Camaro Officially Outsells The Mustang in 2010- Ends Ford’s 24 Year Reign Atop the Pony Car Market
For close to a quarter-century Ford has maintained a stronghold on the American Pony Car market with its Mustang, but 2010 was the year that all changed. In the first full year of sales for the Camaro revival, the Mustang was unseated from its throne.
In 2010, the Camaro sold 81,299 to the Mustang's 73,716. That, ladies and gentlemen, is not only a victory, but a solid one at that. Of course, neither vehicle was ultimately hurting, as each saw their sales increase from the year prior. The Camaro by an impressive 32%, and the Mustang by 11%. This should not come as any news, however, as the Pony Car race has bolstered, and even been a large part of the revitalization of the American automotive industry. This is surprising, as it comes at a time when lawmakers are trying to push the American public towards the antithesis of the Pony Car-smaller, more fuel efficient, less powerful vehicles, like the Chevy Volt.
Of course, Ford contributes their loss in the sales race to the fact that this was the first full year of sales for the Camaro. This accreditation lacks the foresight of the fact that the Camaro performed this impressive feat with basically only two models on sale. The Mustang, however, had 7 vehicle models in its line-up. With the release of the Camaro and Camaro SS Convertibles this year, as well as the Z28 in the near future, one might speculate (with relative safety) that the Camaro will begin a new reign atop the vehicles sales race in their class. Further proof towards this are the numerous accolades and awards that have been bestowed upon the Camaro since its release. Whatever the case may be, 2010 was a great year not just for the Camaro, but for American Pony Cars in general, and the future only looks like it will be even brighter.
Eric Berry Camaro and More Z28 Test Photos
The first bit of news concerns the twin-supercharged 1200 HP Camaro that Eric Berry, the new Kansas City safety out of Tennessee, had built for himself. When originally selected by the Chiefs, Berry was ushered to a press conference. There he was asked what he wanted to do. His response was, very coolly, "I really just want to get the 2010 Camaro. I love Chevy." Now, I imagine Eric was probably paid a little something to say this, but he later rang true on this promise. Eric recently received his own custom, $139,000 Camaro, to add him to the growing list of celebrities driving around in America's favorite muscle car. And now, you too can have an Eric Berry Camaro for just $139,000. At his newly created website, www.eb29.com, Eric Berry goes in to great detail about what it took to create his custom Camaro from start to finish, and the process is pretty impressive. At the end of the Camaro page, he is asked why he loves Camaros, and writes:
"On the field, I like for my game to speak for itself. I think Camaros and I share similar qualities...they are fast, powerful, stylish and tough without trying too hard. That's my style. I've always loved Camaros and I'm excited to be a part of this project with National Speed, Inc. I'm especially proud that proceeds from the sale of the NZ-1200EB will benefit my foundation so that kids can have safe places to play and compete. Check back for progress on the NZ1200-EB, I'm excited to show you the finished product."
So see, you can put some $$ in Eric's pockets and help the kids at the same time! In all honesty, Eric's Camaro is pretty awesome and worth a look.
Moving past that, a Camaro5 Forum member recently found himself the beneficiary of a "right place, right time" situation when, driving through the streets of Coronado, he came across a pack of Camaro test mules. Leading the pack were two Z28 mules with camo hoods that appear to be hiding some sort of massive hood cowl. The vehicles look great (as is to be expected) and definitely do a good job of showing off how great the Camaro can look. I just can't wait until the Z28 is out and available to the public.
Camaro Gets Sales Revenge on the Mustang
Well, the Mustang sales incentives for the 2010 models are dwindling, and the Camaro not only reclaimed it's spot at the top of the sales heap, and it did so with bravado. Last month Mustang outpaced the Camaro in sales by a grand total of 3 units. That was the third month in a row (and, only the third month period since the Camaro release) that the Mustang had outsold the Chevroley monster. A total of 3 units is a small small victory. A total of 751 units is a large victory though, and that's the margin by which the Camaro outsold the Mustang in August.
Chevrolet had official sales numbers of 6,321 Camaros. Of course, they produced 10,252 units in August, which means they're preparing for the more busy months ahead with the 2011 gaining reputation quickly as an improvement on the unanimous best new car on the road. Ford did move an impressive 5,570 units in August though. This number was a 26% drop off from the month prior, but was still solid for the generally slow month of August. In all, this is great news for both Ford and Chevrolet and speaks highly of the product being built and sold by these American Automotive companies right now. Hopefully, they'll continue to innovate and excite with their work in to the near future.
Ultimate Factories Camaro Episode
If you get the National Geographic channel, you may have seen this already. If you don't get it, or don't watch it, this is definitely worth a watch. Their show "Ultimate Factories", which highlights advanced and impressive factories around the world, recently did an episode on the Chevy factory where the Camaro is produced. It's incredibly informational, and a great and interesting watch, to see how the Camaro is built. I actually learned a lot about my Camaro by watching this, and enjoyed it the entire way. It's a long watch, but totally worth it. Enjoy!
More GM Marketing News
In business it is typically understood that when profits drop, marketing allotments are one of the first things to follow. So, the recent news that GM is ramping their marketing budget back up to pre-deficit numbers must be a good thing! This year GM will see a rise in their marketing budget of 5%. That number is also, surely, a testament to the faith that the company has in their new head of marketing, Joel Ewanick. Ewanick has been with GM right around 3 months now, and in that time has begun to make large strides forward. The first major sign of his progress was the recent Corvette ZR1 national ad campaign which began, but that is just the beginning. This year will also mark the beginning of a new, full-scale, Camaro marketing campaign. This campaign presents faith in both Ewanick and the Camaro, and is a positive sign for GM moving forward. Ewanick has also announced that GM, and specifically the Chevrolet brand, will be returning to the Super Bowl. Last year, during their financial troubles, GM sat out the Super Bowl marketing blitz completely. The return this year presents more positive news for the company's economic outlook. Rounding out Ewanick's big moves is his new Cadillac marketing scheme which will begin this year. Cadillac is being given a new brand slogan, and with this new slogan will come a national marketing campaign as well. The slogan, "The new standard for the world" is catchy, but a little long-winded. I am no marketing genius, mind you, but I can't help but wonder if simply "The new standard" isn't a catchier slogan. It seems to me that adding the "for the world" at the end of it creates a little redundancy. Of course, the second part may be included to highlight Cadillac's high-end performance battle with companies like BMW and Mercedes. Their CTS-V, which puts of 556 HP stock and provides an incredible combination of luxury and performance, and definitely put a little fear in the eyes of BMW and MB as it outperforms equivalent priced vehicles from those competitors line-ups (see BMW M3, 5 Series, and MB S-Class). All in all, this set of news coming from GM and their new head of marketing is incredibly positive and points towards fairer pastures ahead. Here's to you, Mr. Ewanick, and the bright future you bring.
GM and Google together?
This news is really exciting: Apparently, GM is attempting to create a partnership with Google to use their Android Mobile OS and create a vehicle sync system with new GMs. This move would be a direct attack on Ford's collaboration with Microsoft for their vehicle SYNC system. SYNC has had mixed reviews thus far when discussing its software, but the general consensus is that in theory it's a fantastic vehicle feature. Looking at Google's track record though, I'd be inclined to believe that they could create something much more useful and efficient than SYNC. Of course, by going to Google and creating a collaboration there, GM's OnStar would almost immediately be rendered obsolete (especially their GPS system as the Android OS does GPS very very well). Is this a good thing? OnStar has had its ups and downs, but in all is considered a pretty reliable service. I think Google could out-do it though, as they do seem to be right there with Apple in terms of usability and brilliance. Here's to hoping this comes to fruition and we see some fancy, high-tech, new features hitting the GM fleet some time soon. GM and Android: very cool.
GM Putting $890Million in to new LS Development
Well, the LS line of engines are already one of the nicest and most popular in the world today, and GM is committed to ensuring that they remain such for a long time to come. Few things are as iconic as a Chevy small block V8, and GM just dedicated $890 Million towards the R&D on the next line of them. This is good news for Corvette and Camaro lovers everywhere, as the LS engine is a staple in those respective vehicles.
So, that's a lot of money you say. Yeah, it is, but is doesn't appear to be for naught. GM has plans to improve the build and technology for the new LS engine, beginning with the materials and constructing an all-Aluminum engine block. Adding to this the direct-injection technology and the fuel-efficient push GM is making, it's very likely that the new LS engine will be one of the most efficient (power/mpg) engines ever built. GM has also ensured that the new LS engine will E85 Ethanol compatability, certainly another move being made to continue to meet the risingly stringest fuel efficiency demands over the next decade without losing vehicle power.
Another positive of this move by GM is that guarantees to create or retain more than 1,600 jobs, which is something that can be much appreciated in the current economic situation. All in all, this is good news on the Camaro front, as we can expect to see the next generation of LS engine powering Camaros in the future, continuing to promote the vehicle's popularity and performance strong-hold against competitors. As time goes on I'm sure we'll see more and more information on the engine, but for now we can just speculate and dream. Is there any specific function or feature you would like to see included in the R&D of the new LS?
Camaro Named MotorWeek’s Best Sport Coupe
MotorWeek's annual list of yearly Driver's Choice Awards came out this year, and that just meant more honors for the Chevy Camaro. Continuing its dominance amongst the automobile loving community, the Camaro just won MotorWeek's award for Best Sport Coupe as chosen by their readers. MotorWeek had this to say about the Camaro:
"Our choice for Best Sport Coupe is the Chevrolet Camaro. This modernized throwbackmuscle car is, above all else, an extreme head-turner. Designers combined the retro styling of Camaro's heyday with design cues that intimate the future of sports cars. Now add to that two very healthy powertrains -including a roaring 426-horsepower V8 – and excellent overall handling. Plus an authentically classic interior. With base pricing in the low 20s, the new Camaro is a prize like no other."
Now, I simply can not disagree with that little snippet. Who could? More awards for the Camaro, and definitely more yet to come!
Camaro Christmas! Happy Holidays to All!
Merry Christmas all of you Camaro owners out there, and if Christmas isn't your thing, then I hope you have very Happy Holidays! I hope everyone out there has a nice time with their family and friends this time of year, and is happy and healthy now and in to the New Year.
Also, who would say no to having this Christmas Present?
Camaro to Outsell Mustang Despite Short Year?
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro outsold the 2010 Ford Mustang in October, marking the fifth straight month that Chevrolet’s revived muscle coupe outsold its Ford competition. If these sales trends continue, it’ll put the Camaro on pace to outsell the Mustang this year -- a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 1985.
With two months left in the year and only around 9200 sales to make up, GM officials say it is a real possibility the Camaro may outsell the Mustang by the end of the year. Through October, GM sold 47,233 Camaros to Ford’s 56,469 Mustangs. If the Camaro does take the top muscle car sales title away from the Mustang, it will do so with only nine months of sales compared to the Mustang’s full year.
Erich Merkle, analyst at Autoconomy.com, told the Detroit Free Press that the Camaro’s success was expected. “While the economic environment isn’t the best, I think there are still enough baby boomers out there that are able to make a purchase like a Camaro,” he said. “It’s got all of the great stuff you remember from some of the muscle car of the late ‘60s without all of the bad.”
In Dearborn, Ford doesn’t seem too concerned about the Camaro’s sales success. “I don’t think Mustang sales would have been much different one way or another,” said George Pipas, Ford’s top sales analyst. “There are people that buy Chevys just like there are people that buy Fords. The passion for one brand or another is strong. What we are seeing right now is ten years of pent-up demand… rather than some positive indicator about the economy.”
Make that seven years of pent-up demand: GM killed the Camaro (and its Pontiac Firebird sibling) in 2002, leaving Camaro fans in the dark for quite some time. On the other hand, Ford has been producing Mustangs continuously since 1964.
Styling like this makes it almost a given that the Camaro outsells the Mustang
Source: Automobile Mag