Sam Krahn 
The introduction of the C8 Corvette brought a revolutionary change to America’s sports car. Moving the engine behind the driver makes for a completely different driving experience, one that has some learning. Because of this, General Motors holds a required dealer orientation familiarize techs and sales people with the new car. Unsurprisingly, Coronavirus pandemic has canceled it. Or at the very least, postponed it.
A GM spokesperson said the event was canceled to protect the health and safety of their dealerships. It will resume whenever the Coronavirus situation allows. Although the training has been going on, GM has postponed sessions through the end of March. Considering how things are shaping up, this could be extended.
This is a major blow to dealerships that plan to sell and service the C8 Corvette. The training, at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch and Resort in Nevada, is just one component Chevy requires its dealers to complete for the C8 Corvette. To be eligible, dealerships must buy the required tools for service, send one salesperson to the Spring Mountain training, and complete all of the standard learning material. In total, this equates to a $5,000 investment to even sell the 2020 Corvette. For dealerships that haven’t done the training, it’s unclear when they will be able to sell the C8 Corvette Stingray.
Although considering that they’re already in the hands of customers, everybody is likely shrugging it off.
This has also been a rather abrupt cancelation. According to CorvetteForum, one of their forum members said he is a salesperson that was planning on going to the training March 23-24. He then received an email from GM, saying all sessions are canceled through at least the end of March. He also said the dealership had already paid for the trip out there, at $3,500. It’s safe to assume other dealerships are in the same boat.
Interestingly, all other events at Spring Mountain are going forward as planned. In other words, the C8 Corvette owners school is still on. For now.
Even as the automaker is pushing 0 percent APR for 84 months right now, GM is at the same time taking specific actions to help curb the spread of Coronavirus. In the long run, while its a shame to see Chevy dealers lose out on selling Corvettes, their health is more important.
