Hello from Montana!
I am sorry to have not published a newsletter for the past two weeks.
We have had several employees on vacation and my time has been spent assisting in other departments!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Fichtner Chevrolet was founded in 1953 by my grandfather, Theodore Fichtner.
My father, Leonard Fichtner, became the dealer in 1961.
On June 8, 2005, I, Kenneth Fichtner, became the dealer. I am as you can see, the 3rd generation!
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, Dealer
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 Buildout Information & Final Buildout Date, 2006 Corvette Colors Offered for 2005, 2006 Startup Information
2) GM, Chevrolet, Corvette Sales & Production Numbers
3) 2006 Corvette Z06 Order Guide
4) 2006 Corvette Coupe/Convertible Preliminary Order Information
5) Corvette Pricing Revealed
6) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates
7) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2005 - Updated
8) Weekly Constraint/Production News – New 5/13/05
9) 2002 thru 2005 Erratic Fuel Reading
10) Info on Operation of Rr Cmpt Lid/Hatch/Trunk Ext Release Sw - 05 Corvette
11) Poor and/or No Radio Reception, Intermittent Static on FM with Navigational Radio System – New 5/13/05
1) 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
2005 Corvette
50% of the C6 build can now be Convertible
Gray and Beige Convertible tops available without constraint
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
Order guides are now available.
Dealers will be able to consense (agree to accept allocations) for 2006 Corvette Z06s in June, 2005.
Dealers will have a 6 month production outlook available in June.
This model will begin to ship in limited quantities in the third quarter.
Full production will occur in the fourth quarter.
Dealers may begin submitting orders for the 2006 Z06 on June 16, 2005.
Allocations available during the June 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.
2) GM, Chevrolet, Corvette Sales and Production Figures
General Motors sales for 2005 thru May 31
Cars = 380,839, 11.7% market share
Up from 356,110 sales in 2004
Trucks = 693,417, 19.1% market share
Down from 729,876 sales in 2004
Chevrolet sales for 2005 thru May 31
Cars = 78,715, 11.2% market share
Up from 76,074 sales in 2004
Trucks = 155,346, 19.6% market share
Down from 178,619 sales in 2004
Corvette sales for 2005 thru May 31
14,217 sales in 2005
14,990 sales in 2004
Corvette production for 2005 thru May 31
2005 production = 15,780
2004 production = 14,010
3) 2006 Corvette Z06 Order Guide
Click here for the complete guide:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...rder_guide.pdg
DEALERS MAY BEGIN SUBMITTING ORDER REQUESTS ON 6/16/05
4) 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
5) 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)
6) GM Rebates/Special Finance Rates - Updated 4/15/05
Click here for all of the details!
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/ken...centives.shtml
7) GM Employee & Supplier Eligibility for 2005 – UPDATED 6/3/05
Just in from General Motors, Corvettes ARE available for purchase under the GM Employee (GMS) and GM Supplier Plans.
Find a participating dealer and make a great buy!
PROGRAM NUMBER/NAME/TEMPLATE TYPE:
CORPORATE PROGRAM NUMBER: 05-06-2
CORPORATE PROGRAM NAME: 2005 MODEL YEAR GM EMPLOYEE PURCHASE PROGRAM
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
THIS IS A TEMPORARY MODIFICATION TO AND A REPLACEMENT OF PROGRAM NUMBER
05-06-1 (ADMIN MESSAGE NUMBER BAI20040628-1).
CHANGES ARE INDICATED WITH A POUND SIGN (#). ALL OTHER GUIDELINES
REMAIN UNCHANGED.
GM NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE PROGRAM:
GM NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE PROGRAM PROVIDES A SPECIAL VEHICLE PRICE
TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS (I.E. GM EMPLOYEES, RETIREES, SURVIVING
SPOUSES AND ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS) WHEN AN ELIGIBLE VEHICLE IS
PURCHASED FROM A PARTICIPATING DEALER AT THE PRICES DESCRIBED
BELOW PLUS APPLICABLE TAX, TITLE AND REGISTRATION FEES.
GM EMPLOYEE ORDER/OUT OF STOCK PURCHASE PROGRAM (GMS):
-NEW UNITS INCLUDING UNITS USED AS DEMO AND DRIVER EDUCATION
LOANERS WITH A MAXIMUM OF 2,499 MILES, BUT EXCLUDING
CHEVROLET/PONTIAC-GMC APPROVED CONVERTED UNITS, ARE DELIVERED
TO AN ELIGIBLE PROGRAM PARTICIPANT FROM PARTICIPATING DEALER
STOCK AT AN AMOUNT (I.E., RETAIL DEALER INVOICE TOTAL LESS
HOLDBACK AND ANY GM CO-OP ADVERTISING** AMOUNT PLUS $75)
DISPLAYED IN THE GMS FIELD ON THE GM VEHICLE INVOICE.
-ELIGIBLE UNITS UPFITTED BY AN APPROVED CONVERSION COMPANY ARE DELIVERED TO THE ELIGIBLE PROGRAM PARTICIPANT FROM PARTICIPATING DEALER
STOCK AT AN AMOUNT (I.E., RETAIL DEALER INVOICE TOTAL LESS
HOLDBACK AND ANY GM CO-OP ADVERTISING** AMOUNT PLUS $75) DISPLAYED
IN THE GMS FIELD ON THE GM VEHICLE INVOICE PLUS A PRICE FOR THE UPFIT
THAT IS NEGOTIATED BY THE DEALER AND THE CUSTOMER.
-DEMO AND DRIVER EDUCATION UNITS WITH A MINIMUM OF 2,500 MILES AND A MAXIMUM OF 7,500 MILES: VEHICLES ARE DELIVERED FROM PARTICIPATING DEALER STOCK AT AN AMOUNT (I.E., RETAIL DEALER INVOICE TOTAL LESS HOLDBACK AND ANY GM CO-OP ADVERTISING* AMOUNT PLUS $75) DISPLAYED IN THE GMS FIELD ON THE VEHICLE INVOICE LESS A DISCOUNT NEGOTIATED
BY THE DEALER AND THE CUSTOMER.
* IDENTIFIED AS ACCOUNT 65A ON THE GM VEHICLE INVOICE.
GM COMPANY OWNED VEHICLE PURCHASE PROGRAM (PEP):
GM COMPANY OWNED VEHICLE PURCHASE PROGRAM PROVIDES
SPECIAL PRICING TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS (E.G., GM EMPLOYEES,
RETIREES, SURVIVING SPOUSES AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE
OF 25) ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY USED IN THE GM COMPANY PRODUCTION
EVALUATION PROGRAM AS FOLLOWS:
PEP (GMU) UNITS ARE INVOICED AT MODEL, OPTION AND DESTINATION
FREIGHT (DFC) PRICES IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF THE VEHICLE ORDER
LESS A MILEAGE DISCOUNT AND EXCLUDING HOLDBACK AND WHOLESALE
FLOORPLAN. THE ELIGIBLE PROGRAM PARTICIPANT PAYS GM INVOICE
TOTAL FOR THE VEHICLE PLUS APPLICABLE TAX (INCLUDING LUXURY TAX),
TITLE AND REGISTRATION FEES.
PROGRAM TIME PERIOD (DELIVERED):
# JUNE 3, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
ELIGIBLE MODELS/REQUIRED OPTIONS/ORDER TYPES AND ALLOWANCES:
ELIGIBLE MODELS:
ALL NEW AND UNUSED 2004, 2005 AND 2006 MODEL YEAR BUICK, CADILLAC,
CHEVROLET, HUMMER, OLDSMOBILE AND PONTIAC-GMC PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT
DUTY TRUCK MODELS **EXCLUDING HUMMER H1**.
NOTE: CERTAIN MODELS MAY BE PERIODICALLY EXCLUDED. IN THOSE
INSTANCES, DEALERS ARE NOTIFIED THROUGH AN ADDENDUM TO THIS
ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE.
PROGRAM NUMBER/NAME/TEMPLATE TYPE:
CORPORATE PROGRAM NUMBER: 05-10-2
CORPORATE PROGRAM NAME: 2005 MODEL YEAR GM SUPPLIER DISCOUNT PROGRAM
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
THIS IS AN ENHANCEMENT TO AND A REPLACEMENT OF PROGRAM NUMBER 05-10-1
(ADMIN MESSAGE NUMBER BAI20040624-01). CHANGES ARE INDICATED WITH A
POUND SIGN (#). ALL OTHER GUIDELINES REMAIN UNCHANGED.
IF THE GM DEALER ELECTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, GENERAL MOTORS
SUPPLIER DISCOUNT PROGRAM ALLOWS ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES OF GM SUPPLIERS
TO PURCHASE ELIGIBLE GM VEHICLES AT A GM ESTABLISHED PRICE (I.E., 4.5%*
ABOVE THE "GMS PRICE"). BOTH THE GMS PRICE AND SUPPLIER PRICE ARE
STATED ON THE INVOICE. ANY DEALER INSTALLED OPTION, CONVERSION/UPFIT
PACKAGE, GENERAL MOTORS PROTECTION PLAN OR OTHER EXTRA CHARGE ITEM WILL
BE DELIVERED AT A PRICE AGREED UPON BETWEEN THE SUPPLIER AND THE DEALER.
DEMO AND DRIVER EDUCATION UNITS WITH A MINIMUM OF 2,500 MILES AND A
MAXIMUM OF 7,500 MILES:
VEHICLES ARE DELIVERED AT 4.5%* ABOVE THE "GMS PRICE" ON THE VEHICLE
INVOICE LESS A DISCOUNT NEGOTIATED BY THE DEALER AND THE PURCHASER.
*NOTE: VEHICLES INVOICED PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 29, 2003, WILL BE
DELIVERED AT 4% ABOVE THE "GMS PRICE".
PROGRAM TIME PERIOD (DELIVERED):
# JUNE 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
ELIGIBLE MODELS/REQUIRED OPTIONS/ORDER TYPES AND ALLOWANCES:
ELIGIBLE MODELS:
ALL NEW AND UNUSED 2004, 2005 AND 2006 MODEL YEAR BUICK, CADILLAC,
CHEVROLET, HUMMER, OLDSMOBILE AND PONTIAC-GMC PASSENGER CARS AND
LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS **EXCLUDING HUMMER H1**.
NOTE: CERTAIN MODELS MAY BE PERIODICALLY EXCLUDED. IN THOSE
INSTANCES, DEALERS ARE NOTIFIED THROUGH AN ADDENDUM TO THIS
ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE.
8) Weekly Constraint/Production News – UPDATED 6/9/05
Corvette Production Weekly Constraints – 06/09/05
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 06/09/05
2005 CORVETTE
Corvette constraints for June 9, 2005
Constraint Code, Description, Available Nationally
00479, Corvette Convertible, 316 (DOWN 46 from last week)
00649, Corvette Coupe/Convertible with Z51 Performance Handling Pkg, 211 (DOWN 108 from last week)
01460, Corvette Coupe/Convertible with 80U Monterey Red Metallic, 63 (UP 20 from last week)
Orders selected this week for dealers with allocation within constraints will be produced the week of 7/18/05 thru 7/24/05.
9) 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.
10) 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.
11) Poor and/or No Radio Reception, Intermittent Static on FM with Navigational Radio System
Models: 2005 Chevrolet Corvette with Navigational Radio
Condition
Some customers may comment on intermittent static on the FM band, poor and/or no radio reception when they turn on the radio.
Cause
A radio calibration may be the cause.
Correction
DO THIS:
Test the radio in its static condition by switching from FM to AM and back to FM. This should clear the static on the FM band.
DON’T DO THIS:
DO NOT attempt t make repairs at this time if switching from FM to AM and back FM clears the radio static. DO NOT replace part numbers: 15233090 or 10321830.
Test the radio if/when the static/poor reception condition occurs or explain to the customer to test the radio if/when the static condition occurs.
1. While the radio is experiencing static on FM, switch the radio from FM to AM and then back to FM.
• If the static does NOT clear when returned from AM to FM, refer to Radio Poor Reception (SI Document ID# 1556108).
• If the static clears when returned to FM, NO further repairs are available at this time.
2. Engineering is currently working on a calibration fix. NO repair attempts should be made at this time.
Dealer Action
• Record the customer information on a permanent record so you may contact the customer when a repair becomes available.
• Advise the customer that a repair is in test and validation and is due out soon. At the time the fix becomes available, it will be the dealer's responsibility to contact the customer.
Thanks for taking the time to read my weekly newsletter and thanks for your business!
Corvette Store
Kens Weekly News - June 9, 2005 - Important Announcement
