Chevy halts shipments of Camaro ZL1 over potential quality issue

GM Inside News has obtained a letter from Russel Clark, Director of Marketing for Chevrolet small cars, small utilities and performance cars, to dealers informing them that shipments of all 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 produced to date are being held by General Motors for a "quality assessment."

There is no explanation as to what's causing the hold or its duration, though the letter does say it "may last a few more weeks." Motor Authority has Chevrolet spokesman Monte Doran on record saying, "We may have found a potential issue that we want to resolve." If you think you know what the issue is, let us know in the comments or send us a tip.

Being one of the Bowtie brand's halo cars, the Camaro ZL1 can hardly afford a hiccup in its roll out. Though with a 580-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 underhood and sub-$55k starting price, we're certain that a few weeks wait won't change the number of people in line to buy one.

See below to read the letter to dealers in its entirety.
03/02/2012

Ref. number:
Sales / New Vehicles / G_0000109294

Subject:
Update on 2012 Camaro ZL1 Shipments and DOSP

The purpose of this note is to provide you with an update on 2012 Camaro ZL1 production and vehicle shipment plans.

All Camaro ZL1 models produced to date are currently being held by General Motors for a quality assessment. At this moment, the duration of the hold is undetermined, and may last a few more weeks. As soon as the hold is cleared, a note will be sent to all dealers to advise that 2012 Camaro ZL1 shipments are underway.

Because of the hold, the upcoming Dealer Order Submission Process (DOSP) cycle that was to be dedicated to ZL1 is being postponed. This DOSP cycle was scheduled to start this Thursday, March 1, 2012, and continues through Tuesday, March 6, 2012. A new date for this DOSP cycle will be provided in the near future.

We regret to have to undertake these actions, especially given the high anticipation for the new Camaro ZL1. We ask for your patience and will continue to keep you posted on any developments regarding production and vehicle shipments from Oshawa.

Sincerely,


Russell M. Clark
Director – Chevrolet Small Cars, Small Utilities and
Performance Cars Marketing