Two in a thousand
Holden's Chev-badged SS had dealers talking at LA… But not all the news was goodHow serious is Holden and/or General Motors about export from Australia?
Deadly… That’s what I’d expect you to answer. It’s certainly my belief given all the good news stories and the tone of discussion with the Australia government about the prospects of the Chevrolet SS, nee Commodore, Stateside.
At least, that was my impression until I had a discussion with one very earnest Chevrolet dealer at today’s opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The dealer in question was pouring over the sole silver SS on display at the Chevrolet stand at the West Coast show. He was clearly looking hard at the product. The opportunity to ask him what he thought of the car and its prospects in the USA was too good to pass by.
Did he like the car? Yes, he loved it…
What did he think of its prospects. “Great…”
How many did he think he could sell this year? “Two…”
Two!
“Yep two… That’s all I’m going to get – one silver one, one black one…”
My new found dealer friend operates a mid-sized Chevrolet dealer in the Mid-West. It’s an area that sells plenty of Corvettes and Camaros each year. Indeed, the rear-drive V8 sportscars make a reasonable contribution to the profits of the operation which sells around 1000 new Chevrolets each year.
And he’s getting two Commodores… Two in a thousand…
This first generation 50-something dealer principal gives every impression he’s a solid businessman. He detailed how his dealership sat in the top 20% of the operations in his area.
“A couple are larger, most are smaller…”
He also gave us details on how much his margin was on a new SS compared to a Corvette. The fact the SS was around one third of the Vette didn’t phase him. It was still more than he’d make selling five Sparks, he said.
Our dealer said quite plainly, “I have customers who will walk in and buy one of these [Commodores] just because it’s different. I’m surprised they [his two cars] haven’t sold already… But they will…
“And if it’s still snowing we’ll just put the car in a covered trailer and deliver it like a Corvette.
“They [the customers] will turn up the heat in their garage and polish the car until they can drive it.”
Our dealer was non-plussed when we discussed the fact the car had been on sale the best part of six months Down Under. He said he’s been waiting three months for his first car, and might still have another three months to wait. He wasn’t sure when he’d get car two…
When I told him we believed Holden and General Motors were serious about selling the SS in the USA, he looked like we were a sandwich short of a picnic… Can you blame him – two cars in a thousand!
This is a straw poll of one dealer… Hardly scientific, but, Holden serious about selling the SS in the USA… On this basis, please, give me a break!
I’ve deliberately refrained from detailing ‘our’ dealer’s name, business details or location, but if Holden wants it, it only needs to ask. I’m sure our man would be more than happy to have his allocation revisited. Who knows, he might sell four…
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Don't forget to register to comment on this article.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
