Reuss: Next-Gen 2015 Chevy Cruze To Offer Hatchback Variant In North America
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We reported over a year ago that the Chevrolet Cruze five-door hatchback might reach the North American market when it came time for the all-new model in 2015. And when Mark Reuss, President of GM North America, sat down for lunch with Forbes to discuss the holes the automaker was looking to fill in its vehicle lineup, the engineer-turned-executive confirmed our long-standing suspicion.
In reference to the Cruze hatch not coming to the North American market, Reuss said, “That was a pre-bankruptcy planning mistake”, adding that the current Cruze is selling extremely well and that “the next-generation will blow you away”.
GM somewhat confused customers (as well as us) by not offering the Cruze hatch in North America, a move that made it lose out on sales for the otherwise hot-selling car, especially in the face of the Ford Focus being available in sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. A mistake indeed.
The next-gen Cruze will debut GM’s new D2XX global vehicle platform and 1.5L Ecotec engine when it hits the market in time for 2016. Here’s to hoping that it doesn’t disappoint.
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Well hallelujah, etc., etc. They’ve finally come to their senses. I’m with you guys on this. The Cruze hatch, a no brainer, should have been part of the lineup all along. Put the diesel in it as well.
Would love to see a Verano version as well. Maybe even with full power seats this time.
This is a smart move even if Americans trash hatchbacks like minivans. Call it a crossover like the Vibe and all is well. Also note the sales increases of companies like Subaru. Get creative and brand it as a Sportsback.
To meet future CAFE standards the industry will want to trumpet the practicality of hatchbacks. There is a reason hatchbacks are so practical in Europe. There are few trucks around and expensive gas, so practicality has to come in small efficient packages.
We have a history of trashing useful vehicles. Early wagons even came as hardtops with prices close to or greater than convertibles. They were hot and upscale. The arrival of the minivan and gutless wagons ended that love affair. Then the SUV got traction and we started dumping on minivans. Now crossovers and environmentalists have the SUV in their sights. Soon sporty hatchbacks will want their turn in the sunshine.
i think the focus hatch counts for around 40% of focus sales if not more, so this should lead to even larger cruze sales
It was a no brainer and yet GM took all this time. I wanted the Cruze wagon but it never came.
Wasn’t the Cruze hatchback designed by the Holden design center in Melbourne?
Could not agree more. Hopefully GM will get it right and essentially duplicate what Subaru does in catering to people with an “active lifestyle” but who also care about driving performance. One important change from Subaru: Make the AWD optional so that it doesn’t hurt the gas mileage of people (in the South) who don’t need it. I would probably own a Subaru if it were not for the fact that their boxer engine was so far behind Mazda SKYACTIV, and I would probably own a Ford Focus if they did what either Subaru or Mazda did in terms of facilitating a nice (non-clip) roof rack.
So GM, don’t screw it up. If you can’t package in high end options, and without monthly subscription fees, then give us a Verano Hatch and price it as needed up front. I’ll buy foreign again, but would certainly prefer to buy American.
What took you all so long to figure that out. I am definitely getting the hatchback when it’s released. It will be nice if you all offer the “all wheel drive” option but I am not pushing my luck. I’ll just be happy to get the hatchback pending the price is good as the present cruze. Patiently waiting.