The next-generation Chevrolet Corvette may not be an all-American sports car. For the first time ever General Motors invited its design studios from across the world to submit design studies for the next-generation Corvette after Ed Welburn, GM’s vice president of global design asked GM’s 10 styling studios to submit design proposals last year.
“Some were absolutely phenomenal,” Welburn said. “There is a lot to pick from. The direction that we take is very important, and the decision has not been made.”
GM hopes that global input on the next Corvette will attract European buyers and young U.S. buyers who favor foreign automakers.
“We have challenges in the States with the Corvette,” Welburn said. “The average age of the customer is really rising.”
According to the Power Information Network, a division of J.D. Power and Associates, the current average age of a Corvette buyer is 54.
Corvette sales are also falling. Last year GM sold 13,934 units in the U.S., down 48 percent from 2008. The current Corvette model made its debut in 2005 and is long overdue for a redesign. Prices of the current model range from $49,880 for the base model to $107,830 for the ZR-1.
Sources say that the redesign should show up in two to three years.
- By: Omar Rana
Source: AutoWeek
