Should Chevrolet Bring Back the Metro Nameplate?

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by Prelude4WS

Sure, 330 pounds is a lot, but we have advanced a lot in safety, so we should also be advancing in fuel efficiency. GM still doesn't have an economy machine like the Prius, although they have been working on the SUV hybrids they still have a spot for a 40mpg plus car. Obviously times are changing, and people don't want to shell out the money for gas and are starting to care less and less about power. GM needs something to keep the earth green until hydrogen magically saves the earth, so putting a small hybrid powertrain in a car maybe slightly bigger than the aveo, with a unique look, would be a pretty big score.

Everyhting you just said = Volt. It's coming.

[Prelude4WS]

Ahh that's very true, I don't know why it never crossed my mind. I hope that the fuel economy numbers are similar to the projected fuel economy, and that they're working hard on picking the best battery technology to work with the volt. I also wish that it stays a Chevy, because becoming a Cadillac would pop it into another genre of automobiles...if GM was smart they would keep it a Chevy and not try to "h" it up and turn it into a super(expensive)hybrid like Lexus does.

[Ming]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

Everyhting you just said = Volt. It's coming.

If you could only get a Volt for the cost of a new Metro (by today's prices). You could probably buy 3 Metros for what you'll be able to convince the dealers to part with a new Volt for...

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by Ming

If you could only get a Volt for the cost of a new Metro (by today's prices). You could probably buy 3 Metros for what you'll be able to convince the dealers to part with a new Volt for...

The Metro is smaller, has less equipment, less doors, and isn't as safe. Plus its probably slower than a Volt.

[Ming]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

The Metro is smaller, has less equipment, less doors, and isn't as safe. Plus its probably slower than a Volt.

True -- I'm just saying the Volt isn't a cure-all for GM's ailing market share. Plenty of people will not want to pay $40,000 so they can save gas. Many buyers will instead opt for whatever significantly less expensive new subcompact with great mileage that GM has for us in the wings.

[marinerbc]

Originally Posted by Ming

True -- I'm just saying the Volt isn't a cure-all for GM's ailing market share. Plenty of people will not want to pay $40,000 so they can save gas. Many buyers will instead opt for whatever significantly less expensive new subcompact with great mileage that GM has for us in the wings.

Yes, but a lot...will.

It has little to do with saving gas, the environment, or Al Gore's light bill, it's all about status and having one of the first ones. "Look ar me!", the Susan Sarandons of the world.

If people truly cared about the price of gas, GM would never have been able to get into the SUV business in the first place.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by Ming

True -- I'm just saying the Volt isn't a cure-all for GM's ailing market share. Plenty of people will not want to pay $40,000 so they can save gas. Many buyers will instead opt for whatever significantly less expensive new subcompact with great mileage that GM has for us in the wings.

I agree, personally I would like to see a Metro come back either as a Aveo or a car below the Aveo. Just something that is safer, has ABS, with power windows, and locks. I think a cheap, fuel efficient car would sell very well now a days. Either way I think plenty of people will buy the Volt, but it won't be normal people buying until the price comes down. Unless the government will offer a $10k rebate.

[EllwynX]

Originally Posted by Ming

True -- I'm just saying the Volt isn't a cure-all for GM's ailing market share. Plenty of people will not want to pay $40,000 so they can save gas. Many buyers will instead opt for whatever significantly less expensive new subcompact with great mileage that GM has for us in the wings.

We'd certainly never pay $40,000 for a Volt. We'd have to keep it 20 years to make up the difference between a car half it's price and the price of gas we'd use.

Over 3 years and my Aveo only has 22,600 miles. Volt wouldn't be worth it at all. At $4 a gallon that comes to approx. $1222 a year for gas. I only paid $12,000 for the Aveo. I can get the V8 Camaro I want next year and probably still be near the 'actual' cost of buying/operating a Volt for the same 5 years.

[cyclone]

no way

[jamiepeterson2]

Originally Posted by vsd

Yes, they should, and they should also go back to the Metro's root's and slap it's badge on the new Suzuki Swift.

Yup, I'd buy one.

METRO is an established name, recognized as fuel efficient, but maybe not appointed the best. But I believe that GM knows that they must upgrade the interiors of these econoboxes now in order to increase sales.

[aveoSS]

It wouldn't surprise me if GM just renamed the Aveo.

[packagm]

Suzuki and GM's "relationship" ends within the next year or so... GM won't be slapping their name on any of the very sweet Euro Swift's.

[CACressida]

Originally Posted by jamiepeterson2

Yup, I'd buy one.

METRO is an established name, recognized as fuel efficient, but maybe not appointed the best. But I believe that GM knows that they must upgrade the interiors of these econoboxes now in order to increase sales.

Trust me, if it gets 50+ mpg and its cheap, the interior could look like the pic below and still sell like hot cakes.

[psycho]

Only if get the same as the first Metro got (50+ mpg)

[tman3]

No way!
Lets call it the urineight.