Chevrolet Wins Prestigious Product Awards in Latin America
4th November 2008 3:00 pm Chevrolet
Chevrolet won several awards this week at two major shows in Latin America. At the Sao Paulo International Auto Show in Brazil, the newly-launched Chevrolet Captiva Sport was named the best vehicle in the Brazilian market by Abiauto, an association of Brazilian automotive journalists. In addition, Abiauto awarded the Captiva Sport as best SUV sold in Brazil and the Chevrolet S-10 as best medium-size pickup.
At the Santiago Auto Show in Chile, the new Chevrolet Vectra was named Best Passenger Car at the Show by Chilean automotive journalists.
In Brazil, the awards were presented during the Chevrolet press conference at the show, where Chevrolet held the global debut of the new Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed at GM Brazil’s new design center and represents a potential new segment for GM in Brazil and other South American countries. GPiX combines Chevrolet’s global design with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today’s emerging markets.
Brazil is the third largest automotive market, and the second largest market for the Chevrolet brand. Chevrolet continues to set sales records in Brazil, with total sales of 446,000 through the third quarter of 2008, up 25.6 percent versus 2007. The best selling Chevrolets in the Brazilian market are the Chevrolet Corsa, Celta and Prisma. All GM products sold in Brazil are Chevrolets.
In Chile, the Chevrolet Vectra was chosen over 50 other new models. The vehicles were judged on design, technology and importance of the entry within the market segment.
Through the first three quarters of 2008, Chevrolet sales in Chile are up 15.7 percent versus 2007. Chevrolet has been the market leader in Chile for 25 consecutive years. The best selling Chevrolets in the Chilean market are the Corsa, Aveo and Spark.
“Chevrolet meets customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer great value and compelling design, and that is what draws customers into our dealerships,” said Maureen Kempston Darkes, GM group vice president and president of GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East. “The awards received in Brazil and Chile are a clear sign of Chevrolet’s strength in Latin America.”
Through the third quarter ending September 2008, Chevrolet sold 723,335 vehicles in South America, up 10 percent over the same period in 2007. Chevrolet accounts for 98 percent of GM sales in South America.
In total, Chevrolet sold more than 3.25 million vehicles around the globe in the first nine months of 2008.
Chevrolet Takes All-New Traverse Crossover To The World Series
27th October 2008 1:00 pm Chevrolet
For the third consecutive year, Chevrolet teams up with Major League Baseball’s World Series to hit another vehicle out of the ballpark - the all-new Chevrolet Traverse crossover. In addition to a brand-new TV spot that debuts tonight during the Chevy Pre-Game Show and Game One on Fox, Chevy is expanding its multi-media, MLB postseason blitz to introduce the Traverse to millions of baseball fans.
Building upon the Traverse theme of “Everything you’ve ever wished for … and then some” because of its segment-leading cargo room and fuel-efficiency, the promotion includes an opportunity for fans to visit www.worldseries.com/chevy for a chance to win a trip to the 2009 All-Star Game. Visitors will learn more about the Traverse and download a virtual ticket for the first four World Series games on Oct. 22, 23, 25 and 26. Winning ticket numbers will be revealed live during the game broadcasts.
“We successfully used the past two MLB postseasons to engage baseball fans in support of the Chevy Silverado and Chevy Malibu. This year, as the all-new Traverse steps up to the plate, we’ll surround fans with on-air, onsite and online messages about Traverse’s segment-leading capabilities, design and fuel economy,” said Kim Kosak, Chevrolet general director for advertising and sales promotion.
Chevrolet’s partnership with the World Series also includes sponsoring the Chevrolet Player of the Game and the World Series’ Most Valuable Player awards. At the conclusion of this year’s Series, the MVP will receive a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro as Chevy eyes Camaro’s much-anticipated launch next year.
Chevrolet has been the official vehicle of Major League Baseball since 2005. “Like baseball, Chevrolet is ingrained in the culture of America, and this audience is a prime target for us as we continue to grow our car and crossover business,” said Kosak.
The brand-new, 30-second TV spot debuting tonight opens in a setting filled with mythical creatures. In a clearing, where a gleaming Chevy Traverse sits, one of the creatures eyes the sticker and sees for himself that a stylish, eight-passenger, fuel-efficient crossover is not a myth. View the ad at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT9CSD5KAhE
“We dialed up the spot’s creativity to help dispel the myth that customers have to choose between efficiency, style and amenities,” said Bob Wingo, CEO and president of Sanders\Wingo, which created the ad.
Other Chevy Traverse MLB World Series tie-ins include:
On-air: In addition to at least two Traverse spots per game, Chevy will air other TV spots, including one that touts the Chevrolet Silverado as America’s Best Truck, as well as Chevy’s Fuel Solutions commitment to fuel economy leadership.
In Game Three of the Series, MLB and Chevy will name the national winner of the prestigious 2008 Roberto Clemente Award Presented by Chevy. The award is given annually to the player who combines outstanding skills on the field with devoted work in the community. It is named for Clemente, a 12-time All Star and Hall of Famer who died in a 1972 plane crash on New Year’s Eve while delivering supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims.
More than 400,000 fans voted online among 30 MLB club nominees to help select the national winner, who will receive a cash donation and a Chevy vehicle for his charity of choice. In addition, Chevy will make a cash donation to the nonprofit Roberto Clemente Sports City as well as donations to each of the 29 other finalists’ chosen charities.
Onsite: Ads featuring the Traverse are in the collectible World Series game program; two Traverse LTZ models will be prominently featured at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia; and “All New Chevy Traverse” messaging appears on the home plate signage, as well as in animated video billboards and spots that are also highly visible to TV audiences.
Online: Fox Sports announcer Jeanne Zelasko, host of the Chevy Pre-Game Show, narrates virtual vehicle interior and walkaround videos at www.worldseries.com/chevy that demonstrate the style, best-in-class cargo capability and eight-passenger seating of the Traverse. Visitors can take a short quiz to learn more about Traverse and register for the online tickets that could get them “everything they’ve ever wished for … and then some” - tickets to the 2009 MLB All Star Game.
About Traverse
Building on the momentum of the successful Malibu launch, the Traverse crossover is taking the competition head on. It has more seating than Toyota Highlander, more cargo space than Honda Pilot and the segment’s best EPA-rated highway fuel economy, at 24 mpg (2WD models).
Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Highlights include:
Expressive styling inspired by the 2008 Malibu
Optimized aerodynamics that enhance fuel economy and reduce wind noise
Four-wheel independent suspension system
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
Family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
Side Blind Zone Alert technology on LT and LTZ models
Second-row Smart Slide seat feature, for easy access to the third-row seats
Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls
Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows
OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Direction Download and eNav (with navigation system)
XM Satellite Radio including NavTraffic real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)
Pricing for front-wheel-drive Traverse models, including the destination freight charge, begins at $28,990 for LS; $31,545 for LT and $39,810 for the top-of-the-line LTZ. All-wheel-drive models begin at $30,990 for LS; $33,545 for LT and $41,810 for LTZ.
GM Certified Used Vehicles Marks Sale of 3 Millionth Vehicle with Celebration at Voss Chevrolet
14th October 2008 3:00 pm Chevrolet
GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, today marked the sale of its 3-millionth vehicle at a celebration at Voss Chevrolet in Centerville, Ohio. GM Certified Used Vehicles, which launched its program in 1997, is the first manufacturer-certified pre-owned brand to achieve 3 million sales. The GM Certified program includes models from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Pontiac.
A silver 2008 Chevrolet Impala LS Flex-Fuel model purchased at Voss Chevrolet was the 3-millionth GM Certified Used Vehicle sold. GM officials and Voss Chevrolet staff today awarded the buyer of the 3 millionth vehicle, Patricia Kemper, a financial analyst from Centerville, Ohio, with a personalized gift package, including a $3,000 gas card, a Pioneer Inno™ portable satellite radio/MP3 player with one year of service from OnStar’s Satellite Radio Services team, and a personalized Chevrolet Accessories package, including 17-inch polished wheels, spoiler kit, side-window weather deflector, molded splash guards and emergency highway kit.
“This is an industry milestone and a testament to the growing popularity of certified used vehicles, the quality and reliability of GM products and the dedication and commitment of the nearly 4,000 GM Certified dealers across the U.S.,” said Mark Mathews, director, GM used vehicle activities. “GM Certified Used Vehicles are a great alternative to traditional used vehicles, providing customers with the peace of mind that comes with a fully inspected and reconditioned vehicle backed by the manufacturer with a 12-month, 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. In fact, our research indicates more than 96 percent of GM Certified Used Vehicle customers are satisfied with their purchase and ownership experience.”
“It was a complete surprise when the Voss sales staff called me,” said Kemper, a retired civil servant who now works as a financial analyst in Dayton. “My first car was a 1969 Chevy Malibu convertible and I’ve been a loyal GM customer ever since, purchasing 14 GM vehicles, including my last car, a 2000 Buick LeSabre. I was specifically looking for a late-model, used Impala on the Web and found the Voss Chevrolet vehicle listing on AutoTrader.com.
“I’m a first-time certified vehicle buyer, but my friends and family recommended certified because the inspection and warranty let me know I’m buying a quality vehicle that’s backed by GM and the dealer. I recently had my 60th birthday and I consider this vehicle and the enhancements a terrific birthday present.”
GM Certified Used Vehicles has led all OEM certified brands in sales for the last six years, and Chevrolet has been the industry’s top-selling single-line make certified pre-owned vehicle brand in each of the last four years*. GM Certified sold 451,565 vehicles in 2007.
About GM Certified Used Vehicles
GM Certified Used Vehicles, the auto industry’s number-one selling manufacturer-certified brand*, are high-quality, reconditioned vehicles, available at participating Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac and GMC dealers. All models are six years old or newer, have 75,000 miles or less, are reconditioned to stringent GM Certified Used Vehicles quality standards and must undergo a rigorous 117-point inspection and reconditioning process. All GM Certified Used Vehicles are supported by a fully transferable five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible (whichever comes first from vehicle’s original in-service date), a 12-month/12,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty, a vehicle history report, a three-day/150-mile customer satisfaction guarantee, and 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation during the term of the powertrain warranty. See dealer for details.
About General Motors
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
Chevrolet Announces Pricing for the 2010 Camaro
14th October 2008 2:00 pm Chevrolet
Chevrolet today announced pricing for the all-new, 2010 Camaro. It starts at $22,995 MSRP for the V-6-powered LS model, and $30,995 for the V-8-powered Camaro SS (all prices include $750 destination charge). Customer ordering opened on Oct. 13, with production scheduled to start in first quarter of 2009.
“The wait is almost over,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “The return of the Camaro gives sports car enthusiasts a reason to rejoice. It’s a 21 st century sports car with a distinctly American legacy.
More than 600,000 enthusiasts have requested information on the Camaro since its production was announced. Chevrolet is reaching out to give them the opportunity to be the first to order one.
The Chevy.com/Camaro Web site carries information regarding early ordering, along with vehicle packaging information, a specification sheet and anticipated frequently asked questions about the ordering process.
Production is scheduled to begin in mid-February at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario production facility, with dealership deliveries shortly thereafter. Complementing the Camaro’s introduction is a range of performance, appearance and convenience accessories – including 21-inch wheels and tires; ground effects and stripe kits; and even a classic-styled Hurst shifter – that customers can order and have installed at their dealership. In some cases, the cost of the accessories and their installation can be rolled into the monthly payments.
“My Own Worst Enemy”
Enthusiasts will see the new Camaro this fall as part of NBC’s new drama, “My Own Worst Enemy.” It stars Christian Slater as a man with two personalities – a suburban dad and covert spy – with the Camaro featured prominently, along with the new Chevy Traverse crossover. The show premiers Oct. 13, the same day ordering opens for the Camaro.
Camaro’s supporting role on “My Own Worst Enemy” follows its big-screen debut as the Autobot named Bumblebee in the blockbuster 2007 movie, “Transformers.”
World-class performance, American heritage
Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. Advanced technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.
Camaro product highlights also include:
Sleek styling with heritage cues and 10 available exterior colors
Four-wheel independent suspension system, including a 4.5-link rear suspension
Four-wheel disc brake systems standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models
StabiliTrak stability control system and traction control standard on all models
Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels
Six standard air bags, including head curtain side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted thorax side air bags
RS appearance package available on LT and SS, including HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels
Bluetooth phone connectivity
USB connectivity
Remote vehicle starting system
OnStar
XM Satellite Radio
Under the hood, Camaro LS and LT use a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. It is rated at an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available. LS and LT models are estimated at 27 mpg in highway driving, for great fuel economy to complement their fun driving experience.
The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, estimated at 422 horsepower (315 kW) and 408 lb.-ft. of torque (553 Nm). It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.
A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3, but also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is estimated at 400 horsepower (299 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (535 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an estimated 23 mpg on the highway.
Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.
GM Spring Hill Manufacturing Celebrates Production Start of Chevrolet Traverse
12th October 2008 9:00 am Chevrolet
After a 12-month retooling and an investment topping $600 million, General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing today kicked off the start of regular production of the all-new 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, GM’s newest crossover vehicle to be introduced in the market.
GM announced the investment and named the new product for Spring Hill Manufacturing in October 2007. Since then, major construction and rebuild of the plant production areas have been underway in preparation for today’s milestone.
“The all-new Chevy Traverse is the right product for the market today and we’ve got the right manufacturing team building it here in Spring Hill,” said Troy Clarke, GM executive vice president and president of GM North America, who was present for the production celebration with employees. “The Chevy Traverse is fast becoming one of our most important volume products as buyers increasingly turn to more fuel efficient crossovers with today’s rising cost of fuel. Traverse is a leader in its segment in highway fuel economy thanks to its new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection technology.”
GM’s Clarke was joined by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and local government officials in acknowledging the significance of the facility in the state and the Spring Hill community.
The $600 million investment in the facility included a 500,000 square foot addition to the plant paint shop for a state-of-the art e-coat phosphate primer system. It also encompassed a complete clearing and rebuilding of the facility’s 1.2 million square foot general assembly area.
In addition, the conversion of the plant to produce the new Chevy Traverse included the following:
Addition of 31 miles of new conveyor systems throughout the plant’s body shop, paint shop and general assembly manufacturing areas.
Installation of 1,625 tons of support steel in the general assembly building as part of the complete reconfiguration of the assembly line there. More than 22,000 tons of scrap metal was recycled in this part of the project.
Complete facility refurbishment and installation of 623 new robots in the 850,000 square foot, state-of-the-art body shop, that perform 3,826 weld spots on each Chevy Traverse for exceptional dimensional and structural integrity of the vehicle.
Installation of an all-new 3.6-liter V-6 engine dress line at the site’s engine plant to support the assembly operations.
Installation of an all-new logistics optimization center for the kitting and sequencing of material and the expediting of material to the assembly line.
Refurbishment of five polymer mold injection presses that manufacture each Chevy Traverse front fascia using 33 lbs of polymer.
The launch of production at Spring Hill Manufacturing is one of GM’s fastest from plan development to product rolling off the line.
“I commend this workforce for their total focus in getting the Chevy Traverse to market on time, with the highest quality and hitting all deliverables. Your winning attitude just proves that we made the right decision in bringing this important new product to Spring Hill Manufacturing,” said Clarke.
The GM Spring Hill Manufacturing facility is located in Spring Hill, a growing community located 40 miles south of Nashville. The plant lies within the borders of Maury County. Approximately 3,481 workers are employed at the site. Hourly employees are represented by UAW Local 1853. More than 3.752 million vehicles have been produced at the facility since it opened in 1990.
Chevrolet Volt Leads General Motors Into Its Second Century
2nd October 2008 10:56 am Chevrolet
General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.
“Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century,” said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. “The Volt is symbolic of GM’s strong commitment to the future … just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today’s and tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges.”
Form follows function
The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt’s rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.
Working closely with GM aerodynamicists to shape the Volt, design and engineering teams developed one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM’s history. They spent hundreds of hours with the Volt in GM’s wind tunnel, testing and re-testing parts such as the front and rear quarter panels, rear spoiler, rockers and side mirrors. Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt’s target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions.
Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan, and it delivers them in a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options unlike any offered before on a Chevrolet sedan. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter distinguish the Volt’s interior from other vehicles in the market.
Some of Volt’s interior technological features include:
Driver-configurable, liquid crystal instrument display
Standard seven-inch touch screen vehicle information display
Touch screen-style climate and infotainment controls
Optional navigation system with onboard hard drive for maps and music storage
Standard Bluetooth for cellular phone and USB/Bluetooth for music streaming
New era in automotive transportation
The Chevrolet Volt is leading a new era of electrification of the automobile by creating a new class of vehicle known as the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or E-REV.
The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery’s energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt’s electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle’s battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates “range anxiety,” giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.
The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle’s intelligent charging technology enables the Volt’s battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. At a cost of about 80 cents per day (10 cents per kWh) for a full charge that will deliver up to 40 miles of electric driving, GM estimates that the Volt will be less expensive to recharge than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee. Charging the Volt about once daily will consume less electric energy annually than the average home’s refrigerator and freezer units.
Charge out of driving
The Chevrolet Volt offers spirited driving performance in a remarkably quiet interior. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Volt’s battery pack provide ample power. The Volt’s electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The lack of engine noise, combined with special sound-deadening materials, make the Chevrolet Volt an extremely quiet vehicle to drive.
GM estimates that the Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon. For an average driver who drives 40 miles per day (or 15,000 miles per year), this amounts to a cost savings of $1,500 annually. Using peak electric rates, GM estimates that an electrically driven mile in a Chevy Volt will be about one-sixth of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. The cost savings are even greater when charging during off-peak hours, when electric rates are cheaper.
The Chevrolet Volt is expected to be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States. Pricing has not been announced. Visit media.gm.com/volt for more information.
Chevrolet Aveo5 Livin’ Large College Cab to Provide Free, Interactive Rides to College Students
2nd October 2008 10:50 am Chevrolet
In a new spin on the idea of campus shuttles, Chevrolet today announced it will be dispatching a 2009 Chevy Aveo5 to six college campuses, where it will provide free rides to students. During their ride in the Chevy Aveo5 College Cab, students will knowingly be filmed en route to their destination on or near campus. They will be encouraged to showcase their personality during their time in the Aveo5 College Cab because within 24 hours, their video will be posted to www.AveoLivinLarge.com. From this site, they, their classmates, their friends and their family members can view the video and then embed it on to their own personal blogs, Web sites, Facebook and MySpace pages or click a link to send it to a friend.
“This next leg of Chevy’s Livin’ Large college outreach campaign plays off things most students can truly appreciate—a free ride and a few minutes of fame!” notes Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. “In this world where social networking sites and online video are pervasive, the Chevy Aveo5 College Cab program leverages the online tools young people are already using in a fun and interesting way. And it also gives them a shot at the ultimate payoff—their very own Chevy Aveo5, a perfect car for college students due to its size, affordability, fuel economy, and technological features like OnStar and XM satellite radio.”
Not only will the students get a free ride and enjoy a little bit of fame, they will have the opportunity to win a Chevy Aveo5 by securing the most views on their video during the week immediately following their video’s posting. The top performing video from each of the six participating universities will then compete in five days of final competition (November 10-November 14) where the world can cast their vote for their favorite finalist. The winning video will see its featured stars win a brand new Chevy Aveo5 of their very own.
The Chevy Aveo5 College Cab is the third in a series of Chevy college-based programs known as “Livin’ Large in Aveo.” Previous iterations included the Chevy Aveo Livin’ Large Campus Challenge, during which teams of two students from seven universities lived inside a Chevy Aveo on their campus for a week in an effort to secure the most votes as the favorite team. On the heels of the Campus Challenge came the Chevy Aveo Livin’ Large Road Trip, during which two University of Florida graduating seniors chronicled their week-long road trip inside a Chevy Aveo to pursue their dreams of making it in Hollywood.
The Chevy Aveo5 College Cab will visit the following universities during its run:
University of Maryland, College Park (from Monday, September 29-Sunday, October 5)
San Jose State University (from Monday, September 29-Sunday, October 5)
University of Oregon (from Monday, October 13-Sunday, October 19)
University of South Florida (from Monday, October 13-Sunday October 19)
University of Washington (from Monday, October 27-Sunday, November 2)
University of Houston (from Monday, October 27-Sunday, November 2)
To participate, students need only hail the unoccupied Aveo5 College Cab to hitch a ride. Up to 10 rides will be given per day, and the time and location of where the Chevy Aveo5 College Cab will show up on campus is entirely random.
The Chevy Aveo5 is uniquely suited to college students who are often pressed for cash. The most affordable five-door hatchback in America starts at $12,120 and gets 34 miles to the gallon on the highway, and 27 city. OnStar and XM radio come standard as does an auxiliary input jack for mp3 player connectivity. The hatchback feature of the Chevy Aveo5 provides students with room to stow their laundry en route to mom and dad’s or to throw a few bags in the back for a weekend road trip.
Chevrolet Reveals the GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept
1st October 2008 10:00 am Chevrolet
Sao Paulo, Brazil - General Motors revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept today at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region.
The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. “It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil,” said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East.
GPiX also combines Chevrolet’s global design “DNA” with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today’s emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, “with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region.”
Dynamic and daring design
The GPiX concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the famous Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tires add a rugged look to the crossover coupe. And, the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.
Versatile on the inside with space for four
The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.
The instrument panel has a modern design, with easy-to-read digital displays. The multifunctional steering wheel has a completely new design and is made for total driver-car interaction. The driver can easily use the connectivity and entertainment systems available, such as Bluetooth, hand-held computers, CD player and MP3 player, among others.
It also includes features that customers have come to expect in production Chevrolet vehicles offered in Brazil, such as air conditioning, power steering and power windows.
The name GPiX is a pseudonym for Global Image. “G” for global and “Pix” meaning “picture” or “image”.
GM Design Center in Brazil
GM’s Design Center in Brazil is one of 11 GM studios around the world. Its facilities are being expanded to meet increased responsibilities in the GM global development process.
GM is investing US$ 36 million to expand the facilities, acquire new and more modern equipment and hire new professionals. When complete, the GM Design Center in Brazil will triple in size from 3,000 sq. m. to 9,150 sq. m. and the staff will increase from 79 to 190 professionals.
The Design Center, which was already one of the most modern in Brazil, will also add next generation equipment to its ‘3D’ virtual reality facility to become the most advanced studio in the country and on par with any automotive design studio in the world.
Seven-Seat Chevrolet Orlando Blooms In The Spotlight!
17th September 2008 10:44 pm Chevrolet
An all-new show car will take centre stage at Paris alongside the new Cruze family saloon, as Chevrolet looks to further its incredible growth in Europe.
The seven-seat Orlando show car is a clear indication of how the company plans to move into areas of the market where it can attract new customers. The compact Orlando combines the attributes of an SUV and an MPV, with a stylish yet bold appearance and a practical seven-seat interior.
At the front, the car displays Chevrolet’s signature double-deck radiator grille and prominent ‘bow-tie’ logo, while the octagonal windscreen, concave bonnet and steeply raked window line reflect styling cues first seen on the WTCC Ultra concept, first shown at the 2006 Paris show.
Featuring three rows of seats in a theatre-style layout, the Orlando’s interior can comfortably accommodate up to seven adults, yet when the need arises the cabin can be quickly transformed to give a large, flat load carrying area.
The driver’s environment is particularly well detailed, with a steeply raked centre console incorporating the gear lever, brushed metal-effect details and smart blue-backlit dials.
Power comes from Chevrolet’s 2.0-litre 150PS commonrail turbo-diesel engine developing 320Nm of torque, making it both lively and fuel-efficient.
The newcomer is a powerful suggestion of a future addition to the Chevrolet line-up, and will join the all-new Cruze compact family saloon on the Chevrolet stand at Paris, alongside two more new models that will be announced before the show opens in early October.
The news comes at a great time for Chevrolet in the UK – despite a downward turn in the British car market as a whole, sales in August were 43 per cent up on the same period in 2007, with overall sales for 2008 showing a 12 per cent increase year-on-year.
Chevrolet Orlando show car signals entry into new segment for the brand
11th September 2008 10:45 am Chevrolet
The Orlando show car, making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October, is a clear indication that Chevrolet is considering an expansion to its portfolio with a seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle with distinctive sport utility-like design, adaptable seating and impressive interior space.
Based on the recently announced all-new Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando show car carries Chevrolet’s signature design language into a new vehicle segment. It explores the potential of combining the versatility attributes of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon in a single execution.
Chevrolet Orlando cuts a distinctive silhouette, replacing conventional monocab proportions with a more defined contrast between the hood and windshield lines. With flared fenders instead of a flat side-body, Orlando has a muscular stance that gives it the appearance of a sport utility vehicle, yet it offers dynamic ride and handling, excellent fuel efficiency and easy entry thanks to its car-based architecture.
Inside, the five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of families and those who need plenty of seating capacity with adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows that comfortably accommodate up to seven occupants. Whenever load carrying becomes a priority, the spacious cabin can be quickly transformed into a large cargo area. A generous 2760 mm wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks provide Orlando with outstanding interior roominess.
Chevrolet’s latest-generation 2.0-liter turbo diesel, developing 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque, provides a powerful and fuel efficient powertrain.
Following the recent announcement of the all-new Cruze sedan, the Orlando show car promises another page in Chevrolet’s product portfolio and another step in Chevrolet’s plan to offer customers around the globe impressive value, quality and fuel efficiency.
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