Corvette delay hits NZ launch
GM has delayed the start of Corvette production. What does that mean for Kiwis, asks
Confirmation that Corvette production won’t begin for another four months has left the local distributor none the wiser about when it’ll get here. Holden New Zealand’s reaction to parent General Motors’ announcement that production of the eighth generation of the now mid-engined icon will not begin until February has been cautious.
‘‘At this point in time we do not have a confirmed build schedule for right-hand drive Corvette so aren’t able to speculate as to when the first units will arrive,’’ said Edward Finn, Holden New Zealand’s general manager of corporate affairs.
In a reminder that GM’s plan was always to initially prioritise North America, and perhaps not even begin right-hand drive production until the final quarter of next year even before this hiccup, Finn offered this thought.
‘‘Initial production will focus on manufacturing left-hand drive versions of the Corvette, in order to satiate the undoubted pent-up demand for the exciting new model in the USA and other left-hand drive markets.’’
As to whether it can still be considered a potential candidate for 2020 arrival into local Holden dealerships? A neat sidestep to that one.
‘‘There has been considerable anticipation since we first announced the impending arrival of the new model (back in July), but we’ll just have to ‘watch this space’ with regards to when we’ll see Corvette arrive.’’
The car should have been rolling down the assembly line about now, but that schedule was upset by a United Auto Workers’ union strike that ran for 40 days and cost the maker around US$2 billion (NZ$3.1b) in lost production.
GM says its famous Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is still on schedule to finish production of the current generation Corvette this week.
However, the process to reconfigure the production line for the new car, the first Corvette ever to be factory-built in right-hand-drive, is no easy switchover.
Before production begins, the facility has to close for retooling and training. On top of this, there’s the holiday period to consider.
As previously reported, the Corvette will not be badged as a Holden here – so will keep the Chevrolet bow-tie rather than take a Holden lion – but that hasn’t kept the Australian brand (and our neighbour’s media) from reminding there is a link with Down Under, in so far that Australian engineering played a role in the development of the mid-engine architecture and powertrain.
That’s because a humble Holden Commodore ute was the early rolling test bed for the Corvette’s powertrain, as nothing in the GM armoury in North America could fit the bill.
It is understood this ‘‘mule’’ was tested at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria – a major centre for GM powertrain calibration – and GM’s proving ground in Michigan.
Thought the car might take even longer to reach Kiwi hands won’t be any easier for fans to swallow with confirmation that the convertible edition, unveiled last month, will also join the coupe in being engineered for right-hand drive. The open model’s folding hardtop is raised and lowered by six electric motors and in a sequence lasting just 16 seconds (and available at up to 50kmh). The roof stows above the engine where it is protected by a heat shield.