[Perian]

Link: http://www.autonews.com/article/20081013/ANA03/810130306/1130/TOC

Amy Wilson - Automotive News - October 13, 2008

PARIS — The compact Chevrolet Cruze will start its life as a sedan but is likely to spawn several variants.

Other Cruze body styles could include hatchbacks and station wagons, said Hans Demant, managing director of Opel, GM's European brand, and vice president of engineering for GM Europe.

The Cruze sedan, unveiled this month at the Paris auto show, will go on sale in Europe next March. Sales in the United States begin in early 2010. The Cruze eventually will replace the Chevrolet Cobalt in the United States.

GM executives want the Cruze to accommodate the "individuality" of markets around the globe, Demant said.

"We will have tool sets in many locations," Demant said of Cruze production. "And as soon as you have a tool set, you have variation which you can create basically at no cost. You have a customer advantage if you make a little modification while you're doing that."

Article continues at link.

 

[Perian]

Of course there is no guarantee that the North American market will get any of the additional body styles. We all know our track record when it comes to hatchbacks and station wagons...

But then again, times have changed.

 

[civilzues]

I can't read the article. Is there hope for a coupe?

 

[EldoFan]

Of course there is no guarantee that the North American market will get any of the additional body styles. We all know our track record when it comes to hatchbacks and station wagons...

But then again, times have changed.

If we haven't gotten (and won't get) the Insignia wagon, it's hard to believe we'd get a wagon version of the Cruze, even if it's wildly successful.......all still have to bow down to the Thetas, Lambdas & 900's

 

[HoosierRon]

I can't read the article. Is there hope for a coupe?

NO COUPE FOR YOU!

 

[Perian]

If we haven't gotten (and won't get) the Insignia wagon, it's hard to believe we'd get a wagon version of the Cruze, even if it's wildly successful.......all still have to bow down to the Thetas, Lambdas & 900's

GM can watch sales of the 2010 Ford Focus hatchback and wagon models to gauge public acceptance.

 

[kenman923]

Of course there is no guarantee that the North American market will get any of the additional body styles. We all know our track record when it comes to hatchbacks and station wagons...

But then again, times have changed.

I have to agree with you. I don't think a hatchback or station wagon will come here, because Americans like sedans. What I think they should do is take a survey among potential buyers.

 

[osv_alero]

Since we are not getting the Orlando, does this mean we could get a wagon version?

**One would think that by now I would know better than to expect GM to do such a smart thing.

 

[killerrd2]

Subscriptions are currently free!

Here is the content of the article:



Cruze may get hatch, wagon, other variants

Amy Wilson
Automotive News
October 13, 2008 - 12:01 am ET


PARIS — The compact Chevrolet Cruze will start its life as a sedan but is likely to spawn several variants.

Other Cruze body styles could include hatchbacks and station wagons, said Hans Demant, managing director of Opel, GM's European brand, and vice president of engineering for GM Europe.

The Cruze sedan, unveiled this month at the Paris auto show, will go on sale in Europe next March. Sales in the United States begin in early 2010. The Cruze eventually will replace the Chevrolet Cobalt in the United States.

GM executives want the Cruze to accommodate the "individuality" of markets around the globe, Demant said.

"We will have tool sets in many locations," Demant said of Cruze production. "And as soon as you have a tool set, you have variation which you can create basically at no cost. You have a customer advantage if you make a little modification while you're doing that."

Cruze powertrains also will vary from market to market, Demant said. GM officials declined to say when other body styles might arrive and for which markets.

But despite the tweaks, GM COO Fritz Henderson said the Cruze won't have high levels of variability. The changes largely will address differences in regulatory requirements or consumer preference for ride and handling.

"We've developed the vehicle to meet broad, different levels of regulations: pedestrian protection, safety, emissions, all kinds of different requirements," Henderson said.

"But other than that, the Cruze will be the Cruze."

 

[Exploder]

Is it that hard to offer ALL body styles in ALL markets?

 

[Timekeeper]

Is this a throw back to the 1970's and the Vega?!?!?!?

 

[bone]

I don't expect the Hatch and Wagon to be sold in the USA, however, I have high hopes they will be available in Canada.

 

[2648562]

19 out of 20 Cobalts I see around here are coupes. Same with Civics. Best of luck GM.

 

[4gm]

I'm sick of hearing what GM "maY' do or "could" do. Just build it or shut up.

 

[CadiEldo67]

They only sell the G5 in coupe form and that sells reasonably well.

 

[steve333]

GM is clueless.
Change the stupid name and make a Coupe.
Morons.

 

[American_Muscle]

why the cruze...why not a malibu wagon...seems like that would be the much better choice for a wagon.

 

[camaro_freak]

Is it that hard to offer ALL body styles in ALL markets?

yes... GM would rather deny the possiblity of making an additional sale then take a risk and offer the other body style.

Typical shortsidedness on GM's part.

 

[prototype66]

Subscriptions are currently free!

Actually no it isn't, they want $15 a week!
Thank you for posting the article!!!

 

[carscomblogger]

Guys,
You are wrong on a number of assumptions.
Honda sells far more Civic Sedans than coupes.
Toyota sells far more Corolla sedans than matrix.

HOWEVER,
The new compact hatchabcks like Versa and SX4 sell like 90/10% to their sedan counterparts.

The new Impreza is likewise much more popular (I think it's near 80% but not sure) as a hatch than a sedan.

I think you will see many more hatchbacks in the US. Wagons on the otherhand...