A recent post to social media suggests that production of the mid-engine C8 Corvette may be slowing down, leading to possible job cuts.
Per a user on Mid Engine Corvette Forum, workers at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky have received a notice from the United Auto Workers (UAW, Local 2164) labor union informing them that roughly 66 seniority employees might be placed on “Indefinite Layoff Status,” with layoffs expected to begin in mid-April.
Per the UAW notice, the exact number of affected workers may change due to factors like employee transfers, retirements, or other adjustments. The union expressed frustration with GM management, accusing them of a lack of transparency regarding the “de-rate” process. Per the notice, UAW leadership has repeatedly requested more information, but feel that they have been ignored or given little notice about important changes. The union also criticized GM’s communication practices, saying that they have historically struggled to get clear answers from management.
The forum post speculates that the upcoming layoffs may be linked to the UAW’s nationwide strike in 2023. As part of the strike settlement, long-time employees were offered a buyout option called the Special Attrition Program (SAP), which allowed workers to retire early with a financial incentive. However, GM has been more restrictive in granting these buyouts, leading to frustration among employees. The union questions whether some of the layoffs are actually related to employees now opting for this program.
Another issue mentioned is overproduction of the C8 Corvette. Per the post, unsold cars are now piling up at dealerships, with some dealerships holding new units on their lots for months, even with hefty discounts. GM previously increased the daily production rate from 184 units per day to 204 cars per day, however, Chevrolet sold 33,330 C8 units over the course of the 2024 model year, down from 34,353 units in 2023 and 34,510 units in 2022.
Looking ahead, while the de-rate process will reduce production speed, GM is not expected to extend work hours per station. Rather, with fewer workers, remaining employees may have to take on additional tasks, leading to re-training and other related issues.
Comments
Running out of people that have 60k to blow on a second car.
If you are able to find one for 60K it will have vinyl seats and floor with hand crank windows.
Just gotta call it the “lightweight package”.
Exterior needs a refresh. Trim options need a refresh. People don’t want to have to blow 6 figures to get an Eray or Z06 with different styling/options.
Don’t see this brand lasting longer than 10 years. Once the boomers are gone who will purchase this car? Just like Harley Davidson.
That’s why I keep posting about making the Camaro and other vehicles for younger folks. I guess if you are a Boomer exec, you only care about the company until the day you cash out and retire, though?
Harley sells incredibly well overseas actually, and still decent sales stateside. Harleys problem is every time they try and rebrand to more “modern” styles, their customers revolt. Their the square body Chevy of 2 wheels, and they’re doing fine (for any American MFG post COVID) and will continue to do so. Potentially much better once everyone drops their T@rrifs on us.
Obviously GMC TX, hasn’t been looking at the trends on who is buying the C8’s.
The buyers are getting younger.
Give us a manual, I’ll order another.
How about some new, old school, colors. I am the owner of a cacti, love the different colors. Maybe some new wheels also. Things are getting a bit stagnant.
They are great cars,
JMHO
Pity the many C8 buyers who had delusions that it would be a blue-chip investment. For sure, it ain’t no C2(orC3,5,6 or 7 for that matter) and won’t score a home run at future Mecum or Barrett Jackson auctions.
When did late ‘70’s / early 80’s C3 Corvettes become “blue-chip”?
Btw, since you’re such a visionary ….what’s in your garage?
I have a 2020 C8 Z51 2LT and there have been no significant changes to entice me to get a new one (other than a Z06, but it costs significantly more, get less mileage plus the $2,500 gas guzzler tax, and my insurance rates will go up).
They need to offer a Grand Sport model, which I would buy. Few people are buying the E Ray, but there would be a good increase in sales with a Grand Sport.
What “differentiation” would a Grand Sport- badged C8 offer other than a decal / sticker package??
Grandsports have had wider bodies and different paint, wheel, and brake options. Are you even a Corvette enthusiast?
After 4 years of the worst economy in history what can you expect on a luxury sports cars purchase. Other makers are even in worse positions. Erays are still the best deal on any sports cars
How is that lavish UAW contract working out?
Sounds like GM has gotten ahead of the UAW in the last negotiations more than a slowdown. We know GM wouldn’t conceed to a 30% pay hike without some backdoor concessions somewhere, and this appears to be it. If having a couple models on lots and incentives is a sign of short sales, then someone needs to tell the truck plants to lay off absolutely everyone. Really, this is the moment that has defined most of Corvette history. A halo car that sits on the show floor, brings in customers, and after a ton of negotiation, a blue collar buyer walks away with their dream car.
“Edgy” styled cars traditionally don’t age well.
This one has enough styling for three cars.
Hopefully the C9 will be more thoughtful and balanced.
The whole economy is in a state of flux — how can management provide any degree of clarification on anything when no one else can? Tariffs today, no tariffs tomorrow, double tariffs two days from now….
I didnt buy my 2022 c8 z 51 htc for investment i really like to drive this car doesnt matter how many they make you may see 2 a week. still may go to ZO6 just the taxes are a killer for no good reason other than to make up for governments waste of taxpayers money oh well may have to go to from 36 easy payments to 48 easy payments. dealers are really stocking up on these cars!!! maybe trade in every year!!!!
glen,
I agree. With very few exceptions, vehicles are transportation not Investments.
asking these guys on the line to do more with less is just recalls waiting to happen…imho
The gas guzzler tax cost more to implement than money it brings in. Where’s DOGE when you need them🙃. C-9? Hope so but how can they out do the C-8.
SLOWING DOWN????? I’VE HAD MINE ON ORDER SINCE NOVEMBER AND AM STILL WAITING FOR IT TO GO PAST 3000 STATUS. MARY NEEDS TO FIX SUPPLIER ISSUES AND PRODUCTION ISSUES OR STEP DOWN !!!
GM DECIDED TO BUILD”STOCK” CARS AHEAD OF SOLD ORDERS…HERE’S THE PROBLEM–DELAER STOCK PILE OF INVENTORY. CRAZY THE SOME DEALERS SIT WITH 100 CORVETTES WHILE “SOLD ORDERS TAKE 4-5 MONTHS TO BUILD?????
MUST OF BEEN MARY’S BRIGHT IDEA
Mary doesn’t care about anything to do with enthusiast cars or trucks. She’s all in on her Ev’s and green buddies. If the company decides to get new exciting product it will only be if the girls don’t run it any more. Maybe time for some of those mean men again.
Bring back the C7