Quote:
Originally Posted by ironworks
I would tend to think GM is in the business of selling as many parts as possible. The car is cheaper then the sum of the parts any day.
The could car less how many clones anybody makes.
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Agreed, if GM could sell all those parts as a kit they would, if they could make that money, they would, no doubt. Why do you think that GM/Ford/Dodge has a performance parts division, and a resale buisness based on that business model?
Let's deal with a few undeniable truths in the auto manufacturers business model:
- GM makes money by selling a product, a car that was assembled in one of their factories, they don't necessarily make every part.
- Other companies make many parts, because GM/Ford/Dodge/Honda/Nissan can't necessarily afford to design/develop/tool up/design production lines/produce every single part for the cars that drive out of their factories.
- Some parts even when made by another company are "one off" or are "limited production" just for one customer (i.e. GM/Ford/Dodge/Honda/Nissan), as they are application specific.
- These third part parts companies will make these parts if there is a market outside of the OEM's, however they may have agreements with their partners (i.e. GM/Ford/Dodge/Honda/Nissan/Shelby) not to market those parts as "Z/28 C/F brake rotors" or "Shelby replacement wheels" as routinely the 3rd party and the customer share development costs and marketing costs of the parts.
There is some truth to the low-production, won't be available to the public, and so on, but if there is a market, somebody (the OEM or the aftermarket) will figure out how to get it to market.
I know this isn't a popular subject, but BE PATIENT. The Z/28 has hit magazine covers and a few race tracks, and hasn't even hit the street yet. Limited availability of parts will probably be a reality for the first year of production, then will go away when production numbers increase.
I love that there was another thread lamenting the Z/28 will have low production numbers for the first year then higher production numbers in the follow on years, and the "rarity value" of the Z/28 will be destroyed. The bottom line is if GM would only sell the 2015 Camaro in the Z/28 dress, and cost (without a V-6, or SS, or 2-SS option) and make the same money and production numbers, they would. Don't get me started with the EPA/CAFE standards, gas guzzler tax and the fact that there are other external business forces at work.
The bottom line is watch this space, and if the OEM doesn't bring a specific part to the market, the aftermarket will.