Retail production of the 2012 Camaro ZL1 is now underway

To all Chevrolet Dealers who will be receiving 2012 Camaro ZL1 allocation:

The purpose of this note is to provide an update on 2012 Camaro ZL1 production start, and the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” (RPO: B92) constraint issued just prior to the start of the last Dealer Order Submission Process (DOSP) for ZL1.

Retail production of the 2012 Camaro ZL1 is now underway at General Motors’ Oshawa Assembly Center. Similar to the start of coupe production in 2009, and convertible production in 2011, production will ramp up slowly and the initial retail units will undergo a thorough quality assessment before being released to the transportation companies for shipment to dealers.

Dealers receiving these initial retail ZL1 units should expect a longer than usual shipping process. Deliveries of these initial retail ZL1 units are tentatively scheduled for arrival to dealerships in early to mid-March 2012. Please visit GM GlobalConnect’s Order Workbench to inquire on specific timing for an “in-system” (Event 2000 or higher) order.

As the start of retail production occurs this week, the third exclusive cycle for dealers to submit orders for the 2012 Camaro ZL1 starts this Thursday, January 26, 2012.

Just prior to the last DOSP cycle for ZL1, dealers were alerted to the fact that the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” (RPO: B92) was on a full constraint, and that dealers with production allocation for that cycle had to submit ZL1 orders with only the base “black painted carbon fiber hood insert.” After working the issue with the supplier for the last few weeks, Chevrolet is pleased to report that the optional “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” (RPO: B92) WILL be available for this upcoming DOSP cycle.

The carbon fiber hood insert whether painted black in the standard condition, or exposed weave with a clear coat when ordered as an option (RPO: B92), is an integral part of the air management system of the ZL1. The optional hood insert with the exposed carbon fiber weave will be available through the remaining 2012 model run at a higher level than the base black painted carbon fiber hood insert. In fact, the base black painted carbon fiber hood insert (1EY37 -B92) will be on constraint at various levels moving forward for the remaining model year run.
For those orders impacted by the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” full constraint during the last DOSP cycle, it is NOT possible to change or add the RPO: B92 back to those orders that had to be changed by the dealer to fit the available production window. For those customers who seek the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert,” the insert will be available as a dealer-installed accessory part in the coming weeks.

Please understand Chevrolet’s goal is to avoid production constraints, but in this case, the production constraints are being implemented to ensure the overall 2012 Camaro ZL1 Estimated Production Guide numbers that were furnished to you would be fulfilled. It is possible that future production issues could develop that prevents the guide numbers from being met; however, at this time, Chevrolet is on track to fulfill these numbers (please see GMLaunch.com for further information on your dealership’s 2012 Camaro ZL1 Estimated Guide Numbers).

Scott Settlemire
GM/GMC Manager
Specialty Vehicles / Special Events