Ken Fichtner

Greetings from Montana.

Greetings from your Montana Chevy Dealer!

Wow! Our summer like spring weather came to an abrupt stop this week. We have received record rain falls and record levels of snow this week. Much needed and appreciated moisture as we are in our 7th straight year of drought.

We have announced the availability of two exciting items in the past week:
1) The new GM accessory exhaust system for Corvettes
2) The C6 Corvette Convertible die cast replica

Please call Robert Wendorff toll free at 1-800-234-5284 for more information and to place an order.

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 Corvette Convertible Top Colors AVAILABLE!
2) 2005 Corvette Buildout Information & Final Buildout Date, 2006 Corvette Colors Offered for 2005, 2006 Startup Date
3) Corvette Production and Sales Statistics – New 4/22/05
4) Chevrolet’s SS Lineup Bolstered for 2006
5) 2006 Corvette Z06 FAQ
6) 2006 Corvette Preliminary Order Information
7) Corvette Production Issues – Constraints, Convertibles
8) Corvette Pricing Revealed
9) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates
10) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2005
11) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED 4/22/05
12) 2002 thru 2005 Erratic Fuel Reading
13) Info on Operation of Rr Cmpt Lid/Hatch/Trunk Ext Release Sw - 05 Corvette – NEW 4/9/05
14) Fichtner Chevrolet Parts Department New Items
A) C6 Performance Exhaust System
B) C6 Pace Car Die Cast


1) 2005 Corvette Convertible Top Colors AVAILABLE!

To: All Corvette Dealers

From: VSSM Order Fulfillment

Subject: Corvette Convertible Tops

Date: April 19, 2005

We are pleased to announce that the issues and concerns causing the disappointing and long delay in our ability to produce Beige (35T) and Gray (37T) convertible tops have now been resolved. Both colors are now immediately available for new orders or for modifying existing orders where either of these two colors would have been a first choice. Introduction of these two additional top colors provides increased opportunity for your Corvette customers to stylize their convertibles.

While we apologize once again for this long delay in their availability, we encourage you to examine the expanded color and trim chart (shown below) and seize the opportunity to order some of the great looking, new color combinations now available. We especially encourage you to check out the new Gray top (37T) as it is a first time offering for Corvette and creates a very distinctive and appealing new look.


2) 2005 Corvette Buildout Information & Final Buildout Date, 2006 Corvette Colors Offered for 2005, 2006 Startup Date

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 2006 Coupes/Convertibles 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 Z06s 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.

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 Production and Sales Statistics – New 4/22/05

Corvette Production
1/1/04 thru 4/3/04 = 8692 Units

Corvette Production
1/1/05 thru 4/9/05 = 9859 Units

Corvette Sales
1/1/04 thru 3/31/04 = 8401 Units

Corvette Sales
1/1/05 thru 3/31/05 = 7962 Units

4) Chevrolet’s SS Lineup Bolstered for 2006

In an attempt to build on the brand appeal of its performance vehicles, Chevrolet is nearly doubling its lineup of SS-badged vehicles – including the addition of an SUV,

Chevrolet unveiled SS versions of the 2006 TrailBlazer, Malibu, and Malibu Maxx at the New York auto show.

The TrailBlazer will be the first General Motors SUV to wear the SS badge and will offer the Corvette-derived LS2 6.0 Liter V8, giving it 391 HP and a 0 to 60 time of 5.7 seconds. The TrailBlazer also gets a performance suspension, 20-inch wheels and specific interior appointments.

The Malibu SS and Malibu Maxx SS will offer a 240 HP, 3.9 Liter V6 with variable valve timing, 18-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.

Production of the new SS vehicles begins this fall.

Source: Automotive News


5) 2006 Corvette Z06 FAQ

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.


6) 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


7) Corvette Production Issues – Constraints, Convertibles

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.


8) 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)


9) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates - Updated 4/15/05

Click here for all of the details!

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


10) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2005 – UPDATED 4/21/05

To: ALL GM DEALERS

Following are the 2005/2006 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 April 21, 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 Coupe - Very limited GMU, only eligible for U6C under Dealership Employee Purchase.
Corvette Convertible, Z06 – Not available for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.

Chevrolet Trucks
Equinox - Limited GMU.
Astro Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Express Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Silverado 2500/2500HD/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 for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.

GMC
Safari Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Savana Van - No cargo models in GMU.
Sierra 2500/2500HD/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 for GM Employee, Supplier, or Dealership Employee Purchase.

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.


11) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED 4/21/05

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 4/21/05

2005 CORVETTE

Corvette constraints for April 21, 2005

Constraint Code, Description, Available Nationally

00479, Corvette Convertible, 340 (down 17 from last week)
00649, Corvette Coupe/Convertible with Z51, 264 (down 3 from last week)

Note that the Z51 package is back on constraint after being free flow two weeks ago!!!!

Orders selected this week for dealers with allocation within constraints will be produced the week of 5/16/05 thru 5/22/05.

12) 2002 thru 2005 Erratic Fuel Reading

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.


13) 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.

14) Fichtner Chevrolet Parts Department New Items

A) NEW 2005 Corvette GM Performance Exhaust System

DESCRIPTION:
Introducing the all NEW GM Performance Exhaust System for the 2005 Corvette. The GM Performance Exhaust System features T-304 polished stainless steel, Mandrel bent piping, S-Type mufflers and three adjustable and interchangeable tip choices allowing the consumer to take vehicle personalization to the next level.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Fit the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette

GENERAL INFORMATION:
GM Performance Exhaust Systems and Tips feature a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

FICHTNER CHEVROLET SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICING:

Twin Tip System, Retail $1652
SALE PRICE $1257 + S/H

Oval Tip System, Retail $1652
SALE PRICE $1257 + S/H

Big Mouth Tip System, Retail $1569
SALE PRICE $1199 + S/H

CALL ROBERT WENDORFF AT 800-234-5284 TO ORDER YOURS TODAY!!

Click on each of these links for more information:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...ec6exhaust.pdf
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...ustexhaust.pdf
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...ystatement.pdf

B) Indy Pace Car Die Cast Replica

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

Please call Robert Wendorff toll free at 1-800-234-5284 for more information and to place an order.


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

msm859

Ken, thanks for the info. Very interesting numbers on production/sales 04 vs 05. Sales have gone down 5.2% and more significantly in 04 they had sold 96.6% of production for the period in 05 it is ONLY 80.7% Yet there are a number of unfilled orders with people waiting for months to get their order accepted. I would love to talk to the person in charge of filling orders. I didn't need an MBA to figure out this system is totally out of whack!!!

Steve Carter

Wow, thanks for all the good information Ken. When I read your news letters I feel that you're on our side. You run a class dealership.

Flareside

Ken, I placed an order for a Z51 coupe this week. Since Z51 is now on contraint, is there something specific I can ask the dealer for to determine when they'll be able to buld the car? I guess I first need Z51 to come off contraint, then the dealer has to have an allocation specifically for a Z51 car? Do they have that information available to them? I'd like to have something specific to ask for so they don't give me the old "any day now" answer.

TYLERTONY

Kevin,

Thanks for all of the information...do you think that we'll see an interior trim kit for the Monterey Red since they skipped over my mag red...I may have to settle if I don't go down the path of painting over one.

Ken Fichtner

Hello everyone!

Steve,
Thanks for your kind words. Comments like that make all of the time that I spend providing this information worth it!

Flareside,
About all you can do is talk to your ordering dealer on Thursday mornings when he receives his allocation to see if he has an allocation for a Corvette and one with Z51!

Tylertony,
It's anyone's guess what colors GM will offer in the interior package. As new colors are announced we will let everyone know.

Have a great week,
Ken Fichtner

T

Hi, Ken,

I also want to thank you for always providing us with such straight-up valuable info all the time.

Is it known yet whether the 06 C6 1LT Pkg. will be limited to black interior only and be similar to the 05 C6 1SX Pkg.? Thanks.

T

T

Just bumping up to see if any info is known on the 1LT pkg. - thanks.

T

Ken Fichtner

Hello!

As of this morning we haven't received any detailed information on the options and option package content for 2006. As soon as the information is available I will included it in the newsletter.

Have a great day,
Ken Fichtner

LS WON

T

Hi, Ken,

Thanks for your reply and all the info that you provide. It's greatly appreciated.

T
__________
1986 Coupe - Bright Red / Saddle Tan, Auto, Z51, Goodyear Eagle GS-Cs, original owner, 160K mi. & counting ... STW!!!