Ken Fichtner

Greetings from Montana.

Hello! Spring has finally arrived here in Montana. I hope that you are all out enjoying the great weather by driving your Corvettes, America’s only true sports car!

I sold my 2002 Convertible and am now ‘vetteless! My new C6 will be produced the last week of April.

Any guesses as to what I ordered?

Here’s a new item that we will have available. Please call Robert Wendorff toll free at 1-800-234-5284 to get yours before they are gone! This is a limited edition item.

INDY PACE CAR
On May 29, 2005, the New C-6 Corvette Convertible will be the Official Pace Car for the 89th Indianapolis 500 Race. This beautiful red and silver Corvette will be available in a 1:24th scale die cast replica.


$35.00 plus S/H

Don’t forget to read these WEEKLY newsletters and make sure you watch for the weekly parts specials in our parts department:

GM Protection Plan News and FAQ:
Dennis Fichtner will be publishing a weekly newsletter with details on the GM Protection Plan. He will include a new “frequently asked question” each week. Look for this great addition soon. Finally, please remember that you won’t pay sales tax on a plan purchased from us.

Parts, Accessories and Service News:
Robert Wendorff will be publishing a weekly newsletter with details on all of our parts and accessories offerings. Watch for a weekly special as well as each week he will pick one item to sell at a deep discount. Note that we aren’t selling parts at a loss and then adding an exhorbidant amount for shipping and handling. Further, note that there isn’t any sales tax in Montana thus saving you more!

Fichtner Chevrolet personnel directory:

GM Protection Plans and New Car/Truck Sales:
Dennis Fichtner, Business Manager
gmpp@fichtnerchevrolet.com
406-628-4618 Ext 105

Corvette Sales and Advice
Ken Fichtner, General Manager
kenfichtner@fichtnerchevrolet.com
406-628-4618 Ext 103

Parts:
Robert Wendorff, Parts Manager
Parts@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4121

John Thomas Dorsey, Parts Specialist
Parts@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4121

Service:
Maudie Merck, Service Manager
Service@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4618

Office Administration/Accounting:
Kayla Eastlick
KEastlick@FichtnerChevrolet.com
406-628-4618

Thanks for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter and thanks for your business!

Index of topics:

Weekly Newsletter – Contents

1) 2005 Coupe/Convertible Buildout Information & Final Buildout Date, 2006 Startup Date – UPDATED 4/9/05
2) 2006 Corvette Colors Offered for 2005, Orderable May 19, 2005 – UPDATED 4/9/05
3) Corvette Price Increase
4) 2006 Corvette Z06 FAQ – UPDATED 4/9/05
5) 2006 Corvette Preliminary Order Information
6) Corvette Production Issues – Constraints, Convertibles – UPDATED 4/9/05
7) Corvette Pricing Revealed
8) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates – UPDATED 4/9/05
9) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2005
10) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED 4/9/05
11) 2002 thru 2005 Erratic Fuel Reading – NEW 3/25/05
12) Info on Operation of Rr Cmpt Lid/Hatch/Trunk Ext Release Sw - 05 Corvette – NEW 4/9/05


1) 2005 Coupe/Convertible Buildout Information & Final Buildout Date, 2006 Startup Date - Updated 4/9/05

2005 Model Year Corvette Coupe/Convertible Final Production Date

Dealers will be able to consense (agree to accept allocations) for their buildout 2005 Corvette Coupes/Convertibles in July, 2005.

Dealers will be able to view their actual allocations on July 27, 2005.

Allocations available during the July consensus will be available for production August 22 thru September 8, 2005.

The final date of 2005 production is September 8, 2005.

2006 Model Year Corvette Coupe/Convertible Startup Production Date

Dealers will be able to consense (agree to accept allocations) for 2006 Corvette Coupes/Convertibles in July, 2005.

Dealers will be able to view their actual allocations on July 27, 2005.

Dealers may begin submitting orders for the 2006 Coupe(non Z06)/Convertible on July 28, 2005.

Allocations available during the July consensus will be available for production September 9 thru October 2, 2005.

The first day of 2006 Coupe(non Z06/Convertible production is September 9, 2005.

2006 Model Year Corvette Z06 Startup Production Date

Dealers will be able to consense (agree to accept allocations) for 2006 Corvette Coupes/Convertibles in May, 2005.

Dealers will be able to view their actual allocations on May 18, 2005.

Dealers may begin submitting orders for the 2006 Z06 on June 16, 2005.

Allocations available during the July consensus will be available for production July 25, 2005 thru July 31, 2005.

The first day of 2006 Z06 production is July 25, 2005.


2) Early Introduction of 2006 Corvette Paint Colors - Updated 4/9/05

To: All Corvette Dealers

From: VSSM Order Fulfillment

Re: Early Introduction of 2006 Corvette Paint Colors

Date: March 17, 2005

As you are undoubtedly aware, Millennium Yellow (79U) and Magnetic Red (86U) exterior paints have been discontinued for the 2005 model year. Both colors will be replaced with paints originally planned for introduction on the 2006 Corvette. The following information is being provided to assist you in the determination of a course of action regarding any remaining 2005 unpreferenced orders:

Millennium Yellow will be replaced with Velocity Yellow (45U). Velocity Yellow is slightly lighter in shade than Millennium Yellow in part due to the fact that Velocity Yellow is a premium "tint coat" finish. As with other tint coats, it also gains a "depth" not seen with standard paint finishes. Velocity Yellow will be an additional cost selection.


The replacement for Magnetic Red will be Monterey Red (80U). Like Magnetic Red Monterey Red is a metallic finish that, in this case, is slightly darker than Magnetic Red. Monterey Red contains deep metallic flake and is similar, although several shades lighter, than the 2003 Anniversary Red. Monterey Red is also an additional cost selection.


The new colors will be accessible within the VOM ordering screen on Thursday, May 19, 2005. This should allow you to place new orders or to change existing orders to one of these new colors. Production of these new paints is anticipated to begin in late June, however, both will require a limited constraint period before they become freely available.


3) Corvette Price Increase

Chevrolet Interim Price Increase Effective 2/4/05

Chevrolet will announce revised 2005 model year Suggested Retail prices effective with vehicles produced on or after February 4, 2005. The revised Suggested Retail prices will affect the Corvette, Equinox and Express. Dealer invoice amounts will increase accordingly. Dealer discounts remain unchanged.

Dealer price schedules will be available in GM DealerWorld under Sales &/Or F&I Tabs effective February 4, 2005.

All qualified bona fide sold retail orders entered in VOMS on or before February 3, 2005 and delivered to the original customer after that date will be price protected. These units will be invoiced at prices in effect at the date of production; however, the dealer open account will automatically be credited for the price increase once the unit has been delivered.

Generally, fleet orders are invoice price protected (i.e., bid center FBC order types, VQ orders). All other fleet orders will be price protected according to the bona fide sold retail price protection policy above. Refer to the price protection effective date on the invoice.

This pricing information is intended for use by authorized Chevrolet dealers and should not be disclosed to unauthorized persons. Chevrolet reserves the right to discontinue or change prices at any time, without written notice. All rights reserved. General Motors proprietary information to be used by authorized Chevrolet dealers, fleet operations, bailment operations, and General Motors wholesale personnel for Chevrolet vehicles. This information shall not be reproduced for or disclosed to third parties without the expressed written permission of General Motors Corporation.

It is anticipated that this pricing information will be reflected in GM AutoBook on GM Access beginning February 11, 2005.

Upon examination, the Z51 Package and the URB Navigation Radio were each increased in price by $200.


4) 2006 Corvette Z06 FAQ- Updated 4/9/05

2006 Corvette Z06 FAQ

Please find below answers to several of the questions we have received relative to the new Z06 Corvette followed by answers to questions that we can answer!

When will the Z06 be available in dealerships?
The Z06 model will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005 as a 2006 model.

When is the start of production for the Z06?
Production is scheduled to begin on July 25, 2005.

Where will the Z06 be produced?
All Corvette models are produced in Bowling Green, KY.

How many units will be manufactured?
We have the capacity to produce around 35,000 Corvettes annually for the global markets, with 32,000 - 33,000 of them for the North American market. Z06 is expected to be 15% - 20% of the total build.

How will dealer allocation and units per dealer be determined?
Dealer allocation will be communicated to dealers in May of 2005.

Will additional training be required for a Certified Corvette Dealer to sell Z06?
Yes.

What is the estimated price range for the 2006 Z06 Corvette?
The Z06 will be priced competitively in the High Sport Segment and will continue Corvette's tradition of high performance per dollar.

Who is the target customer for the Z06?
As always, sports car enthusiasts of all ages. Z06 customers place a higher value on performance (sport over luxury) than the typical Corvette owner.

Does the Z06 have a removable roof?
No.

When will Fichtner Chevrolet know how many Z06s they can order?
Dealer allocation will be communicated to us in May of 2005.

How will Fichtner Chevrolet price units?
We will price the new Z06 at a price equal to MSRP plus $0 for dealer prep, handling, documentation, market adjustment, etc.

How many requests for Z06s has Fichtner Chevrolet received?
To date (4/1/05) I have made promises to 5 customers whose requests were made first. These requests were made in writing up to 2 years ago. We have over 500 requests at present. When we know the pricing and the quantity that we will have available to sell, we will email everyone. It is possible that one or more of the first 5 on our list will not place an order when it is time to place an order. At that time we will offer any unsold allocations to customers in the order in which their written requests were made to us.


5) 2006 Corvette Preliminary Order Information

PRELIMINARY ONLY!

2006 Corvette Coupe/Convertible

Packages:
1LT LT Option Package 1
2LT LT Option Package 2
3LT LT Option Package 3

Options:
MX0 Automatic Transmission
MN6 6 Speed Manual Transmission
C2L Dual Removable Roof Package
CC3 Transparent Roof Panel
F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control
QG7 High Polished Wheels
UE1 OnStar Communications
VK3 Front License Plate Bracket
Z51 Performance Package
CM7 Power Top
U3U Navigation System

Colors:
10U Arctic White
19U LeMans Blue Metallic
41U Black
45U Velocity Yellow
67U Machine Silver Metallic
71U Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic
74U Victory Red
80U Monterey Red

Interior Colors:
023 Red Leather
193 Ebony Leather
313 Cashmere Leather
843 Titanium Leather

Convertible Top Colors:
29T Storm Gray
35T Beige
37T Titanium
41T Black

DEALERS MAY BEGIN SUBMITTING ORDER REQUESTS ON 7/28/05

2006 Corvette Z06 Coupe

Packages:
1LZ LZ Option Package 1
2LZ LZ Option Package 2

Options:
MN6 6 Speed Manual Transmission
QL9 High Polished Wheels
VK3 Front License Plate Bracket

Colors:
19U LeMans Blue Metallic
41U Black
45U Velocity Yellow
67U Machine Silver Metallic
71U Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic
74U Victory Red

Interior Colors:
023 Red Leather
193 Ebony Leather
843 Titanium Leather

DEALERS MAY BEGIN SUBMITTING ORDER REQUESTS ON 6/16/05


6) Corvette Production Issues – Constraints, Convertibles – Updated 4/9/05

To: Chevrolet Dealers

The following is a status on Corvette constraints and projected resolution (subject to change):

Corvette Convertibles: Weekly, we continue to ramp-up convertible and power top production. Convertible production has been increasing each week and is near full capacity now.

Z51 Sport Suspension Package (Z51): This option package will be constrained due to CAFE requirements. This constraint will be result in approximately 50% of Corvette production being produced with the Z51 option.


7) Corvette Pricing Revealed

I have read a number of posts with questions relative to the pricing of a new Corvette. Often times there have been answers posted and for the most part the answers have been incorrect.

In an attempt to clear up a few misunderstandings I have prepared an analysis for your information. I am in no way saying that a dealer should sell you a car at any specific price nor am I saying that a dealer is required to offer GM Supplier or GM Employee pricing. This post is for information only.

Example:
2004 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Preferred Equipment Package 1SB
6 Speed Transmission
Sound System with Navigation
Polished Aluminum Wheels
Z51 Performance Handling Package
Destination Charge

MSRP = $53,060.00

Dealer Invoice = $46,921.85
(assuming dealer participates in the GM advertising program at 1%)

Net Dealer Cost = $45,354.05

The difference between retail and dealer invoice is $6138.15.

The difference between invoice and net cost is $1567.80, the 3% holdback paid the dealership.

Dealerships typically won’t sell a car below the dealer invoice as the holdback is an amount used by the dealership for overhead expenses including but not limited to floor plan interest, insurance, etc.

DEALERS ARE NOT PAID A VOLUME BONUS BASED UPON WHAT THEY SELL AS SOME FOLKS HAVE POSTED!!!

Dealerships are businesses, owned by folks who need to make a profit to stay in business. There are many other expenses to pay. If you are employed personally or if you own a business I doubt that you will work without receiving a paycheck.

Finally, if a dealer is willing to sell a new Corvette equipped per the example to a GM Supplier or GM Employee, here are those prices:

GM Supplier = $46,927.24
(GM rebates the dealer $891. So with a invoice of $46,921.85, the dealer makes $896.39 plus the holdback)

GM Employee = $44,906.45
(GM rebates the dealer $2613. So with a invoice of $46,921.85, the dealer makes $597.60 plus the holdback)


8) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates - Updated 4/9/05

Click here for all of the details!

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...centives.shtml


9) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2005

To: ALL GM DEALERS

Following are the 2005 Model Year restrictions from the individual Marketing Teams for the GM Employee Purchase Program, the GM Supplier New Vehicle Purchase Program , and the GM Dealership Employee Purchase Program as of January 25, 2005:

Buick - No restrictions.

Cadillac
CTS - Very limited GMU.
XLR - 2005 models are not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.
2004 model year XLR is available for GMS.

Chevrolet Cars
Classic (old body style Malibu) - Not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.
Corvette - Very limited GMU.
GMS and stock sales to Supplier are eligible (effective 2/1/05 convertibles are not
eligible for GMS).
Only eligible for the U6C portion of the Dealership Employee Purchase Program.

Chevrolet Trucks
Equinox - Limited GMU.
Astro Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Express Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Silverado 2500/2500HD - Orders must include a box (E63), no chassis (ZW9/9W9) models allowed.
Silverado 3500 - Orders must include a box (E63), no chassis (ZW9/9W9) models allowed.
Cutaway Vans - Not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.
Kodiak (C4500) - Not available.

GMC
Safari Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Savana Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Sierra 2500/2500HD - Orders must include a box (E63), no chassis (ZW9/9W9) models allowed.
Sierra 3500 - Orders must include a box (E63), no chassis (ZW9/9W9) models allowed
Cutaway Vans - Not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.
TopKick (C4500) - Not available.

Pontiac
Grand Am Sedan - Not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.

Hummer
H2 SUT - Very limited GMU.

Saturn - No restrictions

GMS = GM Employee Plan
GMU = GM Company Car Purchase Plan

The above restrictions are subject to change at any time.


10) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED 4/9/05

Constraints are distributed based on Available Days’ Supply (ADS), Controlled Method or Percent of Allocation (POA). Dealers can use the weekly constraint wire to see the basic availability of an option. The percentages on the weekly constraint wire are estimated based on the national retail number of the constrained option divided by the amount of retail orders being allocated for the week.

Weekly Constraint/Production News - UPDATED

Constraints are distributed based on Available Days’ Supply (ADS), Controlled Method or Percent of Allocation (POA). Dealers can use the weekly constraint wire to see the basic availability of an option. The percentages on the weekly constraint wire are estimated based on the national retail number of the constrained option divided by the amount of retail orders being allocated for the week.

Chevrolet Constraint Wire for 4/7/05

2005 CORVETTE

Corvette constraints for April 7, 2005

Constraint Code, Description, Available Nationally

00479, Corvette Convertible, 350 (up 98 from last week)

Note that ONLY Convertibles are constrained!!!!

If your dealer of choice HAS an allocation and your order is a Coupe and/or includes any options, your order request can be placed for production!

Orders selected this week for dealers with allocation within constraints will be produced the week of 5/2/05 thru 5/8/05.


11) 2002 thru 2005 Erratic Fuel Reading – NEW 3/25/05

2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette and 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR (Y-Body) Fuel Gauge is Erratic
Message VSS20050445

General Motors is in the process of redesigning the fuel tank sending units in both of the subject vehicles. A new part number has been released but it is not yet in stock. Some dealers have attempted to order the new parts 88967315 or 7316 and they have been told that the parts are not yet available. The new parts have an improved ink coating which will provide improved resistance to fuel contamination and correct fuel sender over travel which is the primary cause for the fuel gauge being erratic. Fuel Modules should not be replaced for complaints of erratic fuel gauge. The fuel sender card is the only part required.

Until the new fuel sender cards are available, the 2004 card is available and can be used. Part number 10310028 left side and 10310103 for the right side will operate in all 2002 through 2005 applications. However it does not have the improved ink path. In cases where a customer insists on a replacement part, the 2004 part can be used although it is the same part that is currently in their car. Availability is expected by the end of April. A bulletin will be released with correct part numbers as soon as the parts become available.


12) Info on Operation of Rr Cmpt Lid/Hatch/Trunk Ext Release Sw - 05 Corvette – NEW 4/9/05
Information On The Operation Of The Rear Compartment Lid/Hatch/Trunk Exterior Release Switch
Models: 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
Customers and technicians need to be advised that the rear hatch/trunk release exterior switch located above the license plate will only operate if the FOB/Transmitter is within 1 meter (39 inches) from the rear hatch latch assembly.
Placing the FOB/Transmitter in the passenger compartment and attempting to open the rear hatch at the rear hatch exterior switch is not recommended.
The rear hatch latch assembly contains a proximity switch that requires the FOB/Transmitter to be within 1 meter (39 inches) in order for the exterior release switch to operate correctly.

Dealer technicians are unnecessarily replacing rear hatch system components; these components have been reviewed at the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) with No Trouble Found (NTF).
Hatch/Trunk Lid Release Operation
There are several ways to release the hatch/trunk lid. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in PARK (P).

• (Hatch/Trunk): Press the hatch/trunk lid release button located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. The theft-deterrent alarm system must not be armed.

• (Hatch/Trunk): Press the hatch/trunk lid release button on the keyless access FOB/transmitter.

• Press the hatch/trunk exterior release button located on the rear of the hatch/trunk lid above the license plate, as long as you have the FOB/transmitter 1 meter (39 inches) from the latch assembly.

Thanks for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter and thanks for your business!

Patrick McDaniel

I have a question.

Ref:Your newsletter dated April 9th;

Can you explain the difference between these two dates regarding the 2006 Z06?

(Just above the Yellow paint samples is this from section 1)
Dealers may begin submitting orders for the 2006 Z06 on June 16, 2005.

5) 2006 Corvette Preliminary Order Information
DEALERS MAY BEGIN SUBMITTING ORDER REQUESTS ON 5/23/05

Is there a difference between an order request and an order?
The world can be so confusing at times!

Thanks for posting.If you could clear this up it would be great.

magneticred

Fantastic news letter as always, Ken. I really appreciate the pics of the new colors. Seeing them side by side is the best way to appreciate the differences.

Ken Fichtner

Good afternoon,

Thanks for reading this week's news and for your comments, observations and questions!

The dates have been published a number of times and several conflicts have occurred. The newsletter has been corrected and here is the latest from GM as of yesterday:

Dealers may begin submitting order request dates:
2006 Coupe(non Z06)/Convertible - July 28, 2005
2006 Z06 - June 16, 2005

REMEMBER - Just because a dealer submits an order request does not mean that he will have a car produced!!! He must have an allocation and then the allocation must be un-constrained.

Ken

XC6VETTE

Wasn't the 2006 order guide suppose to drop today? Did it? Where can we find it?

Ken Fichtner

Good afternoon,

I am not sure where you saw it posted that order guide information would be released today or by whom the post was made.

My sources indicate that the guides will be available in the dealer only website on 5/2/05. At least that's what they say today!

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Ken

Braced

Ken, first, thanks for the very informative news letters.

I have an eratic fuel gauge that goes to empty and triggers the DIC message "service fuel system" and sets off the check engine light. I read in your letter of a fix coming soon. I am patiently waiting before I take it to my local dealer for the fix.

Will you be posting when the part is available? And if so the part number (s) needed to complete it? My local dealer may or may not be up on this stuff and I would like to go in with some knowledge so my car isn't sitting on the lift for a week as one of our CF members experienced!

Thanks,

Steve Brace

Ken Fichtner

Hummmmm,

I asked Robert, our parts manager, to post an answer to your question on the fuel gage problem yesterday!

I will awake him from his spring hibernation and remind him to post an answer for you!

Have a great day,
Ken Fichtner

CorvettePartsBob

BRACED,

HERE IS A COPY OF THE GM BULLETIN FROM MY C6 PARTS AND TECH NEWSLETTER, IF YOU WISH TO CHECK OUT OTHER INFOR JUST LOOK FOR IT IN KENS NEWSLETTER FORUM.

ERRATIC FUEL GAGE, 2002-2005 CORVETTE AND XLR

SERVICE - ALL CHEVROLET & CADILLAC DEALERS

Subject: 2002-2005 Chevrolet Corvette and 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR Fuel Gauge Is Erratic
Message #: VSS20050445
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette and 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR (Y-Body) Fuel Gauge is Erratic
Art Spong 586-947-8890

General Motors is in the process of redesigning the fuel tank sending units in both of the subject vehicles. A new part number has been released but it is not yet in stock. Some dealers have attempted to order the new parts 88967315 or 7316 and they have been told that the parts are not yet available. The new parts have an improved ink coating which will provide improved resistance to fuel contamination and correct fuel sender over travel which is the primary cause for the fuel gauge being erratic. Fuel Modules should not be replaced for complaints of erratic fuel gauge. The fuel sender card is the only part required.

Until the new fuel sender cards are available, the 2004 card is available and can be used. Part number 10310028 left side and 10310103 for the right side will operate in all 2002 through 2005 applications. However it does not have the improved ink path. In cases where a customer insists on a replacement part, the 2004 part can be used although it is the same part that is currently in their car. Availability is expected by the end of April. A bulletin will be released with correct part numbers as soon as the parts become available.

BOB

Burnin Rubber

Hey ken i think its hilarious your Vetteless, U must be totally depressed that u can get one for a good long while , And Why are all the GM models only available in 1:24th?? what they cant make them in 1:18th???