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It's because of the DAMNED CANADIANS, lol.
This is taken from the September, 2004 issue of Popular Hot Rodding:
So, with the door apparently closed on a Firebird, why is no one talking about the Camaro? Though it's nearly impossible to get anyone from GM to answer this, plenty can be answered by reviewing previous press releases and stories from various news agencies.
The Canadian Auto Workers union local 1163 (the union that worked at Ste. Therese) was furious at GM for closing the plant, and initially took a defiant stand. President of CAW 1163, Sylvain Demers, called the closing a "betrayal" and "an insult to all Quebeckers." Even then, Quebec premier Bernard Landry chimed in by saying "We will not accept this defeat... It is not honorable for GM...that after 25 to 30 years of service they can tell workers 'We are leaving.' CAW officials attempted to convince GM that it would be more profitable to shut down plants outside Quebec. The closing of Ste. Therese became an emotional issue not just in the area, but also in the entire province. Officially, GM wanted to tear down the plant because of their belief the property was more valuable as a vacant lot than a 2.1 million square foot plant, much too large for just about any use other than a high-production vehicle factory. Keep in mind, however, that the plant also had a mandate that it would be the sole source for Camaros and Firebirds. It now begins to come into focus that any comment on a future Camaro or Firebird prior to the plant's disposal, via sale or demolition, perhaps could very well create a situation where GM would be compelled to keep the plant. From a legal perspective, it might be construed that any future car that carried the name Camaro or Firebird would have to be made at this plant, at least until 2017, the year all Canadian government loans are to be repaid.
When it's all said and done, the degree to which Chevrolet is free to talk about an upcoming Camaro relies almost entirely on its relations with the Canadian government and the satisfaction of the Canadian Auto Workers union. We have no doubt there will be a "Camaro-like" vehicle in our future, so the issue really boils down to the use of the name and how litiguous the lawyers feel about it. We hope they can overcome their objections and let the good times roll!
To paraphrase, the Ste. Therese plant was and is a big sore spot on GM's books, considering it was producing WAY under capacity. GM does not want to confirm a new Camaro because it might be forced to keep the plant. They're keeping their mouths shut until the plant is demolished and the land sold.
I apologize if this information has already been posted, I know there have been posts confirming with substantial evidence that a new Camaro (but not a Firebird) will be introduced in 2007, but this specifically relates to WHY GM has kept so quiet about it. This reinforces the "rumors" that a new Camaro will be introduced int 2007, and the Ste. Therese plant is being demolished NOW (according to the article,) meaning that hopefully the bastard lawyers won't have any ammunition against the introduction of a new Camaro. This is good news for disgruntled Camaro fans. :D
I suggest anyone interested in this buy the September 2004 issue of Popular Hot Rodding, it gives more interesting information about GM, the f-body, the future of the Camaro, etc.
[ July 24, 2004, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: Camarorulz ]
This is taken from the September, 2004 issue of Popular Hot Rodding:
So, with the door apparently closed on a Firebird, why is no one talking about the Camaro? Though it's nearly impossible to get anyone from GM to answer this, plenty can be answered by reviewing previous press releases and stories from various news agencies.
The Canadian Auto Workers union local 1163 (the union that worked at Ste. Therese) was furious at GM for closing the plant, and initially took a defiant stand. President of CAW 1163, Sylvain Demers, called the closing a "betrayal" and "an insult to all Quebeckers." Even then, Quebec premier Bernard Landry chimed in by saying "We will not accept this defeat... It is not honorable for GM...that after 25 to 30 years of service they can tell workers 'We are leaving.' CAW officials attempted to convince GM that it would be more profitable to shut down plants outside Quebec. The closing of Ste. Therese became an emotional issue not just in the area, but also in the entire province. Officially, GM wanted to tear down the plant because of their belief the property was more valuable as a vacant lot than a 2.1 million square foot plant, much too large for just about any use other than a high-production vehicle factory. Keep in mind, however, that the plant also had a mandate that it would be the sole source for Camaros and Firebirds. It now begins to come into focus that any comment on a future Camaro or Firebird prior to the plant's disposal, via sale or demolition, perhaps could very well create a situation where GM would be compelled to keep the plant. From a legal perspective, it might be construed that any future car that carried the name Camaro or Firebird would have to be made at this plant, at least until 2017, the year all Canadian government loans are to be repaid.
When it's all said and done, the degree to which Chevrolet is free to talk about an upcoming Camaro relies almost entirely on its relations with the Canadian government and the satisfaction of the Canadian Auto Workers union. We have no doubt there will be a "Camaro-like" vehicle in our future, so the issue really boils down to the use of the name and how litiguous the lawyers feel about it. We hope they can overcome their objections and let the good times roll!
To paraphrase, the Ste. Therese plant was and is a big sore spot on GM's books, considering it was producing WAY under capacity. GM does not want to confirm a new Camaro because it might be forced to keep the plant. They're keeping their mouths shut until the plant is demolished and the land sold.
I apologize if this information has already been posted, I know there have been posts confirming with substantial evidence that a new Camaro (but not a Firebird) will be introduced in 2007, but this specifically relates to WHY GM has kept so quiet about it. This reinforces the "rumors" that a new Camaro will be introduced int 2007, and the Ste. Therese plant is being demolished NOW (according to the article,) meaning that hopefully the bastard lawyers won't have any ammunition against the introduction of a new Camaro. This is good news for disgruntled Camaro fans. :D
I suggest anyone interested in this buy the September 2004 issue of Popular Hot Rodding, it gives more interesting information about GM, the f-body, the future of the Camaro, etc.
[ July 24, 2004, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: Camarorulz ]
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