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Motor Authority - blog Category: Cruze

  • GM Chairman wants to see models on sale ahead of schedule

    GM Chairman wants to see models on sale ahead of schedule August 5th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, August 5th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 4 Comments

    GM Chairman wants to see models on sale ahead of schedule In a market where only about 10 million cars are expected to be sold annually - down from 16 million last year - every tenth of a percent of market share counts. That's why Board of Directors Chairman Ed Whitacre sees a strong need to act quickly to prevent further market share erosion.

    Despite the boost of the CARS 'cash for clunkers' scheme, GM saw its share of the marketplace drop from 20.5% to 18.9% in July, according to the Detroit News. To help turn that trend around, Whitacre is pushing to get every upcoming new model out to the public as early as possible, though exactly which models will get the treatment isn't being disclosed.

    ... In a market where only about 10 million cars are expected to be sold annually - down from 16 million last year - every tenth of a percent of market share counts. That's why Board of Directors Chairman Ed Whitacre sees a strong need to act quickly to prevent further market share erosion. Despite the boost of the CARS 'cash for clunkers' scheme, GM saw its share of the marketplace drop from 20.5% to 18.9% in July, according to the Detroit News. To help turn that trend around, Whitacre is pushing to get every upcoming new model out to the public as early as possible, though exactly which models will get the treatment isn't being disclosed. Likely candidates include the Chevrolet Cruze small sedan and its up-market Buick platform mate, the fuel-efficient and compact Chevrolet Orlando crossover and, of course, the Chevrolet Volt. With several years of development and the recent focus on moving forward with the Volt during bankruptcy, GM's extended-range EV could be just what is needed to clean up the company's image - even if availability would be limited by the underlying technology at first. The Cruze, previously delayed during GM's financial difficulties, could be a prime candidate for moving back up to its initial schedule. Offering a competitive, attractive entry-level sedan could be important with Ford's Focus getting updates soon. Even more important could be the Buick version of the Cruze, which would go head-to-head with the smaller entry-luxury models like the BMW 1-series, Lexus HS250h. A hybrid Orlando could take the fight to the mid-market crossover sector with its dashing new style, 7-passenger seating and impressive fuel economy - expected to top 40mpg in conventional form. Since the Orlando also shares underpinnings with the Cruze sedan, bringing the platform to market makes a lot of sense. Only time will tell if GM has what it takes to turn its image around now that it has its financial house in order, but if the past few years of products are any indication, it certainly has the goods to build on - now it just needs to make the perception match the reality.Chevrolet Orlando Concept Official photos2012 Cruze-based Buick sedan spy shots Read More

  • Spy shots: Cruze-based Buick compact sedan hits the ‘Ring

    Spy shots: Cruze-based Buick compact sedan hits the ‘Ring June 24th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 24th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 9 Comments

    Spy shots: Cruze-based Buick compact sedan hits the ‘Ring General Motors is still more than a year away from launching the Chevrolet Cruze sedan in North America but instead of speeding up its arrival the automaker is working on a new Buick sedan based on the Cruze platform. Fears of GM’s cash problems haven’t managed to deter work on the upcoming Buick compact sedan, which like the Cruze will likely be offered as a global model.

    Built around GM’s FWD Delta II platform, the Buick compact sedan also shares much in common with the 2010 Opel Astra, which means there’s a chance it could be produced at Russelsheim plant in Germany. The new spy shot of interior confirms that both... General Motors is still more than a year away from launching the Chevrolet Cruze sedan in North America but instead of speeding up its arrival the automaker is working on a new Buick sedan based on the Cruze platform. Fears of GM’s cash problems haven’t managed to deter work on the upcoming Buick compact sedan, which like the Cruze will likely be offered as a global model. Built around GM’s FWD Delta II platform, the Buick compact sedan also shares much in common with the 2010 Opel Astra, which means there’s a chance it could be produced at Russelsheim plant in Germany. The new spy shot of interior confirms that both cars share a similar cabin design. U.S. versions are likely to be built at GM’s Lordstown plant in Ohio alongside the Cruze. The new model will almost certainly be offered in China as well, considering that is Buick’s biggest market. Engine options should mirror that of the Cruze, which means a range of compact four-cylinder units in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms, with both petrol and diesel options. The other benefit of the Delta II platform is the possibility of a plug-in hybrid version using Volt technology, although GM is more likely to use other brands such as Cadillac to expand its plug-in hybrid range. Don’t hold your breath for the new sedan as it isn’t expected to be launched until sometime in 2012, possibly as a 2013 model.2012 Cruze-based Buick sedan spy shots Read More

  • Holden designing Cruze-based hatch for global markets

    Holden designing Cruze-based hatch for global markets June 3rd, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 3rd, 2009 Jeremy Weber 8 Comments

    Holden designing Cruze-based hatch for global markets From the onset Chevrolet’s new Cruze compact sedan was designed as a global model. Today it’s already on sale in Asia, Europe and Australia and eventually it will be gracing showrooms here in the U.S., though there is still a wait of more than a year until that happens. As a global model, any variations of the car could also be sold in global markets and that is exactly what will happen with a new hatchback version currently in the works at Holden.

    The CEO of GM’s Aussie division Mark Reuss has confirmed to Drive that a small hatch based on the Cruze is set to enter production in the third quarter of next year. Reuss also... From the onset Chevrolet’s new Cruze compact sedan was designed as a global model. Today it’s already on sale in Asia, Europe and Australia and eventually it will be gracing showrooms here in the U.S., though there is still a wait of more than a year until that happens. As a global model, any variations of the car could also be sold in global markets and that is exactly what will happen with a new hatchback version currently in the works at Holden. The CEO of GM’s Aussie division Mark Reuss has confirmed to Drive that a small hatch based on the Cruze is set to enter production in the third quarter of next year. Reuss also revealed that the car will be designed and engineered fully in Australia, which means that it should be significantly different from the Cruze sedan on which it will be based. The hatch is expected to be positioned as a more upmarket model compared to the Cruze. Some of the differences will be sportier steering and suspension adjustments, and styling influences taken from the larger Commodore. The hatch could also feature more premium engines like the new 2010 Opel Astra’s 1.4L turbocharged unit as opposed to the Cruze’s naturally aspirated 1.8L mill. Reuss wasn’t willing to reveal which export markets the hatch may be sold in but insisted the company was “aggressively pursuing” an export deal to replace the $1 billion U.S. Pontiac G8 export program recently axed by GM.2010 Chevrolet Cruze2009 Holden Cruze Read More

  • GM reveals plan to build new small car at idled assembly plant in U.S.

    GM reveals plan to build new small car at idled assembly plant in U.S. May 29th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 29th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 2 Comments

    GM reveals plan to build new small car at idled assembly plant in U.S. In an atypically cryptic press release, General Motors today announced that it will be building a new small car at an unnamed idled UAW-staffed assembly plant here in the U.S. The new vehicle will be in addition to the already-planned 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Cruze, but it's not yet known which small car it will be.

    When the new small car will go into production also hasn't been disclosed, though with the Volt set to enter production late in 2010 and the Cruze aiming for an early 2010 release, it could be timed to fit between them, sometime in summer 2010.

    One small car candidate is the Chevrolet Spark, born from the long-lived Beat concept... In an atypically cryptic press release, General Motors today announced that it will be building a new small car at an unnamed idled UAW-staffed assembly plant here in the U.S. The new vehicle will be in addition to the already-planned 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Cruze, but it's not yet known which small car it will be. When the new small car will go into production also hasn't been disclosed, though with the Volt set to enter production late in 2010 and the Cruze aiming for an early 2010 release, it could be timed to fit between them, sometime in summer 2010. One small car candidate is the Chevrolet Spark, born from the long-lived Beat concept revealed in 2007. Other models could also see U.S. production, however, especially with the ongoing brand shuffle at GM, as well as the expected bankruptcy filing coming June 1. It wouldn't be beyond the pale to see a re-branded Opel or Saturn model sold as a Chevrolet, such as the Astra. "Small cars represent one of the fastest growing segments in both the U.S. and around the world," said Fritz Henderson, General Motors President and CEO. "We believe this car will be a winner with our current and future customers in the U.S. "This vehicle segment, while important today and expected to be more so in the future, is extremely challenging. It takes a special effort by everyone to bring a domestically produced small car to market in a cost-competitive and profitable way - but that is what we are going to do together [with the UAW]." The new small car is apparently expected to be a major volume seller, with GM upping its estimate of the percentage of U.S.-built GM sales from the current 67% to over 70% by 2013.2011 Chevrolet Spark minicar2010 Opel Astra Read More

  • Cruze global sedan priced in UK, American debut more than a year away

    Cruze global sedan priced in UK, American debut more than a year away March 10th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, March 10th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 2 Comments

    Cruze global sedan priced in UK, American debut more than a year away It seems like almost every month Chevrolet’s new Cruze is launched somewhere around the globe, and like a recurring bad dream American buyers are reminded each time that they’ll have to wait at least another 12 to 18 months before their chance to hop behind the wheel of the compact sedan. Having already launched in South Korea and Australia, the Cruze has just been announced for the UK where it will go on sale this July.

    Chevrolet has also announced pricing for the car, which will start at £11,545 for the base 1.6L S model. This equates to roughly $15,980 at current exchange rates but more importantly it prices the car below... It seems like almost every month Chevrolet’s new Cruze is launched somewhere around the globe, and like a recurring bad dream American buyers are reminded each time that they’ll have to wait at least another 12 to 18 months before their chance to hop behind the wheel of the compact sedan. Having already launched in South Korea and Australia, the Cruze has just been announced for the UK where it will go on sale this July. Chevrolet has also announced pricing for the car, which will start at £11,545 for the base 1.6L S model. This equates to roughly $15,980 at current exchange rates but more importantly it prices the car below competitors such as the Ford Focus, Suzuki SX4, Honda Civic and even the Toyota Yaris in the UK. It’s still too early to determine how this will translate to prices in the U.S. but it’s a good sign that Chevrolet is pricing its cars competitively even with the poor financial state of parent company General Motors. In the UK the car will be offered with a choice of four engines, two petrol units and two turbodiesels. Power outputs will range from 111hp (83kW) in the base 1.6L petrol S and top out at 148hp (110kW) in the 2.0L turbodiesel LT model. Standard equipment includes remote central locking, CD stereo, electric front windows, six airbags and blue backlit dials. Optional goodies include air-conditioning, 16in alloy wheels, chrome detailing and reverse parking sensors. Release dates for the Cruze in other European markets will be announced next month, while Americans will likely have to wait until the second half of next year for their chance to buy the new sedan.2010 Chevrolet Cruze Read More

  • Cruze global sedan launches in Australia, U.S. debut more than a year away

    Cruze global sedan launches in Australia, U.S. debut more than a year away February 26th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, February 26th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Cruze global sedan launches in Australia, U.S. debut more than a year away Holden has given us a preview of its future small car plans with the unveiling of its own version of the Cruze compact sedan at the Melbourne Motor Show today. As most of you would know, the Cruze is General Motors’ new global small car and has already been launched in South Korea.

    The Aussie version will go on sale in the second quarter of the year and European customers will be able to buy their own Cruze this April. Unfortunately, Americans once again get the short end of the stick as we will have to wait until late next year for its arrival in showrooms.

    Americans will also likely miss out on the frugal diesel version of the... Holden has given us a preview of its future small car plans with the unveiling of its own version of the Cruze compact sedan at the Melbourne Motor Show today. As most of you would know, the Cruze is General Motors’ new global small car and has already been launched in South Korea. The Aussie version will go on sale in the second quarter of the year and European customers will be able to buy their own Cruze this April. Unfortunately, Americans once again get the short end of the stick as we will have to wait until late next year for its arrival in showrooms. Americans will also likely miss out on the frugal diesel version of the Cruze, which Holden has confirmed for its lineup alongside a petrol model. The diesel model will feature a 2.0L four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The petrol engine will be a standard 1.8L four-cylinder unit. The Holden version is differentiated via unique badging and alloy wheel patterns. Standard features for the base model include electronic stability control, traction control, six airbags, and brake assist with electronic brakeforce distribution. Optional goodies include 17in alloy wheels and heated leather seats. Despite financial troubles for GM, both in Australia and abroad, Holden has ambitious plans for its small car lineup. The Aussie outcrop plans to build a new compact sedan and hatch alongside the current Commodore range in Australia from the third quarter of 2010. The vehicle will be based on GM’s global Delta FWD platform – the same architecture as the Cruze - and feature new technologies to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse emissions.2009 Holden Cruze Read More

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