New Chevrolet Aveo brings ‘hot-hatch’ style to small car segment
2010-09-08

* Aveo is one of four Chevrolet world premieres at the Paris Motor Show
* Dynamic design stays true to Aveo RS show car
* European engine lineup includes 1.3-lliter diesel engine and 6-speed transmissions

There is no shortage of world firsts for Chevrolet at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, and joining the Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback show car will be the all-new Chevrolet Aveo 5-door.

The car will go on sale in the United States and Canada in 2011.
The Aveo RS show car was displayed at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows earlier in 2010, and the final production-ready car looks every bit as compelling as the show car.

Entering the highly competitive global small car segment, striking design elements of the new Chevrolet Aveo include the dynamic looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and Chevrolet’s signature dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, rear door handles “hidden’ in the c-pillar and a ‘body in, wheels out’ profile.

Reminiscent of the recently introduced Spark in Europe, the new Aveo is designed to appeal to younger customers with its sporty hot-hatch look. A four-door sedan variant will launch in Europe alongside the hatch next summer. Both hatch and sedan are practical small cars providing ample interior space.

Final specifications of the new Aveo will be carefully tailored to each market in which it’s offered.

Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe says: “It’s just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet; in Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small-car segment.”
The new Aveo is longer and wider than the current model, giving it a spacious interior and cargo volume that is among best in class. The interior design perhaps holds even more surprises than the outside, in particular the motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster which features an analog tachometer combined with a digital speedometer.

Blue backlighting is featured on the center console, while the whole of the front cabin is enveloped in a wraparound fascia. This can be color-coded and flows from the dash into both the driver’s and front passenger’s doors. Aveo’s interior provides consumers with high quality materials as well as multiple storage spaces in the center stack and a modern audio system with USB, auxiliary-in and Bluetooth functionality.
Reflecting its sporty personality, Aveo has been engineered to provide communicative handling, a characteristic which stems partly from its tight body frame integral (BFI) structure where highest levels of torsional rigidity have been achieved.

The new Aveo’s chassis has been fine tuned to satisfy discerning tastes with a ride and handling ratio that combines comfort with responsiveness. Electronic power steering (EPS), Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes will be standard.

In Europe, a comprehensive range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be available in the new Chevrolet Aveo, incorporating the latest technologies such as variable valve timing, double continuous variable cam phasing and common rail fuel injection for the diesels.

The gasoline engine range includes two 1.2 liter versions (at 70 hp and at 86hp), a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter (115hp). For the first time, Aveo will be offered with two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology.

Chevrolet’s first 6-speed automatic transmission on a small car will be featured on the Aveo 1.4 and 1.6 as an option in most European markets; manual transmissions are of 5 or 6 speed depending on engine choice.

New hatchback is next chapter in Cruze success story

- Hatchback show car to be unveiled at Paris Motor Show
- New model will build on Cruze sedan’s global appeal
- Cruze hatchback cements Chevrolet’s mainstream credentials in Europe
- One of four Chevrolet premieres in Paris

The story of the Chevrolet Cruze goes from strength to strength with the latest chapter heralding the launch of a new 5-door hatchback model, further evidence of Chevrolet’s intention to bring value for money to all mainstream segments in Europe.

A show car version of Chevrolet’s compact contender will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, on September 30. It will be one of four world Chevrolet premieres at the show.

With the introduction of the new Cruze hatchback, customers have an alternative body style to the traditional sedan and Chevrolet has raised the bar again with a vehicle that brings new levels of value against some of the more established competition.

According to Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe, the potential for meeting further customer demand is significant. “Cruze is turning out to be a real success story. We are selling it in 70 countries around the world and it has recently surpassed the Aveo as our top selling passenger car nameplate globally.

“Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents around 4.8 million units which is over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume. We therefore expect to see increased business in a number of regions, while sending out a signal that Chevrolet is now a serious mainstream player in Europe.”

Since its launch in the spring 2009, the Cruze sedan has been warmly welcomed by markets all over the world, greeted as a step change for the brand with customers attracted to its coupe style, build quality, 5-star NCAP rating and driving dynamics. It was also elected the AUTOBEST car of 2010 by a jury of leading auto writers in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Chevrolet Cruze is a car particularly well suited to European driver tastes, a fact borne out by sales success across many of markets. So far in 2010, Cruze tops the compact sedan sales charts in many of the larger European markets including Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the U.K., where it is exceeding forecasted sales.

Outside of Europe, Cruze’s sales momentum is equally evident. In China alone, Chevrolet has sold nearly 90,000 Cruze since the start of the year, while the sedan is also selling well in Russia, parts of South America, and in India and other emerging markets.

Hatchback design

With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the new Cruze hatchback has the same dynamic ‘stance’ as the sedan and will be instantly recognizable. It will benefit too from the same taut body ‘feel’ on the road, being built using the new body-frame integral system (BFI) which is complemented by the final tuning to chassis components. The BFI system results in high levels of stability and solidity.

Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and will feature 60/40 split rear seating.

Chevrolet’s participation in the World Touring Car Championship with the Cruze is also currently paying great dividends. With four races left in the season, it currently leads both the drivers’ and team championships while also showcasing the dynamic qualities of the car to great effect.

The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe mid 2011 with prices announced nearer the launch date.

GM Hosts Pathway to Sustainable Mobility Forum

2010-05-26

*  Launches Expo 2010 Forum Series
* Addresses Stakeholder Roles, Technology and Infrastructure
* Announces Publication of China’s First Urban Mobility “Blue Paper”

Shanghai – General Motors launched its “Drive to 2030″: Sustainable Urban Mobility Forum series today with The Pathway to Sustainable Mobility Forum. The series was created to define the challenges facing future urban transportation and develop a roadmap for sustainable mobility.

Experts from the corporate, academic and government sectors discussed how to guide society along the path toward sustainable urban mobility. They covered the roles of major stakeholders as well as the technology and infrastructure required.

GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale announced during the opening of the forum that GM will publish the “Roadmap to 2030 Blue Paper” at the conclusion of World Expo 2010 Shanghai. It will be the first document of its kind in China that discusses future urban mobility solutions.

Elizabeth Deakin, Professor of City and Regional Planning at the University of California, Berkeley and Former Director of the Transportation Research Center, said that by 2025 over 60 percent of the world’s 8 billion people will live in cities. This migration to cities is being driven by many factors. “In some places, urbanization is an escape from failing soils, war, poverty, and other natural and man-made disasters. In many more places, it is the result of the new economic opportunities and challenges globalization presents,” said Deakin. “However, new ways of organizing and managing transportation and urban development will be needed to deliver a better quality of life.”

According to Feng Fei, Director General of Industry and Economy at the Development Research Center under China’s State Council, China’s level of urbanization could reach 65 percent by 2030. He said the Chinese government spent RMB 2 billion in the development of energy-efficient vehicles and vehicles utilizing new energy sources during the previous two Five-Year Plan periods. The government, said Feng, will continue to support the move away from the reliance on vehicles that utilize gasoline-powered internal combustion engines.

John Miles, Global Leader of Energy, Resources and Industry with the Arup Group, opined that a new generation of low-carbon vehicles and smart transit systems represents the key to mobility in tomorrow’s cities. He expressed the belief that green recharging stations for electric vehicles will eventually replace traditional gas stations. They will play the leading role in supporting the transit systems of urban areas in the future.

Alan Taub, Vice President of GM Global Research and Development, pointed out that the automotive industry has entered an “unexpected stage of invention and creation.” He called on the industry to take advantage of the new automobile DNA of electrification and connectivity to produce vehicles that are more fuel efficient, more sustainable, safer and more enjoyable to drive than vehicles currently on the road.

The “Drive to 2030″: Sustainable Urban Mobility Forum series is being held in conjunction with World Expo 2010 Shanghai to address the role of business, government, urban design, energy diversity, consumer behavior, innovation, and advanced technology in creating a balanced and better future. GM and its Chinese partner, SAIC, are the joint global automobile partner of Expo 2010.

Under the theme of “Drive to 2030,” they are introducing their vision of a future in which driving will be free from emissions, accidents, petroleum and congestion, as well as more enjoyable and fashionable than ever before.

The “Roadmap to 2030 Blue Paper” will draw together the thoughts of forum participants and highlight what needs to be done to make sustainable mobility a reality. GM is making individual chapters available online after the conclusion of each forum on its Expo 2010 website, www.gmexpo2010.com.

GM is hosting six forums at the SAIC-GM Pavilion in Shanghai. Topics include: Mobility Internet: Connecting the Virtual Superhighway; Electrification: Plugging into the Future; Design: Sketching the Road to Tomorrow; Technology Solutions: Roadmap to Reinvention; and Urban Mobility: Drive to the Future.

General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 205,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM is the joint global automobile partner of World Expo 2010 Shanghai along with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

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GM Daewoo’s All-New Luxury Sedan Debuts at 2010 Busan International Motor Show
Alpheon is GM Daewoo’s entry into the upper-midsize segment

2010-04-29

Busan, Korea – GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) unveiled its much-anticipated luxury sedan, the Alpheon, at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show today.

“With the introduction of the all-new Alpheon luxury sedan, we have added another attractive model to our product portfolio and our first entry in the fast-growing upper-midsize segment in Korea,” said GM Daewoo President and CEO Mike Arcamone.  “I am confident that the Alpheon will surpass the demands of the most sophisticated luxury sedan buyers in Korea.”

Another highlight of the GM Daewoo stand is a seven-seat compact multi-purpose vehicle, the Orlando show car, which is making its first appearance at an international motor show in Asia.

In addition, GM Daewoo has on display the Lacetti Premiere and GentraX race cars, and a Matiz mini-car artistically wrapped in pink.

With “Advancing Style” as its theme for this year’s Busan International Motor Show, GM Daewoo has 18 vehicles on display that showcase its automotive industry design expertise.

Alpheon – Stylish Luxury Sedan

The Alpheon is based on the same GM global architecture as the Buick LaCrosse, one of the three finalists for 2010 North American Car of the Year.

GM designers and engineers from Asia, Europe and North America targeted the luxury sedan as a global product that would meet the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets.

At first glance, the Alpheon’s sculpting design flows in all directions, giving the vehicle a tightly wrapped appearance and a fast, coupe-like profile.  Its dynamic and elegant body styling is highlighted by sharp side lines, short overhangs and fenders wrapped precisely around large wheel housings, giving it the presence of an upscale large sedan (2,837-mm wheelbase and 4,995mm body length).

With a unique emblem on its front “waterfall” grille, the Alpheon becomes a stand-alone luxury product brand in GM Daewoo’s product portfolio.

The innovative design philosophy continues in the Alpheon’s interior.  The flowing shape of its instrument panel design offers a distinct, confident and upscale impression. The refined look is an integrated center stack design that incorporates ice-blue light-emitting diode (LED) ambient lighting along with premium infotainment features. Adding to the use of soft-touch materials and low-gloss trim panels rather than traditional wood applications is indicative of exceptional and luxurious craftsmanship.

Powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Alpheon will ensure responsive performance when it is launched in the second half of this year in Korea.

Orlando – Versatile Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle

The Orlando show car combines the versatility of a sport utility, a family van and a wagon body style in a single execution.  Based on the architecture of the Lacetti Premiere, the Orlando show car signals GM Daewoo’s entry into the multi-purpose vehicle segment and is slated for sale next year.

This distinctive look is complemented by flared fender lines, which define a “wheels-out/body-in” stance that visually lowers the higher roof line.  A muscular look gives it the activity-oriented appearance of an SUV, yet it offers dynamic ride and handling, easy entry and great fuel efficiency thanks to its car-based architecture.  A generous 2,760-mm wheelbase and a wide front and rear track provide interior roominess that is best in class for a compact family van.

With adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows for up to seven occupants, the five-door Orlando is designed to meet the needs of family users.  Whenever load carrying becomes a priority, the spacious cabin can be quickly transformed into a large flat-bed cargo area.

The Orlando show car is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that generates powerful output of 150 horsepower and offers outstanding fuel economy.

GM Daewoo Stand Activities

During the Busan International Motor Show’s public days, GM Daewoo will host various entertainment activities on its stand.  They include concerts and a Children’s Day celebration.  In addition, photo sessions with racing models and customer consultation services will be provided on a daily basis.

GM Daewoo Auto & Technology was established on October 17, 2002.  It has five manufacturing facilities in Korea as well as an assembly facility in Vietnam.  In addition, GM Daewoo provides market and brand-specific vehicle kits for assembly at GM facilities in China, Thailand, India, Colombia and Venezuela.  In 2009, GM Daewoo sold in Korea and exported more than 1.5 million units, including CKD products.  GM Daewoo now produces vehicles and kits that are offered in more than 150 markets on six continents.  More information on GM Daewoo and its products can be found on the company’s website at http://media.gmdaewoo.co.kr/.

GM Unveils Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Electric Concept at Auto China 2010
Crossover with Extended Range Capability Builds on Volt’s Foundation

Beijing – Chevrolet has made a major commitment to providing world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles to its customers around the world. In recent months, through GM’s Shanghai GM joint venture, Chevrolet has introduced the fuel-efficient Cruze and New Sail in China. It will introduce the Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability in 2011.

In preparation for the Volt’s arrival, Chevrolet is leveraging Auto China 2010, which starts today in Beijing, to introduce the Volt MPV5 electric concept. The five-passenger multi-purpose crossover concept demonstrates the potential of the Voltec propulsion system by utilizing the same foundation as the Volt, for gas- and tailpipe emissions-free electric driving.

Maximizing Efficiency and Style

The styling of the Volt MPV5 concept borrows design and aerodynamic cues from the Chevrolet Volt. The front fascia is among the most aerodynamic of any crossover thanks to its closed grille and aero-optimized lower air dam, both of which help improve fuel efficiency. A full-underbody belly pan, along with rocker claddings, creased tail lamps and specially designed blades on the rear quarter, also help the Volt MPV5 concept cut through the wind with ease. The intense focus on improved aerodynamics enables greater all-electric range.

The exterior of the Volt MPV5 concept isn’t solely about efficiency. Its Sonic Blue Metallic paint provides a contemporary appeal, while the dual skylight panels and 19-inch Volt-inspired wheels build the Volt MPV5 concept’s sporty credentials.

“The Volt MPV5 concept takes the efficient design of the Chevrolet Volt and adapts it to the family vehicle crossover segment. It’s immediately recognizable as a true member of the Chevrolet family,” said Bob Boniface, Director of GM North America Crossover Exterior Design, whose team worked in conjunction with members of GM’s design studio in Australia on the Volt MPV5 concept.

The Volt MPV5 concept’s dimensions provide added passenger comfort. While the 2,760-mm wheelbase of the Volt MPV5 concept is a mere 15 mm longer than the wheelbase of the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 181 mm longer (4,585 mm), 73 mm wider (1,871 mm) and 182 mm taller (1,612 mm) than the Volt.

Inside, the Volt MPV5 concept adopts the Volt’s center stack and gauge cluster along with its striking two-tone leather seats. Thanks to the Volt MPV5 concept’s size, passenger comfort doesn’t take a backseat. Typical for Chevrolet crossovers, the Volt MPV5 concept’s seating position allows for maximum comfort and flexibility, including improved entry and egress.

When it comes to cargo, the Volt MPV5 concept carries on the crossover tradition thanks to its flip-and-fold second row seating, which provides up to 1,764.1 liters of cargo space with the seats folded and 863.7 liters of space behind the second row.

Voltec Power Boosts Green Credentials

The Volt MPV5 concept utilizes the same Voltec propulsion system found in the Chevrolet Volt, including the added capability of an engine generator to extend the driving range and eliminate “range anxiety.” A 16-kWh T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric drive unit.

The flexibility of the Voltec system enables the Volt MPV5 concept to meet full vehicle speed and acceleration requirements while driving the vehicle and its five occupants up to 51.5 km on pure electric propulsion. This is double what the average urban commuter in China travels each day. When the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter engine generator sustains the battery charge and provides up to 482 km of electric propulsion.

“The Volt MPV5 concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Voltec propulsion system, which can produce enough electric power to propel a range of vehicles. from a compact sedan like the Volt to a crossover like the Volt MPV5 concept,” said Doug Parks, Global Vehicle Line Executive and Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for Electric Vehicles at GM.

“Rapidly growing demand for personal transportation across China is creating new environmental and energy security challenges,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “GM is committed to finding and adopting solutions, which include the electrification of the automobile. The world premiere of the Volt MPV5 concept in Beijing demonstrates GM’s desire to make China a global focus of its advanced technology strategy.”

GM continues to advance electrification in China through research and development. It has launched the China Automotive Energy Research Center (CAERC) in Beijing. The venture with SAIC and Tsinghua University is developing a comprehensive automotive energy strategy for China. The GM China Science Lab, which opened last November, is carrying out advanced automotive-related research, including battery development. In March, GM introduced the EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concepts in Shanghai. A centerpiece of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, EN-V embodies GM’s vision for personal urban mobility in 2030. In addition, GM is supporting its Shanghai GM joint venture’s “Drive to Green” strategy, which is focused on developing green products, supporting green manufacturing and undertaking a green responsibility.

General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 204,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM is the joint global automobile partner of World Expo 2010 Shanghai along with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). More information on the new General Motors can be found at HYPERLINK “http://www.gm.com” \t “_blank”www.gm.com.

Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept

Specifications

Model: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 Concept
Body style / driveline: five-door, front-wheel-drive crossover
Description: electric vehicle with extended-range capability

Performance
Top speed (kph): 160 (100 mph)
EV range (city in km): up to 51.5 (32 mi) based on EPA city cycle
actual mileage may vary depending on driving habits/conditions, weather and battery age
Extended range: 482 km (300 mi) on a full tank of gasoline

Battery system

Type: lithium-ion
Energy: 16 kWh

Electric drive unit
Power (kW / hp): 111 / 150
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 273 / 370

Charging times
120 V: over 8 hours (actual charge times may vary)
240 V: about 4 hours (actual charge times may vary)

Brakes

Type: four-wheel disc, fully regenerative to maximize energy capture

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type: 17-inch forged aluminum
Tires: specially developed low rolling-resistance

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm): 108.7 / 2,760
Length (in / mm): 180.5 / 4,585
Width (in / mm): 73.7/ 1,871
Height (in / mm): 63.5 / 1,612

Interior
Seating capacity (front / rear): 5

Capacities
Cargo volume (cu ft): 62.3 cu-ft with rear seats folded, 30.5 cu-ft behind second row
Fuel tank (gal / L): TBD