I think GM has a lot of potential upswing. If the new 2.5L 4 banger they are bringing out runs similar to a Honda and Toyota, I can see a big potential jump for the next Malibu. After driving several rentals with the 3.6L V6, I'm thinking GM may be able to put out a decent 4 cylinder engine too. If they update the Traverse in the next few years I can see it eating into the Explorer, as well as the Asian entries. What they need to do next is figure out how to bring new products (vehicles, drivetrains, etc.) out without the early glitches that have showed up too often in the past. They also need to thin out products. Put a good, new 4 banger in the Equinox and offer the 3.6L as the V6 and this product will fill another plant. Dump the old drivetrains as quickly as possible. You don't need a multitude of V6 engines.
Having an engine to generate power is a strong feature compared to the Leaf and any others coming. Even toyota copied that in their plug in version of the Prius which is getting a little long in the tooth.
What's new is that the Spark EV is now official. No wonder they dropped the "More Car than Electric" tag line for the Volt:
Chevrolet to Produce Spark EV All-Electric Vehicle Mini-car joins growing portfolio of electrified vehicles
2011-10-12
DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced it will produce an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark mini-car – the Spark EV. It will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013, including California.
"The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option," said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. "It complements Chevrolet's growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology."
Feedback from participants in Chevrolet's electric vehicle demonstration fleets in Shanghai (Sail EV), Korea (Cruze EV) and India (Beat EV) are being incorporated into the Spark EV.
"Our global demo fleets continue to provide insight into the needs of electric vehicle customers living in urban environments," said Federico. "The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet's plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world."
A123 Systems will supply the advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs that will power the Spark EV. Details on specific markets, range, quantities and pricing will be announced later.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
CUE comes first to the new Cadillac XTS, the luxury brand's new large car, in April. Next, it will show up on the new ATS small car next summer. Then it will come to other Cadillac models as each is refreshed or given a new look, such as the SRX.
OK, but it's great that it has the tactile feel of a depressed button. That is really slick.
Also getting my attention is the ATS. OK, Caddy, now I'm interested...we'll see if the new small caddy can beat the pack that is so far ahead of you, you need binoculars to see the vapor trails!
It'd be nice to see GM get that 3.6L V6 in their pickups, to give buyers a decent V6 engine, over the old, anemic 4.3L. When's that going to happen. Ford seems to have a pretty good start on GM.
Is the new Colorado going to use that 4 cyl and 6 cyl?
BTW - for anyone drooling over the hp of that new Camaro; it's reported that the 2013 Shelby Mustang will be producing well over 600hp, for a similar price.
Though remember, the Colorado originally was not-for-USA, and they changed their minds about that.
It's a shrinking segment, though. Everyone's gone to unibody crossovers. Perhaps GM would have the segment all to itself, though. I wonder how well it would do?
Yeah, I saw a show on Speed channel about the entire torture test that they put the truck through. If you put your truck through HALF of what they did, then may I suggest a different type of vehicle, such as a tank?
Some german made vehicles have been described as being Tank-like and bank vault-like.
But that doesn't help with the German vehicles that have been mechanical nightmares. However I agree that Germany makes some good products. In fact, a lot of GM's latest offerings have German Opel roots.
A reporter seeks to interview California residents who are currently considering a new Chevy sedan (Cruze, Malibu, Sonic) or who recently bought one. Please email pr@edmunds.com by Friday, October 14, 2011 and indicate your city of residence, your daytime phone number, the Chevy sedan of interest and the car model you currently drive.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I’m a Chevrolet dealer we have a Chevy Volt on the lot, it’s been there now for four weeks. We’ve had one person come in to look at it, just to see what it actually looks like Here’s a car that costs $45,763. I can stock that car for probably a year and then have to sell it at some ridiculous price. By the way, I just received some additional information from Chevrolet: in addition to the $7,500 [federal] tax credit, Pennsylvania is going to throw another $3,500 to anybody foolish enough to buy one of these cars, somehow giving them $11,000 of taxpayer money to buy this Volt.
Seriously. I'm replacing a couple of Li-ion laptop batteries per week. Just checked, we have 126 Lenovo X200s that I'm responsible for. They are about 2.5 years old now, and I'd say I've had to replace a 40 of them at least, already. The 3 year warranty we got has more than paid for itself.
These have 6 cells. A Volt has 288 of the same cells. Multiply the concern I have of Lenovo batteries by a factor of 48.
Any how, about a third of them have failed in less than 3 years. The Volt has a cooling system, and doesn't fully discharge its batteries, to improve longevity, but how is that going to improve a 3 year half life to anything truly long-term?
I predict what will happen, before total failure, is that range will slowly erode, as individual cells fail.
Li-ion runs a lot hotter than NiMH. They charge quicker and last longer, but there's more heat, and the battery failure rate for these is higher than I've ever seen in my 19 year career.
The Spark is built in Korea, India and Uzbekistan, and EV development of the previous-generation Spark took place in India, initially under REVA and later in-house at GM. An EV version of the Chevy New Sail has also been developed in China, while an EV Cruze is being tested in Korea. But GM won’t say which of its global divisions is developing the new Spark EV, let alone where it will eventually be made. One thing seems certain though: unlike the Volt, this forthcoming EV won’t enjoy the benefits of a “Made in USA” sticker (even though the Volt’s battery cells, transmission and range-extending engine are currently built in Korea, Japan and Austria respectively). In fact, the Spark EV could just be the first Indian- or Chinese-built car to go on sale in the US.
Although there is still resistance, GM will probably wind up manufacturing most of it's small cars, which will be of the less than $15K price point criteria, outside of the USA. Particularly since the last UAW contract. Catch-22, GM.
The Sonic was also designed in Korea, though the ones sold here will be built here.
The Cruze and Malibu were European-derived. Reflects the fact the cars were not GM's "Focus" for a few decades before 2008.
Now, the smaller cars are going to be imported from GM Int'l. Makes complete sense since small, bullet-proof cars are not USA-Created. Monster Trucks, OK, but quality and dependability are still a concern with the big boys in the USA, even though the power trains are world class. Sounds like the German references a few posts back???
The Sonic was also designed in Korea, though the ones sold here will be built here.
The Cruze and Malibu were European-derived. Reflects the fact the cars were not GM's "Focus" for a few decades before 2008.
And I hear people lambasting the Asian makes which are supposedly "engineered over there". But a lot of the Asian makes are actually designed in the states.
The Cruze and Malibu were European-derived. Reflects the fact the cars were not GM's "Focus" for a few decades before 2008.
Heck, GM had been doing this kind of stuff for decades. Once upon a time, Opels were sold through Buick dealers. The Chevette was actually a "world car"...not sure where it was actually developed, but in the US we tended to get the dumbed-down versions while Europe and Japan got the nicer models.
To be fair, Ford and Chrysler did it too. The first Ford Escort was another one of those "World cars" that was designed to be sold everywhere. The Pinto used a Brazilian engine, and I think early ones used an English engine. And the Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon was a Simca design, I believe, and early models used Peugeout or VW engines.
My grandfather fought in WW2, and swore he'd never buy anything Japanese. Yet he owned a used 1972 Chevy LUV (made by Isuzu) and a new 1981 Dodge D50 (Mitsubishi). So, the American auto makers slipped a couple past him!
I'm looking for a small SUVs for fuel economy as well as for the size. I'm thin and long legged with a short torso and cannot find one to accommodate my frame. The problem is with moving the seat up - it goes forward and up! The "pump" style is worse, but the electric option does the same, but to a smaller degree. The seat depth, hip to knee is also uncomfortably short. I currently have an old Mountaineer which gives support for my legs, yet the new Ford Explorer has no room or support! Some of the vehicles I've tried are: Equinox, Escape, Edge, CX-7, Outlander, Forester, Outback, Terrain, CR-V, Element, Pilot, Santa Fe, Venza, Sportage, Rogue and Rav4. Help! It's looking as though I'm out of luck and will have to settle for a larger, higher cost, gas-gussling vehicle.
What you need to add to your list are the smaller 4 cylinder pickup trucks. Most of them get good MPG for a SUV and have lots of leg room as they are based upon older designs. (ie - frame and body vs unibody) Naturally you want a 4WD model as they have better height, safety (usually 500lbs more weight) and hold their value better. Oh, and they are great in bad weather.
Also, check out the Jeep Patriot. It's very inexpensive and actually is quite good.
The first German car that I ever drove and fell in love with was my uncle's Opel Kadette that he bought at a Buick dealer. It happened to be the last car in the driveway at a family party and they needed someone to take my grandmother home so he tossed me the keys.
Oh, my, those LUVs were horrible. Not one to keep in the memory bank if at all possible.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Ah, the Chevy Luv. I learned to drive stick in one that a HS friend owned. His was painted yellow and, IIRC, lowered just a bit. It helped that his dad worked the body shop at the local Chevy dealer.
I don't remember it being that bad, but I only drove it up and down my street.
I think I was 9 or 10 when my grandparents got rid of that '72 LUV, in 1980 I think. I don't remember it being too bad, but I was also just a little kid. Back then, we went down to the mountains in SW Virginia a lot, because my uncle lived down there. I remember that LUV really couldn't take the long upgrades or mountain roads very well, at least not like their '76 GMC crew cab could!
They finally gave it to my uncle, who wrecked it after a few months.
I remember it had a camper shell on the back. Granddad wanted to take the shell off, to save a little weight and get better fuel economy, but Grandmom made him keep it on, because without it, she was afraid the truck would feel too small and vulnerable!
I'm sure if they kept that truck around longer, I would have learned to hate it as I grew older, and bigger.
I never had one but I always thought the concept was a good one. Back when I met my wife in '80, she hated the SuperBeetle I had and so we shopped for a road trip vehicle. We wound up with a beater Datsun wagon, but we test drove a rebuilt LUV.
I liked it but the big turn off was that the owner was a kid who had modified a lot of it and I didn't trust that he knew what he was doing. And he was a bit desperate to sell it. Not a good sign. I think it would have worked out great to use around town though.
Not a good sign. I think it would have worked out great to use around town though.
That's mainly what my Granddad bought it for. At the time, they had a '72 Impala with a 350, and a '76 GMC 3/4 ton crew cab, also with a 350. Granddad said that in the right conditions, the Impala could get 19 mpg, but the truck usually got about 10. I think Granddad only paid $200-300 for that LUV, and it was great for running around locally and such.
Not too long after they got rid of the LUV, they got an '81 Dodge D50. Unfortunately, it pulled a sudden acceleration stunt on them at a gas station and they ended up in the woods at the end of the parking lot. After they got it fixed, Grandmom refused to ride in it again, so they sold it. However, they sold it to a neighbor just down the street, who had it until the mid 1990's. So, it must not have been *too* horrible!
I remember somebody who had the Ford version of the LUV called the Ford Courier. It was built by Mazda. Seems all LUVs and Couriers were painted light yellow back in the day.
They sell well in Brazil, but I actually disagree with Mike and don't think it would do well in heavy-duty-loving-USA. A Holden Ute would stand a better chance.
Comments
When you look at the Cruze and now the Sonic's reviews -- GM has its best smaller car lineup I've ever seen. :surprise:
Chevy to market Spark mini EV in U.S., reports say
Government Motors Wants to Trademark ‘Range Anxiety’
That article is 1 year 2 months old. Old news.
Having an engine to generate power is a strong feature compared to the Leaf and any others coming. Even toyota copied that in their plug in version of the Prius which is getting a little long in the tooth.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Chevrolet to Produce Spark EV All-Electric Vehicle
Mini-car joins growing portfolio of electrified vehicles
2011-10-12
DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced it will produce an all-electric version of the Chevrolet Spark mini-car – the Spark EV. It will be sold in limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013, including California.
"The Spark EV offers customers living in urban areas who have predictable driving patterns or short commutes an all-electric option," said Jim Federico, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at Chevrolet. "It complements Chevrolet's growing range of electrified vehicles, including the Volt extended-range EV and the 2013 Malibu Eco with eAssist technology."
Feedback from participants in Chevrolet's electric vehicle demonstration fleets in Shanghai (Sail EV), Korea (Cruze EV) and India (Beat EV) are being incorporated into the Spark EV.
"Our global demo fleets continue to provide insight into the needs of electric vehicle customers living in urban environments," said Federico. "The Spark EV is another step in Chevrolet's plan to provide customers with a variety of electrification solutions to address the lifestyle and transportation needs of people around the world."
A123 Systems will supply the advanced nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs that will power the Spark EV. Details on specific markets, range, quantities and pricing will be announced later.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
News Source: Detroit News, Green Car Reports, GM
Cadillac User Experience
CUE comes first to the new Cadillac XTS, the luxury brand's new large car, in April. Next, it will show up on the new ATS small car next summer. Then it will come to other Cadillac models as each is refreshed or given a new look, such as the SRX.
Regards,
OW
{purely tongue in cheek}
I can see it now, you wipe your nose, BAM! The trans shifts in to reverse!
Also getting my attention is the ATS. OK, Caddy, now I'm interested...we'll see if the new small caddy can beat the pack that is so far ahead of you, you need binoculars to see the vapor trails!
ATS Teaser at the Green Hell
Don't come up short...hard to do after the Cim-moron!
Regards,
OW
Is the new Colorado going to use that 4 cyl and 6 cyl?
BTW - for anyone drooling over the hp of that new Camaro; it's reported that the 2013 Shelby Mustang will be producing well over 600hp, for a similar price.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/13/2013-chevrolet-trailblazer-not-coming-to-the-- u-s/
Though remember, the Colorado originally was not-for-USA, and they changed their minds about that.
It's a shrinking segment, though. Everyone's gone to unibody crossovers. Perhaps GM would have the segment all to itself, though. I wonder how well it would do?
It will happen at some point. Last I read, over 50% of f150's are selling with v6 power between the 3.7 and 3.5 Ecoboost.
I test drove a new F150 with the EB v6. Very impressive. Lots of power at all rpm. My only question is durability.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/17/torture-tested-ford-ecoboost-v6-engine-torn-d- own-at-detroit-auto/
But that doesn't help with the German vehicles that have been mechanical nightmares. However I agree that Germany makes some good products. In fact, a lot of GM's latest offerings have German Opel roots.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I’m a Chevrolet dealer we have a Chevy Volt on the lot, it’s been there now for four weeks. We’ve had one person come in to look at it, just to see what it actually looks like Here’s a car that costs $45,763. I can stock that car for probably a year and then have to sell it at some ridiculous price. By the way, I just received some additional information from Chevrolet: in addition to the $7,500 [federal] tax credit, Pennsylvania is going to throw another $3,500 to anybody foolish enough to buy one of these cars, somehow giving them $11,000 of taxpayer money to buy this Volt.
:lemon:
I'm not sure anyone still build 'em as durable, though, with all the emissions and electronics, they won't last half as long.
Kirstie's gotten my name in print several times, so I can vouch for it. :shades:
I wonder how a Volt will age in 30 or 40 years.
Leaf benefits more because the same incentive represents a higher % discount.
Shoot, an iMiev would probably be free.
I wonder how it will age in 3 or 4 years.
Seriously. I'm replacing a couple of Li-ion laptop batteries per week. Just checked, we have 126 Lenovo X200s that I'm responsible for. They are about 2.5 years old now, and I'd say I've had to replace a 40 of them at least, already. The 3 year warranty we got has more than paid for itself.
These have 6 cells. A Volt has 288 of the same cells. Multiply the concern I have of Lenovo batteries by a factor of 48.
Any how, about a third of them have failed in less than 3 years. The Volt has a cooling system, and doesn't fully discharge its batteries, to improve longevity, but how is that going to improve a 3 year half life to anything truly long-term?
I predict what will happen, before total failure, is that range will slowly erode, as individual cells fail.
Li-ion runs a lot hotter than NiMH. They charge quicker and last longer, but there's more heat, and the battery failure rate for these is higher than I've ever seen in my 19 year career.
So all IT people do is change batteries? Sign me up :shades:
Edit: Volt gets 8 years on the battery (I say good luck):
http://gigaom.com/cleantech/gm-unveils-8-year-chevy-volt-battery-warranty/
Although there is still resistance, GM will probably wind up manufacturing most of it's small cars, which will be of the less than $15K price point criteria, outside of the USA. Particularly since the last UAW contract. Catch-22, GM.
Regards,
OW
Building it there? I'll leave that up to the bean counters to debate.
The Sonic was also designed in Korea, though the ones sold here will be built here.
Volt sales
Chinese built EV here, that'll go well
The Cruze and Malibu were European-derived. Reflects the fact the cars were not GM's "Focus" for a few decades before 2008.
Now, the smaller cars are going to be imported from GM Int'l. Makes complete sense since small, bullet-proof cars are not USA-Created. Monster Trucks, OK, but quality and dependability are still a concern with the big boys in the USA, even though the power trains are world class. Sounds like the German references a few posts back???
Regards,
OW
The Cruze and Malibu were European-derived. Reflects the fact the cars were not GM's "Focus" for a few decades before 2008.
And I hear people lambasting the Asian makes which are supposedly "engineered over there". But a lot of the Asian makes are actually designed in the states.
Heck, GM had been doing this kind of stuff for decades. Once upon a time, Opels were sold through Buick dealers. The Chevette was actually a "world car"...not sure where it was actually developed, but in the US we tended to get the dumbed-down versions while Europe and Japan got the nicer models.
To be fair, Ford and Chrysler did it too. The first Ford Escort was another one of those "World cars" that was designed to be sold everywhere. The Pinto used a Brazilian engine, and I think early ones used an English engine. And the Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon was a Simca design, I believe, and early models used Peugeout or VW engines.
My grandfather fought in WW2, and swore he'd never buy anything Japanese. Yet he owned a used 1972 Chevy LUV (made by Isuzu) and a new 1981 Dodge D50 (Mitsubishi). So, the American auto makers slipped a couple past him!
It's looking as though I'm out of luck and will have to settle for a larger, higher cost, gas-gussling vehicle.
What's with this new design?
true, but audi never has, if thats what your implying
Also, check out the Jeep Patriot. It's very inexpensive and actually is quite good.
Oh, my, those LUVs were horrible. Not one to keep in the memory bank if at all possible.
I don't remember it being that bad, but I only drove it up and down my street.
Oh, it was fine for that.....
They finally gave it to my uncle, who wrecked it after a few months.
I remember it had a camper shell on the back. Granddad wanted to take the shell off, to save a little weight and get better fuel economy, but Grandmom made him keep it on, because without it, she was afraid the truck would feel too small and vulnerable!
I'm sure if they kept that truck around longer, I would have learned to hate it as I grew older, and bigger.
I liked it but the big turn off was that the owner was a kid who had modified a lot of it and I didn't trust that he knew what he was doing. And he was a bit desperate to sell it. Not a good sign. I think it would have worked out great to use around town though.
That's mainly what my Granddad bought it for. At the time, they had a '72 Impala with a 350, and a '76 GMC 3/4 ton crew cab, also with a 350. Granddad said that in the right conditions, the Impala could get 19 mpg, but the truck usually got about 10. I think Granddad only paid $200-300 for that LUV, and it was great for running around locally and such.
Not too long after they got rid of the LUV, they got an '81 Dodge D50. Unfortunately, it pulled a sudden acceleration stunt on them at a gas station and they ended up in the woods at the end of the parking lot. After they got it fixed, Grandmom refused to ride in it again, so they sold it. However, they sold it to a neighbor just down the street, who had it until the mid 1990's. So, it must not have been *too* horrible!
Yep, Chevy, not Pontiac. It's a pickup they make in Brazil based on the Corsa B segment platform.
Mike Levine had a good article on it:
http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/stories/small-trucks/chevrolet-tornado/falling-- - in-luv-again.html
They sell well in Brazil, but I actually disagree with Mike and don't think it would do well in heavy-duty-loving-USA. A Holden Ute would stand a better chance.
My grandparents' '72 LUV was a pale blue. For some reason, whenever I think of a Ford Courier, I picture brown.
In Brazil, they used to call it the "Chevy 500", the number referring to the 500kg payload, which is a more believable 1100 lbs.
1600 lbs maybe including the passengers? That seems really optimistic.