In 2017, it was reported that General Motors had plans to discontinue the Chevrolet Sonic along with several other models in a massive restructuring for the Detroit automaker, which manifested itself in the form layoffs and plant closure announcements late last year. Yet the Chevrolet Sonic and the Orion Assembly plant remained absent from the turmoil.
From there, it was discovered that the American-built Sonic would discontinue in the Canadian market. However, earlier this month, Chevrolet communicated with us that the brand will “remain committed to the Chevrolet Sonic in the U.S.”
It seems that things have shifted between then and now, as a new report from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) says The Chevrolet Sonic is on the way out. The Sonic is the smallest vehicle built in the United States, and utilizes UAW labor.
“It [GM] also plans to end U.S. sales of its Chevy Sonic subcompact, people familiar with the matter say,” the WSJ wrote. An exact timeline was not given.
A retraction of the American passenger car is the current trend. Years of relentless marketing to U.S. consumers about the joys and benefits of SUVs, crossover, and trucks, bolstered by cheap credit and lengthy loan terms, has led Americans to fall in love again with such vehicles. However, even as the U.S. automotive market has enjoyed a sales bonanza, the rising tide of record profits are not lifting all boats. Sedans of all sizes and hatchbacks have suffered at the hand of these larger people movers. General Motors is no different.
Chevrolet Sonic sales peaked in 2014 at 93,518. They have fallen ever since, dropping by nearly 30,000 units the following year, selling just 64,775 Sonic compacts. In 2017, sales dropped to 30,290 units. Last year, Chevy sold 20,613 Sonic vehicles to customers. That’s nearly a fifth of the Chevy Sonics sold four years prior. Last year, overall subcompact car sales fell 22 percent over 2018.
GM isn’t the only U.S. automaker facing similar sales declines for sedans. In fact, it’s the last to do so.
Ford is similarly phasing out sedans, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles did the same, eliminating the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 several years ago, before the industry really understood what was going on, to focus its efforts on Jeep and its crossovers and SUVs.
The demise of the American sedan gives consumers looking for sub-$20,000 vehicles fewer choices at the dealership. Asian competitors like Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and Nissan are still offering sedans and hatches of all sizes in the U.S., but these brands have also been the popular choices in these low margin segments where copious amounts of volume are needed for programs to be viable. The move to eliminate low-profit models is all about future sustainability; however, if gas prices spike or credit becomes difficult to secure, automakers without affordable, efficient offerings could be in trouble.
Comments
I highly doubt the Chevy Sonic will be discontinued. If anything, as I’ve stated before, it will more likely live on with updated engine options, or become a BEV. The Chevy Sonic shares the same platform at the Chevy Bolt (BEV), and it would make sense to continue utilizing that platform, and give the Sonic a lower range than the Bolt. If the Sonic does not become a BEV, GM will update the engine to possibly the 1.5L of 2.0T, add more customization options, and make safety features STANDARD. The Chevy Sonic is the majority of First Time Vehicle Buyers to the Chevrolet brand
Considering that there is a sharp decline in sales in the North American market it will very likely be dropped from the line up for the US and Canada. But will not go out of production completely because it is built for several other markets around the world with plants in China, Russia, Columbia, Korea, Thailand, and Mexico.
Since they also announced late last year that the Cruze will no longer be available to the American market now the Sonic will the Spark follow?
I do agree that most Sonic purchases are from first time car buyers, but I also think a large number of those people “settle” for one. Hell, I’m a perfect example of it. I “settled” for a 2015 RS because I couldn’t afford insurance on a Fiesta ST at the time. But after 3 years of slow modifications to a good little part-time autocrosser/part-time daily driver, I wouldn’t trade it for anything thats comparable
It’s staying. No it’s going. No it’s staying but we don’t know where it’s being built. Nope it’s going in Canada but staying in the US. Uh no it’s not. GM at it’s indecisive best.
We bought a new Sonic in 2013 and recently traded it on a 2019 TRAX. The Sonic was a comfortable, economical and totally reliable vehicle. Great that it was built in USA and using USA materials. Sorry to see it go off the market.
For Sure Harry Johnson.
I have a 2013 sedan with the 1.4 T 6spd manual, which now has 190,000 on it.
The car has been bulletproof…even has the original clutch. Just regular maintenance and Mobil 1.
Honda and toyoda should get out of business
Honda and toyada should get out of business
Full glass roof, 240 HP AWD, upgrade interior, wider track and smooth flowing wheel arches, heat extractor hood, and bring back a two door, oh and lets have a center armrest that works for both passengers! Keep it under $30,000… I’d like one then!