By Steven Symes 
For months, we’ve heard C8 Corvette and Dodge sales have been so awful, dealers are managing overflowing inventories. But with first quarter sales data out, we finally have hard numbers to back up those claims, proving that consumers are turning their backs on these performance rides.
Mercedes-Benz is trying to give long-time employees big severance packages.
While it was initially hailed as a mid-engine sports car that rivals European offerings, with long waitlists to buy one, it seems the mystique of the C8 Corvette is wearing off in a big way. Like we reported before, GM sales were up 17 percent for Q1 2025, but Corvette sales tanked with over a 20 percent decrease.
If America’s sports car is so compelling, why are shoppers turning away from it in droves suddenly? Just do a search for a new C8 Corvette and you’ll see there’s plenty of inventory nationwide. That might be why Bowling Green Assembly is idling several times this year.
Stellantis, parent company of Dodge, didn’t fare so well in the first quarter, experiencing a 12 percent drop in sales versus the first quarter of 2024. Dodge itself really took one on the nose as sales plummeted a whopping 49 percent.
It’s worth noting that Ram, also owned by Stellantis, saw its sales fall off a cliff with a 26 percent drop for Q1 2025. That’s worse than what happened to the Corvette, but is a far cry from the damage Dodge took.
What’s going on with the C8 Corvette, Dodge, and even Ram? One thing we know is performance cars aren’t selling great in the past several months, with Ford Mustangs also experiencing a big dop in sales. We believe that’s being driven by high prices coupled with high interest rates, combined with economic insecurity.
When consumers think they might not have a job in a few months, they tend to skip buying a new car. Or if they do get one, they go for something cheaper and more practical. That’s probably having a big effect on C8 Corvette sales and to an extent Dodge.
Ram, on the other hand, is probably feeling the effects of the Hemi V8 being dropped. Truck shoppers probably don’t like that switch much at all.
As for Dodge, its lineup is vastly different than a year ago. With the old Charger and Challenger only available in lingering inventory, and many consumers not interested in the all-electric Charger Daytona, the brand is coasting on fumes at this point. We do question if Dodge does bring back the Hemis, which it reportedly will, how much that will punch up sales, thanks to the economic uncertainty everyone is feeling these days.
Image via Chevrolet