It wasn’t long ago when European drivers were getting some of Ford’s best cars, including the all-new Fiesta. But Ford has since realized that it needs hot compacts like the Ford Fiesta, and a global lineup, to succeed in the tough economic environment. Taking the hint from Ford, it seems like General Motors will also be boldly entering the compact segment with a hot new model.
There are plans underway at GM to bring small cars from China here to the North American market to bolster auto sales in this lucrative segment. While expectations at this point are low at around 17,000 Chinese-sourced small cars by 2011, Cleveland Chevrolet dealers contend that this number may grow to well over 50,000 units by 2014.
Although no specific model has yet been mentioned, it is expected that the Chinese built Chevrolet Spark will be included, along with an all-new version of the Chevy Aveo. The Lova/Daewoo Kalos subcompact is also on the table.
GM’s compact car plans are still very much in the air and have yet to be confirmed. There are certainly many factors that may keep GM from importing cars from China to the U.S. However, Hartford Auto Loans stresses that GM does need cheap, attractive compacts and subcompacts if it hopes to remain profitable in the U.S. Luckily, the Chevrolet Spark would certainly help those aspirations and one Chevy dealer that specializes in used cars Cleveland looks forward to its arrival in U.S. showrooms and is hopeful for the ability to sell more affordable, high value cars.
A huge roadblock for GM in this reported new endeavor may be trade unions. Shipping jobs to China in a time of economic plight would certainly be a political minefield. Ultimately, it’s just one more challenge that GM has to face in the coming months.
* * *
Keep reading to find current Chevrolet news and more.
Comments on this entry are closed.