Rob Loszewski
2020 Corvette production could resume on May 18th if GM and the UAW can finalize safety protocols
According to the latest Wall Street Journal, Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler have set a tentative target date of May 18th to resume automotive production once again.
Following talks with United Auto Workers (UAW) leaders and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, the Journal said on Monday, that the Big 3 have settled on a timeline with May 18th being the target date. However, last week the head of the UAW felt that an early May startup was too risky and could put workers at risk.
Only a little over 2,700 2020 Corvettes were built before the Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant was forced to shut down amidst the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the nation.
According to our sources, any 2020 Corvette order that is currently in GM’s system at 3000 (accepted by production control) or higher, will be built as 2020 models. Any other orders below 3000 will be canceled and dealers will give customers the option of converting those orders over to a 2021 order.
Acceptance of orders for the 2021 Corvette model year is expected to being May 21st, however that was a tentative date prior to the Assembly Plant shut down. Whether or not that date will be revised upon re-opening, remains to be seen.
The start of 2021 Corvette production was originally slated to begin the first week of September – but again – that could change once the Assembly Plant resumes production.
2020 Corvette Convertible Orders
Unfortunately, it’s still up in the air whether or not GM will build any 2020 Corvette convertibles. A couple pre-production convertibles were recently spotted on the road wearing Michigan manufacturer plates, but it’s anyone’s guess if GM will stick to coupe orders only, and push the convertible out to the 2021 model year.
As of this writing, there has been no official announcement from any of the Big 3 automotive manufacturers verifying the May 18th return of production.
