Chevrolet is looking to break the one million annual sales barrier in Europe within the next five years.
Chevrolet is looking to break the one million annual sales barrier in Europe within the next five years.
The GM-owned manufacturer is confident it can surpass 2009’s figure of 420,000 vehicle sales in Europe, which has tripled in the past six years from 140,000, as a result of its influx of new models.
Mike Arcamone, president and chief executive of GM-Daewoo has said that its replacements for inherited Daewoo models are close to being released and include the new Aveo supermini.
The Aveo is a small, sporty hatchback that will challenge the likes of the Ford Focus, especially with the advent of the RS four door version.
As well as the Aveo, a small SUV based on the Aveo platform will similarly be released. It will join the updated Cruze saloon, an expected popular choice for car leasing and business operators.
Chevrolet is particularly targeting the small SUV market with Design chief Taewan Kim saying “this could be a very important model for us in Europe. It is a growing segment and if the Chevrolet brand is to grow we have to be in it."
The small SUV segment already plays host to models like the Volvo XC60, Hyundai Tucson and the Honda CR-V as such Chevrolet will have its work cut out to be a success in the segment as Arcamone admits:
“Chevrolet is a well known brand but it means different things to different people. In Europe people tend to associate it with large American vehicles while in South America and Asia Chevy has been known for many years as a maker of smaller cars, mainly based on Opels.
“What we don't want to do is compete head to head with Opel which is being positioned slightly more premium. Chevy will be more of a value brand."
Opel or Vauxhall is a major player in the European market with among others where the Vauxhall Corsa is the third best-selling car in 2010 and the most popular used car in the UK. As such, new and used Vauxhall Corsa’s are a common sight throughout Europe.
While Chevrolet doesn’t have the market share of Vauxhall, it will instead target brands such as Fiat, Ford and Seat instead.
Chevrolet’s small SUV the Orlando will be released in mid-2011 competing against the Ford Kuga. Chevrolet Orlando prices are expected to undercut those of the rival Kuga and Vauxhall Zafira when it arrives.
Askaprice.com offers a range of deals on used Vauxhall Corsa Cars as well as used Ford Focus cars. The Volvo XC60’s larger sibling, the Volvo XC90 is also available for lease hire on the website.