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Firstly, I must add my congratulations to GM for achieving the exceptional level of quality at the Oshawa plant as noted in John's post. But secondly, I would also wish to notify this forum of a very disappointing decision that was made recently by GM - specifically by the powers-that-be at the St. Catherines, Ontario engine plant which assembles the LS1/LS6 engines and some of their derivatives that power GM trucks. Now I can't help but notice the positive tone that pervades virtually every thread that appears in this forum, as well as the close cameraderie that sets this forum apart from others. Having said that, I will attempt to state facts rather than any opinions I might have or gut reactions. The past couple of summers, General Motors has seen fit to sponsor a "Corvette Show 'n Shine" at the St. Catherines Engine Plant. The event has always been centered around the Corvette marque, but last year, I was able to establish a contact with one of the event's organizers (who works at the plant)and is, coincidentally, an F-body fanatic (he owns 3 Camaros!). To make a long story short, an open invitation was extended to F-body clubs to participate in this GM Show 'n Shine. If my memory serves correct, at least 4 F-body clubs were represented at this event: Toronto F-body Motorsports, Ontario Camaro Club, Niagara F-body Association, and 4 members of the Montreal F-body Association, including Andrew Bocchicchio, made the 400+ mile trek to St. Catherines to participate. The weather was perfect, the turnout was great and the tour of the plant was fascinating! A great time was had by all! It was one of last season's highlights! I have remained in contact over the winter with the person who helped put this event together (and in fact, was the person in charge of organizing the F-body participation)and he now informs me that this year's event will be open ONLY to Corvettes and Cadillacs! No F-bodies are to be invited! He mentioned to me that this plant now assembles the engine that is used in the new CTS. He has expressed his dismay and disappointment with regard to GM's decision (and it apparently IS GM's decision)with respect to who is eligible to participate in this event. It seems that F-body participation in this event last year was at least at the same level (in terms of numbers)as the level of Corvette participation. "You F-body guys made this event!" was his quote to me. So... I've said what I feel is necessary and will leave it at that. Obviously, if you have read to this point, you will draw your own conclusions.
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It sounds to me like there is alot of bad blood pertaining to the demise of the Camaro/Firebird platform for which is keeping the F-Body vehicles from the event. I can't really prove it but there has been alot of grumbling about killing the cars instead of taking the time to re-evaluate and change the styling of the cars that would have been more appealing to buyers for which in my point of view would have increased sales.
I also think GM should have taken a cue from Ford many years ago when there was talk of getting rid of the Mustang. Instead Ford went out and got peoples opinion as to how they felt about what could make the car better. GM should have done the same with the Camaro. After all it was the answer to the Mustang in the first place and sales proved it until a few years ago.
Posts: 2841 | From: Westland, MI | Registered: Apr 2003
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I think the F-bodys may be excluded because the Cadillac and Corvette crowd may not feel we're worthy of their company. Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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Anything Scott can do to get the f-body back in there? I know he's high on the totem pole It's pretty sad though. They do away with the fbody, and they think we're defunk, extinct, etc. Oh well...I think WE are too good for THEM. That's my reasononing.
-------------------- 2004 Cavalier LS Sport Coupe Manual,Sunroof,16" Chrome, Zaino!!! http://community.webshots.com/user/pazbich3 Used to Drive: 2001 Camaro SS #3220 Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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Give them a year or two they will beg us to come back. . Would you like your Vette parked next to a Cimeron (think that is the small 1 they made for awhile) Posts: 3091 | From: Canton Mi. | Registered: Oct 2002
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I guess it's up to us and the many Camaro & Firebird clubs to keep the F-body family alive.
Posts: 2359 | From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 2001
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quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed: Give them a year or two they will beg us to come back. . Would you like your Vette parked next to a Cimeron (think that is the small 1 they made for awhile)
That's the one that is a caviler with caddy emblems on it. I call it the cadiler. Posts: 339 | From: Wallops Island, VA | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
That decision was probably made by the same team of marketing "experts" that sent me an invitation to attend the "2004 Fleet Product Preview" at a "Venue near me"..... the venues being Halifax, Montreal, Mississauga, Edmonton and Calgary
[ 10. May 2003, 11:32 PM: Message edited by: poSSum ]
Posts: 4222 | From: Winnipeg MB CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by poSSum: That decision was probably made by the same team of marketing "experts" that sent me an invitation to attend the "2004 Fleet Product Preview" at a "Venue near me"..... the venues being Halifax, Montreal, Mississauga, Edmonton and Calgary
Probably!
These guys don't seem to realize that, to a large number of us "old timers", our F-body is our hobby car, and we also have (and buy) daily drivers and family vehicles. Wouldn't it be nice if they had the foresight to see that by having more people (the F-body guys) see the plant, it might generate some interest in the new GM products, and even generate some future sales. Posts: 2359 | From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Elie Garfinkel: including Andrew Bocchicchio
Andrew is also an SSOA Director......
Yes! I met Andrew in the spring of '99 during TFbM's 1st club road trip to Montreal. Andrew and the rest of the Montreal F-body Association were fantastic hosts (along with SLP Canada, Umberto Bonfa and Terry Maxwell of Zeke's). They arranged a plant tour for us at Ste. Therese, as well as a tour of the SLP facility in Lachine and Zeke's. And then we did it all over again the next year!Some shots from the trip are on Zeke's website: http://www.zekeauto.com/en/events/tfbvst.html
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It's pretty sad though. They do away with the fbody, and they think we're defunk, extinct, etc. Oh well...I think WE are too good for THEM. That's my reasononing. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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