or read some of the comments this Lutz makes, more and more I wished a guy like Jay Leno bought GM......

Sheomet

Your right, 1979 was the biggest production year with 282,571, in '78 they sold 272,631.

Brandon Boomhauer

iTrader: (10)

Well at least he recognizes we are out here.

I'd put money for 2 (my dad and myself) down right now given the ability to do so. The car just looks good.
Damn good.

Buckwheat

iTrader: (13)

In 1979 there was so little else offered from the competition as compared to today. You basically had the Camaro and the Mustang. Now we have the import craze and Chrysler jumping in face first. To sell 150k in this category today, your car had better be "the bomb". GM can come through on this one if they don't screw it up especially if they share a platform/assy. line with another line (GTO) and make them both the head of their class. I wonder what kind of price good ole' Bob had in mind when he came up with that number anyway?

ss rally red

iTrader: (8)

I see your point about sales in 79 but now the market is more international VS. national, plus consumable products are selling at a much faster rate in 2006 than they were in 1979. The number of 160K a year is a reachable goal by any means

chaman

iTrader: (5)

He must be thinking in prices near or better than the ones Ford is offering, otherwise as said before competition out there is crazy. Would the lack of a Firebird "companion" affect sales?? I hope people don't start with a "oh its just a GTO in disguise". I mean I hope the negative vibe GTO has created does not affect the Camaro. Don't take it wrong GTO guys, I like that car from a mechanically point of view. I'm talking about the majority of people out there, you know the magazine car "enthusiasts" (hate that people!)

JD_AMG

I was just wondering how many they needed to sell...

I doubt they will sell that many, it doesnt have the same girl appeal that the Mustang has. And this thing is going to have to handle really good to attract sports car buyers.

JD_AMG

This concept is based on a streatched Zeta platform(solstice), the (current) GTO is not on the same platform.

Nsty98LS1

iTrader: (11)

well GM if it helps i'll take the first one. maybe that'll get things rolling.