Autoblog

Five people hurt in GM lab explosion, A123 battery reportedly responsible

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:58:00 EST

More details are filtering in about yesterday's explosion at the General Motors Technical Center battery research lab in Warren, Michigan.

First, the number of people injured has climbed to five, with one taken to the hospital and four treated at the scene. The local deputy fire chief said none of the injuries were life-threatening. The fire department also told the local mayor that it was fumes from hydrogen sulfide that caused the explosion, but GM declined to comment on that aspect. We learned yesterday that a battery under "extreme testing" caused the explosion.

According to The Detroit News' David Shepardson on Twitter, "Chemical gases from the battery cells were released and ignited in the enclosed chamber. The battery itself was intact" and, "All areas of the Alternative Energy Center except for the battery lab and adjacent offices will operate normally on Thursday."

Unnamed sources have told the media that it was a prototype battery pack made by A123 that caused the fire. Fox News says that pack was being tested for use in the Chevy Spark EV and other all-electric vehicles. Batteries made by A123 were recently involved in a $55 million replacement effort in the Fisker Karma.

Five people hurt in GM lab explosion, A123 battery reportedly responsible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

Chris Paukert — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

General Motors is taking a big gamble in a little way with its 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The Detroit automaker is betting that high fuel prices and an increased awareness of one's ecological footprint will mean more consumers are willing to entertain a new car with an even smaller err... footprint. The Spark will join other minicars like the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo, none of which have met with significant sales volume. On the other hand, its big brother, the Sonic has performed well in the early going. In addition, the Spark offers more physical volume than its peers - as well as a set of rear doors - so practicality appears to be solidly in favor of Camp Chevy.

The five-door Spark will test America's appetites for small car life with a starting price of just $12,995 (*including delivery) when it arrives in Chevrolet showrooms later this year. Available in a trio of trims, the lineup will start with the well-equipped LS model that includes a whopping 10 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, OnStar and 15-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the 1LT trim will cost $14,495, but it adds an audio system with seven-inch color touchscreen, USB connectivity and satellite radio. Additional features include keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth ("for select phones") and mundane items like visor mirrors and floor mats. The range-topping 2LT ($15,795) will be distinguished by a unique set of 15-inch wheels, sportier body-color fascias, fog lamps and additional exterior brightwork. Inside, heated, leatherette-covered seats and a leather-wrapped wheel spruce up the cabin.

Regardless of which trim spec is selected, buyers will find a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder underhood, and a five-speed manual is standard equipment, though a four-speed automatic can be substituted for $925.

GM announced back in October that it will also bring a Spark EV to "select markets" in the U.S. sometime in 2013, though it has yet to announce pricing or an on-sale date for the pure electric runabout.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevy announces all-electric Spark EV city car for U.S.

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Looks like there was a good reason that Chevrolet dropped the "More car than electric" tagline for its Chevy Volt. That anti-EV phrase was always short-sighted, and the reason why was announced this morning in Detroit. General Motors has revealed that in addition to selling its global Chevy Spark mini car in the U.S. next year, an all-electric version called the Spark EV will be joining it in 2013.

That GM is working on an all-electric Spark is no surprise; a version of the vehicle (also known as the Beat) was shown in India earlier this year and GM CEO Dan Akerson said at the Detroit Auto Show this past January that his company was working on an all-electric vehicle to be sold in the U.S. A Spark EV also fit the rumors that GM's new electric car would be small and designed for urban areas, particularly in California, where it would be used to meet the upcoming ZEV mandate changes.

Official details released by GM this morning back this up. According to the automaker, the Spark EV will use nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs from A123 Systems and be sold in "limited quantities in select U.S. and global markets starting in 2013, including California." More specific details about power, range and overall performance will be released at a later date.

Continue reading Chevy announces all-electric Spark EV city car for U.S.

Chevy announces all-electric Spark EV city car for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevy Beat stars as centerpiece of European young artists competition [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Chevrolet, UK, Design/Style

Young Creative Chevrolet awards - Click above to watch video after the jump

Just as Toyota rocks a lot more hip in Australia than it does in the U.S., Chevrolet's got far more groove in Europe than it does domestically. That kind of juice gives rise to things like the fourth annual Young Creative Chevrolet competition that's grown from eight schools in eight countries to 135 schools in twenty countries.

The challenge for entrants this year was to find the coolest way to insert the Chevy Beat into five media: fashion, music, photography, video and visual arts. Winners came four countries, the UK taking photography, Austria grabbing music, Portugal owning visual arts, and France unsurprisingly nabbing fashion and video. Winners get "behind-the-scenes" experiences with their respective category judges.

We could tell you more about it here, but the gallery of high-res images below and the three videos after the jump do a much better job of it (there's a press release back there, too). Congratulations to all of the winners. We hope the Beat/Spark is even half as cool when it reaches our shores... albeit maybe with a different soundtrack.

Gallery: 2010 Young Creative Chevrolet Awards

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevy Beat stars as centerpiece of European young artists competition [w/video]

Chevy Beat stars as centerpiece of European young artists competition [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevy builds Cruze-engined Super Spark for WTCC duty

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Spark turbo - Click above to enlarge

Chevrolet has built a special edition of its new Spark runabout for use as a pace car during World Touring Car Championship races this year. The Spark is powered by the new 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that will power the Cruze when it goes on sale in the United States this fall. The turbo-four produces 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque while standard production Sparks are powered by 1.0 or 1.2-liter engines generating 67 and 80 hp, respectively, so this figures to indeed be a significantly hotter drive. The Spark turbo will make its first WTCC appearance during the event at Zolder, Belgium on June 19-20.

Before it gets down to business, the Spark and a WTCC Cruze will be displayed with the Corvette C6.R at the kickoff of this week's activities for the 24 hours of Le Mans. The GT2 Corvettes ran second and third in the opening qualifying session on Wednesday.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy builds Cruze-engined Super Spark for WTCC duty

Chevy builds Cruze-engined Super Spark for WTCC duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Chevrolet tries to Spark up some interest with World's Largest Record Player

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, UK, Design/Style

Chevrolet Spark DJ booth - click above to watch the video

Wherever feral youths congregate, it's pretty much a given that there'll be a car on its side. Now Chevrolet has gone and made that a certainty by creating a Spark that's intended to be rotated 90 degrees to rock the party. The car powers the DJ gear, though we're curious about modifications to the oil sump to keep the engine happy when on its side.

A special Chevrolet Spark DJ car that can pull off the Batmobile-like trick of transforming from a road-going automobile to a DJ platform with turntables on the wheels will be joining the haircut-wanting "indie" band The Mystery Jets (you're not an indie if you've got Chris Thomas producing your record. Just sayin') on some gigs starting today, April 8. The location of the Spark's roll-over-and-play-music demonstration will be determined by public vote, though the idea of a mustard factory in Birmingham sound like a tasty locale. Press release and video posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet tries to Spark up some interest with World's Largest Record Player

Video: Chevrolet tries to Spark up some interest with World's Largest Record Player originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, India, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Beat for India - Click above to enlarge

The question of whether or not General Motors will bring its diminutive Chevrolet Spark to the United States still doesn't have a definitive answer. Thanks to a GM of India press release, however, we now know that the little urban runabout will be coming to North America, although that geography obviously also includes Mexico and Canada.

In the past, GM spokespeople have suggested that it might be possible for the Spark (A.K.A. "Beat," or that unbearably irritating robot from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) to be imported Stateside and that the automaker had kept U.S. regulations in mind when designing the car. Regardless, with gas as cheap as it currently is and a new Aveo just around the corner, we're certainly not holding our breath for a U.S. launch any time soon, and we feel that seeing the Beat in Mexican and/or Canadian showrooms is more likely.

That said, feel free to hit the jump to read GM of India's press release on the introduction of the Beat, which made its production-ready debut earlier in the week in New Delhi.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all

GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Auto Expo 2010: Chevrolet e-Spark, an electric car for the average Indian car buyer

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:32:00 EST

Chevrolet e-Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Reva NXG concept car looks aggressive, like it wants to hunt down anyone who says that all electric cars needs to look silly. The Chevrolet Spark concept, too, looks pretty darn good for a little car. The two companies are working together on an all-electric car for the Indian market and it was revealed at the New Delhi Auto Show this week. Sadly, the look of the car is a big bag of yawn.

The car in question is the Chevrolet e-Spark, and it would be India's first four-door electric vehicle. The outside is simply the standard Indian-spec Spark, but Reva's EV powertrain sits underhood. Detailed information on this car is scarce, but we hear it will have both regular drive and boost modes as well as regenerative brakes. There might also be an option to get the car with either lead acid or lithium-ion batteries. Production should start sometime this year.

Gallery: New Delhi 2010: eSpark

[Source: Bikencar | Live Images: Indianautosblog]

Auto Expo 2010: Chevrolet e-Spark, an electric car for the average Indian car buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | 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

REPORT: Minicar, EV on the way from Opel

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, GM, Opel, Electric

General Motors has declared that Opel needs a minicar, a tiny little thing that can compete with runabouts like the Ford Ka and Peugeot 107. That's a fine sentiment here at the starting line, but to get to the finish GM will need to keep Opel running smoothly, get its Spark firing quickly (if indeed it aims to use that as an Opel), and lure some eyeballs away from the two dozen minicars currently in the segment and the ones on the way from the likes of Volkswagen and Toyota.

Opel showed off the Trixx Concept (pictured) five years ago, but it was left out back to die in favor of the Spark. Five years on, the Spark hasn't arrived, meanwhile the Ford Ka has solidified its position with 500,000 sales in the UK alone over the last 13 years, the equally cheap and cuter-than-kittens Fiat 500 is still winning awards and stealing hearts and the VW Up! is banging drums.

When Magna was going to purchase Opel it said it would have a minicar for the brand by 2012. GM gave no timeline for its arrival, but did say that it was also looking at battery-powered electric cars -- possibly an electric Spark with the help of Reva? Whatever it is -- as long as it's good -- it can't come too soon.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Minicar, EV on the way from Opel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Chevrolet Spark still under consideration for U.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

The 2010 Chevy Spark is still said to be an "on-and-off thing" when it comes to the U.S., although now we are in an "on" phase. That's according to GM's Jack Keaton, the man in South Korea overseeing GM's minicar development. The miniature runabout is expected to make do with a 66-hp, 1.0-liter four-cylinder or a 78-hp, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that will be good for 47 mpg. Keaton's team is also investigating peripheral connectivity and, as if that weren't enough, he says, "We can even package the Spark for Big Gulp cupholders."

The issue is getting it here and on sale at the right moment. While this is an "on" phase, there are still regulatory issues and the matter of whether U.S. buyers are ready to make a minicar profitable. It will take something compelling to get Americans back into the frugal mindedness of last year, and gas isn't nearly expensive enough for that yet. The Spark's appearance in Chevy's American lineup does look to be an eventuality, though, when Keaton says "We have to start thinking now about how to meet the standards... and people will be looking for minicars and small cars to lead the way."

Nevertheless, while the Spark looks to be coming to America, it probably won't be built in America -- at least not until GM sees that the market here will be large enough to support it. We're all right with that for now; just get it here and make sure it doesn't do anything to remind us of Skid from Transformers.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

REPORT: Chevrolet Spark still under consideration for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Electric Chevy Spark to get its fire from... Reva?

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reva, the little electric car company from India whose product has withstood ridicule from the likes of automotive entertainer Jeremy Clarkson, seems to be working very hard of late to turn those jeers into cheers. Not only will it be showing off two new models with fancy telematic systems and a "wireless charging" setup in Frankfurt next week, but news now comes it may be supplying GM India with the drivetrain components necessary to electrify the Chevy Spark. According to The Economic Times, if the Detroit headquarters gives the green light, the sub-continent subsidiary will enter into a joint venture with Reva Electric Car Company in what would be the first such deal for The General since those pesky bankruptcy problems.

If the deal does go ahead, we hope GM will use the 2010 version of the Spark rather than the current incredibly mediocre-looking re-badged Daewoo Matiz version. Looks count, and it would be embarrassing if the global Goliath racked up lower sales numbers than the David with which it had partnered. However it works out for GM, the agreement would be a boon to Reva, adding revenue and perhaps even allowing it to say arrivederci to their Rodney Dangerfield reputation. Thanks to Aviv for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: The Economic Times]

REPORT: Electric Chevy Spark to get its fire from... Reva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Chevy Spark spotted as Daewoo Matiz

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, GM, South Korea, Daewoo

Daewoo Matiz spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The folks at Noticias Automotivas have scored shots of what looks to be the next-generation Daewoo Matiz, the subcompact hatch that we know better as the Chevrolet Spark.

The budget runabout is clearly very similar to General Motors' 2007 Beat concept and is in fact bang-on the Bowtie-badged production-intent model we saw displayed at this year's Geneva Motor Show, albeit with a Daewoo-specific upper and lower grilles, less stylized fog lamps and discount looking wheels.

Inside, the motorcycle-like gauge binnacle appears to have to have made the transition to production as expected, although as we were not permitted to touch the Geneva car, we can't tell if it's a tilt/telescope assembly.

Check out the gallery of images below.

Gallery: Daewoo Matiz spy shots

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark

[Source: Noticias Automotivas]

Spy Shots: Chevy Spark spotted as Daewoo Matiz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: GM to build B-segment cars in Lake Orion, MI

John Neff — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following weeks of speculation, General Motors finally made its decision official this afternoon. Its new small cars will be built in Michigan with final assembly taking place at the Lake Orion plant with stampings coming from the nearby Pontiac Metal Center. As a result of the decision, 1,400 jobs will be preserved in hard-hit Michigan.

The Lake Orion factory was due to be idled in September, when production of the Pontiac G6 ends there. Instead it will be re-tooled to build a new small car that has not yet been announced. The plant will be specified as a B/C plant, meaning it will have flexibility to build both B and C segment cars. The first will be a B car, which will replace the Aveo and may be called the Viva. The plant will also be able to build C cars like the new Cruze and possibly a Buick version of the Opel Astra. The Viva would be a B-segment car similar in size to the new Ford Fiesta. Powertrain components will also be sourced from GM's North American operations although no specifics have been announced yet. GM emphasized that this is the first car of this size to be built in the United States from any major automaker.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Chevy Spark

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM to build B-segment cars in Lake Orion, MI

Officially Official: GM to build B-segment cars in Lake Orion, MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM narrows new small car plant search down to three locations

Chris Paukert — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

2010 Chevrolet Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

Orion, Michigan... Spring Hill, Tennessee... Janesville, Wisconsin... Come on down! You're the ~~next contestants on The Price Is Righ~~t three finalists for the future home of General Motors' planned small car plant.

In a brief press release issued today, GM confirmed that it has short-listed these three existing UAW-GM facilities as the contenders to build the as-yet-unnamed fuel miser first announced on May 29. Could it be a version of the 2010 Chevrolet Spark shown above? Or the so-called "Viva" hatchback that was recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring?

The automaker says it has begun holding discussions with federal and state government representatives, and it hopes to announce the winner within the next few weeks. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM narrows new small car plant search down to three locations

GM narrows new small car plant search down to three locations originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for a hi-res image gallery

General Motors has issued a cryptic press release suggesting it plans to retool an existing plant here in the United States to build a new small car. No specifics are given on what small car this may be, as the missive only says that the plant will have the capacity to build up to 160,000 small and compact cars and that "this vehicle adds to GM's growing portfolio of U.S.-built, highly fuel efficient cars including the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt." Know what that means? It's speculation time!

GM's most well-known small car is arguably the Chevy Spark, which was introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and is based on the Beat concept from 2007. It's possible this is the small car GM is referring to, but it's not the only option. The automaker could also introduce a model slightly larger than the Spark that would still slot below the upcoming Chevy Cruze compact that's slated to replace the aging Chevrolet Cobalt, possibly based on either the Opel Corsa or Astra. Have any other ideas? Check out the press release after the jump, and then free to sound off in the comments.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be?

GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2009: New AUTOBOTS on display

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:42:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the Transformers cars from GM

In addition to the Corvette Centennial Concept, Chevrolet showed three more AUTOBOTS at the Chicago Auto Show that will make their big screen debuts in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen live action flick, along with one that we're all very familiar with. While we've seen images of the Chevy Volt on the Transformers set, this is the first time that GM has displayed the vehicle for public consumption. This is no show car, as the vehicle on display showed significant wear and tear from its day job. In robot form, the Volt will be known as Jolt, which makes us hope for some shocking footage this summer.

The other two vehicles were the Chevy Beat, which will be called the Spark when it enters production soon, and the Chevy Trax. These two vehicles will be known as Skids and Mudflap respectively, and we're hearing these two 'bots could provide a bit of comic relief to what will otherwise be a sobering storyline. Lastly, we have the yellow and black Camaro, aka Bumblebee, which was represented in both car form and in 17-foot-tall robot form. See the whole lot of 'em in our high-res live gallery below.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: GM Transformers cars LIVE

Gallery: Chicago 2009: GM Transformers cars

Chicago 2009: New AUTOBOTS on display originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark finally, fully revealed

Alex Nunez — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2010 Chevy Spark

The Chevy Spark was leaked on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, but it was MIA during the next day's GM press conference "car parade." In its stead, we saw the Beat concept once again as GM announced that the Spark would indeed go into production next year. The mystery of why the actual Spark didn't appear in Motown was solved by our friends at Kicking Tires, and today GM has fully revealed the car ahead of its debut next month in Geneva.

As you can see, the production Spark retains most of its Beat cues, right down to that tree-frog-green color, but adds a second set of passenger doors. In a bid to try and keep the original's 3-door look, the rear handles are hidden up in the window blackout trim. This is better executed here than it is, say, on the Jeep Compass, but it's still obviously a 5-door. Inside, you'll find a simplified take on the Chevy brand's current cockpit design, dressed up with body-colored door trim panels and seats that feature contrast stitching and a color-accented fabric pattern. The Instrument cluster is mounted directly to the steering column. GM calls it motorcycle-inspired, but more importantly, it would appear to let the General easily reconfigure the setup for right-hand drive markets.

The Spark will launch in Europe early next year with 1.0L and 1.2L DOHC gas engines, and though nothing's been said, we'd imagine that a diesel will have to make it into the mix soon thereafter. Sales in other markets will follow, including the U.S. in 2011, as previously announced in Detroit. We'll have in-person feedback on the Spark for you next month from Geneva. In the meantime, follow the jump for a design overview video and GM's complete press release.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark finally, fully revealed

Geneva Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark finally, fully revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark playing to a familiar Beat [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Chevy Beat/Spark unveiling

While details remain sparse, General Motors rolled out its three-door Beat Concept from the 2007 New York Auto Show, promising that a version of the car will be produced beginning in 2010 for foreign markets, and for the US in 2011. Oddly, unlike the three-door sub-Aveo - sized hatch that rolled on to this morning's main stage, the production Spark figures to be a five-door hatchback capable of delivering 40 miles-per-gallon in the city. Officials indicate that a production version of the Spark will roll out at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and AB readers have already seen development prototypes running around.

Interestingly, the leaked shot that we showed you yesterday clearly shows a five-door vehicle. Perhaps it will roll onto display stands later in the show, but for now, GM has chosen to parade the 2007 three-door showcar around. We'll do some poking around, but in the meantime, take a gander at the high-res gallery of shots below and click through to the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark, aka Beat

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark playing to a familiar Beat [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark playing to a familiar Beat [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM to launch second small car in India

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Chevrolet, GM, India, Tata

General Motors can claim about three percent of the car market in India, and it wants more. Tata's $2,500 Nano will still be the lowest priced new car in the world, but GM wants to offer something less expensive than its $7,350 Spark for Indian buyers. Group Vice President David Reilly points out that while a sub-Spark would be inexpensive, competing directly with the Nano is not something GM intends to do. If a bargain basement GM were developed, it could be leveraged in other markets besides India - it seems feasible that it'd be easily ported to the also-emergent Chinese market.

Three quarters of cars sold in India are small vehicles, and if the General can ratchet up its market share with a new model, the gains in other new markets with explosive growth could help further offset the sluggish performance of sales in the United States. To help achieve that goal, another manufacturing plant is currently underway in Pune, and should be fully up and running by the end of this year. There are also plans for an engine plant in India, though no details are forthcoming yet.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

GM to launch second small car in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments