General Motors is stopping production of the Chevrolet Corvette for the rest of the week after Mexican suppliers once again found themselves having to contend with the pandemic. While Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen unit has been given the go ahead to begin late stage trials for its coronavirus vaccine in Mexico, the nation has introduced new restrictions as the country reported a spike in infections last month.
On Wednesday, GM spokesman David Barnas informed The Detroit News that Bowling Green Assembly in Kentucky will be closed for Veterans Day but remain closed through the weekend due to supply chain issues. The manufacturer does not see this as turning into a prolonged idle period for the Corvette, but we’re wondering about other models — and not just those manufactured by General Motors. While Mexican suppliers are supposed to rebound swiftly, Europe has also instituted new lockdowns that could affect supply chains if they’re extended.
The automaker informed us that it expects to resume normal operations in Kentucky by Monday, adding that its supply chain, manufacturing and engineering crews are “working closely with our supply base to mitigate any further impact on production.”
We’re doubting that’s a promise it can actually keep, however. Corvette has already had to delay production on multiple occasions. The first setback came after last year’s extended UAW strike that ultimately rolled over into our first brush with government health restrictions. Ever since then, the C8 production has been hampered by supply chain issues — including the week off it took in October.
[Image: General Motors]
Perhaps every C8 Corvette will truly be a “special edition”, like steel pennies.
Its looking that way. Plenty of people with C8 deposits have to be getting pretty sick of more delay news. Especially since the driving season up north is over. Getting a C8 for X-mas sounds great until your realize it maybe be sitting in the garage for another 3 months going nowhere.
The good news is the value of my C7 is holding steady since Corvette demand is not being met by current supply. Thus I could easily sell my C7 for the same price I paid two years ago. I’ve never owned a used car that managed this feat.
“Corvette Production Stalled Again as Mexican… ” president has not congratulate Biden
I saw one for sale for a $111,000, so why wait?
Greatest. Vehicle. Launch. Ever.