Yahoo Autos Multiple GM Products, Including a Corvette Variant, Will Reportedly Be Delayed Due to Coronavirus
As the coronavirus crisis continues to spread, the U.S. auto industry is forced to find new ways to navigate through this difficult time. For GM in the short run, that means pushing back a variety of mid-cycle updates, small refreshes, and the launch of an upcoming Corvette variant, according to a report from The Detroit News.
A memo obtained by the outlet shows that GM is directing suppliers to stop preparing for the planned changes to the Chevy Silverado 1500, Chevy Bolt, Chevy Camaro, Chevy Traverse, Chevy Equinox, GMC Sierra 1500, and GMC Terrain. Worse, Chevy will delay a "future variant of the Chevrolet Corvette that was not slotted for 2020."
In an emailed statement to Road & Track, a Chevy spokesperson confirmed that this delay will not change deliveries of currently-released Corvette models.
“Communications recently made to suppliers does not affect any timing related to the 2020 or 2021 [Model Year] Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible," the spokesperson said. "We’re not commenting on timing related to potential future variants.”
The Corvette is currently offered in base or Z51 versions, with convertible and targa body styles. It's unclear what the allegedly delayed variant might be, but the Corvette range typically offers models like the Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport. Of those, the Z06 typically launches first. There are also rumors about a forthcoming hybrid, but there hasn't been an official word on that.
Tying up the Silverado, Sierra, Equinox, and Corvette in the capital crunch shows the severity of the situation. With the Corvette's halo effect and the stratospheric sales of the Equinox, Sierra, and—most of all—Silverado, GM is freezing updates to some of its most important cars. But because most of those delayed updates are likely minor changes, it looks like GM is trying to keep its all-new products on track.
Per The Detroit News, important redesigned products like Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade should still be launching on schedule. Perhaps more importantly for the company's long-term plans and image, GM's upcoming Hummer EV, Lyriq EV, and Ultium battery development timeline is currently unchanged. We have reached out to GM to confirm these details and will update if we hear back.
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