[Lee Stewart]

What Chevy Dealers Must Do To Qualify To Sell The Corvette C8

The programs are called "Corvette Dealer" and "Signature Corvette Dealer." A standard Corvette Dealer must invest around $5,000 for the privilege of selling the new Corvette. That includes all of the requisite training materials, a $3,500 trip for one sales representative to Spring Mountain Motorsports in Las Vegas for more in-depth training, and $1,500 in specialty tools for the new car.

The Signature Corvette Dealer program requires that a Service Manager or Service Advisor be sent to Spring Mountain as well, and demands compliance with something GM calls the "Corvette Participation Agreement." On the plus side, Signature Corvette Dealers will be showcased on Chevrolet's website for prospective customers.

Another opportunity, independent of either program, is participation in the C8 Mobile Tour. For $16,000 (for one day) or $25,000 (for two days), GM will send a pair of new C8 Corvettes, along with a factory-approved expert, to show the cars to prospective clients and assist in ordering new cars. These tours will begin before C8 production starts in December, and should offer a great opportunity for dealers to drum up interest.