Chevy Onix Has Twice As Many Semiconductors Than Its Rivals In Brazil

As GM Authority recently reported, the new Chevy Tracker and Onix offer segment-leading safety features in Brazil, thanks to the state-of-the-art architecture that both vehicles share. Now, General Motors is flaunting the technological lead of its successful Chevy Onix subcompact by claiming it relies on twice as many semiconductors and electronic modules than its main rivals in the South American country and the entire region.

The automaker claims that today’s second-generation Chevy Onix has roughly 1,000 semiconductors and integrated systems spread across nearly 20 modules, enabling the vehicle to boast the most advanced set of safety and technology features in its class. That’s more than double the amount of semiconductors found in competing models such as the Hyundai HB20, the Fiat Argo and the Volkswagen Polo.

Although the company does not directly point it out, this statement is the result of serious difficulties it has faced since the beginning of the year to manufacture the Chevy Onix in Brazil, where production of the popular model has been halted for more than three months due to the semiconductor chip shortage. Although this situation is negatively impacting Onix sales, GM will not reduce the number of features found in the model, as it seeks to retain its technological lead at any cost.

“It was by adding innovative technologies that the Chevrolet brand turned its vehicles into a reference in safety, comfort, connectivity and performance,” said GM South America president Carlos Zarlenga in a press release. “We will not fail to offer what our customers most value in an automobile or focus on basic versions due to the momentary shortage of supplies, even if this temporarily impacts our production”, he added.

A survey conducted by GM South America indicates that semiconductors are distributed as follows in the most technologically advanced combustion-engined cars: 30 percent for safety systems, 30 percent for comfort and convenience systems, 25 percent for connectivity systems and 15 percent for propulsion systems.

Since its introduction in Brazil for the 2012 model year, the Chevy Onix has been a customer favorite for including modern and innovative features for the first time in its segment. Since 2015, it has established itself as the best-selling vehicle in the country and is currently GM’s highest-volume passenger car in the world. Despite being affected by the shortage of components, the Onix continues to be the most sought-after vehicle by Brazilian consumers due to its outstanding value.

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