Why was Chevy SS discontinued?
The Chevrolet SS, a high-performance sedan produced by General Motors, was discontinued in 2017 after a relatively short production run. The discontinuation of the Chevy SS was due to a combination of factors, including declining sales, a shift in consumer preferences, and changes in GM's product strategy.
Declining Sales
One of the primary reasons for the Chevy SS's discontinuation was its declining sales. The Chevy SS was introduced in 2013 as a high-performance variant of the Chevrolet Impala, but it never gained significant traction with consumers. In its four years of production, the Chevy SS sold fewer than 15,000 units, a relatively low number for a performance-oriented model.
The high price tag of the Chevy SS, which started at around $45,000, may have been a deterrent for some buyers. Additionally, the car's niche appeal and lack of widespread marketing and promotion likely contributed to its lackluster sales performance.
Shift in Consumer Preferences
The discontinuation of the Chevy SS also coincided with a broader shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers. As the popularity of these larger, more practical vehicles continued to grow, the demand for high-performance sedans like the Chevy SS declined.
General Motors, like many other automakers, has been focusing more on developing and marketing SUVs and crossovers to meet the changing demands of the market. The decision to discontinue the Chevy SS was likely part of this broader strategic shift.
Changes in GM's Product Strategy
In addition to the declining sales and shifting consumer preferences, the discontinuation of the Chevy SS was also influenced by changes in General Motors' overall product strategy. The company has been streamlining its lineup and focusing on its core models, which may have made the Chevy SS, a relatively niche product, less of a priority.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Chevrolet Camaro, a high-performance sports car, may have also played a role in the decision to discontinue the Chevy SS, as the two models could have been seen as competing for the same segment of the market.
In conclusion, the discontinuation of the Chevy SS was primarily driven by a combination of declining sales, shifting consumer preferences, and changes in General Motors' product strategy. While the Chevy SS was a well-received and capable performance sedan, it ultimately failed to gain widespread appeal and was ultimately discontinued in 2017.
