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Chevrolet gets in the subcompact game with Sonic

 

"As far as large automobiles are concerned, the writing seems to be on the wall. Smaller cars are coming. In fact, they’re here already, with more on the way. And they’re getting better and better. 

Case in point, the new Chevrolet Sonic. This is arguably the best sub-compact ever put forward by General Motors, and although it’s not perfect, it shows what the brain trust at GM is thinking about and promises to be in the thick of the fight when it comes to attracting first-time buyers.

Available as either a four-door hatchback or four-door sedan, the Sonic is not a Daewoo-built Aveo, a fact General Motors would like to impress upon anyone who will listen. The Sonic’s predecessor was not the most, er, worthy of cars, and Chevrolet would prefer not to have any connection made between the Sonic and the Aveo. Company line: the Sonic is a totally new car, from the ground up. It’s also assembled in Michigan, with minimal input from Korea. Interestingly, the Aveo will continue to be sold under that name in Mexico.

The Sonic does borrow some components from other GM products, however, including the Cruze, with which it shares engines. The ubiquitous Ecotec four-cylinder is found in the new Sonic—in 1.4-litre, turbocharged form—and develops 138 horsepower in this configuration. Coincidentally, the Sonic’s other engine choice, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder, is also taken from the Cruze, and develops almost the same horsepower—135—although it does rev higher. Transmission choices include a five- or six-speed manual and six-speed automatic. The automatic gearbox, however, is only available with the larger engine.

Three trim levels—for both body styles—will be offered: LS, LT, and LTZ. Standard equipment includes power door locks, Bluetooth compatibility, a traction-control system, tilt/telescoping steering, ABS, and, curiously, a hill holder. This latter, nice feature prevents the car from rolling backwards, and holds it stationary for about three seconds." [Read more]

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel: More Details Released By GM

  

"Until now, there wasn't much official information about the upcoming diesel version of Chevy's Cruze compact sedan beyond the fact that it existed.

Lots of reporters--us included--covered the diesel Cruze model that's been sold in Europe for a while now.

We described that car's 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, power (161 horsepower) and torque (266 pound-feet), and where the U.S. diesel Cruze will be built (Lordstown, Ohio).

Now, we have a very small amount of additional information from General Motors. It's not much, mind you.

But then, advance product promotion is all about dribbling out little bits and pieces of info to keep early fans wishing and hoping, planning and dreaming, isn't it?

Boiled down, here's what Chevrolet says about the diesel Cruze model:" [Read more]

GM Reports 2011 Net Income of $7.6 Billion

 

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced 2011 calendar-year net income attributable to common stockholders of $7.6 billion, or $4.58 per fully diluted share, up from $4.7 billion, or $2.89 per fully diluted share, in 2010. 

Revenue increased 11 percent to $150.3 billion, compared with $135.6 billion in 2010.  Full-year earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $8.3 billion, compared with $7.0 billion in 2010.

“In our first full year as a public company, we grew the top and bottom lines, advanced our global market share and made strategic investments in our brands around the world,” said Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO.  “We will build on these results as we bring more new cars, crossovers and trucks to market, and make GM a far more efficient global team.  This includes reducing our break-even level in Europe and South America and driving higher revenues around the world.” [Read more]

Chevrolet Super Bowl Ads Drive Purchase Consideration

" Advertising experts say more people are interested in buying Chevrolet cars and trucks due to clever and targeted advertising and innovative digital campaigns tied to Super Bowl XLVI.
According to the CNBC/Collective Intellect Super Sunday Ad Tracker research conducted before, during and after the game, Chevrolet came in first in purchase language – language that suggests a consumers’ intent to purchase a product based on the advertising. Chevrolet beat out all of the other brands that also advertised during the Super Bowl by a comfortable margin.

“Our strategy was to reach far beyond the in-game spots, and extend the conversation about Chevy cars and trucks through multiple digital efforts before, during and, importantly, after the game,” said  General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick.  “In the end, brand exposure and purchase consideration is what this is all about, and these results show Chevrolet nailed it.

“We knew if we delivered a focused message about Chevrolet cars and trucks, using strong creative with a sense of humor, we could generate meaningful interest in our products that could translate into future sales,” said Ewanick.

According to Nielsen, Chevrolet ads in total also excelled in breakthrough and memorability, scoring higher than the Automotive Super Bowl average and the Overall Super Bowl average." [Read more]

Chevy Express CNG Rings up Big AT&T Order

 

"The records keep falling for Chevrolet: After selling more vehicles internationally in 2011 than ever before, the brand has now received its biggest order ever for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). As part of its plans to invest $565 million in alternative-fuel vehicles through 2018, AT&T recently ordered a fleet of 1,200 Chevy Express vans configured to run on clean-burning CNG—according to the EPA, vans that rely on CNG for energy produce about 25 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than similar vehicles running on gasoline or diesel fuel.

“CNG technology is important to AT&T because it helps us reduce our fleet-based carbon emissions,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president of Fleet Operations. “It is also cost-effective and readily available in our country right now.”

The Express CNG is a simple solution for companies like AT&T because the vans can be ordered directly through Chevy dealers and come completely kitted out with a factory-engineered, fully integrated CNG fuel system already in place. And notably, that system includes numerous upgrades to the Express’ 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine to improve wear resistance and durability." [Read more]

Super Bowl XLVI MVP Takes Home Chevrolet Corvette

 "Chevrolet, the official sponsor of the Super Bowl XLVI MVP Award, presented New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning with a 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Centennial Edition in recognition of his tremendous effort on the field in the Giants’ 21-17 win over the New England Patriots.

A media panel and fan vote on www.superbowl.com determined the MVP Award winner, announced during the Super Bowl Postgame Show on NBC, presented by Chevrolet.

The Corvette Grand Sport Convertible sports car features a 6.2-liter small-block V-8, with 436 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-to-60 mph in less than four seconds, and reaching more than 1g of cornering force, it’s one of the most potent convertibles on the market. For 2012, all Corvettes are available with the black-on-black Chevrolet Centennial edition, commemorating 100 years of Chevrolet history.

The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the Corvette Grand Sport Convertible." [Read more]

Chevy Silverado "2012" | Super Bowl XLVI Ad

OK Go & Chevy Sonic - Needing/Getting Music Video