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Chevrolet's "Centenary Showroom" opens in Geneva

2011-02-15

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Zurich. Three model debuts, record European sales figures and a centenary to celebrate will have Chevrolet shouting from the stand tops at the Geneva show between March 3 and 13.

As at the Paris Motor Show last September, visitors to Chevrolet will again be greeted by an array of new cars and good news stories, as its momentum in Europe continues to pick up pace.

Top of the bill is the world premiere of the Cruze hatchback and the European debuts for the iconic Camaro Convertible sports car as well as for the handsome new Aveo sedan. The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability will not only be on display this time. The North American Car of the Year will also be available for short test drives as part of Chevrolet's activities at the show's green pavilion (Pavillon Vert) during press and public days.

Chevrolet recently announced sales of 477,000 cars and a record market share of 2.5 percent in Europe in 2010, while this year the company embarks on a program of activity to mark 100 years of automobile production.

It's great timing for Chevrolet to be showing the full production version of the new Cruze hatchback at Geneva, with the brand celebrating winning the driver's and manufacturer's titles in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) at the end of 2010. A sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear give the new Cruze hatchback the same dynamic 'stance' as the successful four-door notchback.

Chevrolet's handsome new sedan version of the small Aveo makes its European debut in Geneva. Sharing the same purposeful face as the hatchback, the rising shoulder line of the Aveo notchback is particularly striking, giving the new four-door a premium profile. With its generous cargo and interior space and more mature design, Chevrolet expects the notchback to appeal to a different type of customer to the hatchback, in particular families.

A comprehensive range of gasoline and diesel engines includes two 1.2s, a 1.4 and a 1.6 liter petrol, while for the first time Aveo will be offered with two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine featuring Start/Stop technology. The Aveo notchback goes on sale across Europe in the summer.

The Camaro coupe and convertible go on sale in September at selected Chevrolet dealers. The new Camaro's bodywork remains true to the original concept, a design that acknowledges a legendary heritage without appearing retro. A 432 hp, 6.2-liter V8 generates 569 Nm of torque to give the new Camaro the muscle to match its looks.

Camaro's advanced chassis features electronic stability control and traction while an adjustable "Sport" mode is fitted for performance driving. Large, ventilated brake disks complete with four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers make sure everything is kept in check. A comprehensive range of safety features includes front, side and head curtain airbags.

The Camaro convertible's power-folding canvas top takes only 20 seconds to retract and features acoustical headliner material, a glass rear window and rear window defogger.

Winning the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) wasn't the only cause for celebration at Chevrolet at the end of last year. In 2010, record sales in Europe took Chevrolet's market share to an all time high of 2.5% with total sales of 477,194 vehicles, an improvement of 12.0 percent over 2009.

How fitting it is that the company should mark the start of its Centenary year with so much good news. It was in November 1911 that Chevrolet Motor Company was founded in Flint, Michigan and to mark the historic occasion, the company is planning an ambitious program of activity culminating with the anniversary itself on November 3. In total, Chevrolet will bring seven new models to Europe in its centenary year: Orlando, new Captiva, new Aveo, Cruze hatchback, Corvette Grand Sport, Camaro Convertible and Volt.

Louis Chevrolet's home country of Switzerland will be the European pilot market for the Volt, already a run-away success in the United States.

From March 1 to 3, Chevrolet Europe will be tweeting all the industry news, bringing video and pictures straight from the show, as well as providing behind the scenes access to the Chevrolet stand.

Follow @chevroletevents on Twitter to be kept up to date or find us using the #genevamotorshow hash tag.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 4 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet cars combine passion, bold design and practicality. They provide outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2010, Chevrolet grew its market share in Europe to 2.5 percent, selling 477,194 cars. Chevrolet has a network of more than 2,700 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark city car, the small Aveo, the compact four-door Cruze, the Captiva SUV and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet is launching seven new cars: the all-new Orlando family van, the new Captiva SUV, the Corvette Grand Sport Coupé, the all-new five-door and four-door Aveo, the five-door Cruze, the Camaro coupé and convertible and the award-winning extended-range Volt electric car. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is celebrating its centenary in 2011. More information on Chevrolet can be found at http://www.chevroleteurope.com or http://media.chevroleteurope.com.