NYIAS: Chevy Beat/Groove/Trax Concept trio

[CaymanS]

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NYIAS: Chevrolet Beat/Groove/Trax Concepts


Beat









Groove







Trax





NEW YORK – Three Chevrolet minicar global concepts designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets prove that art needn’t take a back seat just because the canvas is small. Revealed today at the New York Auto Show, the highly creative Chevrolet Beat, Chevrolet Groove and Chevrolet Trax concepts drive the energy, diversity and excitement of urban life into cars that deliver good-looking fun, fuel economy and value.

Democracy lovers will even get the chance to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and casting their vote for the Beat, Groove or Trax. The results will help Chevrolet determine U.S. market interest in the minicar segment, and which design/capability package resonates best with potential buyers.

All three concepts were designed at GM’s Design Studio in Inchon , South Korea . One of GM’s 11 Global Design Studios, the designers in the Korean center are experts in small car product development.

Built on GM’s global mini architecture, these concepts demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in India ; while the Chevrolet Groove and Trax micro urban crossover concepts were built at the GM Tech Center in Warren , Mich.
“The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GM’s Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design.

"The design team was so enthused about being given the assignment to develop the perfect small car for urban commuters that they created not one, but three interpretations of how this car may be developed for Chevrolet customers around the world."

Chevrolet is one of four GM global brands, meeting diverse customer needs in 120 countries with vehicles that range from subcompacts and family sedans to full-size pickups and SUVs and iconic sports cars such as the Corvette. The concepts revealed in New York , for example, offer three different fuel-efficient engines, including a diesel.

“The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts have the potential to expand the reach of Chevrolet – already a beloved brand around the world – even further, connecting with young buyers on multiple continents who desire fun-yet-efficient transportation,” said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper. “These are the same brand attributes that made Chevrolet a household name in the U.S. ”

Here’s a look at Chevrolet’s three minicar concepts:

• Chevrolet Beat : Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It’s loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.

• Chevrolet Groove: A “funkastalgia”-themed vehicle too tough-looking to be “cute,” the Groove concept is a retro-inspired vehicle with bodacious fender flares and an upright windshield. It looks much longer than it is, thanks to its short hood and long cabin. The front-drive Groove is powered by a small, efficient 1-liter diesel engine.

• Chevrolet Trax: An urban crossover concept that’s equally at home on the trails or in traffic, it gets a low-cost all-wheel-drive system and looks the part of a rugged SUV many times its size, thanks to a voluminous one-piece bumper and fender system in the front and back, a rear-mounted spare tire and a roof rack. Trax is powered by a 1-liter gas engine.

GM’s Global Product Development process
The Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax concepts were designed and built leveraging GM’s Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.

As part of its global product development process, GM is growing the skills and capabilities of its design and engineering centers in several emerging markets, using key tools and technologies, such as a global virtual design and engineering network, that allows engineers and designers to collaborate with each other around the world.

Chevrolet’s global footprint

Chevrolet is one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, with a sales increase of 158 percent outside North America since 2001. Chevrolet sold 4.3 million vehicles worldwide in 2006, 2.8 million – or 65 percent – in the United States . From 2005 to 2006, Chevrolet’s sales grew 19 percent in the Latin America, Africa and the Middle East region; 19 percent in the Asia/Pacific region; and 15 percent in Europe .

The Chevrolet Aveo sedan and five-door subcompact, engineered and built in South Korea , is a strong contender in the very competitive global small car market.

About Chevrolet:
Chevrolet is America 's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States , Chevrolet is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevrolet delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.

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[HoeyHimself]

I favor the beat too!

Kinda reminds me of something we've seen

[gdsm3]

I think the Beat is the nicest too, but I could see the Trax being the more useful vehicle.

[genjy]

Honda had a subcompact car called the Honda Beat.

[GM_Fanatic]

I think the Groove would be just as useful as the Trax, and it has more refined styling (Trax reminds me of the Element).

For me it is between the Beat and the Groove. Sporty and aggressive or cool and refined? It is a tough choice. I say give the Beat to Saturn or Pontiac and keep the Groove as a Chevy.

*I just saw the results, it looks like people are really taking a liking to the Beat.

[GM_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by HoeyHimself

I favor the beat too!

Kinda reminds me of something we've seen

You speaking of the WTCC Concept?



I agree.

However I think that look is a lot closer to the new Corsa (eventually to turn Saturn). Which is even more why I favor the Groove as a Chevy. Not to mention it fits the family face of the Tahoe and new Malibu much better.

[chakis24]

anyone else notice that one of them is powered by 1 liter diesel? i thought that was interesting

[CaymanS]

This, by the way, would be appropriate for the news ticker. Also, this is off-topic, but when does the embargo of the Lexus LX570 and the Ford Flex end?

[fp115]

Wow, I love them. They are fun and interesting. How come the Groove is killing in the polls, wow. I love the Beat.

[HoeyHimself]

Eat that Scion!

[LoveMyCentury]

I like the Groove. Not to mention I could see it being a Scion xB fighter maybe? Though the xB is probably bigger...

[Sgt Beavis]

I dig all three but I'm giving the slight edge to the Groove.

However I'm not voting until I've gotten a good look at the interiors.

[Pontiac05]

The Grove seems to be the clear winner, but then again there is no duplicate vote blocker so you never know.

[aball]

I'm stunned! These three concepts are SO much better than I thought GM was capable of. I wonder how much input Daewoo had these. Ah, doesn't matter. They're fab.

I think the most inpressive thing about them is that even without they're oversized tyres and other show bits (funky mirrors, bodykits and external spare wheel) I still think that they all look great.

IMO:
Beat - most likely to be globally popular (think Yaris, Fit/Jazz), did somebody say sub-Corsa Opel/Saturn?
Groove - most American looking, would suit Chev US (not so much Chev Europe, Daewoo or Holden)
Trax - achingly cute, just like Fiat's new 500

Well done GM

[Bolex]

holy..these things are pretty cool. GM REALLY needs to make, at least one of these cars. i think this would be a hit for the kids.