It’s Official: Camaro Gone After 2002
General Motors has officially
announced that 2002 will be the last model year for the Chevrolet Camaro and
Pontiac Firebird. Additionally, the Ste. Thérèse, Quebec, plant
where the vehicles are produced will close in the fall of 2002. According
to John G. Middlebrook, GM vice president and general manager vehicle brand
marketing and corporate advertising, the combination of significantly reduced
demand in the regular sport segment - which has decreased by 53 percent from
1990 to 2000, due in large part to the increasing popularity of trucks - along
with the substantial excess manufacturing capacity in the industry made the
decision unavoidable. Middlebrook said GM is celebrating both cars' significance
as American musclecar icons in 2002. "The Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird
have truly become an integral part of American culture over the years," said
Middlebrook. "We appreciate the strong emotions that our customers have for
these cars and we're pleased to be celebrating them with a 35th Anniversary
Edition Camaro and a Collector Edition Firebird Trans Am special edition models."
GM
says it will continue to support the millions of Camaro and Firebird/Trans
Am owners with replacement parts, reproduction parts, accessories, and technical
support through its Service Parts Organization.
