Chevy Decries ‘Sold Out’ Comment by Exec, C8 Still Available
General Motors is working to convert 37,000 reservations into dealership sales, large Corvette shipments to begin in the spring.
Earlier this week, we reported the entire production of the 2020 Corvette was sold out, based on comments made by General Motors North America president Barry Engle. The announcement made more than a few Corvette fans sad, to say the least, especially if they really wanted one of the first copies of the first-ever mid-engine wonder.
Just like reports of Paul McCartney’s death, though, the “sell-out” of America’s beloved sports car was a bit exaggerated. According to Roadshow, Chevrolet has yet to declare exactly how many 2020 Corvettes will eventually leave Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Chevrolet told Roadshow it was “humbled by the overwhelming demand for the 2020 Corvette Stingray,” which currently includes 37,000 reservations made via the Corvette’s dedicated website through October. It was those reservations Engle was referencing when he declared the new ‘Vette sold-out.
The thing about reservations is that they can be cancelled at any time, for any reason, and with little to no warning. At this moment, General Motors is working on those 37,000 reservations, with the aim of turning as many of them into sales through their extensive dealership channel. Thus, it’s more than possible for just a (relatively large) handful of those reservations to result into literal ownership of the new Corvette.
Of course, this isn’t the first time reports of the 2020 Corvette selling out have been published, only to be retracted soon after. Back in late July, Autoblog reported GM’s design chief, Michael Simcoe saying as much just two weeks after the ‘Vette’s world debut.
About a month later, though, GM Authority spoke with Chevrolet Senior Manager of Car and Crossover Communications, Kevin Kelly, who told the publication the brand was “continuing to take orders” for the new Corvette.
Thus, it’s likely the General is pulling a few legs to get everyone who really wants a new Corvette on board as soon as possible. As it stands, Bowling Green is in the middle of changing the line to build the new ‘Vette, with shipments to dealers and new owners starting in the spring. No matter what, though, don’t sleep on this, for one day, the 2020 Corvette’s order books will be closed forever. For real.
Photos: Roadshow
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