By this point, we have established extremely well that sales of the all-new, 2016 Chevrolet Camaro are down. In the first seven months of the year, Camaro sales have dipped 15.4 percent to 42,354 units. Truth be told, sales of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are also down — but only by 5.5 percent, meaning that Camaro sales are actually slipping faster than its two primary rivals.
Camaro vs. Challenger vs. Mustang Deliveries - Jan 2016 - Aug 2016 - United States
| MODEL | YTD 16 / YTD 15 | YTD 16 | YTD 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSTANG | -5.53% | 72,530 | 76,772 |
| CHALLENGER | -5.08% | 40,181 | 42,332 |
| CAMARO | -15.40% | 42,354 | 50,062 |
| TOTAL | -8.34% | 155,065 | 169,166 |
The decreasing sales are a strange development: an all-new model typically results in sales growing, rather than decreasing. So, what does Chevy have to say about it all?
Higher Inventories And Fleet Sales Of Fifth-Gen
In speaking to Automotive News, Chevrolet spokesman Jim Cain attributed the decline to 2015 being a model change-over.
“A year ago we were running out the old model,” he said. “We had higher inventories and higher fleet sales.”
That “running out of the old model” is generally associated with higher incentives to clear out inventory (of the fifth-generation Camaro) in order to make room for an all-new product (the sixth-generation Camaro).
Higher Price
Another vital factor is the price of the sixth-gen model over its predecessor. The starting price of the 2016 Camaro is $1,995 higher than that of the last-generation 2015 model. The difference grows to $3,490 for the V-6 engine, since the base 2016 Camaro is equipped with a turbo four-cylinder. SS models with the V-8 engine start at $2,795 more.
To that end, Cain highlights that, according to KBB, Camaro transaction prices are up $3,584 over last year.
Higher prices resulting in lower sales volume shouldn’t be too much of a surprise in what has typically been a price-sensitive segment.
| Trim Level | 2016 Chevrolet Camaro | 2015 Chevrolet Camaro | + / – 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camaro Coupe | |||
| 1LS | Model Not Available | $24,700 | Not Applicable |
| 2LS | Model Not Available | $26,140 | Not Applicable |
| 1LT | $26,695 | $27,000 | -$305 |
| 2LT | $30,795 | $30,200 | +$595 |
| 1SS | $37,295 | $34,500 | +$2795 |
| 2SS | $42,295 | $38,300 | +$3995 |
| ZL1 | Model Not Available | $56,500 | Not Applicable |
| Z/28 | Model Not Available | $73,300 | Not Applicable |
| Camaro Convertible | |||
| 1LT | Price Not Available | $32,200 | Not Applicable |
| 2LT | Price Not Available | $36,100 | Not Applicable |
| 1SS | Price Not Available | $40,500 | Not Applicable |
| 2SS | Price Not Available | $43,400 | Not Applicable |
| ZL1 | Model Not Available | $61,700 | Not Applicable |
Non-Existent Incentives
Chevy is also keeping from incentivizing the Camaro at the moment. Since the launch of the sixth-generation model through August 31, 2016, Chevrolet has not offered a single cash incentive on the vehicle.
By comparison, Ford has consistently been offering a $1,000 Smart Bonus Cash alongside 0% APR financing on the 2016 Mustang, which is already priced to start lower than the Camaro.
Cutting Fleet Sales
Todd Christiansen of Camaro Marketing tells us that Chevy is also keeping the Camaro away from fleet sales.
The effort is part of GM’s well-publicized strategy to cut sales to daily rental car fleets. The practice reduces overall sales volume but delivers various benefits like higher resale and residual values, lower incentives, and higher Average Transaction Prices (ATPs). More importantly, it also boosts profit margins. Traditionally, General Motors hasn’t championed such practices; the strategic change is one of the key differences between the “New GM” and the bankrupt “old GM”.
How It Feels Not Being The Sales Champ
From January through July, the Ford Mustang outsold the Camaro by nearly a factor of two, and the Dodge Challenger is nipping on the Camaro’s heels to become the second best-selling car in the muscle car segment.
In speaking to Chevy, we got the sentiment that it “sucks” not being the sales champ. For what it’s worth, Chevrolet is also very well aware that the gen six Camaro is widely recognized as the car to get in the class.
Part Of The Plan?
We did our best to dig deeper and ask whether the higher pricing and associated drop in sales volume is all “part of the plan” for the sixth-gen Camaro, but didn’t get very far.
Chevrolet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Camaro for the 2017 model year. In doing so, it’s launching the Camaro 50th anniversary edition, along with the super high-performance 2017 Camaro ZL1 and 2017 Camaro 1LE track handling package for both, the V-6-powered 2017 Camaro LT 1LE and the V-8-powered 2017 Camaro SS 1LE.
The GM Authority Take
This is all quite the mixed bag, but our takeaway is such: the higher price of the sixth-gen is definitely taking a toll on its sales volume. That much is clear.
But the real question is whether Chevy’s current strategy is delivering performance results (such as higher profits) compared to the approach it took with the fifth-generation Camaro, a vehicle that had a lower starting price and was also offered with more incentives.
We’re also curious to find out what will happen when Chevrolet does add incentives to clear out the 129-day supply of 2016 Camaro inventory in the U.S. (as of August 1, 2016).
Looks like we will have like we’ll have to wait six to twelve months to see how it all plays out, won’t we?
More Pony Car Material
- Running Camaro vs Mustang vs Challenger sales numbers comparison
- General Motors July 2016 sales numbers
- General Motors sales numbers
- Chevrolet sales numbers
- Chevrolet July 2016 sales numbers
- Chevrolet Camaro sales numbers
- Chevrolet Camaro July 2016 sales numbers
- Chevrolet Camaro news
- Chevrolet Camaro July 2016 sales numbers
- Chevrolet Camaro sales numbers
- Chevrolet July 2016 sales numbers
- Chevrolet sales numbers
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Comments
The more I see the 6th gen, the more I like it. Spoiler aside, it’s grown on me.
I’m opposite sorry, every time I see it, it dates another 5 years. It isn’t selling because 8-12 year old Transformers fans don’t have a spare $50,000 burning their pockets (or a driver’s licence…)
Elmiraj, Avista, great! Instead, they give us Bumblebee.
I read here on GMAuthority back in 2014 that GM Styling had the Transformers director, Michael Bay, tour the Camaro styling team and their models. Apparently they were extremely keen to get his choice about which model to pursue, and the 2016 was his choice. That’s right, they clinic’d it with one dude, and that one dude was a fantasy-maker for children. Should have clinic’d at IMSA and SCCA. There are adults there, and they have money, and they like cars.
What part of concept dream car do you not get. The Elmiraj and Avista are not real cars.
Both cars have issues that prevent them coming to market. The Elmiraj was investigated but the Omega will not fit the wheel base. Also many of the other details of the car would never make production like the hard top.
As for the Avista it was a styling concept with no real engineering work. That means they would have to invest millions to make it a production car all so you can bitch that they added a B pillar, smaller wheels and brakes and raise it up more. You do realize the interior was just printed.
Yes it sits on an Alpha platform but it is only there to get it from the truck to the show floor and back.
Then the little issue of selling a coupe in a soft coupe market at an even higher price than the Camaro.
As for the Transformer angle it is just a way to expose kids to GM products at an early age. Yes this works as many times products become ingrained to kids from 5-12 years old. Have you ever seen how Ford and GM both made several Tonka based show trucks. Yes they did so to build early loyalty.
Hell I has a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Matchbox. I loved that car at age 5 and yet today feel it is one of the best styled cars in the history of auto making.
You really need to get some education on why car companies do what they so and often why they have to make decisions not always popular inside and out. There is much more to doing things like this than just saying lets build it. Bringing a new car to market is t tough and rugged road for any kind of model. You add on things like not having a platform for it or even the basic engineering done and it makes the project even more expensive and difficult.
Buick understands how everyone liked the car and they are looking for ways to incorporate the styling into a car they will sell more than 40K units of.
The same for the Elmiraj as its styling has been in-Incorporated into the latest show car in areas and some of this will show in the coming models they have coming out.
You do understand that if you sell a model under 100K dollars you generally have to sell 100K to 200K units to make money. Not an easy task anymore. The higher the price the lower the volume can go if the profit per unit is up. cars like the Malibu and Cruze need to see 250K units as a goal and the Camaro I know was targeted at 100K units in the 5th gen. I have pondered the higher price is because GM expects the volume to continue to shrink in the coupe segment.
Like the old Jimmy Buffet song There’s a lot to think about!
Wish this place had an ignore button. You’re so condescending and full of yourself.
Think you’re one of those guys paid to work at home and write nice things about GM.
You have an ignore just don’t read. It works on your post.
FYI do not work at home and do not get paid to say anything about anyone or any auto company.
Not condescending just telling it like it is. If you don’t like reality then skip it.
In my heart I would love an Avista but the problem is I understand why it will not happen as reality comes into play on how the MFG work not just GM but all of them.
Sorry but I am not going to sit here and say build it when I know damn well making a business case on a total dream car is not likely.
It’s funny reading your instructions to us about business cases and getting an education. GM’s business case for the Camaro is failing because the car isn’t selling. I don’t need an education to spend my money! I was ready to buy a 2016/7 Camaro. After years of driving a trusty VH Commodore in Australia, watching Brocky’s every move for decades, enjoying Lowndes & Whincup win Bathurst just a half-hour drive from my home, owning several scale models of Monaro’s and Penske Camaros and Kevin Bartlett’s Channel 9 Camaro at Bathurst, seriously I wanted the new Camaro now that I live in America. I saw the release photos, I started looking elsewhere. I saw the car in the metal, I went and bought something else. Coupe’s business case is looks/styling. This looks childish. I’m not driving a cartoon. No.
Scott’s got some good points most times, but he is a fan boy and will ignore others good points.
Sorry I didn’t mean the actual Caddy Elmiraj or actual Buick Avista. What I meant was GM Styling can style good cars, why didn’t they use the good ones as their “inspiration” instead of Bumblebee? Elmiraj was done with plenty of time to influence the 2016 Camaro look.
Here is the problem here on the Elmiraj. One it is a much larger car when the Camaro was going smaller.
Second the car is a Cadillac and was part of three concept cars Cadillac had planned for highlighting and testing future styling on. Cadillac did have a good reaction on the Elmiraj and even looked into if it could be produced. That is where the Omega could not support the correct wheel base.
Now with that said Cadillac is not going to give away a design to Chevy in this case as they plan to use parts of this car or possibly more in a future car.
The Avista is still being tossed around by Buick and they would like to use it in a future Coupe styled sedan. This way they can still use the design and still capture the larger sales of a sedan.
As for the Camaro I have friends that are involved with the car. This is what they were looking at. First they had one of the best selling Camaro’s of all time. The car even with the larger body and the poor sight lines sold better than most other version they have ever had.
With this the main complaints were weight and the want for upgraded trims and materials in the car. Their focus was to fix the issues of the old Zeta platform and make it lighter and stiffer. This was accomplished. The interior while still not Bentley great it is much better than it was material wise. Also they needed to gain some MPG and that was done too.
They also needed to find a way to make the V6 and 4 better cars to at least increase the interest and sales. For the Camaro to have a future it has to sell more small engined cars. It can not just survive on V8 SS models going into the future. This is also why Ford works hard on this too.
As for styling that is a very subjective and risky thing. What you do not like more people do like. Just as the Corvette they want the car to look like a Camaro even if the badges are off the car. I think you will find that you are in the minority on hate here on the styling. So you were happy with plain looking Cavalier shaped jelly bean cars and that is fine. But I think here in America we got over those over 12+ years ago. You may note the biggest complaint on the GTO was the aged styling that looked like a Cheap econo car. Now down under it may have worked but not here. Just different strokes for different folks. Hey We like Peanut Butter and not Vegemite welcome to America.
The real issue is price I believe at this point. The car is expensive and it cost more to make. Also the other thing we will see more of is anything with a V8 will progressively get more expensive to limit sales naturally. Automakers will have to limit the numbers they sell moving forward with CAFE and the only way to do so is either sell so many at a lower price and turn people away or to sell the V8 at a higher price and try to force them into the smaller engined cars.
The truth is the Turbo 4 and V6 will out run most of the older Camaro SS and Z/28 models and there is nothing wrong with them. The only real weakness is the fact they just don’t carry the sound of the V8. Though I did hear a V6 the other day that could have passed for a Maserati.
The real danger for the future is the increase of sales in the CUV segment. They are killing cars. The prices of all vehicles are getting more expensive and even the simple FWD performance cars can be closing in on $30K or more in many cases if they are very good Add AWD and they can go $40k in a top level performance package.
It will be interesting to see how they handle the future with ever increasing regulations as well as even higher prices.
Here is what happens every new model be it a Camaro or Corvette. At first half hate and half love. Then over the next full year the like progresses to about 90%.
As for price with little to limited incentives and increased pricing it has provoked sticker shock.
I saw a great documentary on Ed Cole’s 1955-57 Chevy Bel-Air. With Cole coming in from Caddy with orders to make a Caddy-style V8 (which became the Small Block). GM marketing called it “Chevy’s little Cadillac”…
I agree . Previously I was rather “meh” towards the Camaro after seeing an RS at a car show. However, I visited a local Chevrolet dealer and really liked a 50th Anniversary SS convertible. Prefer the 3-piece spoiler on the upcoming 1LE but can live with the other.
However, the 2017 Camaro price – mid-$50k – is so insane I looked at a 2017 1LT Corvette they had on the showroom floor for ~$6k more.
Sitting right next to the 2017 50th Anniversary Camaro was a new – yes new – 2015 Camaro. Seriously GM?
Chevrolet marketing has me doubting their sanity but they appear determined to stick to a high margin, low volume strategy. Want to be like Porsche? Great start! ?
Chevy did briefly offer 10% off on selected 2016 inventory. A local dealer did advertise a $4k+ price cut on a single 2016 SS which CarGurus claims has been in their inventory for over 200 days. It still didn’t move and with the incentives gone the discount is back to a mere $2k leaving the price in the mid-$40s.
Meanwhile, local Ford dealers offered up to $7k off already cheaper Mustang GTs. I could get a GT Premium pretty loaded for ~$35k to $37k. Local inventory of 2016 Mustang GTs is exhausted.
Is this a winning sales strategy, GM?
I have owned GM cars before and Ford, and Nissan. After reading the reviews of the ’16 Camaro and went and checked one out, I am needing a replacement for my family hauler, however thought perhaps get a 2+2 that is fun and will work for 80% of driving needs. I was thinking I’d top out at $38k and wanted it loaded, that is not possible with V6 – for $36k there was a V6 with cloth seats I’d already decided no before opening the door. Once I opened the door I confirmed I could not buy it, the rear seats ought to be classified as a torture device, I cannot even sit back there. I get in back of every vehicle I shop and if it’s not comfortable I don’t consider it. My friends and my kids are too important and I’m not going to be that selfish individual that drives a car that is uncomfortable for everyone else. Outward visibility is also an issue though I felt I could live with it, I did sit in the driver’s seat, and once the door closed I didn’t even think I’d like it, it’s just to small. Good for all you that track these cars, but the 16 Camaro is not a car I could be happy with long term, in my opinion a car needs to be comfortable transportation first, all else is secondary to that requirement.
I did get a 15 Mustang GT, because it’s interior was and is incredibly well thought out, and it’s comfortable the stock seats – to heck with the recaros are the most comfortable I ever sat in. The rear seats are in fact comfortable and inviting, they look like whomever designed them thought they were the most important part of the car. I know the Camaro is faster, I don’t really care, not at all for that matter I’ve never actually seen a ’16 SS on the road since I bought it. If you all are fine with the direction GM took the Camaro good for you, I hope Ford keeps the Mustang a true usable 2+2. I read the guy’s opinion GM is moving the Camaro to take the slot of the vette after they move it to a more expensive RE platform, that makes sense, however I think they are losing a ton of customers buy squeezing out the usefulness to those that just want a fun car to drive and don’t care one iota about track performance.
Chevrolet needs to accept the facts that people aren’t happy that the GEN 6 looks too much like the GEN 5; Chevrolet can do nothing and hope the public will simply accept the fact that the 2016 GEN 6 is a much better car than the GEN 5 car or they can start doing some engineering work to make modest changes to the fender lines and the front/rear fascia so the car looks more aerodynamic and different from the GEN 5.
Looks are subjective but to bolster my case I’ll mention reviews I’ve read haven’t griped too much about the Camaro’s looks. Sure, I’ll frequently read GM played it safe in the refresh but it’s a good looking car nonetheless.
However, I have to question the demographic GM is marketing to, as have others here. Ford and Dodge are riding the nostalgia craze which apparently hasn’t quite played itself out. The Camaro is more youth oriented inside and out. Which is all fine but how many Millennials can afford a car that’s mostly well north of $40k?
Chevy has created an amazing performance package but it isn’t easily obtainable for most folks in our stagnate economy.
I’m starting to look at buying a performance car to replace my aging 2002 Honda S2000 (which isn’t so much ?). My strong preference is a Camaro but I’m balking at paying $48k-$54k for a 2SS. I’m confident I can pick up a Ford Mustang GT Premium for ~$10k less similarly equipped if I’m patient and track incentives.
The argument is the Camaro outperforms the Mustang. No doubt. But at ~80% of the cost I get ~95% of the thrill going with the Ford.
I’ll give GM until near the end of 2017 to get their act together because I’m in no hurry. After that, goodbye!
People are getting 2ss coupes with some options for high 30s. Don’t settle for less than 15% off.
Mike,
I expected (hoped for?) at least 12% off but the quotes I’ve gotten from local Chevy dealers are pitiful. When I say pitiful, I mean pitiful. Like $1,700 off list on a modestly equipped 2SS (dual mode performance exhaust is about the only option that’s a must on top of a 2SS) which is just insulting considering the car MSRP is ~$44,000.
I live in the Mid-Atlantic region so I’ve increased my search up to 200 miles away. The Maryland/Northern Virginia area tend to have the best deals. But even usually dependable dealers like Fitz Auto Mall are offering lousy deals. Look for yourself.
http://www.fitzmall.com/Inventory/SearchResults?Conditions=NEW&Makes=CHEVROLET&Models=CAMARO&Trims=2DR+CPE+SS+&UseCriteria=true
Maybe your area is different but here, without GM incentives, there’s no way a dealer can come close to 15% off MSRP. Fitz Auto Mall displays the invoice price and a couple of their 2017s are $495 under invoice which indicates to me GM is adding some hidden dealer incentives like “holdback” to the mix. Though not on all cars in inventory since Fitz Auto Mall is offering pitiful discounts off other 2017s.
I’m guessing GM is doing a “selective inventory” hidden incentive (‘holdback’?) on 2017s similar to their “selective inventory” publicized 10% off offer on 2016s a few weeks back. This is speculation, but my observation with the 2016 10% off offer was dealers only discounted cars (the deal was limited to 18% of dealer inventory) which had been only the lot crazy long times. Like over 200 days.
Ford can do much better locally on a Mustang GT Premium. Why not Chevrolet? Either GM is greedier or far less efficient in their manufacturing (I refuse to believe the latter). Because the cars I’m comparing are a pretty much identical equipment-wise. And, no, I’m not a Ford fan-boy. I own a 2008 GMC Sierra. Plus, I carry a GM credit card for some additional leverage – and I still can’t get close to what Ford is discounting!
My experience has been very similar. And I too own both GM and Ford vehicles. And Jaguar and Volvo also.
I’m left feeling like GM is being greedy. I know the car is improved but for the way most will use their cars Ford is meeting customers needs better!
I decided to hold my 2012 Mustang GT Premium (7,800 miles) until I see if Ford will do any changes for 2018 MY or if maybe GM will reduce price on 2017 Camaro SS to more reasonable price.
Exactly
Looks? The car is too small to be practical transportation. That is my only real gripe, I don’t like the lack of outward vision, but fact is this is not a usable 2+2. A Mustang seats 4, and someone 6’2″ can sit back there once they are position it’s not bad, for some 5’9″ or less it’s very roomy and it’s clear thought was given to make the seats comfortable. The rear seats in a Camaro make no illusions that Chevy put them in for any reason other than to check a box. In my opinion for a practical two seater the Camaro is selling very well. I expect however it’ll see two seater sales rates before it’s done – sub 3k a month
Gen 6 looks like Gen 5. Also, you can’t see out of it. Chevy really missed an opportunity for greatness with this car. Now that Welburn is gone, maybe GM will start building cars with decent profiles and visibility again.
I don’t want to agree with you, but I grudgingly have too. I so hoped the 6 gen would go completely away from any “retro” cues. Full 21 century with minor heritage Easter eggs in the design details. But no, we just got a refined, smaller and sharpened 5th gen. (which to my eyes is far superior) But to the public, it’s not a big enough departure.
The new Mustang is still retro, but completely different from the previous gen in it’s exaggerated sporty profile and proportions. The Camaro is definitely sportier and more athletic, yet still to similar to the 5th.
Just my 2 cents into this. But with how close the Camaro is to the Corvette performance-wise, I feel that they are going to move the Corvette up market with the rmr configuration. That or have it be more comparable to cars thats within its class without it being awd or be awd with less power while being in rmr configuration.
There has to be a bigger reason why Chevy is not allowing incentives or dropping the price on the Camaro. Hell they rose the price to the Camaro by another 605 dollars for the MY 17 Camaro. Look at the price of the zl1 and the 1le packages. This is what I believe will happen in the next 5 to 6 years. Is that they are trying to get people used to paying almost Corvette prices for camaros. With this philosophy they’ll be able to make a profit with selling less camaros.
“Is that they are trying to get people used to paying almost Corvette prices for camaros. With this philosophy they’ll be able to make a profit with selling less camaros.”
Yes and no. This is a perfect example of dumb assed GOV mandates forcing the manufacturers to artificially limit product sales. They know the most desirable Camaro is the V8 variant. But they can’t have it end up being the sales leader – Because CAFE standards and such. So they raise the price to the limit of affordability. This of course lowers the volume of the nasty guzzling/polluting V8s while simultaneously still earning GM a profit thanks to the higher price…or at least that’s how it works in theory.
We all know what actually happened was the Camaro got it’s ass kicked in the marketplace (primarily because of the higher sticker). This forced GM to offer major incentives bring pricing back in line – somewhat. Of course the savvy buyer will snatch up a SS or better at a great deal, but those same incentives also make the non CAFE penalized V6 and 4 banger Camaro cheaper as well.
You have to compare apples to apples with Mustang. I think 75% of Mustang sales are to rental fleets. So whats the actual retail sales for each – then one can see how they are really SELLING vs the rental dump Ford does.
You’re insane, try 25% retail. Chevy has reduced Camaro fleet by some 7% this year, while Ford has picked up GM’s discarded 7% compared to 2015.
Guy at work looked at one last week, 2.0 drop top. They knocked 1000$ off right away.
Everyone that I know (simply put) thinks that the Mustang and the Challenger are just better looking cars.
These aren’t even car enthusiasts! They don’t care about the amazing alpha roots underneath the skin or even have a clue what that means. Chevrolet then ups the price on a vehicle that is known to be decent priced performance. Combine that with the Gen V looks and no one is raving like they did when they first saw the Camaro return. Challenger gets away with the same look (although handsomely/freshly updated) because it’s a timeless design (retro-look). The Camaro is modern-retro. Not to mention on top of EVERYTHING, the Camaro has shrunken NOTICEABLY!
#sidenote Looks alone I’d prefer a Challenger (updated one) and I’m the biggest GM fan there is.
Does it really take a rocket science to put all of this together? I’m not even done but I am for now.
#GENsixCamaro: It’s an amazing car but I’d spend a bit more and get it’s Cadillac ATS Coupe counterpart or even cross-shop a 4 series.
#Reality #truthHurts #shrug #SorryNotSorry
Are you old?
I don’t mean that in a mean way, but it seems like older people prefer the mustang and challenger. Those under the age of 30 strongly prefer the Chevy, and while all the 45 year olds will argue “no I’m not old– those 60 year old guys are old” the truth is, yes- yes you are old. In the united states, the median age is 36.8. Therefore if you are 37 or older, you are “old”. When surveyed, most young adults consider anyone over 30 as “old”, and they don’t want to associate with them.
It shows up in sales numbers- The average age of a mustang buyer is more than 15 years older than the average age of a Camaro buyer.
Based on your statement, I would anticipate you and “everyone you know” are older than 35, maybe older than 40. In that case you are right- Chevy doesn’t really care about your business.
What I wonder is if that is strategic. People build brand preferences at younger ages. Most 45 year old mustang buyers are doing so because they wanted a mustang when they were 15.
If the 15 year olds are wanting camaros now, then it would suggest long term as Mustang owners age and die out, Camaros will rule the day.
Remember how hard companies like Cadillac, Buick, and even the corvette started fighting to stay away from the dying “old guys”? Yeah older people have the money today, but that all changes in a few years.
I think Camaro is poised, I just don’t know if that was a strategic decision.
I wish I could know more about who is DVing… if you disagree I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What are the age demographics of GM Authority? I’m guessing this isn’t 18-20 year olds right? (serious question).
Chevy is one of the youngest-appealing car brands in the country while ford is the oldest mainstream brand.
I remember with the whole C7 design the idea was to stop appealing to older individuals and become the inspiration for 20 year olds.
I really do question how much of that is an explicit strategic decision. I see a lot of comments on GMA here saying “I don’t want to drive a transformers car”. How many of those people that claim this are over 30? (honestly- I’m an “old guy” too, so I’m not dogging on anyone).
If GM pours millions of marketing and design dollars in trying to keep people over 40 out of their other cars- (I think to a fault), then they would logically be appealing to the 18 year old crowd over the 40 year old crowd with the camaro too…. just like they explicitly stated they were doing with the C7, Buick, and Cadillac brands.
I have you know arach that i am a 62 yr old female and i own a 2014 2lt rs convertible.. Black with a tan top ..i also know quite a few people over 45 that own camaros.. So they are not ownd mostly by the younger generation. My only reason for not getting a 6th gen is i love my 5th gen. And im waiting on the 2017 ZL1 convertible edition. Then i may…
It will be interesting to see how the incentives go. We had not only a cheaper car last year but much greater incentives.
I expect the incentives to grow in the next month and we can see the results.
As for styling even if it looks like the last one the styling did not hurt it. Also the vision is a little better.
You you do not like the sight lines and are disapointed in the styling that is fine but it never hampered the last model. This mostly comes down to price.
Note we saw this in the Chevy trucks when they came out new and until people got the incentives they expect sales were done. Once incentives hit the sales went. up. People are trained anymore to wait out the companies.
The real question is once the incentives hit what will the profit structure be. We have a much better car now and it is made up of much better bits. You want better generally you have to pay more. Now if they discount it how much profit was built in compared to the cold car?
It is true too that Ford sells a lot of Mustangs to rentals. I have had them on business trips.
Once I even got a convertible at Tahoe.
My local dealership is still trying to sell new 2015s. They never put clear-out pricing on them when they had the chance. Still are not pricing them to actually sell even though there are incentives. 2016 is superior in every way IMO. Who would spend the $$$ for a 2015 2LT now? The first turbo my local dealership got was a 2017 2LT. From the initial release I was looking for the base model to not break the bank but have alot of fun with the turbo. Money got spent while waiting and I am keeping my 2000 T/A instead.
I wonder if the age of the average buyer is older for the Mustang and Challenger versus the Camaro? If this is the case, then factors such as a lower seating position height and reduced outward visibility are working against the Camaro.
I had a 69 Camaro SS350, back in high school. one thing I do remember was that outward visibility was very, very good, and the seating position was much higher.
I realize that and extra 1-2 inches of roof height and glass area will hurt all aspects of performance and mpg numbers. However, GM would pick up many older buyers, who once owned and remembered the original first gen Camaro.
Outward visibility in a world of trucks, SUVs and much faster vehicles, is a must have.
The visibility has been a long standing issue since the Gen 5. But agree if the belt line at least through the doors was an inch or so lower OR a raised roof just might improve sales.
But the main kicker is the pricing & how GM forces insane packages to get a few items you may want.
Just clicked on Chevrolet.com & they are offering 0% for 72 months through Labor Day weekend for 2016’s. Clicked on what is local & the first car that popped up was a 2LT V6 hard top retailing for $41,875. Sorry, shy of $42 grand for a V6 Camaro is just too much. Yes it is loaded & yes you can find lower priced examples.
It is great GM is looking to make a profit via retail sales vs fleet. But they have pushed that boundary to where it is impacting & drastically driving down sales vs competition in the same class of vehicle.
Add tax, interest & dealer markup and you’re looking at $47k. “No!” I said. I bought something else.
Yes, by just over 15 years.
Until they redesign the vehicle and do away with the cartoonish idiotic looks, improve visibility, and trunk space, sales will likely continue on a downward trend. They can introduce incentives, but Ford and FCA can so do the same thing. Parked next to the mustang and challenger, the car is simply ugly!. The average customer simply prefers the look of those cars over the Camaro. Performance and lap times are great but it is not the only reason people buy cars. Its mind-boggling how Chevy deliberately shot themselves in the foot with this car. Why will you not improve visibility, why will you not present a fresh design that will complement the new to Camaro outstanding chassis and powertrain. Chevy needs to fast-track an alpha based replacement to the SS sedan. Hopefully they can allow Opel to design the exterior and interior of the sedan, and keep Camaro designers far away from it
The cars are getting too expensive. The target market blue collar guys and gals can’t afford them. If you want a V8 it’s stupid expensive. I get it they put a CAFE price penalty but the folks that want a Camaro want a V8. There is something magical and sexy about a V8. Sorry but no 4 or 6 banger is going to fill that role. I have what I feel is an above average income and can’t bring myself to spend what was Vette money just a few years ago.
Agree. GM is trying to move the Camaro above what has been the target audience (and Mustang/Challenger also) and it’s struggling.
I also get very tired of the constant defiance and spin by GM. Everybody can plainly see the sales performance is not even close to what was expected and yet they just keep making excuses. Why not simply say……..”sales are not where we expected or want to be, but we will keep working on it”.
No surprise with the Mustang selling the way it is. It’s starting price at all levels is lower than the Camaro. But if I wanted a Camaro I’d want the SS at a minimum. What’s the point of having a Muscle care if you don’t have the V8.
Sixth gen has grown on me, but it’s how the Camaro should have looked when Gen 5 came out. I know I represent a small number of people, but my height is the main reason I couldn’t buy a Camaro. At 6’6 I have absolutely no room. Price is the very close second reason. At near $50k for a car that will be obsolete in 5 years is insanity. Not to mention it draws nothing at a car show. I’d much rather spend $30k on an immaculate 67-73 Camaro, yes it’s obsolete, but it’s eons more fun and better looking.
If the fun is the driving part then the Gen 6 is an absolute killer. A total joy to drive and a track monster out of the box. If you’re looking for something that gets attention it’s not a gen 6 camero that you’re looking for.
Did you miss the part where I said “it draws nothing at a car show”?
I beg to differ. I have yet to stop at a gas station and not have at least one person tell me how gorgeous my ’17 2SS Convertible in Mosaic Black is.
Dead on. I read all the comments and find myself confused because they don’t match my experience. ’16 SS, black mosaic. Gas station, department store parking lot, drive thru, gym… doesn’t matter…garners looks and compliments. As far as sight lines. They aren’t good. They weren’t in my 2012, either. I’ve had one near miss in traffic. That was in the 2012. 2016 has the side sensors and they are fantastic. Yeah, the price was a little high. But, I’ve seen the interiors of the 4 Mustangs I see to my 1. I’ll happily pay more to drive the better quality look and feel. I didn’t buy for the back seats. I don’t want anyone back there. Ever. It’s great storage that’s easy to get to. Comfort? Long trips. Short trips. Doesn’t matter. I’m always comfortable. Plus, getting 29-30 on the open highway while styling better than most everything else? Smooth. BTW, I’m 51. And, as a kid, I can remember being in awe of this car.
Thanks for the info. I am glad they confirmed, but it was obvious that its the higher price that is a main reason. Whether that has resulted in enough profits, overall, for the Camaro brand is impossible to say b/c GM doesn’t release those figures.
I would also argue, as I have before, that the lack of differentiation (in terms of looks) btw 5th and 6th gen has also contributed; muscle cars are “show off” cars (and there is nothing wrong with that). I don’t think people want to pay a higher price for something that looks so similar to what they already have, but it’s not a surprise they haven’t owned up to that.
However, the first reason given is, to be polite, misleading.
Sales in 2015 (aka when “we were running out the old model,” he said. “We had higher inventories and higher fleet sales.”)
– Apr – 6,909; May – 9,753; Jun – 8,611; Jul – 7,649 = 32,742
Sales in 2014
– Apr – 9,043; May – 10,340; Jun – 7,721; Jul – 9,961 = 37,065
My strong guess is the same pattern will exist for August; we’ll know shortly.
So sales aren’t just down compared to 2015 (when they were blowing out the old model at low-prices); they are down even more compared to 2014, when none of these excuses existed*. In my opinion, that shouldn’t happen with a brand new model in the summer high selling months.
* They are also down compared to 2013…and 2012…and 2011…and 2010, for what it is worth.
I would love to buy a new Camaro, but in this economy, I just can’t afford it. I’m old enough to remember when people actually had a choice of cars. You could buy a Camaro for about the same price or less than a Chevelle or Impala. Today, car makers give you 2 choices. Buy something “off the rack” that is overpriced crap or mortgage your soul to buy something with some class and performance. Unfortunately for me, I’m stuck with buying and “off the rack” sh**box.
Chevy/GM decided to beat the BMW M3/M4 on the track with the Camero and they did that, but doing so wasn’t free and raised the price of the thing.
There’s simply too many factors at play here regarding the new Camaro’s lack of success! The biggest being the substantial price hike over the last model! It also consists of the lack of incentives, largely unchanged exterior styling and poor interior packaging that’s contributing to potential buyers being turned off by it! It’s interesting how the 6th gen Camaro was designed in accordance to what “Camaro” customers wanted, yet many of them are opting not to purchase one! Choosing instead to keep their 5th gen model or trade it in for a competitive model!
Now I’m certain that once the incentives start rolling in, we’ll see sales number rise. However, I highly doubt they’ll be substantial enough to regain their best-selling muscle car position; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if they can eck out higher ATP’s per Camaro. Other than higher incentives, there’s no quick fix to this dilemma; either GM waits until this generation runs its course or simply provide a strong mid-cycle refresh (Like they did with the Silverado) to address styling concerns. At the end of the day, the Camaro is the performance champ of the segment, but its shortcomings are keeping it at the back of the pack!
August sales totals……Camaro 5604, Mustang 8299, Challenger 5262.
’16 Camaro’s now have 0% for 72 mo. (this is actually the 2nd time, they had it for a few days in July also)
– Thanks for the August figures. Just confirms my earlier comment. Sales in 2015 were 6,236, so sales are down 10%…which is not too bad until you realize August 2015 was the worst August for Camaro sales this decade (until 2016 came in lower, that is).
– I don’t think 0%/72 month will be nearly enough. The prices are still eye-popping. But we’ll see.
GM has offered a cash incentive on the 6th Gen Camaro.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/SGTPosaune/10%20deal.jpg
Not much of a car anyone wants. Most want the higher level models.
As most comments here indicate: to most potential buyers; minimal visible changes from Gen 5, poor visibility, very significant price hike for Gen 6 and no incentives are all negatively impacting sales.
I went in to my Chevy Dealer to price a 17 Camaro Gen 6 SS and was told because of “my region” I had to buy fully loaded, including sunroof and automatic transmission, neither of which I wanted. Price for the car was $57k.
I went to my Ford Dealer can order how I want! And price for a Mustang GT Premium 6 speed manual, no sunroof with 20inch wheels and every other option except the “track pack” was $10,000 less than Camaro.
For my hard earned money it didn’t take long at all to go with the Ford!
A 60 to 90 day supply is usually the norm for inventory levels . The lots at the plant are jammed full of 2016 models and for GM to move all that metal they are going to have to have what they call in the industry is a ” fire sale ” . Which in turn will hurt 2017 model sales .
Chevy’s pricing of the Camaro is consistant with what Cadillac did , come out with a new product that is over-priced . Their upside down plan to sell fewer cars at higher TAP’s is a disaster . You don’t win in gaining market share with this type of stratedgy .
Styling of the Camaro is going to be an issue that will be different from each potential buyer . Some love it and others not so much . But my 2 cents worth is it looks to much like the prior years car and the price increase is turning buyers off .
I’ve said this before but I really wish the Avista was the new Camaro… It’s such a modern take on the classy Gen 2 split bumper. It had a nicer/lower belt line too which would make the car easier to live with.. IMO price is not the Camaro’s issue. It’s the design. People will pay the money Chevrolet asks if the Camaro was so gorgeous that everybody just Had to have one. Knocking a few grand off with incentives will move the sales needle a tad but it would be short lived. The chassis & powertrain is the best it’s ever been but the body needs fresh sheet metal. There’s no ‘gotta have it’ factor in the exterior design unfortunately. It looks too much like the 5th gen mce and that look is just long in the tooth.
Chevy’s C6 Camaro is a very good car as every magazine that have tested the C6 Camaro has ranked it ahead of Ford’s Mustang and even the 2015 BMW M4. Maybe Chevy needs not actors to do a commercial where the public is informed how the C6 Camaro isn’t just better than the Mustang, it’s also better than the BMW M4 which is recognized as the standard of the world.
I think with all the color options available some of the dealers just arent taking advantage. Who wants black interior on every color? I wouldnt. If i were to trade, id have to special order one. Havent seen one i like better than mine yet which is one of 773 made in 2014.. So not really looking to trade. But may buy a 6th gen as another car perhaps. I like the 2017 zl1. I think the Camaro Fifty was boring. GM should have went over the top with it!
Not really the 50th Aniversary of the Camaro since it was discontinued for seven years. How bout 43rd year.
I don’t like camaro’s exterior. It looks like a plastic toy for lil kids. Too cartoonish I’d say. I’m not a stang fan, but that car looks like a real car made of iron.
Plus, camaro has ugly tail lights and ugly rear bumper… The best part is the interior, except for the huge dash in front of the driver. Like its a truck or smth… Meh
Let me guess….you drive a Toyota…right? And you are an authority on what looks good???
I don’t like the exterior at all. It looks like a plastic toy for lil kids. I’m not a ford guy, like it or not, but the stang looks like a real car, which was built with iron… Camaro is too cartoonish. Plus, it has an ugly rear. Rear bumper is awful, just like the tail lights… Meh
Sorry for the double post.
They released the 1LE to late in the year, the previous gen had magazine hype late 2014 and more into 2015 so it was seen and heard about. Then telling public new Gen 6 1le is going to be better, so people held off to wait for new model. New model should of dropped before summer, but now they are taking orders in October. Previously do to the summer only tires, Chevrolet will do stop production during winter months. So now it will be spring 2017 until the new 1LE drops.
Too many arm chair CEOs in here to realize the Camaro is actually doing pretty well. Not great, but pretty decent. Transaction prices are way up and that’s what GM is going for. Ford is playing the fleet game and there have been big incentives since day 1.
As far as hardware/ performance for its price, nothing can touch it. If you want a lower performance (think more than just 1/4 mile) car for less, get the Mustang. Every secretary, 17 year old and Enterprise has one though.
I will agree the Camaro is a solid 8.5 in styling and should be at least a 9.5, but to say it’s overpriced shows just how uninformed you are.
That’s because GM didn’t think to ask the public what it wanted! Here’s what we want: the camaro buying public. We are trying to relive our youth in the classic cars we grew up with but we also live all the modern technology and features of today’s cars. So start building the old body style 1967-1969 for the 50 year anniversary but put all the modern stuff in them. Some maverick builders have done just that based on the 1998-2002 camaro body. It looks amazing!! I want one!!!!!
Actually GM did ask the public what they wanted. And next to everyone said “more of the same” to include the high belt line and low roof. So GM delivered. I dont personally think the styling is THE deal breaker like so many believe. Its the price! That said, the styling isnt helping. To the layman on the street, it looks almost the same.
I personally prefer it greatly to the 5th gen, but then again, I am one of the few on this site who also belives the 6th gen should have been the car to KILL the ‘retro’ bs that is currently weighing these cars down. Its the 21st century. I’m surprised any automaker would proudly reveal a car that apes its great grandfather.
The reason tye originals were so good was in part, due to the revolutionary styling. I see the Challenger, Mustang, and Camaro as stylistic exercises in navel gazing from the big three. Rule numebr one to greaat styling is the customer doesn’t know what the hell they want till you show them. Look at the C7. 100% 21st century. Next to nothing is based on the past except a vestigal nod in the chrome strip on the grill of the base model.
The Camaro should have did the same. A fresh 21st century Camaro was in order. Instead GM gave us a 21st century chassis with a body chained in the past.
Nothing wrong with the styling, not crazy about the back lights though. Visibility only became an issue with the spoiled millenials who are used to driving Hondas and Toyotas. No one complained about visibility on some of the 1930s cars which were not exactly an atrium, especially the rearward view on some were not the best. No one complaine about visibility in the 50s and 60s when they were actually choppy the roofs down on 30s style Hotrods. No one complained about the rearward visibility of the Custom Vans that were all over the streets in the 1970s. A generation of people today or just spoiled.
I can only speak for myself – the Camaro taught be a lesson I won’t forget; car magazine articles are written by young twenty somethings that only have a mental capacity to think of themselves(I’ve researched it and in most cases it’s true). I went in to check out the “COTY” based on C&D and MT articles. I had not yet even bothered to look at a Mustang – also based on C&D and MT articles. Upon opening the door of the Camaro I knew I could not buy one, the back seat is just too small to accommodate even my thin 7 year old, much less my nine year old both of whom are a bit tall for their age. I did however go on a test drive, while I liked the interior of the V6 (it had leather, as I won’t buy a car w/o leather for a number of reasons) I found that the gripes of poor outward visibility of the Camaro are not unfounded, I was uncomfortable with outward visibility the entire time I was in the car. Also once the driver’s door was shut, it is very small, my head brushed the ceiling, I had to stop well short of a stoplight to keep the light in view, and the trunk…doesn’t look like it could accommodate luggage for two. IMO GM screwed this car up, putting driving dynamics ahead of day-to-day what has actually been done is you’ve turned the Camaro into a less expensive Corvette option.
BTW as a result of checking out a Camaro I figured if the magazines were so wrong about the Camaro they were probably off about the Mustang as well, and now there is a premium red Mustang GT sitting in my garage. I was so impressed by the Mustang I bought one on the spot – something I don’t normally do. I was shocked that my kids had more than enough room in the backseat, and they love sitting back there, the did not willing sit in the back of the Camaro. I was impressed that the trunk easily could handle luggage for 2+. The Mustang is a great day-to-day car, while the Camaro may be quicker around a track – a Mustang is still fun to drive around a track, were I ever to take it to one, which I doubt I will do.
Honestly I owe GM thanks for putting me in a Mustang, I may never have checked one out had it not been for my experience with the 16 Camaro.
I find this kind of interesting because that is one of the biggest gripes I have with mustang- If I wanted practicality, I’d buy a Focus RS. The mustang is supposed to be a sports car and put performance ahead of silly things like luggage space and back seats. The back seats are there for classification purposes and taxing, as well as a place to put your purse… its no place for a family vehicle….
Thats my .02 frankly, But thats also probably why I sold my Camaro and bought a ferrari.
But your Mustang has a Chinese made transmission.
Management and engineering continue to raise the bar for the performance and mpg for the Camaro. With the right options, the Camaro is a 200mph track ready car at a bargain price.
The problem is, the sacrifices made to produce a body style that works well at 200 mph, is of no use to the potential buyer of a mid level camaro, used as a daily driver. A roof that is 2 inches higher is bad for racing at 200 mph, but good for outward visibility, and less stressful. It is also silly that rear seat leg room is just two inches, unless the front seat is moved up and unsafe to drive.
GM has to make some trade offs for the next Camaro.
I hate the low rooflines and high beltlines. tiny Windows.
I would have bought a 1ss manual 3 months ago, but did not like the price point. So I will keep driving my antique vintage classic 2011 Camaro.
I would like to see Chevy become a non profit org. and sell them at cost. Right off the loss on their taxes.
I think the Camaro is way over priced!!!!!!
the excessively high prices compared to the mustang and similarly equipped vehicles are why i havent bought one. the cost/value of the SS just isnt there in comparison to not only previous models of the camaro (since the IROC that i had back in the 80s) but other vehicles from other makers as well.
ive waited long enough for camaros to be get reasonable prices but it seems that isnt going to happen.
unless something drastic happens from the chevy marketing department, an S2000RR is going to be my next fun toy.