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Filed under: Convertibles, Chevrolet, GM



We weren't surprised when Chrysler decided to nix plans for a Dodge Challenger convertible. The LX-based coupe wasn't developed with a drop-top variant in mind and it would've taken far too much cash to shore up the chassis with the roof removed. And if you hadn't heard, Chrysler isn't doing too well in the cash department.

Now, MotorTrend is reporting that General Motors is delaying the launch of the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible for the same reason, putting off the introduction for another year as the General attempts to keep its head above these financially troubled waters. Spending on such extravagances is hard to justify for both GM and consumers, and if the Federal bailout goes through, it's safe to assume that legislators and the public us would have hard time seeing our tax dollars being used to sell a niche vehicle.

Gallery: Chevy Camaro Convertible Concept



[Source: MotorTrend]Chevrolet Camaro convertible on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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3rdGenNut

So its ok to use the money to build vehicles that will drop in value as fast as your 401k but not on a car that will actually have a fair value in 25 years.

jg95z28

http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...old/index.html
Q: Did anyone other than MotorTrend expect the convertible to by a MY2010 vehicle?

SSPORT10

This article appaers to be an old article, something we already knew. There is no date on this article! We have heard nothing official from GM to state otherwise, it was delayed to MY 2011 a while ago.

FAD1

i kind of knew it was coming. Honestly, I really hope that GM pulls through. I mean the Japanese have done such a good job advertising their quality, and GM's quality has improved a lot, but even look at a company like Toyota, there down 64%.

GTOJack

The only thing that isn't on hold at GM is the reminder notice when you are late on a payment.

99SilverSS

I figured that this would happen. I'd think the Z28 is on indefinate hold as well. I worry that IF GM gets the bailout that the Gov't will come in and cut their lineup to bread and butter vehicles in line with CAFE that can bring in large sales and maybe profits. As hard as the Camaro is to sell to GM's beancounters I would imagine the Gov't economists would even be less impressed. The money is spent on the 5th Gen but as soon as it sales dive or it's time for a model update I could see them moving in different direction.

guionM

Before this thread takes on a life of it's own, at the present time and from what I can tell, the story is another example of false and/or misleading journalism.

The story proclaims that the Camaro convertible production is put off "for another year".

The fact is that the Camaro convertible is still slated for production in another year... 2011....AS SCHEDULED!

As I've mentioned with thse types of stories in the past, a simple and well know fact is fluffed up and turned into breaking news and bent to lead the reader in a direction that provokes a reaction... to pick up the publication and read more... or even better... buy the publication.

Writers are under pressure to submit anything do just that when there's little news to report. At the moment, all the big guns are either gearing up for the auto shows or following the continuing bailout and government loans stories. Just as often as not, writers have a journalism degree and were hired to write about automobiles though their knowledge about them is so small that they don't know how or where to research, or (as in the case of this story) is written by someoone with little experience in professional news writing.

The story here is that there isn't a story. I doubt there is a single person on this site that doidn't know that the convertible Camaro would be out the following model year after the coupe debuts.

jcamere94z28

right... but giving it a negative spin... does no help the situation... giving GM another small dark spot... why not say.. the convertible is as schedule.. or just not write... instead of misinforming people.

Most people just follow whatever the media says... and that's the sad part... oh well...

missmy79

I must have read that wrong, b/c it looks like MT is reporting that the vert is on hold and may return to the lineup. On hold and delayed are two different things. So is progress on the vert continuing or is it actually off the table until later?

JakeRobb

What difference does that make to the manufacturer?

Are you complaining?

SSPORT10

Well in case you have not noticed, the mainstream media is VERY biased on things, especially when it comes to politics and foreign cars!

jg95z28

But if you read Guy's post, the convertible isn't actually on hold, it just isn't scheduled until the 2011MY. Now, the Z/28 on the otherhand, is on hold.