Production of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan is underway, but don't expect to see this hatchback version in the U.S. anytime soon.
General Motors has nixed plans to bring the hatchback version of the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze to the U.S. market.
GM officially launched production of the North American version of the Cruze at its big assembly complex in Lordstown, Ohio, Wednesday, to the applause of union officials and local political dignitaries – and the thousands of workers who, barely a year ago, were left wondering if they’d even have a job.
“We have been working hard toward this goal for the past two years,” said UAW Local 1112 President Jim Graham. “We have a premium small car that we are proud to build and eager to get into the dealerships.”
The first Cruze sedans built at Lordstown will arrive in dealerships next week and GM has a lot riding on the car, which many analysts believe could give the automaker a leg up on the imports that have normally dominated the compact segment, notably the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
The Chevy Cruze is getting strong reviews that could position it as a serious contender to the dominant Japanese compact sedans.
(“As important a launch as we’ve ever had,” says a senior Chevy exec. Click Here for the story.)
A successful launch would serve to underscore GM’s rebuilding effort is making solid progress and that the new GM is capable of overcoming the company’s abysmal track record in small cars.
Cruze, which is expected to get 40 miles per gallon, is already Chevrolet’s top-selling car worldwide this year, even before sales begin in the United States this month, according to GM officials.
“We are delivering a car with the quality, which Americans desire, matched with features they would not expect in this segment, from 40 mpg on our Eco model to 10 airbags as standard across the range,” General Motors North America President Mark Reuss said. “Of equal importance, we are working to redefine the views of a domestic carmaker building such a car here in the United States.”
(Does Cruze meet expectations? Click Here for TheDetroitBureau.com’s review.)
Reuss also emphasized that when the Cruze sedans do arrive at U.S. dealerships, they will offer consumers more for their money.
Prices for the Cruze start at $16,995, and the list of standard equipment includes electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.
“The third-party reviews of the Cruze in North America have been fantastic,” said Lordstown Plant Manager Bob Parcell. “Our Chevrolet dealers tell us Cruze demand is hot, and interest levels are the highest they have seen in 20 years. This will help drive our complex and Chevrolet into a new and exciting era.”
However, GM officials also have confirmed that the hatchback version of the Cruze that will be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show this fall will not be coming.
“When you see it, you’ll see its a beautiful car,” said one GM product specialist. But GM’s marketing experts concluded it would not appeal to American customers, who have traditionally shunned 3- and 5-door models.
(Is the U.S. market ready for a hatchback revival? Click Here for a sneak peek at the Chevy Aveo 5-door, which also will debut at the Paris Motor Show.)