During the first six months of 2010, the Cruze sold 140,000 units, which makes for a total of 270,000 copies since its launch in Europe and other markets worldwide. In fact, the total number of Cruzes sold under the Chevrolet, Daewoo, and Holden nameplates exceed 340,000 units.
Whether Chevrolet (and General Motors, of course) will be able to continue the success of the Cruze here in the U.S. is currently a question that has no answer. But we think the Cruze will do just fine here, thank you very much.
Chevrolet Cruze Sales Pass 270,000 as U.S. Introduction Nears
China, Russia Among 60 Countries to Embrace New Compact
DETROIT – Even before the first models reach U.S. dealers, the Chevrolet Cruze is among the fastest-growing nameplates in the world with sales rising an average of 18 percent per month.
Internationally, customers have purchased 140,000 Cruze in the first six months of 2010 and a total of 270,000 since Cruze launched in the spring of 2009 in Europe, followed by other major markets, such as China in summer of 2009.
Cruze is currently available in more than 60 countries, with China, Russia, Mexico, India and Spain as the top five sales markets. Including Holden and Daewoo versions sold in Australia and South Korea, total sales exceed 340,000 vehicles across five continents.
Cruze will begin arriving at U.S. dealerships in September. With U.S. models produced in Lordstown, Ohio, Cruze will be one of the few compact car built in the U.S. for 2011 model year. Production at the Lordstown complex will begin with three shifts, assembling Cruze models around the clock to meet expected customer demand.
“Customers around the world have already made Cruze an international success, setting the stage for it here in the U.S.,” said Margaret Brooks, director of marketing for Chevrolet small cars. “For U.S. customers, Cruze will be priced to compete with compact cars while offering more interior room, more miles per gallon in the Eco model, and more standard safety features.”
In the U.S., Cruze models will start at $16,995 for the LS model, equipped with the most standard safety features in its segment, including 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
The Cruze Eco model starts at $18,895, featuring a standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission. With ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and an enhanced aerodynamic-performance package, Cruze Eco is expected to deliver 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
The top of the line Cruze LTZ model starts at $22,695 and features a standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, ultrasonic rear-parking assist, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
One million sales per year. That number is commonly tossed around by automotive manufacturers as the be-all-end-all sales target for a mainstream global vehicle. In fact, very few models have been able to achieve that kind of volume… well, ever!
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