All future global Chevrolets to be built as RHD models

[Ming]

All future Chevrolets to be built as RHD models
7 March 2007

UNITED KINGDOM - All Chevrolet cars will be developed as world cars in future – and they’ll be available in right-hand drive.

General Motors has restructured its product development for the brand, so different global technical centres will have responsibilities for different platforms. This means future Chevrolets will be developed all over the world, including Europe, with less reliance on the GM-Daewoo technical centre in Korea.

Unfortunately, the decision comes too late for the retro-styled HHR mini-MPV. This US-built car was launched in Europe at Geneva, but as it’s only built in left-hand drive it won’t be coming to Britain. However, GM has confirmed that the new Camaro muscle car will be built as a right-hooker, which makes UK sales as an image-leader for the brand a distinct possibility.

The first products of the new structure will be replacements for the Kalos and Lacetti models. These will be developed in Korea, which has responsibility for the C platform.

Source: http://www.easier.com/view/News/Moto...le-103550.html

Also See: BOOM! Chevrolet of Europe Sales Up 42%

[ChevyRules]

Then I guess GM is going to spend the extra money to make the Y-Body right hand drive capable? Wasn't there an article a while back saying making the Y-Body right hand drive capable would be expensive? If they are making the Corvette right hand drive good for them spending the money to please your customers and would scratch off another complaint that Clarkson has with it.

[vtbmann]

somehow i can't imagine a whole lot of Brits will be buying Camaros...

[mcool]

This is good news for Chevy. But it's also great news for the rest of the GM landscape. The more Chevrolet becomes global, yet remains a value brand, the more the other GM NA brands can become distinctive in this market.

[rkuk2k]

I don't mind the HHR not coming over here, and I would prefer to have the next Monaro over a Camaro.

[mcool]

Originally Posted by vtbmann

somehow i can't imagine a whole lot of Brits will be buying Camaros...

We won't know until it hits the market. I doubt it will be a volume seller, but it's an awesome halo car nonetheless. Any extra units sold outside of the US are units that wouldn't have been available before.

[nadepalma]

I think this is outstanding news and another demonstration that GM is serious about the "One GM" policy moving forward. If we can have vehicles produced in the US that are available in RHD for export markets, then it may be a boon for our factories, but more importantly an example that you don't have to reinvent the wheel each and everytime you want to get into a segment in another country. Just use what you have and make it flexible enough to be sold round the world, etc.

Good move.

[zete]

Originally Posted by vtbmann

somehow i can't imagine a whole lot of Brits will be buying Camaros...

If it handles like the Monaro the Brits will like it. Since it'll be different that alone will attract a small crew. Of course they won't be selling six figures of them in Britain. It would be cool if they sell a few thousand a year. If they had a turbo six it'd be awesome! I can't see many Europeans opting for a V8.

Overall, this move to RHD for all Chevs is a direct contradiction of Flint's recent article and more evidence that today's GM isn't the GM from even 5 years ago.

[mbukukanyau]

GM should have done this long ago..
Just like toyota.
They should not kill TB.. just make it a global vehicle

[kenman923]

If they import Austrailian Chevy's, the configuration should be easy.

[rkuk2k]

On the contrary, I think most will actually go for the V8s, for exclusivity alone. If you can afford a car like that then you can afford the petrol. Thats how the Monaro worked after all! I'm not sure about Chevy having a halo car over here.. I could sort of see it work with Vauxhall, especially now they have VXR fully up and running it doesn't look so out of place. someone could go in buy a Monaro and have a VXR Astra as a daily car and be happy.

Having a Camaro as a toy and Lacetti as the daily commuter.. I'm not so sure. Having said that Monaro has done wonders for the reputation of Vauxhall, so we will have to see

[JonathanRohr]

Originally Posted by rkuk2k

On the contrary, I think most will actually go for the V8s, for exclusivity alone. If you can afford a car like that then you can afford the petrol. Thats how the Monaro worked after all! I'm not sure about Chevy having a halo car over here.. I could sort of see it work with Vauxhall, especially now they have VXR fully up and running it doesn't look so out of place. someone could go in buy a Monaro and have a VXR Astra as a daily car and be happy.

Having a Camaro as a toy and Lacetti as the daily commuter.. I'm not so sure. Having said that Monaro has done wonders for the reputation of Vauxhall, so we will have to see

I dunno, your from the UK and im not so maybe I shouldnt talk, but I personally think the Camaro could do alot better if it offered some different engines than in the US. Maybe a turbo four, or something to get descent mileage and lighten up the weight a tad?

[RedVee8]

about time.
Remember RHD does not just mean UK - Japan, OZ, NZ etc.

[rkuk2k]

Thats a good point JonathanRohr, but with a car that size going to a lower size engine from a V8 or even V6 wont reduce weight enough to improve the speed and efficiency that would justify a turbo 4. Its a problem Holden have with putting a smaller V6 in the Commodore.. Sure on paper you should get better performance and economy, but the engine is working that much harder, especially on places like the motorway where a smaller engine is less efficient. As a halo car I don't think it should go lower than a V6 (if it even has to go that low)

[zete]

Originally Posted by rkuk2k

On the contrary, I think most will actually go for the V8s, for exclusivity alone. If you can afford a car like that then you can afford the petrol. Thats how the Monaro worked after all! I'm not sure about Chevy having a halo car over here.. I could sort of see it work with Vauxhall, especially now they have VXR fully up and running it doesn't look so out of place. someone could go in buy a Monaro and have a VXR Astra as a daily car and be happy.

Having a Camaro as a toy and Lacetti as the daily commuter.. I'm not so sure. Having said that Monaro has done wonders for the reputation of Vauxhall, so we will have to see

I didn't mean to imply don't provide a v8 I just meant have a turbo v6 so those who are more frugally minded can enjoy the vehicle. A turbo diesel would be interesting, esp. if it had reasonable dynamics. A dual mode hybrid muscle car would be cool, too.