Chevrolet New Sail plots course to Chile; exports to Africa, Middle East to follow

In April, Shanghai GM added a five-door hatchback to its subcompact Chevrolet New Sail lineup, joining the four-door door sedan that busted into the Chinese market back in January. The hatchback and sedan make use of either a 1.2-liter or 1.4-liter engine. In 1.2-liter trim, the New Sail returns 41.2 miles per gallon (U.S.) and the more powerful 1.4-liter still manages 39.8 mpg. The New Sail starts at a base price of 60,000 yuan ($9,011 U.S. at the current exchange rate), which puts the subcompact Chevy in direct competition with China's homegrown brands.

The New Sail got off to a strong start and tallied 90,000 orders within nine months on the way to the top of its segment, thus convincing Shanghai GM to begin exporting the model. The New Sail plotted a course for the Chilean market and future plans call for the vehicle to reach select markets in South America, North Africa and the Middle East. Terry Johnsson, Shanghai GM vice president of vehicle sales, said exporting the New Sail represents a new phase for GM in China:

The New Sail is the first locally developed and manufactured passenger car from an international brand to be exported. It represents a breakthrough in our strategy to create products for China and other emerging markets.

The first of many, most likely. Hit the jump for more on General Motors' exports plans for the New Sail.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE

Shanghai GM Begins Exports of Chevrolet New Sail to Chile

First Locally Developed Passenger Car from Global Brand Sold Worldwide

2010-10-21

Shanghai – Shanghai GM, GM's flagship passenger car joint venture in China, began exports of the Chevrolet New Sail today to the Chilean market. Plans are in place to sell the small family sedan to additional markets in South America, North Africa and the Middle East. Authorized Chevrolet dealers will sell and service the New Sail outside China.

"The New Sail is the first locally developed and manufactured passenger car from an international brand to be exported," said Terry Johnsson, Shanghai GM Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "It represents a breakthrough in our strategy to create products for China and other emerging markets."

The New Sail made its global debut in China in January 2010. It has won recognition in China for its combination of superb quality, a flexible interior, a high level of safety and low fuel consumption. Positive feedback in advance of the New Sail's launch has boosted the confidence of Chevrolet dealers worldwide.

Regarded as the "ideal car for Chinese families," the New Sail has enjoyed strong sales in China since its debut. Approximately 90,000 have been sold in just nine months, putting the New Sail at the top of its segment.

General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 208,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM is the joint global automobile partner of World Expo 2010 Shanghai along with SAIC. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.