February 2017 Camaro Sales Figures (and vs. Mustang & Challenger) - Page 6

Paro · 03-01-2017, 09:18 PM

The Camaro is a car for people in the know. Chevy should promote this car using all the accolades the auto reviewers have given it. This car rocks and has a size to fit all driver. It's even great for a family of three. I love it. Most people love their cell phones and hate cars.

draph · 03-01-2017, 09:36 PM

OK, here's my 2 cents:

1. GM intentionally priced high after doing the supply/demand/plant capacity analysis to determine maximum profit. The market analyst missed the mark, unless temporary closure of the plant was part of the equation (maybe paying for idle labor - presuming union employees still get paid a certain amount while on furlough - for a period of time is actually a smaller impact to profit than pricing low for sales volume to fully utilize plant capacity at 100%).

2. Here's hoping that same plant is slated to use current idle capacity to build the "Camaro 4-door" to replace the SS sedan ("no replacement SS sedan" could still mean next Gen Impala or Chevelle in my pipe dreams). That would surely hit the mark for those avoiding the Camaro due to poor space and visibility.

3. They want low volume (especially V8 models) to keep impact to CAFE low (probably another thing that goes into the supply/demand/capacity equation for max profit). I wish a GM bean counter could figure out a high volume rwd sedan would be so successful it's worth the price of CAFE fines. A "bought American" Chevy V8 rwd police car built on alpha platform would destroy Dodge Charger police sales...and an alpha Impala SS 6MT V8 sedan could be affordable for middle class, keep holding more "street cred" for Chevy's NASCAR, and can be sold overseas as the next Commodore and Vauxhall VXR8. Lesser V6 and 4 cyl turbo models would offer a "poor man's BMW" proposition. Dilution of Cadillac sales wouldn't happen since luxury car buyers are less about driving enthusiasm and more about brand image.

4. Yes, I would rather have a 4-door V8 sedan with 6MT, but a drive in the Camaro made the SS sedan feel like the 8 year old G8 GXP that it is. And product support after Holden goes defunct is dubious to me...and here I am still sitting on the fence about what to buy...20% off a Camaro and I'd jump...If 2018 Mustang GT with PP comes into parity with Camaro on driving enjoyment at Camaro price point or lower with its superior ergonomics, and I'd jump. So, put me in potential sale category for now...this fall could come down to 20% off Camaro or 2018 Ford IF its improvements make it handle and shift (clutch and shifter) more like the Camaro.

crysalis_01 · 03-01-2017, 10:16 PM

What if they adopted the engine structure of their SUV's, keep the V6 and I4T as the "entry" levels, then pump out much more affordable 5.3L equipped units?

Since there is no RS option in the entry models (if I remember correctly), make the 5.3's RS's. Then you can still sell those who have to have a V8 a car that they can afford. Start it's MSRP at $32k. That would sit right above the 2LT and under cut the 1SS by almost $6k.

Yeah, performance would be down compared to the 6.2 but they would push more metal and make sure Camaro sticks around.

SpookShow'84 · 03-02-2017, 01:51 AM

Been away for a while. Looks like more of the same on sales. GM needs to redesign and fix the handfull of major problems that everyone has posted in these threads for the last year+ and the quality control issues or they may as well stick fork in the camaro.

shaffe · 03-02-2017, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draph

OK, here's my 2 cents:

3. They want low volume (especially V8 models) to keep impact to CAFE low (probably another thing that goes into the supply/demand/capacity equation for max profit).

Well the flaw in this theory is look at the available inventory. They built a ton of Camaros. You don't build that many cars unless you are expecting to sell them. IMO they expected to sell them in similar numbers to the 5th gen.

Realist · 03-02-2017, 08:32 AM

I don't believe it's marketing. Someone who is shopping anyone of the 3, more then likely is aware of the other offerings in current form.

I see price as an issue.

I think the smaller interior may turn some larger folks toward its competitors.

I see the offerings on dealer lots loaded up with options driving up the window stickers and turning many off.

Style-I like the sides but not a big fan of the hood, front or rear end. Seems like many like the tech and interior, but I don't rate it any better then it's competitors.

With a majority of sales going to v6 owners, I honestly think a base challenge looks better then a base Camaro. May not perform as well but it's not all about performance. It comes down to looks and at what cost.

Just me, but If I can't afford a V8 in a Camaro, I don't want a Camaro, mustang or challenger.

m666etal · 03-02-2017, 09:17 AM

Wasn't a slump in numbers expected considering the fact that GM decided to not sell much to rental/fleet companies? Where as Dodge and Ford both still sell the mustang and challenger to rental companies?

shaffe · 03-02-2017, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m666etal

Wasn't a slump in numbers expected considering the fact that GM decided to not sell much to rental/fleet companies? Where as Dodge and Ford both still sell the mustang and challenger to rental companies?

Decrease expected maybe but not a slump. Look at the inventory amassed by Camaro. They expected it to sell similar to the 5th gen and it is not.

SuperSound · 03-02-2017, 09:22 AM

Food for thought:

FCA sales down 10%

Ford down 4%

GM sales up 4%

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/bus...ales/98557572/

Dodge sales were down 6% alone. Jeep which is where FCA just poured a massive increase in money to increase manufacturing is down 14.7%.

Challenger sales make up only 3% of FCA sales last month. Camaro 1.9% of GM sales. Mustang 3.9%. Keep this market in perspective guys. Just saying.

Dudie7 · 03-02-2017, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m666etal

Wasn't a slump in numbers expected considering the fact that GM decided to not sell much to rental/fleet companies? Where as Dodge and Ford both still sell the mustang and challenger to rental companies?

Yeah, I don't think that would make up for the huge sales gap that we're seeing. Bottomline, they need to drop the price of the car especially on the 1SS. All other things considered, I think this is the single greatest issue with this car. If they lower the price (and I don't mean incentives...I mean actually drop the MSRP), you'll see sales drastically improve.

Raven87 · 03-02-2017, 09:36 AM

Sad numbers once more. Someone said that GM gave Camaro fans what they wanted and that may be true feature-wise.

It is definitely lighter, more powerful, more features, more tech - but at a price. And the styling turns some potential buyers off.

But they should have given the car buyers what THEY wanted and would sell in this genre IF sales numbers matter.

m666etal · 03-02-2017, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudie7

Yeah, I don't think that would make up for the huge sales gap that we're seeing. Bottomline, they need to drop the price of the car especially on the 1SS. All other things considered, I think this is the single greatest issue with this car. If they lower the price (and I don't mean incentives...I mean actually drop the MSRP), you'll see sales drastically improve.

I agree the price has increased considerably, when I compare the price I paid for my 5th Gen.

Whitespeed · 03-02-2017, 10:00 AM

Taking a lesson from the Nissan Z car history, of which I'm very familiar, the flabbier and more opulent they made the car, the better the sales. The original Z started life as a true sports car, but by the '80's had morphed into a boulevard cruiser with power everything, including a talking lady to tell you your door was open. Sales went through the roof. The 370Z was considered a return to the roots of the Z car, but it barely manages a few hundred sales a month now. I love sports cars, and I never thought I would consider owning an American car, let alone a Camaro, but it's a brilliant car and easily eclipses the 370Z. However, real sports cars, of which I would now consider the Camaro to be (or at least as close as it's ever been), just don't sell well, which is sad.

Dudie7 · 03-02-2017, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m666etal

I agree the price has increased considerably, when I compare the price I paid for my 5th Gen.

Yup...I think it's the honest truth. People will have their preferences for styling, design, etc. (the performance is a no-brainer). But when it comes to signing on that line...that moment of truth...you start to really consider some things.

03-01-2017, 10:16 PM	#73
crysalis_01 Iron fist, lead foot Drives: 2003 Mustang Cobra Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,228	What if they adopted the engine structure of their SUV's, keep the V6 and I4T as the "entry" levels, then pump out much more affordable 5.3L equipped units? Since there is no RS option in the entry models (if I remember correctly), make the 5.3's RS's. Then you can still sell those who have to have a V8 a car that they can afford. Start it's MSRP at $32k. That would sit right above the 2LT and under cut the 1SS by almost $6k. Yeah, performance would be down compared to the 6.2 but they would push more metal and make sure Camaro sticks around. __________________ '03 SVT Cobra-SC4.6L V8 \|\| modded with mods'n'stuff

03-02-2017, 01:51 AM	#74
SpookShow'84 Bump in the night Drives: '84 Monte Carlo SS, '15 Optima Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 744 View My Garage	Been away for a while. Looks like more of the same on sales. GM needs to redesign and fix the handfull of major problems that everyone has posted in these threads for the last year+ and the quality control issues or they may as well stick fork in the camaro. __________________ https://youtu.be/Acui13Vz5Lk

03-02-2017, 09:22 AM	#79
SuperSound Drives: '17 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 5,063 View My Garage	Food for thought: FCA sales down 10% Ford down 4% GM sales up 4% http://www.detroitnews.com/story/bus...ales/98557572/ Dodge sales were down 6% alone. Jeep which is where FCA just poured a massive increase in money to increase manufacturing is down 14.7%. Challenger sales make up only 3% of FCA sales last month. Camaro 1.9% of GM sales. Mustang 3.9%. Keep this market in perspective guys. Just saying. __________________ Current: '17 2SS Hyper Blue, A8, MRC, NPP Past: '99 SS Camaro A4, '73 Camaro 383 A3 "Voices in your head are not considered insider information." 3800 Status - 6/16/16 (Built!) 6000 status - 6/29/16 (Delivered!)

03-02-2017, 09:36 AM	#81
Raven87 C'mon- really? Drives: Looking for a ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nortwestern Ohio Posts: 1,966 View My Garage	Sad numbers once more. Someone said that GM gave Camaro fans what they wanted and that may be true feature-wise. It is definitely lighter, more powerful, more features, more tech - but at a price. And the styling turns some potential buyers off. But they should have given the car buyers what THEY wanted and would sell in this genre IF sales numbers matter. __________________ Steve 2018 Camaro 2SS 1LE Black #3805 - SOLD

03-01-2017, 09:18 PM	#71
Paro Drives: 2016 Hyper Blue 2SS A8 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Boston Posts: 37	The Camaro is a car for people in the know. Chevy should promote this car using all the accolades the auto reviewers have given it. This car rocks and has a size to fit all driver. It's even great for a family of three. I love it. Most people love their cell phones and hate cars.

03-01-2017, 09:36 PM	#72
draph Drives: AcuraTL SH-AWD 6MT and '70 'vette Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Indiana Posts: 46	OK, here's my 2 cents: 1. GM intentionally priced high after doing the supply/demand/plant capacity analysis to determine maximum profit. The market analyst missed the mark, unless temporary closure of the plant was part of the equation (maybe paying for idle labor - presuming union employees still get paid a certain amount while on furlough - for a period of time is actually a smaller impact to profit than pricing low for sales volume to fully utilize plant capacity at 100%). 2. Here's hoping that same plant is slated to use current idle capacity to build the "Camaro 4-door" to replace the SS sedan ("no replacement SS sedan" could still mean next Gen Impala or Chevelle in my pipe dreams). That would surely hit the mark for those avoiding the Camaro due to poor space and visibility. 3. They want low volume (especially V8 models) to keep impact to CAFE low (probably another thing that goes into the supply/demand/capacity equation for max profit). I wish a GM bean counter could figure out a high volume rwd sedan would be so successful it's worth the price of CAFE fines. A "bought American" Chevy V8 rwd police car built on alpha platform would destroy Dodge Charger police sales...and an alpha Impala SS 6MT V8 sedan could be affordable for middle class, keep holding more "street cred" for Chevy's NASCAR, and can be sold overseas as the next Commodore and Vauxhall VXR8. Lesser V6 and 4 cyl turbo models would offer a "poor man's BMW" proposition. Dilution of Cadillac sales wouldn't happen since luxury car buyers are less about driving enthusiasm and more about brand image. 4. Yes, I would rather have a 4-door V8 sedan with 6MT, but a drive in the Camaro made the SS sedan feel like the 8 year old G8 GXP that it is. And product support after Holden goes defunct is dubious to me...and here I am still sitting on the fence about what to buy...20% off a Camaro and I'd jump...If 2018 Mustang GT with PP comes into parity with Camaro on driving enjoyment at Camaro price point or lower with its superior ergonomics, and I'd jump. So, put me in potential sale category for now...this fall could come down to 20% off Camaro or 2018 Ford IF its improvements make it handle and shift (clutch and shifter) more like the Camaro.

03-02-2017, 08:32 AM	#76
Realist Drives: No Camaro :( Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chitown Burbs Posts: 1,136	I don't believe it's marketing. Someone who is shopping anyone of the 3, more then likely is aware of the other offerings in current form. I see price as an issue. I think the smaller interior may turn some larger folks toward its competitors. I see the offerings on dealer lots loaded up with options driving up the window stickers and turning many off. Style-I like the sides but not a big fan of the hood, front or rear end. Seems like many like the tech and interior, but I don't rate it any better then it's competitors. With a majority of sales going to v6 owners, I honestly think a base challenge looks better then a base Camaro. May not perform as well but it's not all about performance. It comes down to looks and at what cost. Just me, but If I can't afford a V8 in a Camaro, I don't want a Camaro, mustang or challenger.

03-02-2017, 09:17 AM	#77
m666etal Drives: Civic Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: NJ Posts: 224	Wasn't a slump in numbers expected considering the fact that GM decided to not sell much to rental/fleet companies? Where as Dodge and Ford both still sell the mustang and challenger to rental companies?

03-02-2017, 10:00 AM	#83
Whitespeed Drives: 2018 1SS 1LE & 1973 Datsun 240Z Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Ontario Posts: 574	Taking a lesson from the Nissan Z car history, of which I'm very familiar, the flabbier and more opulent they made the car, the better the sales. The original Z started life as a true sports car, but by the '80's had morphed into a boulevard cruiser with power everything, including a talking lady to tell you your door was open. Sales went through the roof. The 370Z was considered a return to the roots of the Z car, but it barely manages a few hundred sales a month now. I love sports cars, and I never thought I would consider owning an American car, let alone a Camaro, but it's a brilliant car and easily eclipses the 370Z. However, real sports cars, of which I would now consider the Camaro to be (or at least as close as it's ever been), just don't sell well, which is sad.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password