Chevy Cruze Leads Compact Car Sales For May

For the first time in five years, an American car is the best selling compact car in the United States. The Chevrolet Cruze recorded 22,711 segment-topping sales in May, and achieved its second consecutive appearance on the Top 10 across all U.S. auto segments.

The Cruze also has helped Chevrolet gain share in the compact segment – which represented 16 percent of total U.S. sales in May – and accelerated the brand’s shift to fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines.

In May, fuel-efficient models four-cylinder vehicles – including Cruze, Equinox and Malibu – accounted for 51 percent of Chevrolet retail sales. That is up from 36 percent in May a year ago, and doubles the rate of four-cylinder sales five years ago.

“The launch of the Cruze has exceeded all of our expectations,” said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “Cruze launched as a brand-new vehicle, with a brand-new name, in one of the most competitive segments in the industry.

“Today, Consumer consideration for the Cruze has increased to the point that it is on many of the same shopping lists as established compact cars, like Civic and Corolla,” he said. “This is an incredible accomplishment, even considering the industry’s disruptions caused by the tragedy in Japan.”

The Cruze has increased Chevrolet’s share of the compact car segment, even as the segment grew by 19 percent year to date. For 2011, Chevrolet accounted for 11.9 percent of the compact car market, up from 9.5 percent a year ago.

Much of the success of the Cruze can be attributed to its exterior styling and fuel efficiency, which were ranked as the top reasons for purchase in an internal survey of more than 500 Cruze buyers.

Karen Peters of Hemet, Calif., traded in her 2005 Toyota Corolla for a Cruze after seeing the Cruze in a television ad.

“I just fell in love with the Cruze the first time I saw it,” she said. “There was nothing wrong with my Corolla, and I wasn’t even looking for a new car. But something about the Cruze just stuck with me. I finally had to go for a test drive, just to get it out of my system. All it took was a short test drive, and I fell in love with the Cruze.”

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Avalanche Named Consumer Reports Top Pick

Chevrolet Avalanche was named among the six new Consumer Reports Top Picks. One review described Avalanche as a “versatile crew-cab model with a unified bed and cab that helps give it a steady, comfortable, quiet ride. And the innovative partition between the cab and the bed can be folded to extend the cargo area into the back of the cab.”

Chevrolet earned Top Picks in the pickup truck category for the past four years. Silverado was the 2010 Top Pick.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Report: Diesel Chevrolet Cruze confirmed for U.S.

According to the crew at GMInsideNews, General Motors is mulling the notion of introducing a diesel Chevrolet Cruze to the American market. Sources within the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant responsible for piecing the compact sedan together have confirmed that a diesel Cruze will be built for 2013. If that's not enough to wipe the stink of skepticism off your person, GMI says that additional sources within The General's engineering team have confirmed that an oil-burning Cruze is on the company's schedule.

Production is rumored to kick off on the project at some point next year.

There's even rumor that GM is currently testing diesel Cruze models around the greater Detroit area right now. While no power or fuel economy numbers are available at the moment, GM is expected to make use of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the new model.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

“Glee” Cast Sings “See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet”

Dream Sequence Caps Unique Marketing Partnership of Chevrolet, “Glee” and FOX

Chevrolet wrapped up a big day Sunday with a dreamy advertising tie-in during a special post-Super Bowl episode of “Glee,” the FOX hit musical comedy.

The Camaro convertible, Cruze, and Volt were featured in a dream sequence commercial in which the “Glee” cast sings   “See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet,” bringing to life for a new generation the classic jingle popularized by Dinah Shore in the 1950s.

“We saw this as an opportunity to cap off an unprecedented day for Chevrolet,” said Joel Ewanick, global chief marketing officer of General Motors. “The ads shown during the Super Bowl highlighted key Chevrolet products in a traditional way, but the ‘Glee’ tie-in is a new realm for integration with a hot show on the big day.”

“Conversations with Starcom began upon the announcement that ‘Glee’ would have a post-Super Bowl episode, and from that point, the focus was on elevating Chevrolet and ‘Glee’s’ long-standing partnership to a new level,” said Jean Rossi, President, FOX One and executive vice president, sales, FOX.

“That strategic collaboration threaded Chevrolet’s presence in the Super Bowl with its ongoing ‘Glee’ sponsorship resulting in one of the most unique integrated marketing initiatives of its kind, marrying their brand messaging with one of our hottest programs on the most-watched day of the year.”

The two-minute Chevrolet spot aired during the special “Glee” episode with silver Chevys on a white background in a scene reminiscent of a 1930s Hollywood musical. The cast sings and dances around the Chevys while performers dangle from the ceiling by white sheets.

In conjunction with “Glee” creator/executive producer Ryan Murphy and the “Glee” production team, the ad was created by Chevrolet’s agency of record, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.  Chevrolet’s media agency partner, Starcom, negotiated the “Glee” partnership in addition to handling media planning and buying.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Cruze-arati

First there was broadcast, then webcast, now there’s socialcast. This January, Chevrolet is proud to introduce six rising web personalities to be showcased in the first show of its kind where the audience plays a role – the Chevrolet Cruze-arati.

Chosen for their personal passions, extensive social media reach and dynamic style, the Cruze-arati will deliver more content, more entertainment and more access to the most unexpected people, places and things from around the country. And, while the Cruze-arati hit the road, the audience will be in the driver’s seat. Through tweets, texts, comments and videos, the fans will determine what they want to see and it’s up to the Cruze-arati to deliver.

On top of tweeting and blogging about their adventures, the Cruze-arati will star in short webisodes that will showcase these young web celebs using the Cruze’s many features and amenities in unexpected ways. The spaciousness of the interior provides a comfortable, inviting location for the Entertainment Cruze-arati’s talk show “Talk Cruze” while the acoustical treatments allow for flawless performances by the up and coming musical acts invited to perform in the backseat for “Cruze Cram”.

The Cruze-arati will also be attending Chevrolet sponsored events and reporting on their experiences there.


Meet the Cruze-arati:

 Veronica Belmont

 Technology

A self-declared social networking junkie from San Francisco, Veronica made her mark as a producer and on-air talent for CNET Networks and now hosts two technology basked shows, Tekzilla and Qore, With a Twitter following of over 1.6 million, Veronica has become a reliable source of tech information for gamers and gadget lovers.

 Mike Barish

Travel

Mike is a native New Yorker who contributes to one of the most popular travel blogs on the web, Gadling, while maintaining his own blog and podcast “Mike and Alex’s Travel Show”. Mike spends as much time on the road as he can, traveling nearly every week and vigilantly blogging about his experiences with a comedic twist.

Marie Denee

Fashion

Marie Denee, also known as the Curvy Fashionista, hails from Ontario, California and has a successful fashion blog that earns nearly 1,000 unique visitors a day. Marie has produced Full Figure Fashion week and works as a “fit model” for Nordstrom’s plus-size brand. She is also the editor for Plus Model Magazine and a contributor for LA Examiner and Vogue Curvy.

Steven Smith

Music

Steven is a music industry veteran, having a served as on-air talent for VH1 and FUSE. Notable hosting gigs have included VH1’s Top 20 Countdown and Steven’s Untitled Rock Show, on FUSE. His network of contacts includes some of the country’s biggest stars across many genres, and he has built a passionate online community following as a result.

Micah Jesse

Entertainment

Micah hails from Atlanta but has recently been taking the New York scene by storm with his passion for pop culture news and celebrity gossip. Micah has made inroads among the music, entertainment and fashion communities, which lands him access to celebrities and their high profile events on a weekly basis. He’s been published in local and national publications including OK Magazine, NY Post, Page Six, and NY Daily News.

Amy Martin

Sports

Amy is a Phoenix native and self-made social media and marketing ace. Her own sports marketing company’s client list includes the Chicago White Sox, the LA Kings, Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Shaquille O’Neal whom she introduced to Twitter. Amy was recently featured in a Vanity Fair article praising her large Twitter following of almost 1.3 million and influence in the social media world.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevrolet Creates Waves With The All-New 2012 Sonic

Chevrolet displayed the all-new 2012 Sonic at the North American International Auto Show. Its youthful, aggressive design is backed by turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling, combining to deliver an efficient, fun-to-drive small car.

The Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. A variety of connectivity features enhance the driving experience.

“The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit.”

Production of the Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

“Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States,” said Perry. “We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America.”

Sonic’s highlights include:

- Available efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at an estimated 138 horsepower (103 kW) – 18 horsepower (14 kW) more than Ford Fiesta – that delivers competitive fuel economy. It’s the same engine used in the Chevrolet Cruze in a smaller, lighter package for a greater feeling of performance

- Standard Ecotec 1.8L engine paired with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions

- Ecotec 1.4L turbo available with a six-speed manual transmission

- Ride and handling tuned by Chevy Corvette engineers; standard electronic power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing

- Sedan model offers segment-best trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars; hatchback and sedan offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta. With a rear seat that folds nearly flat, the Sonic hatchback has greater cargo capacity than Fiesta

- Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application with OnStar MyLink vehicle connectivity

- Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof, all rarities in the segment 

- Comprehensive safety features include 10 standard air bags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

Progressive exterior design

From every angle, Sonic sedan and five-door models convey strength, stability and refinement. A wide, planted stance, with wheels-at-the-corners proportions, conveys performance. Progressive, raked body lines suggest movement even when the car is stationary.

Aggressive cues, including fender flares and motorcycle-inspired round headlamps, are blended with global design cues – a dual-element grille and round taillamps – for a design instantly recognizable as Chevrolet. The leading edge of the hood forms a character line above the headlamps, which flows in a sleek side profile characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile.

The sedan and five-door models are distinctively different. The five-door carries a tight, two-box shape with aggressive, diving feature lines, while the sedan’s “notchback” profile has a more upscale and mature presence. At first glance, the five-door model looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area. The rear of the five-door continues with unconventional details, including exposed, motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps.

Details that reinforce Sonic’s quality and attention to detail include chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models, while a range of large wheel sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels, reinforces its sporty demeanor.

Inspired interior

Sonic’s cabin complements the motorcycle-inspired exterior with a detailed instrument cluster featuring a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital speedometer display.

Additional interior highlights include:

- The mid-instrument panel surface is available in two colors (dark titanium and brick) and flows seamlessly into the upper doors, with premium low-glass finishes

- The automatic shift knob has a “cobra head” design,” while the manual shifter has a chrome-finished knob

- Tubular outboard climate outlets protrude from the instrument panel surface.

The interior includes storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items. Front bucket seats are standard and heated front seats are available.

Cruze-based powertrains

Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement engines, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L – the same engines used in the new Chevrolet Cruze. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance.  Premium design elements give the engine world-class smoothness and durability. Features include:

- Low-mass hollow-frame cast iron block

- Dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing

- Chain-driven cams

- Roller-finger camshaft followers

- Piston-cooling oil jets and integrated oil cooler

- Variable-flow oil pump

- Electronically controlled thermostat.

he 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in small vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band.

The naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has many of the same features of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo. It is a compact and durable four-cylinder engine designed for low maintenance, low emissions and fuel efficiency. Its two-stage variable intake manifold allows approximately 90 percent of peak torque to be available from 2,400 rpm to 6,500 rpm. It is estimated at 135 horsepower (101 kW), along with 123 lb.-ft. of torque (167 Nm) at 3,800 rpm.

Engineered for agile, athletic ride and handling

The Sonic brings agility and a fun-to-drive feel that is rare in the segment. Engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic’s confident ride and handling, giving it a more direct and athletic feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America.

All models feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension – featuring a robust, tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), for well-planted stability and excellent balance.

Electronic power steering is standard and features a wear compensator that continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to ensure precise steering action over the life of the system. 

Sonic’s body structure is designed to be one of the stiffest in the segment. Its rigidity enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely. Sonic’s unique “flat top frame” cradle, for example, assures optimal stiffness in the front chassis portion of the vehicle. The rear axle is essentially a straight axle without contour for packaging restraints and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

A range of wheel sizes is available, including 17-inch wheels and sport tires. Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, along with a four-channel antilock braking system. The four-sensor system – one at each wheel – incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo.

2012 CHEVY SONIC PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:	Sonic 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback
Body style / driveline:	4-door or 5-door, front engine, front-wheel drive, 5 passengers
Construction:	unitized body/frame
EPA vehicle class:	subcompact
Manufacturing location:	Orion Township, Mich.
Key competitors:	Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris

Engines

	1.8L DOHC I-4	1.4L turbocharged DOHC I-4
Displacement (cu. in. / cc):	110 / 1796	83.2 / 1364
Bore and stroke (in. / mm):	3.17 x 3.47 / 80.5 x 88.2	2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6
Block material:	cast iron	cast iron
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP)	overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP)
Ignition system:	individual coil on plug	individual coil on plug
Fuel delivery:	sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control	sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	10.5:1	9.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	135 / 101 @ 6300 (est.)	138 / 103 @ 4900 (est.)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	125 / 168 @ 3800 (est.)	148 / 200 @ 1850 (est.)
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
Max engine speed (rpm):	6500	6500
Emissions controls:	close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor	close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor
Est. fuel economy (city / hwy):	TBD	TBD

Transmissions

	M32 6-speed manual (1.4L turbo)	Hydra-Matic 6T30 6-speed automatic (1.8L)	M26 5-speed manual (1.8L)
Gear ratios (:1)
First:	3.82	4.45	3.72
Second:	2.05	2.91	1.96
Third:	1.30	1.89	1.32
Fourth:	0.96	1.44	0.94
Fifth:	0.74	1.00	0.75
Sixth:	0.61	0.74	--
Reverse:	3.54	2.87	3.30
Final drive:	3.65	3.47	3.94

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and stabilizer bar
Rear:	semi-independent torsion beam axle with coil springs
Steering type:	column-mounted electric power steering
Steering ratio:	14:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.8 (15- and 16-inch wheels) 2.7 (17-inch wheels)
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):	34.5 / 10.5 (15- and 16-inch wheels) 36.1 / 11 (17-inch wheels)

Brakes

Type:	ventilated front disc and rear drum, with standard ABS
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	10.8 / 276
Drum diameter x width (in / mm):	9 / 230
Total swept area (sq in / sq cm):	TBD

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:	15-inch alloy
	16-inch alloy
	17-inch alloy
Tires:	P195/65R15 ALS
	P205/55R16 ALS
	P205/50R17 ALS

Dimensions
Exterior

	sedan	five-door
Wheelbase (in / mm):	99.4 / 2525	99.4 / 2525
Overall length (in / mm):	173.1 / 4399	159 / 4039
Overall width (in / mm):	68.3 / 1735	68.3 / 1735
Overall height (in / mm):	59.7 / 1517	59.7 / 1517
Track (in / mm):	front: 59.4 / 1509 rear: 59.4 / 1509	front: 59.4 / 1509 rear: 59.4 / 1509
Curb weight (lb / kg):	TBD	TBD

Interior

	sedan	five-door
Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	front: 38.7 / 982 (w/o sunroof) front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof) rear: 37.8 / 961 (w/o sunroof) rear: 37.8 / 961 (w/ sunroof)	front: 38.7 / 982 (w/o sunroof) front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof) rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/o sunroof) rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)
Legroom (in / mm):	front: 41.8 / 1062 rear: 34.6 / 881	front: 41.8 / 1062 rear: 34.6 / 881
Shoulder room (in / mm):	front: 53.4 / 1358 rear: 53 / 1347	front: 53.4 / 1358 rear: 53 / 1347
Hip room (in / mm):	front: 51.4 / 1306 rear: 51.6 / 1310	front: 51.4 / 1306 rear: 51.6 / 1310

Capacities

	sedan	five-door
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):	TBD	TBD
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	14 / 397	19 / 539 (behind rear seats) 30.7 / 869 (seats folded)
EPA passenger vol. (cu ft / L):	90.4 / 2560	90.6 / 2565
Fuel tank (gal / L):	12.1 / 45.8	12.1 / 45.8
Engine oil (qt / L):	TBD	TBD
Cooling system (qt / L):	TBD	TBD

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!