Autoblog

GM to build Cruze and other Chevy models in Europe?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, South Korea

Automotive News reports General Motors may begin manufacturing the Chevrolet Cruze in Europe. The vehicle would likely be produced at an Opel plant in Poland, while a handful of other Chevrolet models may see their production move elsewhere in Europe. The move is said to be the first step toward moving GM European operations toward profitability. The automaker would pull some production out of South Korea, which would then free up the company to proceed with cost-cutting measures at Opel. Automotive News reports Opel has lost approximately $13 billion since 1999.

Under the plan, Cruze production would find a home in Gliwice, Poland. Meanwhile, GM would spread the vehicles currently built at the facility across other Opel plants in the EU. Additionally, GM is considering moving the Orlando crossover to the Opel facility in Bochum, Germany. That plant currently builds the Zafira minivan, and has been rumored to face a closing in the future.

Last year, GM exported around 250,000 vehicles to Europe from South Korea.

GM to build Cruze and other Chevy models in Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Life-size Play-Doh Chevrolet Orlando appears on London streets

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, UK, Humor

Chevrolet Orlando Play-Doh Sculpture - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is building buzz for the Chevrolet Orlando in Europe with a rather unique guerrilla marketing campaign. The company crafted a full-scale Play-Doh model of the MPV and parked it in downtown London. The instillation weighs in at a staggering 1.5 tons and measures 15 feet long by almost six feet wide. If you're trying to work out the connection between Play-Doh and the Orlando, don't stretch your gray matter too hard. As it turns out, the connection has less to do with any correlation between the vehicle and the malleable goo than it does with some research conducted by the minds at Chevrolet.

The automaker pinged 1,000 UK adults in an attempt to discern the most popular toy of yesteryear. Play-Doh handily took that title with 19 percent of the vote. We're a little disappointed to see that the modeling compound beat out Lego blocks at 17 percent. A full-scale Play-Doh Orlando is impressive, no doubt, but we've got a special place in our hearts for huge Lego builds. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando Play-Doh Sculpture

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Life-size Play-Doh Chevrolet Orlando appears on London streets

Life-size Play-Doh Chevrolet Orlando appears on London streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Orlando offers frill-free utility

Chris Paukert — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Orlando - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet has debuted its Orlando people mover here at the Paris Motor Show, and while we were originally a bit nonplussed at being promised the car in the U.S. only to have General Motors later recant, we're no longer upset at its absence. Inexpensive and frumpy smallish MPVs still manage to find an audience in many European markets, but having fiddled with the Orlando today, we suspect that it probably wouldn't have fared that well Stateside.

Our first impression is that the Orlando is rather Dodge Journey-esque, albeit a bit smaller (it's Cruze-based, but bigger than it looks). Still, it shares the Dodge's seven-seat configuration and value-oriented bent, though it makes use of a range of smaller, Euro-friendly powerplants, including a 141-horsepower 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder and a pair of diesel fours offering 131 hp or 163 hp.

The interior is basic yet functional, with a much better resolved dashboard and center stack than the aforementioned Dodge. That said, the Orlando is built to be an inexpensive offering and it very much feels that way, with a nondescript crossover-like exterior (disappointing after the much better looking concept) and a competent but character-free interior. The three-row stadium seating is a nice touch, but as with most vehicles of this size, the 'way back' will be reserved for short trips, particularly as there's almost zero space for cargo when the rearmost seats are deployed.

Orlando production is slated to begin this month, with the first deliveries slated for early next month.

Judge for yourself by perusing our gallery below and check out Chevy's official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Chevrolet Orlando

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Paris 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Orlando offers frill-free utility

Paris 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Orlando offers frill-free utility originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Chevrolet Orlando - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has released official details on the production 2011 Chevrolet Orlando MPV, which will make its first public appearance at this year's Paris Motor Show. As we reported earlier and confirmed again today, GM has no plans to offer the Orlando in the United States - a shame, too, since this would indeed be a fitting replacement for the aging, less-attractive Chevrolet HHR.

Inside, the Orlando offers seating for seven, though we imagine it's a bit cramped when fully loaded with people since this new MPV shares a platform with the smaller Chevrolet Cruze sedan. Nevertheless, GM says that there will be plenty of family-friendly interior amenities, including a hidden storage area behind the audio system's front fascia, first seen on the Orlando concept back in 2008.

European customers will be able to choose from three different powertrains - a 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder that produces 141 horsepower, and two 2.0-liter diesel units that offer 131 and 163 horsepower. We don't have official word yet but suspect that all of these powertrains will be coupled to six-speed automatic transmissions and that power will only be delivered to the front two wheels. Speaking of wheels, customers will be able to choose from a variety of alloy options, ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.

As we've said before, it's easy to understand why GM wouldn't want to offer the Orlando in the States. The HHR is hanging in there in terms of sales, and folks looking for something larger are easily stepping up into the Chevrolet Equinox crossover. That said, neither of those vehicles are able to seat seven. You can read GM's own words about the Orlando in the press release, available after the jump.

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris

Chevrolet Orlando production version unveiled ahead of Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: GM to launch compact van in several markets... is it the Chevy Orlando?

Dan Roth — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Etc., Buick, Chevrolet, GM

2009 Chevrolet Orlando concept - Click above for high-res gallery

During a marathon presentation on Tuesday, General Motors Vice Chairman Tom Stephens showed off slides of a new family van based on the company's compact car platform. The van and other vehicles were shown as part of the session detailing a new Chevrolet SUV, a compact car concept and a three-row Buick van for the Chinese market. The images shown were not released to journalists.

While executives were intentionally vague about the new van, the production version of the Chevrolet Orlando immediately springs to mind, as it would seem to fit that description. Based on product-man Stephens' assertion that the van will launch soon in multiple markets around the world, the Cruze-based Orlando seems a logical assumption. The Cruze is already on sale in Europe and Asia, so production kinks have been smoothed, and a platform variant seems like the most likely step. Worldwide markets have plenty of MPV options, and the Orlando slots right in. GM's moves have defied logic in the past, but CEO Ed Whitacre characterized yesterday's presentation as an introduction of a new GM. We've heard talk like this before, of course, but maybe this time they mean it.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: GM to launch compact van in several markets... is it the Chevy Orlando? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: GM cancels plan to sell Chevrolet Orlando in U.S.

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Canada, South Korea

Chevrolet Orlando - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumor has it that General Motors won't be selling the new seven-passenger Orlando here in the United States come 2011, or ever for that matter. According to Automotive News, GM has said that it will be skipping the people-mover in order to focus its attention on the models Chevrolet currently sells. Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet's product marketing director for small cars and crossovers, said that the company's current portfolio easily takes care of any family's needs.

While buyers in Canada, Europe and Asia will still be able to buy the new Orlando as scheduled, GM has decided to increase production of the Equinox, Traverse and Malibu here in the U.S. to make up for the missing model. The move is still somewhat of a shock, especially considering how hard GM was pushing the Orlando as part of its new product lineup just one year ago.

The decision to drop the Orlando does make sense, though. Despite the fact that the vehicle was based on the much smaller Cruze platform, it would be elbowing its way into an already packed showroom dominated by the likes of the popular Equinox. Those needing a little more space for their brood or luggage can still easily step up to a Traverse.

Meanwhile, Automotive News reports that the Cruze is still scheduled to begin production later this year.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: GM cancels plan to sell Chevrolet Orlando in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Luxury, Off-Road

GMC Granite will share a platform with the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando shown above

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM.

Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.

The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

[Source: CandianDriver]

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Production Chevy Orlando spotted in promo vid? [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Videos, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click above to watch video after the jump

We're not entirely certain, but it sure looks like it. General Motors recently released a YouTube vid explaining what makes a Chevrolet a Chevrolet that shows a series a of sweeping shots that catches bowtie specials like the Corvette Grand Sport and the 2010 Camaro. At around 1:05, the camera focuses on the C-Pillar of a Camaro, and as the shot pans across the coupe's greenhouse, a quick glimpse of two production-ready Chevy crossover vans is given.

The crossover on the right looks a whole lot like the Chevy Orlando concept debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show last fall, which also looks an awful lot like the vehicle captured in these spy photos below. The Orlando is set to replace the HHR in Chevy showrooms by 2011 with seating for seven and car-like fuel economy.

The crossover on the left could be even more interesting, as it appears to share styling cues with the Volt, an example of which is parked next to it. Could this be a crossover with the automaker's extended range EV Voltec hardware underhood? Is it the Chevy version of the plug-in Buick crossover we heard about last week? Again, we can't be sure with just a few seconds of video as evidence, but we're willing to wager that the Volt styling cues signifies that there is likely an electric motor and batteries somewhere under that hood.

GM likely has managers and ad execs who scour these videos before they ever see the light of day, so we should assume that the company is simply giving us a cryptic peek at what is to come. Follow the jump to view the vid for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Ted!

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Orlando - spy shots

[Source: Cheers and Gears]

Continue reading Production Chevy Orlando spotted in promo vid? [w/VIDEO]

Production Chevy Orlando spotted in promo vid? [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: U.S.-bound production Chevy Orlando

John Neff — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res image gallery of 2011 Chevy Orlando spy shots

Our spies have just caught a prototype out winter testing that appears to be the production Chevy Orlando that's destined for sale in the U.S. sometime during 2011. From what we can tell, the production version will be remarkably faithful to the Orlando concept that debuted at the Paris Motor Show last fall and was shown for the first time in North America at the Detroit Auto Show last month. As you can see, many of the panels visible on this prototype closely match those on the concept, including the rocker panels and wheel arches. The profile of the vehicle caught winter testing is also a dead ringer for the concept. While the front and rear ends are completely covered, one can easily imagine Chevy's corporate grille at the leading edge of a sculpted hood. Some things that have changed are the additions of practical, production intent door handles, side-view mirrors and headlights.

The Orlando will be built on GM's new Delta platform, which also underpins the upcoming Chevy Cruze compact car. It will replace the HHR in Chevy's lineup and feature seating for seven souls, two more than the tall wagon it's replacing.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Orlando - spy shots

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: U.S.-bound production Chevy Orlando originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2009: Chevy Orlando Concept comes stateside, production version due in 2011 [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando Concept

Among the array of various concept and production vehicles at the GM display was the Chevy Orlando Concept that made its world debut in Paris just a few months prior. Based on the same platform as the Cruze, the Orlando offers seven seats in a relatively compact design. At its debut we found the Orlando to be a much more appealing than the HHR and hoped that GM would consider bringing it to the U.S. as a production vehicle. Our wish has been granted, and the Orlando will arrive in dealers as a 2011 model along with the Spark mini-car. Follow the jump for the press release from GM, video from the live unveil, and check out new high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Chevy Orlando Concept comes stateside, production version due in 2011 [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Chevy Orlando Concept comes stateside, production version due in 2011 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

U.S. may miss out on production Chevy Orlando

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Crossover, Chevrolet, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando Concept

Just a few days ago, we got to see Chevy unveil the Orlando concept at the Paris Motor Show. We surmised at the time that this seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle seems like the logical next step for the idea that General Motors started with the Chevy HHR. Perhaps it won't be. Motor Authority is claiming that the production version of the Orlando won't be assembled in the U.S. and we may get passed over entirely due to the expected cost of the vehicle, which is based on the same Delta platform as the upcoming Cruze compact car and Volt series hybrid. Additionally, GM has stated that it has no plans to end production of the HHR anytime soon. But this is all speculation for now. As for whether it's much ado about nothing, we'll see.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando LIVE

[Source: Motor Authority]

U.S. may miss out on production Chevy Orlando originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando unceremoniously revealed online

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a gallery of the Chevy Orlando

Live images of the Chevy Orlando, possibly shot during GM's own photo session, have surfaced online, showing the seven-seat crossover in all its conceptual glory ahead of its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show next week.

The Orlando shares the same Delta II platform as the Chevy Cruze, with power provide by a 2.0-liter turbodiesel, and blends some traditional Chevy styling cues with a blocky, upright silhouette and show-friendly lighting tricks. Unlike other pie-in-the-sky concepts, the Orlando's interior looks downright drivable, with two-tone leather seats, a traditional steering wheel and a center stack that ~~wouldn't~~ shouldn't look out of place on anything rolling off the General's assembly line.

All the details and plenty of live images from the show floor are coming in just over a week. But in the meantime, check the gallery below.

Gallery: Chevy Orlando Leakage

[Source: Auto55.be]

Paris 2008: Chevy Orlando unceremoniously revealed online originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet

Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando

The Chevy Orlando, due to be revealed at next month's Paris Motor Show, has turned tail and the rendering doesn't look half-bad. It's mildly reminiscent of the Audi A2 from way back when, in an exaggerated, chunked-up way, and we get a little Volvo feeling from the sculpted area of the rear lights. Overall, we give it a thumbs up.

The Orlando is a compact seven-seater, and the dip in the rear roofline means that those last to occupants might need to be especially compact. However, the intended audience is probably not the local WNBA team, so the kids should fit just fine. With a hot front and rear, and an interior that nearly qualifies as dreamy, this is the kind of thing we're looking forward to checking out in the flesh. Stay tuned for Paris...

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: GM]

Chevy Orlando Concept reveals its rear originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris Preview: Chevy Orlando concept previews compact 7-seater for Europe

Alex Nunez — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Click either image for a hi-res gallery of the Chevy Orlando

GM has announced that it will unveil the Chevy Orlando show car at the Paris Motor Show next month. The compact 7-seat crossover has a 105-inch wheelbase, rides on the same platform (Delta II) as the Chevy Cruze and gets turbodiesel power from a 2.0-liter four. The Orlando and the Chevy Tacuma prototype caught testing in disguise would appear to be one and the same, and as the Tacuma spy shots hinted, instead of a traditional vannish MPV appearance, the Orlando show car demonstrates that the production vehicle will follow the CUV pack and adopt tougher-looking SUV styling queues (Quien es mas macho? Orlando.) A substantial split grille dominates the front end, along with headlights that sweep back onto the front fender. Inside, an attractive cabin blends styling elements from a number of modern Chevys and Opels. We'll get the rest of the skinny and report back live from the Paris show next month.

Gallery: Chevrolet Orlando concept

[Source: GM via Autoblog Spanish]

Paris Preview: Chevy Orlando concept previews compact 7-seater for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments