I’m in all the corners of the Corvette Internet world, so let me do the legwork for you. Here are some top stories from the Corvette community, with another series of news that should be helpful if you are in the market for a new (or used) Corvette.
1) UAW and Big Three are Still at an Impasse
As the UAW strike hits its sixth day, no new plants have been added, YET. Thankfully, as I reported here, the “Stand Up Strike” currently only affects one plant at each of the Big Three, with a total of 12,700 UAW workers striking across the GM plant in Wentzville, Missouri, the Stellantis plant in Toledo, Ohio, and the Ford plant in Wayne, Michigan. Naturally, this means the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green is still unaffected, at least from a production standpoint. It was reported here that deliveries of completed C8s from Bowling Green to dealers may be halted, but I have yet to see any follow-up reporting confirming that.
Where are we now?
GM Authority reports that more walkouts are expected by the end of this week if an agreement is not reached. GM has offered the UAW a 20% wage hike, an increase that GM President Reuss characterizes as a “record offer.” However, UAW President Shawn Fain says 20% isn’t enough. Reuss also stated that the UAW was spreading “myths” over what GM could afford and what UAW members earn at GM.
Reuss also indicated that GM’s current offer would bring 85 percent of UAW members’ base wage to approximately $82,000 annually, with some entry-level employees given a maximum rate of $39.24 per hour by the end of a new contract, (an increase of 141% for some). The UAW originally requested a 40% wage increase but has since revised its demand to 36%. Stay tuned to CorvSport’s Weekly News Recap for next week’s UAW update.
2) Bowling Green Assembly Plant Workers Cranking Out 2024s
Despite some of the chaos surrounding the rollout of the UAW strike, it’s being reported that 2024 C8 production started on time, with assembly beginning on Monday, 9/18/2023. Despite this good news, there are still a couple of things that could affect Corvette enthusiasts. First, the UAW strike could still disrupt (and possibly shut down) the parts supply for our beloved C8. Also, Bowling Green assembly workers may be called to leave their jobs in support of the UAW strike. The Stingray and Z06 models are currently on the assembly line, with the highly anticipated E-Ray set to begin in approximately a month.
3) Resources for 2024 Corvette Shoppers
Whether you are just dreaming or looking to place an order soon, the links below from the GM website will assist you in the process. Another essential function of these tools is that you can export your build to your Chevy Rep. This will give them a copy of your exact build, and the reps will rely on this to ensure you the customer are getting your build ordered correctly.
Configurator Links
Click here for the CorvSport C8 Purchasing Guide: Dealers at MSRP and the “Hall of Shame”
I hope you have enjoyed this short but concise recap. We have the fastest-growing Corvette community on our Facebook page, with over 153,000 followers (34,000 since January!). Come join other hardcore enthusiasts and say hello, Douglas B.
