News: Why Chevy wants Corvette buyers to bond with their new toys

[Rob]

Why Chevy wants Corvette buyers to bond with their new toys

RICHARD TRUETT
Automotive News

GM says there is no other sports car factory in the world like Bowling Green, where customers have such access and can get a hands-on experience.
Photo credit: GM

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- The Chevrolet Corvette is the Harley-Davidson motorcycle of the sports car world. It appeals to a diminishing set of graying buyers -- the average age of a Corvette owner is somewhere in the mid-'50s.

Chevrolet knows this must change if America's sports car is going to have a long-term future. Buyers of similar-priced Porsches, by contrast, are about 10 years younger.

The new Corvette Stingray, the seventh generation, just started landing at dealerships this month. It might have a better chance of attracting slightly younger buyers than the last version because of its mean looks, stellar performance, advanced technology -- and an all-out effort by Chevrolet to make the delivery and ownership experience really special.

General Motors knows no one needs a Corvette. As with any two-seat sport car, a Corvette is a discretionary purchase, and a big one at that. Prices start at around $52,000 and change.

To make the buying experience special and hopefully create an emotional bond between car and driver, GM is opening up the entire Corvette build process to customers at the plant here.

Full Story: http://www.autonews.com/article/201...ers-to-bond-with-their-new-toys#ixzz2gi3JqSIz

 

[roger longman]

I hope that is not the case. A Harley Davidson is a hunk of outdated under engineered metal, that is all bark and no bite. I see no comparison, except the age range of those most likely to own one. I also have a suspicion, that my comment may neccessitate this topic being moved to 'the edge' as, I am sure there will be many who oppose my view, in the strongest terms......Roger...

 

[Huskerman]

.......a hunk of outdated under engineered metal......that is all bark and no bite....????? and that's bad somehow........give the people what they want....and that's what they want.......HD's are engineered well and can go real fast with a few mods and there are a ton of younger riders including women up on them.......now what else were you saying.......?

 

[ltmax]

Hogley-Furgusons...

...can't be the Harley of cars, ain't loud enough otfl

Seriously, I love Harleys, had two and really enjoyed my '85 Low Rider but I guess he's getting at the 'All-American' thing with that comment so I wouldn't get too wound out about it. Harleys are fine but I can do without the pseudo-toughguy business. That scene is so had.

As for the Vette, it's badass performance is plainly undeniable, has been for quite some time now. I showed that Vette assembly video to my engineering class the other day. They liked it but I'm not sure they know what it is or if they'd really strive to go after one. That's the key, get the young drivers interested. Chevy's doing good generating interest... keep going!!!


btw: Where's the C7 Nordschleife lap time?!

 

[Rob]

.......a hunk of outdated under engineered metal......that is all bark and no bite....????? and that's bad somehow........give the people what they want....and that's what they want.......HD's are engineered well and can go real fast with a few mods and there are a ton of younger riders including women up on them.......now what else were you saying.......?

Ok...I'll add my two cents in here for what it's worth. I sort of agree.

I've never been a Harley guy. I find most of them to be too loud and obnoxious. However, with that said, I respect them for what they are, and respect the culture that surrounds them. In a lot of ways, the Harley is like the Corvette. Both have similar cultural dynamics surrounding them made up of very passionate owners and enthusiasts.

With that said, that's where I draw the line. I don't find most Harley Davidsons to be refined or competitive with top notch competition like the Corvette is when it comes to Porsche, Ferrari, etc. So I don't really agree with the comparison of the two in the article.

Note: I'm not into motorcycles so I'm not speaking from an degree of experience...however, I do tend to like (don't crucify me now....) crotch rockets more than I like Harleys.

 

[roger longman]

...can't be the Harley of cars, ain't loud enough otfl

Seriously, I love Harleys, had two and really enjoyed my '85 Low Rider but I guess he's getting at the 'All-American' thing with that comment so I wouldn't get too wound out about it. Harleys are fine but I can do without the pseudo-toughguy business. That scene is so had.

As for the Vette, it's badass performance is plainly undeniable, has been for quite some time now. I showed that Vette assembly video to my engineering class the other day. They liked it but I'm not sure they know what it is or if they'd really strive to go after one. That's the key, get the young drivers interested. Chevy's doing good generating interest... keep going!!!


btw: Where's the C7 Nordschleife lap time?!

Guess again.

 

[roger longman]

.......a hunk of outdated under engineered metal......that is all bark and no bite....????? and that's bad somehow........give the people what they want....and that's what they want.......HD's are engineered well and can go real fast with a few mods and there are a ton of younger riders including women up on them.......now what else were you saying.......?

Where did I mention that it was a bad thing ?

 

[roger longman]

.......a hunk of outdated under engineered metal......that is all bark and no bite....????? and that's bad somehow........give the people what they want....and that's what they want.......HD's are engineered well and can go real fast with a few mods and there are a ton of younger riders including women up on them.......now what else were you saying.......?

OK.....My money's on the Hyabusa.. How much would you care to wager ?.......Roger.

 

[warren s]

The Harley is like the Anti-Corvette

One of the Corvette's historic claims to fame was always offering more performance then its competitors for much less dough. The opposite of a Harley Davidson.

Leave a 10 year old Jap bike outside over the winter and chances are it will start right up. Leave a new HD outside over the weekend in the rain................................

 

[roger longman]

Right on, Warren. Now what was he (Huskerman) saying ?......Roger.

 

[motorman]

corvette and HD have one thing in common, most red blooded males would love to have one

 

[roger longman]

If the 'HD' stands for... HOT DAME...I agree with you.....Roger.