GM hopes new Camaro will revamp company

DELPHI, Ind. (WLFI) - General Motors came out of bankruptcy today and is trying to make a comeback with a classic Chevrolet car.

GM is riding high with the recent boost in sales the new Camaro is generating.

The Camaro hasn't been produced in 7 years. The cars hit some dealer lots in April, but, it's difficult to find one to test drive.
"At the start for the new company it'll be a plus, we just have to maintain that," said GM dealership owner Dick Krieg

You won't find the new Camaro on Krieg's lot in Delphi, or on any other GM dealer lot within a 50 mile radius of West Lafayette. That's because once the new Camaro's arrive, people are quick to purchase them. Krieg said the cars are boosting sales, but the fact they sell out so quickly could be a problem.

"You go six, eight months and not fill that demand the buyer starts to look at something else, there's something new that comes out and they go on to that," said Krieg.

While Krieg worries about filling demand, other dealerships are just happy to see an interest in GM again.

"The Camaro is a very bright spot in General Motors," said Stan Haas.

Bryant GM Finance Manager Stan Haas says this dealership has sold about 14 Camaros since April. The new Camaro style is similar to the 1969 model, which is helping to pique interest. And despite what some would say is a hefty price tag in this economy, about $38,000 for a fully loaded model, they're still flying off the Attica lot.

Haas also recognizes the hot commodity will die down in time. But, he hopes the attention it's bringing will keep buyers interested in GM.

"I think in the future it's just going to be a niche car but the people that are buying these Camaro's hopefully will be looking at other GM models in the future," said Haas.

Haas said his dealership has already pre-sold all of the Camaro's he'll receive through October. He hopes to have more coming after that.

The sales manager at Bill DeFouw said they've sold more than eight new Camaro's since May.