General Motors is currently retrofitting and shipping build-shy Chevy Camaro units as new microchip supplies trickle in.
In response to the ongoing global microchip shortage, General Motors has implemented a number of different strategies to keep production lines moving. One of these is known as a “build-shy” strategy, wherein vehicles are produced in an unfinished state, then stored as new microchip supplies are sourced. Once new microchips are acquired, the vehicles are then completed and shipped out to dealers, as is the case with new units of the Chevy Camaro.
Production of the Chevy Camaro has been an on-again, off-again affair throughout the 2021 calendar year. As GM Authority covered previously, General Motors idled Camaro production at the automaker’s Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan back in May. Production resumed later in June, only to be idled once again in September and restarted again last week.
Now, build-shy 2021 Chevy Camaro units are being retrofitted and shipped out the dealers. For the moment, details are scarce, and it’s currently unknown how many units of the 2021 Chevy Camaro are waiting for chips.
Build-shy units of the 2022 Chevy Camaro are also scheduled for retrofits, but the timeframe surrounding that is also currently unclear.
Moving forward, 2022 Chevy Camaro models will not be available with the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGX gasoline engine option until at least November due to ongoing supply level constraints, as GM Authority covered previously. The LGX engine slots in above the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LTG gasoline engine in Camaro LS and LT models.
Furthermore, certain features for the 2022 Chevy Camaro have limited availability, including the ZL1 and ZL1 with A1Z (ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package), Redline Edition (WBL), and the Rapid Blue exterior color (GMO). Other features are totally unavailable, including the Shock & Steele Edition (B2E), and the LT1 engine with the six-speed manual transmission (MN6) without dual model exhaust (NPP). It is expected that each of these features will become available later on in the 2022 model year.
For now, Chevy Camaro sales trail those for segment rivals like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.
Sales Numbers - Mainstream Two-Door Sports Cars - Q3 2021 - USA
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DODGE CHALLENGER | -14.32% | 13,994 | 16,332 | 45% | 38% | +15.10% | 44,142 | 38,350 |
| FORD MUSTANG | -34.19% | 9,115 | 13,851 | 29% | 32% | -13.80% | 41,065 | 47,637 |
| CHEVROLET CAMARO | -37.81% | 5,203 | 8,366 | 17% | 19% | -32.13% | 15,084 | 22,226 |
| MAZDA MX-5 MIATA | +25.69% | 2,931 | 2,332 | 9% | 5% | +44.44% | 9,608 | 6,652 |
| TOYOTA 86 | -98.45% | 10 | 644 | 0% | 1% | -46.95% | 1,044 | 1,968 |
| FIAT 124 SPIDER | -85.82% | 59 | 416 | 0% | 1% | -32.71% | 932 | 1,385 |
| SUBARU BRZ | -99.87% | 1 | 784 | 0% | 2% | -58.65% | 722 | 1,746 |
| NISSAN 370Z | -99.41% | 3 | 509 | 0% | 1% | -98.02% | 36 | 1,819 |
| TOTAL | -27.57% | 31,316 | 43,234 | -7.51% | 112,633 | 121,783 |
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Comments
I wonder if they are going to ditch the AFM like they are with the trucks?
Maybe this will teach the US auto makers to NOT rely on outside supply chains, but I doubt it. Sad, Just SAD
My friend who lives in the northwoods of WI. told me his dealer told him that he that he told gm to stick there built shy vehicles where the sun wont shine,they will not drag vehicles through snow banks.
what?
Self explanatory, they do not want to hook a tow strap to a new vehicle and pull it through a snow bank to get it in to service, when gm sends the parts to make it a running,driveable and sellable vehicle.
I don’t think Chevrolet cares if they sell any Camaro”s at all trucks . suvs and electric cars is all they care about I don’t know how they slid the new Corvette in
“Build-shy” 2021 Camaros? I thought they completed those when they opened up the factories earlier this year. Thank God I got my 2021 when I did.
When did you get yours? I ordered mine in January. I know that mine was 100% complete back in June; waiting for carrier pickup from the plant. Still waiting.
gm is a poorly run company that’s too big to fail.
I’ve been calling the factory with no luck to find out how many 2020 Camaro ZL1 1LE with or without the track package were built?
Anyone out there know this?
Stuart
You should be able to find out online.
Ordered a 2022 Camaro SS back in August I wonder if I could go visit the car during Christmas vacation if they would tell me where it’s parked really sad my uncle lived in Detroit for most of his life he work for GM as a supervisor passed away about Ten years ago I love to hear his thoughts
It’s funny they talk about the 6cyl. for Nov. when it’s only 2weeks from now and by then they might get all the 2021 chipped.. So the can start running the 2022 through..
Last week I’ve put order on 2SS 1LE manual in Rapid Blue… I guess I will wait a bit…
Don’t fee to bad I put my order in April and because of the Rapid Blue and the exhaust, Yes I’m still waiting for a order number.. But then spring is just around the corner so I don’t have to store it.. That’s the 1 bright side.
I just hope our cars won’t be standing all winter outside!
They will sit as long as it takes for gm to source the parts
Exact same thing here. I am not expecting my 22 until April. May change my mind and another route before then.
Broken record here, have product available more will sell
Consumer 101.
its crazy to see how the market has changed. In 2020 all the cars were being sold with HUGE employee discounts, and now prices have skyrocketed with limited availability. Back in 2020 i got a new Camaro 1LT for $25K usd, and now the same car used is going for $28k usd.
Ordered a 2022 ZL1 1LE back in August and the dealer can’t give me any updates as to when it might be delivered. Very frustrating!