FIRST SOLSTICES SENT TO DEALERS!

By Richard Truett--Automotive News / August 08, 2005

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Pontiac Division began shipping 2006 Pontiac Solstice roadsters to dealerships last week. Dealers can sell the car as soon as it arrives, said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive director of vehicle architecture. There is a waiting list of 10,000 customers who want to buy the Solstice, he said. Production of the Saturn Sky roadster, which shares its chassis with the Solstice, will begin this summer, Reuss said. Reuss said that there was no delay in shipping the Solstice to dealers. He said media reports that shipments would be delayed were wrong. In the spring, industry sources said fit problems were delaying the Solstice production startup at GM's Wilmington, Del., plant. Several Pontiac dealers said at the time they were not promising delivery to customers until fall. Reuss said there have been no last-minute glitches with the Solstice. GM will offer a detachable hardtop for the Solstice later this year. The hardtop can be purchased in dealerships' parts departments. Reuss said other variations of the Solstice are being considered for production. They include a high-performance model with a turbocharged engine and a lightweight coupe with a fixed roof to appeal to club racers.