Sometimes, certain superlatives are overused and almost hyperbolic, but in the case of Harlan Charles, it is safe to say that a Corvette icon has now departed from GM–apparently, they felt his services as your Corvette Product Marketing Manager were no longer needed. Harlan helped make the Corvette brand better for 24 years and was with GM for nearly four decades–almost unheard of in today’s corporate world. [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. If/when any popups occur, please click to make them disappear and continue enjoying the article. One requires two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
As the outcry from enthusiasts spread around the internet, it became harder and harder to know where even to begin the story. But let’s start with Harlan’s post shortly after he found out about his fate. As you read his words, you can sense his genuine gratitude as he acknowledged the many friendships he cultivated during his time trying to make our beloved Corvette the best that it could be. The person who seemed to be the most surprised was Harlan himself.
Harlan Charles’ Heartfelt Message To The Community
My Corvette dream is over – my bubble burst
“After 24 years on Corvette and 37 at GM, I was informed my time is up and I will no longer be your Corvette Product Manager. I am now retired.
I have had the greatest life I could have ever imagined because of Corvette. We were able to prove that America can compete with the best in the world and win. I was able to work on 4 generations. No one can take away what I think is Corvette’s best era in history. I had the honor of working with Corvette legends like Tadge Juechter and Kirk Bennion. Josh Holder, Devon Blue, and Tony Roma and the rest of the team have my best wishes for the future.
Some of my proudest memories:
-My Presentation in 2005 on why we should study a mid-engine Corvette for C7
-2020 Corvette Stingray @ $59,995. A car no one else in the world could do
-Inventing the concept of the built in Performance Data Recorder introduced in 2015
-2010 Grand Sport model
-2013 427 Convertible – convertible models for Z06 and ZR1 – C8 convertible hardtop proposal
-Naming the Corvette E-Ray. Bringing back Grand Sport and ZR1 names
-Special Editions – especially Centennial, LeMans commemorative, Ron Fellows, Z06 Carbon
-Adding personalization options, brake colors, stitching, seat belts, two-tone seats, and more.
-2023 Bowling Green factory production record
-Being able to represent our great team with customers at enthusiast events.
-Representing the best customers in the world to the team
-My role in making the sports car of your dreams come true at an attainable price.
Please watch the recent video interview series by Haggerty with Tadge and me if you want to know more (my previous post).
I can’t think about the future yet. I feel fortunate to have so made many friends over the years and customer relationships that have become family because of Corvette. I was your voice and you helped us create what Corvette has become. I hope our friendships will continue even if I can’t help you anymore.
Harlan Charles
FORMER Chevrolet Corvette Product Marketing Manager”
Harlan’s Impact On The Community
“Forced to retire… given the boot… let go… parts ways… released…” Those were just a few ways the journalistic community characterized Harlan’s untimely departure as Corvette’s Product Marketing Manager, but the enthusiast community’s reaction was where Harlan’s true impact could be felt. Here is just a tiny sample.
1) LinkedIn
- 852+ Reactions
- 151+ Comments
- 4 Reposts
The Community Sentiment
2) Facebook: CB
- 497+ Reactions
- 164+ Comments
- 107+ Shares
The Community Sentiment
3) Corvette Forum
- 5,025+ Views
- 66+ Comments
The Community Sentiment
Let’s all raise our glasses to Harlan Charles. Your accomplishments will always rise above how GM handled your retirement. Are you CORVETTE OBSESSED like we are? The team of renowned authors and contributors at CorvSport hopes you sense our passion for the iconic Corvette, and our vast database of articles and guides should prove it–5000+ features since Scott Kolecki founded CorvSport over 15 years ago! Join the fastest-growing Corvette community on our Facebook page, with over 172,000 followers (53,000 since January 2023!). Meet other hardcore enthusiasts and say hello. This is Douglas B. signing off–click here if you would like to see more of my features.
