Chevy’s the Proud Parent of Triplets
By Ed Peper
General Manager, Chevrolet
What an exciting year we’ve had here at Chevy! I could spend a whole post just talking about all the great stuff that Chevy’s already done this year. You can be thankful I’m resisting the temptation, though.
But there is something new and exciting that I have to tell you about — Chevy’s new set of triplets.
At the New York Auto Show, we have just unveiled our latest babies — the Chevrolet Beat, Groove and Trax — a trio of vehicles that demonstrate GM’s design innovation. We’re always biased about our own “kids,” but I really think these are fun and spirited concepts. I’m proud that they are practical and fuel-sipping, but they don’t sacrifice style. These cars also fulfill the rising popularity of this segment worldwide, from Shanghai to Paris to Rio to Moscow — all places where Chevrolet sales are already rising fast! And we think they’ll help us grow sales even more.
Now, we want the consumer’s opinion on these new products. So we’re soliciting public reaction at www.vote4chevrolet.com. Head on over, take a look at the triplets — and let us know what you think!
Want to see more photos? Make sure to check out Flickr.
- Posted in Auto Shows
darren
These new concepts are fantastic! I think you should build all three… each meets a unique need and they have distinct personalities. I could see all of them selling quite well!
Great work!
Schmeltz
Bravo GM! Nice job on the 3 designs. I think each fits a different demographic, which leads into the question: How difficult would it be to produce all three vehicles? Platform sharing is rampant already in the Auto industry, and you could score with a wider audience. Just some food for thought.
Stan
I actually think there would be a market for the Beat and Trax since one is a personal mini sports hatch and the other one is MUV (mini-suv). I am sick of the retro thing, but it will be the most popular in the US since we are stuck on old looking things and a glorious gas guzzling past.
Please! GM, make both the Beat and Trax and import into the US! Also, consider making the series hybrid like the Volt.
mbongo
Ed Peper,
I think that GM should built a least Trax (with 1.0 liter gasoline engine) and Groove (with 1.0 liter diesel engine)and it is important for GM to have these two cars in the market (all over the world) before the end of this year. I am sure that you can do this. So, please, go for it GM. We all need them.
Mbongo
noel park
Too cute by half. 3 door does not work for our family. The 5 door Aveo is better looking, and more practical.
I saw a 5 door Aveo with some flashy aftermarket wheels yesterday and it looked really good.
Get the mediocre mileage of the Aveo as good as the Yaris and we will be tempted to buy one. I think it is actually lighter, so I’m confident you can do it.
Adam
Please offer the diesel. I want a car that gets 50-60 MPG like the ones I see all over the place every time I visit Europe.
I believe diesel power is a more viable option than hybrids since the technology is simpler and proven, and because diesels can use biodiesel, which reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
Mel Francis
I voted for the Beat, because of its more zippy, kinetic styling, unlike the more trucky, toaster-shaped Trax and Groove. But I wouldn’t actually consider buying a mini-SUV, since putting five seats in a telephone booth sized interior goes against common sense.
I drive an extended cab S-10, and honestly, would be first in line at my local Chevy dealersip for a Chevy variant of the Solstice, especially if it had the 4.3 liter V6, that my S-10 has!
Put a team on it, guys! In short order, you can churn out a real Chevy, that will make a perfect stable mate for the Solstice and Sky. Remember, that during the Camaro and Firebird years, Chevy outsold Pontiac more than 2 - 1, sometimes 3 - 1!
And don’t worry about undercutting Corvette sales. These little cars are in a buyer class all of their own. Many younger and boomer-age buyers are really looking for a personal car that’s as much fun as a Corvette, but half the price!
C’mon, you can do it! I’ll be waiting down at the Chevy dealership, with my nose pressed against the front window, just like the old days…….
LocalTracks
Do I get to be the first to say it? Toyota Scion.
I’d hesitate to say “a trio of vehicles that demonstrate GM’s design innovation”.
Obviously trying to appeal to a younger, more hip-hop crowd with names like beat, groove and trax. No innovation on this one, I’ll pass.
JW
Wow! Good job GM! Creative! Of course I voted for the Beat because it looks like the Chevy WTCC concept. I just love that car! The Groove looks too much like the HHR and the xb from scion. The Trax is okay, the headlights are “interesting”. Great job!
motorman
The people that are effected monetarily by the rise in gasoline prices are in no financial position to buy a new car no matter how inexpensive.
Andrew Charles
I think you should all take a step back and look into what a minicar is. These are not small compacts like the Aveo, Rio, Fit or xD, nor subcompacts like the smaller Yaris hatch. These are all striclty 4-seat micro cars like the current Chevy Matiz/Spark sold outside North America, or the Chevy MW built by Suzuki for the Japanese market (both predating Scion). These cars are small next to the new Mini–around 3.5 m long. Toyota produces only one car in Europe this small, and elsewhere leaves the segment entirely to its Daihatsu affiliate (”We Do Compact”). Honda doesn’t sell anything like this outside Japan anymore (it doesn’t have the engines) and its Japanese models are supplied by another company.
The Matiz has long been a major part of GM Daewoo’s and now Chevrolet Europe’s business, and along with the rival Fiat Panda, a market leader in this segment. Already sold south of the border, GM is keen to see how well Americans will take to cars this small, and would have a unique product in the North American market if they decide to sell any of these.
BasiliskSt
I voted for the Groove, but found aspects of all three I liked. The Groove won with the promise of a diesel with fun styling and practicality. With a unique diesel power train to distinguish from competitors, any or all of the trio could be a real winner. The effort does once again illustrate GM’s ascendancy in design. The sooner Chevy could add this option to the product mix, the better.
rod
funny how 60 some years after smaller americans enjoyed the “big cars”, today’s physically larger americans are forced to stuff themselves into nicely-skinned sardine cans…it will probably be an inevitable decision, but right now can’t see buying one of these for my family - they’re just too small.
on the other hand, i still love a fun sports car, and would love to see GM continue development of these little 2-seaters…did you see the pontiac-inspired “2009 corvair” on the attached blog link? fun stuff on this one, and very doable to a motivated design team. let’s go!!!
http://bloggercrab.com/blogs/?u=artonwheels
Herb Berkman
Re, Your new Triplets:
Ugly, Ugly and finally, Ugly.
Are you trying to win the “Scion No-talent Design Award” or the “Honda Element Look-a-like Prize”? On the other hand, to create some REAL excitement, just make this project a reality:
http://www.bloggercrab.com/blogs/artonwheels/
When I saw this, I almost broke my leg trying to get to the dealer to put in my order. What a great way to use my old GM employee discount! Then I realized it was April 1 and went into deep depression.
Ken
Wow! Finally something to compete with Scion! I like all three. Do we really have to choose just one?
johntron
GM needs to find a new consulting firm to name car lines. Beat? Trax? Groove?
You might as well name these cars Aztek, Corsica or or Rendezous.
I want GM to succeed but come on….you need better names. Honda can get away with a Fit but not Chevrolet.
Phil
I love the Trax! If it goes to production, keep that 2-tone copper color…it rocks.
noel park
What are the technical details? How much do they weigh (always my first question)? What engine(s)? Transmissions? FUEL ECONOMY?
Available as a hybrid? Same drive system as a Volt? The Fit hybrid is coming.
On reflection, either of the little 5 doors might work. I can get past the styling if the FUEL ECONOMY is good enough.
Right on target though Local Tracks, 4/4, 1:00 PM. Scion indeed. Over the top of Scion, in my opinion.
I saw a new Scion coupe on the freeway this morning. It looks like it has gained about 300 pounds and expanded about 6″ in all directions. Bad move in my opinion.
thriftytechie
- All three are excellent.
- ‘Beat’ is strictly niche being a 3 door, but would establish a sorely needed urban credibility for Chevy
- ‘Trax’ is unique. If possible, an elevated stance with larger tires and AWD would make this an extremely sensible vehicle in the snow belt. Meanwhile, a non-AWD version would sell in LA/NY markets on styling alone.
- Groove loses by default. The outline of the car is too similar to the 2008 Scion xB.
Keith
I like the Groove and the Beat better than the Trax which seems less distinct to me.
I love the small, inexpensive, high mpg angle. However, please don’t let it distract you from making Cobalt all it can be.
My parents are on their third Corolla. My Dad thinks his manual 5spd Corolla is peppier than the rental Cobalt he recently drove. Once Corollas cement their reputation as more fun to drive you can expect to get crushed!
There is no question that the Cobolt has the better engine, but the corolla weighs only 2550 lbs compared to the Cobalt at 3216 lbs (from MSN auto). Funny, when I multiply the Cobalt mpg by the Cobalt/Corolla weight ratio, I get nearly the same mpg that Corolla gets now (32/43 — a light Cobalt would be slightly better).
I bet a 25% lighter Cobalt would sell 50% more (The SS would be a rocketship! and it would get 43 mpg!). If Toyota can build Corolla that light you all should be able to match them.
In case anyone is wondering, Civic is second lightest at 2628 and Sentra comes in a couple hundred less at 2853.
-Keith
Paul
I see a Toyota Yaris, a Scion xB, and a Suzuki SX-4. Granted, none of those have teeny little engines, but they’re available right now.
I’m sick of seeing concept car after concept car come out of GM. Are you going to talk the talk or are you going to walk the walk? As it stands you’re just greenwashing.
nosirrahg
I think the Scion comparison is one reason I like the Groove over the other two; it’s the one that I look at and immediately think of as a Chervolet. The other two could be from any number of manufacturers (Beat = Honda Fit; Trax = Jeep something), but with the current Chevy front end and cues from the HHR and other vehicles, the Groove looks less like a copy of someone else’s work.
Chris P.
Really like the Groove. The styling is great, I love the idea of a high-mileage diesel motor, and I would hope it would be available with a manual transmission (it’s disappointing the most enthusiast-oriented model, the Beat, specifies an automatic).
That being said, I’m really let down they won’t be sold here. And I’m left having a hard time understanding that - especially since this blog is US-aimed, the NY Auto Show is in the US (duh), and the site where you can vote on which model you like is in English (isn’t this car for Korea, China, and Europe?).
Rick Lupori
I voted for the Groove and would buy one if it were offered. I like the space utilization, overall styling and the fact that it powered by a 1.0L Diesel. What are the MPG estimates, should be over 50 highway.
I hope GM actually offers all three since they each appeal to a different buyer and their styling and powertrain fit each segment well. There is a 1.2L Turbo for the Beat and a 1.0L Gas for the Trax with RWD (for AWD) provided by electric motor. GM has done a steller job on this trio.
I noticed when I voted that the votes were evenly split at around 33% for each. Listen to the public and get these to the nearest Chevy dealer ASAP.
bdc
I pick the Groove. Buid it and bring it to the U.S. -sooner than later. Just make sure to give it about 130hp and great mpg!
Talis
Well what I really think GM should do is build PARTS of all three. For example, the three door is tight for some so offer the a 5 door. Also engine choices should include a normally asperated, turbo, AND a diesel.
Even though there are two 5 door concepts, the beat has the better styling IMAO. however I would also like to see the Grove built. Chevy can build both cars on the same platform and gain economies of scale, while offering differing approaches to the same question.
Also, the interior shot of the Beat is too “chinzey” the body colored lines on the dashboard remind me of the God awful seat designs on sub 15K compacts from the mid-90s.
Also, although high tech is a good bet to attract kids, it is also very expensive. forget the navi, and the subsequent screen in the dashboard. Please, do not make the same mistake Honda did with the last Civic and have too many driver display / instrument panels. A quick look at the Honda website will show you what I mean… The driver has to look at three places at the same time: the ROAD, the (digital) SPEEDO, and the TACH all in a row from top to bottom. Add to that the radio controls/navi off to the side and there is too much driver input in too many places.
My advice, as a designer myself, is to take all of the BEST elements of all three–scratch that– of the Beat and the Grove and then build at least four offerings; a (5 door AND a three door) of BOTH a sharper design, and a boxier design.
Jason
I agree with LocalTracks. The Trax looks like a Jeep Liberty, and the Groove looks like a crappy Scion. I guess I’ll vote for the Beat, but maybe I shouldn’t because I’ll be in line for the new G8 in silver
BerettaGTZ
Ed,
Great job! I love these concepts, and I’m having a hard time picking a favorite. However, your comment “from Shanghai to Paris to Rio to Moscow” should also include “LA, New York, Chicago, San Francisco…” Know what I mean?
Please don’t tease your fellow Americans with these incredible concepts only to sell them exclusively in overseas markets. That would be too cruel.
SteveG
Cute. I like the Groove best, but you can sell 2 models and take on Scion. Just make sure they are at least 100hp. No lawn mower engines.
Scott Kempton
First, I think it’s important to know how old I am. I am a 51-year old male. I absolutely LOVE the new Camaro, and will probably buy the new Malibu when it comes out, and I’m sure the new Impala will be great when it hits the streets. But all those cars seem to have been aimed at people my age.
THESE three new small cars are just cool! They are SO far from old-school, and I can totally see 20-somethings plunking down their $12-15K for these. There are elements of all three designs that I like, but I think I like the Groove the best. I just have two pieces of advice and one thought to share:
1) whatever engine you use, they must NOT feel, or sound, wheezy, and
2) they MUST feel substantial.
3) I’ll bet if you could fit the hybrid powertrain from the Volt into these, you’d sell a BUNCH of them.
Congrats on allowing yourselves to step outside the box a bit, and do something BOLD (yes, that WAS aimed at Ford).
Drew
I hear the Scion complaint, but I don’t see an xB or tC in them. I like these little Chevys a lot more.
Dukez
while i think all three are great and if priced right and safety would go after scions crowd.buying a car for a student parents look at safety 1st.
i would buy the beat(4dr. Hatch model)as long as the body lines are similar.also would be great to see a options like the WTCC concept a few years back.
Law.
i like the Beat if the line stay the same similar to the Wtcc.is this a Opel OPC clone?
give the Beat to Pontiac
keep the Groove & trax
Edward Hayes
Well I guess no segment is safe from GM’s marauding band of pen and paper wielding bandits. Filling our head with dreams, adding more promise to GM’s future confections and proving that the smell in the air is actually real, that there is something cooking at GM.
You out Honda-ed Honda WTCC
Out smarted Smart Daewoo
and Out Scion-ed Scion with this let me call it the fantastic trio.
You even deflated the Fiat what was that the Punto or something that car that was on top for about three days, what was that?
Hay, don’t worry it is only bragging when you are talking about yourself.
Here is a thought of the day. GM look in the mirror and say this…
There is no committee standing in the way of building GM’s growing list of exceptional and world beating concepts that can put us back on top in this automotive game, nope, it’s just in my head, I am the committee.
getalifeagain
These three are a very positive move for GM and quite different than anything out there.
John C
Bring on the Groove (WITH THE DIESEL)!!!! I’ll scoop one up and get MY groove on!
JKujo
Why should we even care since the US will never get one of these according to Bob Lutz? You bring out great concepts like the Velite, Bel Air, Chevy SS, and these Chevy triplets. Then you dissapoint us by producing god awful concepts things like the Aztec. The only concept worth anything that you actually listened to your fans was the Camaro. Almost 3 years later you will finally put it on the road. If you have no intention of bringing these to the US Market then why would you even bother showing them to us in the biggest city in the US? You really have me confused!
One off topic item: Why do you have a “Luxury” vehicle in the Enclave coming out and not offer the basic color of black? I hear that this will be offered in the V8 version but why does GM insist on coming up short on little details like this? What “Luxury” manufacturer offers a vehicle without black as a color option?… Exactly none. At least none that are serious.
A lot of people want diesel engines, why does GM ignore this and only offer them in trucks in the US Market? There is a market for this stuff. One that Toyota doesn’t touch and only European brands offer. Obviously this is an opportunity that can be had.
Ted H
Bob et all, nice concepts. But you are irritating people for not seriously considering a mini car for the US.
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47516
noel park
Where are these beauties going to be built?
jamie
Aw-right! GM finally admits there’s a generation born after the Boomers and Yuppies. Altho’ the General kind of blew the Yuppie thing as well when they were scooping up Bimmers and Mercs. Pontiacs would have made excellent BMWs, while Buicks could have rousted the Mercedes crowd. Caddy should have moved upscale long ago to lose its ‘pimp-mobile’ status.
Anyhoo, in my order of preference:
1. The BEAT: the right engine, the right styling
2. The TRAX: yech ugly headlights; thought it was underpowered with a 1.0L gas, but was unaware of the rear wheel battery pack. Don’t know how good that would be without driving it.
3. The GROOVE: Aw’c'mon…a 1.0L diesel; you gotta be kidding! Do you have to get out and push it over speed bumps? I would probably like this entry better if it were more ‘gangsta’ in appearance such a suicide doors and 1920s rear truck design (something Bob Lutz remembers well, ha-ha-ha).
Overall…great nomenclature! monikers that reflect my XYZ generation.
…Import status (even from Korea) is a good cachet as well as being good economics.
…Really Rad that they’re Chevy’s and not Saturns, Pontiacs or Buicks. Keep it that way.
One item is missing from the line-up though.
The Chevy “DEUCE”.
I would trade my Scion tC for a L’il DEUCE coupe in a heartBEAT! The Aveo nameplate is unappealing and the styling unFIT and too pedestrian for my taste.
Kudos to see you on the TRAX and in the GROOVE with the BEAT of our generation. Make all three plus the DEUCE please.
Yeah the profits are slim in this category, but think of it more as an investment in the future.
Remember the old adage:
If you can get them in a Chevy to begin with, they’ll stick with it when it’s time to trade.
edvard
I think all three are terrific looking cars. I think they would also sell LIKE CRAZY in the US where all the current tiny cars available are either too expensive: the Mini, to ugly: The Yaris, or too dorky: the entire Scion line and the Honda Fit.
Sell them here please!
Chris R
If these cars are very tiny, I’m not sure they’d work here in the US. An Aveo sized car would be about the smallest that Americans would buy. If they are the size of the Aveo, then I’d have to say that the Beat and Groove would be very good replacements for the Aveo as they both would compete nicely with the Scion cars. I’m not exactly sure where the Trax would fit in. It’s not an SUV, and doesn’t look to be as incredibly useful as the Groove and it’s likely competitor, the new xB. The Beat would need a new name before production though, as Honda has/had a tiny roadster with that name that they sold in some markets outside the US.
mbongo
Hi Ed,
I just learned that GM has no intention to build these triplet for North America and that the triplet can’t meet rigorous US safety requirements.
I don’t what to say but I think GM is making another big mistake, as it did when It decided to cancel the EV program.
I’m goin to ask you to think one more time before taking this catastrophic decision. For hundred thousand reasons, people will buy these cars in North America.
If Toyota has built Yaris and brought it in North America as well as seling it all around the world, why can’t GM do the same or more? It’is been more than 2 years we have learned that GM is building 2-mode hybrid Tahoe & Yukon. What have we seen so far? Nothing. Are GM cars for Auto shows only or serving those who put their faith in you.
Listen Ed, give people what they want. It’s very important GM understand this. And I think it’s time GM take some lead in the auto industry. It’s now time for action, not for auto shows nor speeches.
mbongo
Linda M
These are some cute cars and not what I would typically expect from GM. Impressive.
Toby
It would be nice to see if GM has a real commitment to building high quality small cars, but their record doesn’t speak well(that is true of all US brands). Let’s hope that changes. Our country really needs to see it happen.
noel park
Keith, 4/4, 6:46 PM:
AMEN to the lightweight Cobalt.
And, it is made in USA (right?).
This will be a big factor in our next car purchase.
Ming
So I’ve read at Car & Driver and another blog that the execs at the unveiling downplayed the possibility of selling a car like this in the US.
Why then give us a chance to vote on them? Why hype this?
One of my conspiracy theories is that GM and Ford in particular would prefer that people not come to them and buy inexpensive fuel efficient wagons and minicars.
I hope you prove me wrong, but feel I get is: If you want a hatch, get a crossover or an SUV. The Maxx is going away, the HHR looks like a retro Suburban, the Aveo still has no updated 5-door model, and from all signs they would rather sell us heavier, profit-laden crossovers, pickups and large SUVs.
Toyohondassan of course want the same, but their home country values small vehicles and minicars. So the mindset is different. And they’ve got the vehicles ready to export.
If a loyal GM/Ford customer comes in and buys an HHR do you feel that you have just lost the potential to sell them an Equinox, or Uplander, or Trailblazer to them? Something fat on the profits and poor on fuel economy? I’m not talking about people who would never consider anything larger than an HHR. Rather people that got into a Trailblazer because they thought mid-size truck-based SUVs were trendy. And now realize they really only “need” an HHR.
But the car business is not about selling people what they need. Its about creating a want for something they don’t need, and making them pay more for that emotion-based buying decision.
And that’s why I think we don’t have much of a wagon or small car market here in the U.S. Advertising works. Its a proven fact. The public doesn’t drive demand one-way. You also do. But when was the last time you saw an ad for the Malibu Maxx, if ever? Can’t count the number of times I saw one for a GM truck or SUV.
So when I hear people in business say that the public wants big vehicles, then turn around and incentivize and advertise the heck out of large pickups and SUVs (new money on the hoods of Silverados)? Truck ads on TV day and night and not a single small car ad? I call BS. Fighting the competition (Tundra, etc.) is only half of the story.
Its my possibly misguided and jaded opinion that GM is intentionally pushing people towards expensive vehicle options (and not offering truly economical ones) - pushing to feed and grow the demand they claim already exists - while small, less profitable vehicles are considered a necessary evil, not something to intentionally try to excel in or sell in large quantities. “Only if gas prices skyrocket”.
Bigger and improved Aveo sales don’t register with them. All they care about is a drop in Silverado or Tahoe sales. Its still a drop in the bucket of their overall sales picture. And trucks are king in that picture still, despite the Volt and minicar concepts that are on again off again.
But some of us GM fans would like a fuel efficient smaller car just because we want to save money on our commutes and our monthly payments. And we’d rather not buy a Toyota or Honda. And we’re tired of the way Detroit deals with the Aveo as something it has to sell, as opposed to something it wants to sell.
We don’t feel the urge to go out every 2 years and buy a new Silveradoburbanhoe to prop up GM’s bottom line. At least I don’t. Maybe I’m not the ideal GM fan.
Maybe Detroit doesn’t want to sell me a value packed inexpensive vehicle like the Forenza wagon. Or the Aveo that rose 50% on the back of no real advertising. Or one of these minicars. Maybe I’ll just get one at a Suzuki dealer instead. Come back and ask me in June…
Jason Zebersky
Wonderfull desighn!
Build the one’s you sell here, HERE! Canada,United States, Mexico!
What’s built in CHINA, stays in CHINA!
Jason Zebersky
Paul
I’ll tell you why: GM is greenwashing. They haven’t released anything that can compare to the Prius, or even the Yaris, in terms of gas mileage in years.
Between that fact and “Who Killed the Electric Car” they’ve got a serious perception problem amongst environmentalists. And in the era of global warming, more and more people are calling themselves environmentalists.
So they’ve decided to solve their perception problem not by actually doing anything, but by trying to alter perception. And as someone who frequents environmentalist blogs, I can say that it isn’t working. Especially when Bob Lutz puts his foot in his mouth by saying ridiculous things like this.
So I’ll say it again: Until one of these models or the Volt hits the showroom floor, GM hasn’t convinced me it’s changed AT ALL.
Al
When I first here the news on the radio of the three concept vehicles, they mistakenly called the Beat, the Beep! I think it would be a much better name.hopefully the quality of these vehicles will not be poor.
Gary Dikkers
Ed Peper said:
I hate being the skunk at your New York Auto Show garden party Ed, but “design innovation” doesn’t quite strike the right tone here. Other global automobile companies have been building similar mini- and micro-cars for years. Here’s just a short list:
Several of those cars also come with small, turbocharged diesel engines delivering superb fuel economy. I noticed you didn’t even mention what kind of engine one of your “triplets” might have. Are these to be conventional internal combustion? Turbo-diesel? Electric? Hybrid? Plug-in hybrid? LPG-fueled city car? Actually, the powerplant you envision for these concept cars is fundamentally more important than the cute results of a design exercise.
If your idea of innovation is mere “cuteness” instead of technical efficiency and reliability, you need to step back and refocus.
Your “innovation” is actually a tardy effort and you’re attempting to jump on a train that has already left the station.
Regards,
Gary Dikkers
Walt Silva
“There is no committee standing in the way of building GM’s growing list of exceptional and world beating concepts that can put us back on top in this automotive game, nope, it’s just in my head, I am the committee.
Posted by: Edward Hayes on April 5, 2007 01:13 AM”
Mr Hayes, you are absolutely correct. However, there is a very large committee of beancounters from Warren to Shanghai that are hell bent on allowing any exceptional and world beating cars from being built. That costs real money and this committee of beancounters is all about spending as little of their own money as possible. Their jobs are on the line to make sure they build them as cheap cheap cheap as possible. Sales and profit doesn’t matter - only cheap. I wouldn’t hold my breath for this to change anytime soon either. The head beancounter was just promoted.
mrbill
As I said,,,,ugly nonsense..
Where is our blown GNX
VRC
I can’t say I’m too thrilled with any of these, as (from the cutaway view of one) there’s no storage space, and even kids would get flustered with that.
I also agree with some previous comments about the size and availability of space in the Aveo. If it had the reliability of the Cavalier (and good mileage), it would be a better choice than any of these three concepts (especially if the price stayed low).
I also agree with the comments about a lighter, more fuel-efficient Cobalt, especially if the interior was improved.
Concepts are fun to look at; what Chevy needs is better mileage, better quality and more reliable cars The latter two, at least, USED to be part of what Chevy was all about). Do that, and make the prices competitive, and the sales will take care of themselves.
Robin Capper
Too little, too late.
Looks like GM bailing out of small car experts Fiat was not such a brilliant move…
Jasun
CAN U say:
Pontiac Beat or Wtcc
Chevy groove
Jeep Trax
3 times Fast(I mean get them here faster than the Saturn Corsa)
Beaugrand
What I think?
I think the 3-door has a good chance competing against the Smart.
I don’t think any of them have a chance of winning the Auto X-Prize.
I suspect those bragging rights will go to Toyota or Honda.
Jasun
CAN U say:
Pontiac Beat or Wtcc
Chevy groove
Jeep Trax
3 times Fast(I mean get them here faster than the Saturn Corsa)
I’m still waiting for my mini me!!!
Andrew Charles
Your reactions are exactly why GM is showing these vehicles in NY, rather than a market where they already sell similar vehicles (Korea, China or Europe). Will enough Americans be enthusiastic about vehicles this small? What kind of microcar (sporty hatch, wagon or crossover) will excite them most? This is what concepts are for–to test your reactions.
As for the possibility you’ll see one of these on sale in the US–”It’s likely one of these concepts will go to production as a global small car entry, and could be sold in North America if conditions are right.”–so never say “never”.
Klattu
The Groove looks best.
A bit too agressive up front.
Make it rock solid dependable in the engine drive train, and you will have a winner.
We want to see you make something that develops a reputation in a small car of running forever.
Forget all the do-dads…first make it tough, easy to maintain, and of course cheap.
Build a base of loyality that has a reason to be proud…instead of imbarassed.
Randy
I want the Chevy Groove with the round taillights of the Trax. Thanks.
mg
Dear GM:
Why not provide their mpg? Possibly because it can’t compare with the larger Toyota Prius?
makemineamini
These are great looking concepts with unique ideas and if sold anywhere near the price mentioned would be a HUGE hit in the USA…..I would definitely be a prospective buyer but…..you turn around and say they are probably not destined for the US market….. so why the heck even show them here? This is one reason why so many Americans are turned off by our own domestic makers. Promises but no follow through. BMW took a huge gamble with the MINI and it paid off, Daimler is taking a chance with the Smart. Why is it that the American car industry is so afraid to try something new and different? It’s as if mediocrity and status quo is written in the company charter. I guess I’ll have to just keep giving my money to foreign car companies that are willing to follow through with something fresh and exciting that the public wants.
alex
I noticed that Groove was the most popular car in the survey! That is too bad! Groove looks too radical to me. But of course I am probably too old for the targeted buyers. I really liked Trax. I think it can be turned into an exciting production design. I suggest you do another survey with people who actually buy this class of cars. The web surveys can sometimes be misleading!
MGAman
After looking at Yaris and Scion I’d say it’s about time GM. You have always had Opel small cars which would sell NOW. It is great to see you waking up to reality. Not everyone wants or needs a large SUV or pickup. Nor can most beginning buyers afford most of your current offerings. I am looking at retirement and frankly need a GOOD frugal utilitarian vehicle. Make these diesel hybrids AND plugin hybrids and watch’em fly out of the showroom.
Dee Strub
If you are really listening GM
I want a environmentally friendly and economical car with interior comfort and leg room for commuting.
Dont give me a small car with a crappy seat. I like the beat, but how is the seat???
MELODY COLVILLE
Chevy- you are missing the boat here ! I am a 60 yr old boomer who loves her 2007 Cobalt (as I did my previous Cavalier). I would have bought any one of the triplets if available.
You need to re-think the market for these minies.
There is a huge market out here for a tiny, zippy, cute, mini. We don’t belong to the PTA anymore, we’re not taking the kids around with all their sports gear anymore. We need 2 comfortable seats, enough room for groceries or suitcases, great gas mileage, low insurance, and RELIABILITY!
If you add the teen/college crowd that would flock to these because they are new and inexpensive, green, and zippy, to the boomers who are post SUV, post mini-van, you’d have a huge market !
I can see the commercial now- the Kathy Bates character from “Fried Green Tomatoes” beating an SUV-driving-soccermom into a parking space with a witty remark about more sense and less car !
Bob
Why not just style the aveo like the beat?? the cobalt to…that car just looks DULL!!
do u really gotta go make a whole new line up? and whats an aveo anyway??
style the hhr like the trax or the SSR….always like the SSR the front end would look nice on the hhr
Jim Twiss
The microcar is long overdue in the US. These cars would fit the bill for the big cities both coasts. Make one of them this year. Do not wait years to do this…we need this type of car available NOW. They are all funky, but I like the Trax the best (although the names ‘Trax’ and ‘Beat’ are awful…makes you think of the crappy Geo Tracker and the name ‘Beat’ sounds like slang for ‘Beater Box’). It would be great to see a car like these concepts actually built…with high quality materials, a substantial list of niceties and fantastic gas mileage. Do not just aim to compete with the European and Japanese cars….recreate the minicar and exceed everyone, GM!!
Lee
GM, you’re toast, we all know it, your cash cows the SUV’s & pickups are too expensive to buy and drive any longer, the market is already flooded with 0% financed cars & trucks post 9-11.
Where is any GM innovation?
A hybrid diesel would sell like crazy, can you guys even design engines any more, much less something complicated?
I’m ashamed of the US auto industry, and the mantra of “It’s the union’s fault.” is wearing thin.
Here’s how to save your tail:
1.) Build all three of these cars, it’s not that hard, and using robots, you could build all of them on the same line.
2.) Offer the diesel option on all of them.
3.) Put a turbo diesel in your 1/2 ton trucks
4.) Develop a hybrid diesel for these cars.
It’s not rocket science guys.
whofan
Build these cars and get back your leed in inovation. Also build a small car like these that can tow at least a 17` fishing boat. Many of us are stuck with buying a large truck just to tow an aluminum boat. Make these cars availible to the north American market. How about a plug in hybrid version? Pat attention to all vehicle line. Don`t ever let the small car slide in favor of trucks. GM should and can hit a home run in all categories.
whofan
Build these cars and get back your leed in inovation. Also build a small car like these that can tow at least a 17` fishing boat. Many of us are stuck with buying a large truck just to tow an aluminum boat. Make these cars availible to the north American market. How about a plug in hybrid version? Pay attention to all vehicle lines. Don`t ever let the small car slide in favor of trucks. GM should and can hit a home run in all categories.
tony
Great concepts, please release them soon. I think we are rfeady for those cars!
Chris (Toronto)
Great styling - just build them and sell them. No need to give then such terrible names to attract a younger crowd, tho. “Trax” is cool.
Chris (Toronto)
Vazir
I voted for the Groove and it’s sure nice to see that it’s ahead of the rest.
VW does a 72.4mpg Fox which far out weighs the benefits of a 35mpg MINI - hands down! A Diesel Groove will put Chevy right back in the reckoning.
If I were you, I’d say build all three, but most definitely DO bring the Groove to the US of A
- V@z!R………
Bombay, India
kalani
Great Triplets. My disappointment was that these beauties are still in the CONCEPT Phase. Meanwhile, Toyota keeps churning out the innovations! C’mon GM, America is rooting for you…quit messing around and get these cars into production!
agc41510
“BEAT” THE VOTE!!!!!!
Clint
Dear GM,
We don’t care what your cars look like as much as we care how we can use them and minimally impact the environment. We want a 75mpg convertible 5 seater that runs on vegetable oil. We want a sweet sportscar like the Tesla Roadster that beats a Porche off the line, is all-electric, and goes 250 miles in one charge. We want to be proud of how we are using our resources and proud to use an American engineered and American-made car on alternative fuels. I will admit, however, that they look pretty darn slick.
Sincerely,
R Bodner
Great little cars, but the Trax with a diesel engine would be my pick!
yoyo223
Yes this is the ticket!But Do Put Turbo Diesel In All the Minnies and yes on the AWD This will make alot of people stand up and take a look.
There Is Another thing I’d like to address More Safty Guys All wheel Disk would be a start,And you know with the way these’s Minnies are shape’d how about A frame inside them.like building a cage under the panels.And yes I’v got some Ideals that would work on these Minnies.
One more thing guys Great Ideals
Wes
Product them now and watch them fly off the dealers lot. People are tired of paying huge gas prices and if they can get something with 4 doors that looks sporty and save money they will buy it! look no further than the yaris, however these concepts are more stylish so the younger and middle crowd will purchase them! I would like to see one on the lot by 2008!! cuz i’m buying
Rich
I love the three cars. Problem is, how long do I have to wait before I can actually get one? Will it fit a guy that is 6′ 4″, 250 pds?
If so, I’m all over it.
Bob
It’s about time! I am happy to see GM pursuing cars that get milage up where the Geo Metro was. After all, shouldn’t we look to design cars that are better on gas that cars of 10 or 20 years ago, not worse!?!?
I can’t wait to see if the mini-triplets hit the market!
RON BAER
it about time we look at the diesel engine what were you waiting fore now it will be about 10 years before you actually produce one in a small or mid size car or truck
Garrett
As its been said before offer the 1.0 diesel in all models! I would love to see a small diesel in a subcompact such as the Beat. Give me the Beat with a 1.0 diesel and I’m sold!
JasBoi
Build these cars and i will buy GM. These cars are just what GM needed to attract the youthful hip customer. Young people are aching for a new option - If you build them they will come
Gordon Beers
I expected all of these vehicles as (at least) hybrids
Ida
love the trax. wish it had a better styling for the snow belt of america. i would really be interested in buying one of these.
janice mcvay
i just voted for the groove. you say it is for the youngh. i’m am 58 and i think it is the cutest car i have seen in a long time. just one question. will it run on alternative fuel. when will they be on the market and what do they cost.
Joe
I knew GM has it in them to design the car for tomorrow. However, a change I would make, is to take the turbo charge engine from the Beat and put into the Trax. This would combine better looks and the power to show off. Most definitely a fun car would evolve.
fornesto
I really like them all. The only suggestion is offer the different powertrain options in each vehicle. I would love a 1.0L diesel in the Trax! Throw in a hybrid option and you would have an amazing stable of efficiency.
valerie
Will The TRAX be available in Diesel? I think it’s a great little SUV-ish vehicle, but perhaps there should be an option as to the fuel.
I know either way, I would love to have one. It’s smaller than my SUV, but still big enough so the pup can enjoy the back seat.
I’ve been looking for something smaller and fuel efficient, and I think you all have just create the PERFECT SUV!
Steve
These concept cars are a step in the right direction for both environmentally-friendly and bold car design. I enjoyed all 3 concepts and applaud the decision to shed the conservative design of GM cars.
Great job.
Frank
I’d plunk down the cash for a Beat just on looks alone. The fact that it’s small and has a small engine could only mean good fuel economy. I’m sold.
martin
No mpg?!?! Hiding something? Go diesel in all three. Build then 2 foot longer and a foot wider so people can actually get in them and still be able to steer. US made, tired of imports. None of these you’ll do. So I’ll go buy a FORD.
Dean
I’d like to echo the comments earlier…Design innovations? I think not. I recently purchased a Scion (Toyota) rather than an aveo or HHR because I know my Toyota will still be running strong long after it is payed off. Sounds like you guys are just playing catch up again. And don’t give me the “buy American” guilt trip. You guys are the ones farming out American jobs making cars to Mexico and Canada and who knows where else. My last Toyota and Subaru were put together here in the USA.
Jackie
I love all the new styles I own the chevy aveo and i absolutely love it. I even have talked my friend into getting one and she loves it as well. I think that if you make the models they will sell I know I would definitly buy the trax…I think each car was put together well with each of their own features Great Job and keep up the work.
George Stewart
Great. Just three more vehicles that your dealers can overcharge for by adding ADM, VA, BP, etc to the price. I was told by a dealer when I went to buy a HHR, that if I didn’t like $5K ADM go someplace else as he has people lined up at the door to buy the HHR. I did. I bought a Subaru. No wonder you guys are in trouble.
Fred
Why were these not in production a year ago?? And made in the USA? By UAW (like Saturn).
Offer Diesel in all of them. Just not the return of the Olds Diesel! Diesel should be an option in ALL of the SUVs and trucks. But realize, the big SUV is done, the suburban should just be a low volumn niche truck.
Maybe you can still get some info on how to do Diesel-electric out of the former electo-motive division and make a diesel bybrid.
And because my just turned 16 year old, does not want grandma’s Buick Lesabre we are getting her a Honda Fit.
When I was her age I had to suffer with a 1974 Nova. (that was in 79). I would love for her to be driving a US made GM, but you guys have forgotten that part of the market.
How come Toyota, Honda and Hyundai can build high quality cars in the USA and your doing it in Canada and Mexico? Don’t even think of using the UAW excuse. Design cars better instead of barges and you market share will increase. Saturn Aura, Pontiac G6 - good. Hummer should be discontinued.
Robin Black
I saw the Volt and fell in love, then I saw your 3 new ones and also fell hard. It would be nice if you could merge the 4 cars into one - as long as it has the e-flex of the Volt. I liked the interior styling of the Beat better than Volt as the seats in the Volt looked very uncomfortable. Lime Green isn’t my favorite color either. How about neutral colors like black, grey, and tan for the interior. See, I’m already choosing my options just like I do when I buy my car. I am waiting to buy a new car until you give me the Volt.
Eric
NICE!!!! Beat those scions and minis….. way to go GM. Make sure they sip gas …… and reliability, of course
Mike Powell
Dear GM,
Please make all three mini cars available to the market as soon as possible! By so doing GM can use mini cars to drive the consumer away from wasteful SUVs into economical Urban Transprot Vehicles (UTVs). This line of cars can be marketed as a major tool in the fight againist Global Warming! They should be availabel with hybrid, alternative,electric,and in the future hydro fuel cell power systems. Market the mini cars as a way to reduce America’s dependance on foreign oil.
Yes I’m going to buy a Camaro in 2009 but don’t plan to drive it everyday. I would deffinately like to purchase a mini car at the same time to be that everyday car!
Mike Powell
Confimed Chevy Man (1999 Monte Carlo 208,456 miles)
Randy
Retired and no kids, but we have dogs. We need a vehicle that is pet friendly, seats fold flat to accommodate a dog crate in the back and leather/vinyl so dog hair won’t stick. Carpet in the front floor area is ok but none in the back. All seats should have no carpet on them. Access to the back via lift gate should be easy for a dog to walk or jump in.
Fuel efficiency is a plus.
Sam
Bring them on and finely “build some excitement” from GM! Even though behind Toyota with it’s Scion division, Toyota’s hybrids,or Honda with it’s hybrids and Element, put these concepts to action and at least attempt to play the catch up game. Offer all three and offer a high performance twin-turbo charged, direct injection diesel. As others have commented, a hybrid diesel will be a waiting list builder. Take cues from VW on how do do a nice interior at low cost and from both VW and Mini on how to fit big and tall people in little spaces. Think of ergonomics and use controls, knobs, and switches that don’t infuriate the user!
I am 40 years old and out of your target market, but if you bring the right product, I will buy!
Maureen
Hey, if they are looking for a set of triplets for any ads boy do I have the family for you! Our triplets are 19 yrs old. With 5 kids and 4 of whom are in college (in 4 different states) cars a big issue when everyone comes home for summer jobs. These cars look GREAT! By the time they are ready to move I should be ready to sell my Suburban- how fast will they become available?
paul
The trax has a hot design, i hope to see that model in hybrid or with a diesel engine!
Mike
Why don’t we actually invest money into better fuel efficent engines than release Concepts of small cars that aren’t going to reach the US? Why don’t we use the resourses we have in other countries small GM cars are sold in to make the US ones better? Improve the Cobalt and make it the Aveo and the HHR better. Focus on those three so we don’t have to make concepts. Put money into them and make a better Aveo5. Stop wasting money on unimportant concepts that won’t make it to production.
future buyer
I vote for the Groove for one reason: 1.0 liter diesel in a sall car = brilliant fuel economy. If GM wants to own the future, take the lead in US diesels. Diesel efficiency combined with flexible fuels sources (biodiesels and newer Fischer-Trop biofuels) will make diesels the cheap alternative to hybrids.
Pete
I use to buy Chevy’s. Last year I bought a Scion xA and a Jeep Liberty diesel. I would love to buy a Chevy in the future, but your exciting concepts never seem to come out.
Put a reliable diesel in one of your products and I will probably buy one.
ruro
I love these small cars! I like the groove and trax best. Please develop and manufacture these, and help the US get away from huge ugly SUVs and pick-up trucks. This will help keep the roads safer for smaller cars (and pedestrians). Honestly, how many people really need a pick-up truck? Everytime I turn on the TV, car companies are pushing them.
Make these small cars fuel-efficiant, solid and safe and we will buy them! It is time to bring back friendly cars, and get rid of the intimidating beasts out there.
Tom W.
Those designs are out of the park! Give me the Camaro for the weekend flog and the Beat for the weekly commute. Hey, Ed, you bring the Bowtie goods and I’ll bring the trade-ins! Great work guys, serve them up.
Oddie
I also think you ought to make all three designs.The more the better and all of these seem ell done.I’d also offer lots and lots of accesories,colors,packages etc. Let people personalize so it’ll be THEIR car.
dan
i have owned 7 chevys…now drive a toyota………..will these chevys also fall apart?………will they ever be put into production?…… and if they start to sell big time…….will general motors will increase prices dramaticallly? …. and will they then increase the horsepower?……..then increase the size….increase the weight……..and then will they wonder why no one is buying them.
noel park
Mike, 4/11, 1:02 AM:
Right. Thanks.
Diana
These are cool looking cars and should appeal to anyone without kids to haul around. The problem is FUEL EFFICIENCY is everything - if they don’t 35+ mpg forget it, they’ll flop.
dneu
I think there’s a lot of room for smaller cars in the future.
Beat looks more like a Pontiac to me- at least for the North American market. (Maybe as a replacement for Vibe?)
I think either of the others might make an interesting replacement (or little brother) for the HHR.
I’ll throw in my vote for diesel (or, turbo-diesel) as well!
Scott Noga
Ed, Bob & Mr Wagoner,
C’mon, more use of this tool. (See S Noga “Voice” carline proposal to D Mazur, Sept 2001)
Also, all three should be same color (Everyone knows black will get the nod over the green overall) for true vote, also please have at least one additional question; Age? (Mini buyers will be 18-25 majority, probably change results to Beat)
Once winner of overall exterior, then more voting: wheels, ext trim options etc. Then different Interiors, diff versions of that next.
Once winner………..then colors………….then fabrics, all the way to production.
Please see “Voice” carline proposal S Noga to D Mazur Sept 2001. (Rejected back then) More exposure should be given, nationwide advertising for the event, Dealership participation (Traffic), more questions (Marketing), first online voted car ever produced (Innovation).
GM’s back as Innovator’s, great exposure, exudes technology, brings back the youth market to GM!
Hello, is anyone listening? (My 3rd try here, rejected again by B Lutz as to much like a beauty pageant in 2002)
I would love to re-present this idea and the potential this has when fully utilized/leveraged and marketed.
Maybe the third tries the charm,
Scott
Paul
Why? If you don’t have more than two kids, a small four-door car should be fine until they hit their teens, and then a mid-size station wagon should be more than sufficient. Europeans drive much smaller cars than Americans. Do they not have children?
Oscuh
Build all three, keep the price under $12K when loaded, and you’ll sell millions. Just make sure you ditch the Av-egg-o in the process of bringing these to market. Talk about a yawner design!
I’d love to have a Tahoe or something else 4×4 for the winters here, but I’m ultimately more inclined to buy something that looks cool, and better yet, gets 50+ mpg for my long commutes. If you can do that with this platform, I’ll be the first in line to buy one.
Markus
GM,
Great looking concepts: why not bring over the saturn corsa and make the groove and trax (diesel/bio-hy)maybe awd for groove and 4×4 for trax.
what do you think?
this is a market if you make them right and price.
more human than robot
ok i like the concepts but would like to see a better color pallet: bright blue like corsa opc,bright orange would look great on a sporty mini or compact maybe groove/trax.i must say your designs are improving just add colors.
Joe V
In light of this CAFE business; build all three and slap a different GM badge on each. The navy one can be a Saturn, the green one can be a Pontiac and the orange one can be a Chevy.
John Pietkowski
You should be ashamed of yourselves crooning over these crap boxes when you put out such second rate product like the Cadillac STS. This is supposed to be your top of the line flagship, and I was all but sure I was going to buy one this weekend. After spending about an hour in the car, I came away unimpressed. The horrible attention to detail - unsightly and uneven panel gaps, orange peel paint job, and terribly finished leather stitching convinced me that the turnaround that you speak of is just that - rhetoric only. The backs of the chairs are just ugly and have no place at all in a $65K car - this pathetic lack of pride in your car convinced me to look elsewhere. The only two positive things worth mentioning are the smell of the leather and the great stereo system. Beyond that, you guys best get back to the drawing board and quick - this 48yr old just bought an Audi A8 instead. D*mn I really wanted to buy American too.
Ames Tiedeman
Build all 3!~
Harold Worley
Great looking cars! I can’t wait until they are in production.
me
gm,
how about make these 3 in mexico, make opel/vauxhall/saturn’s in us or conda and dhip to europe as is done with sky roadster?
Mike Obriam
GM, Built these three as fast as you can. The public is tired of all the concepts you put out with very little going into production. The public are going crazy over these three fine vehicles. You could sell every one you built! Make mine a diesel though, I’m after the fuel economy. Three dollars a gallon in CA is more than outragous.
Christine Shannon
Gentlemen, I would love to see all three of the little concepts go into production. Just look at the fine lines on each one of these vehicles.The Trax is very nice; I’m all for a diesel motor in all three of these.What ever it takes.Please build one of what it takes to get good gas mpg with some style. Thats just what all three of these offer. Please take my deposit on a black Trax!
Jason Mitchell
Sorry to burst your bubble, but your “babies” are homely. Thank you for the decision not to bring them here to the US - I’d hate to see these ugly mugs in my rear view mirror.
I hope the designers responsible for these freakish toys are given one way tickets to China. Maybe they will be appreciated there.
ahmad alwakil
I want see Ipeca motors from chevrolet
Tom Crumley
As a re[eat GM customer I have very strong feelings about how GM takes care of customers. I hate to say I am not pleased. Although GM will make inroads towards new cars, I am afraid they have lost my confidence in being able to design a car that will hold up. Of course I would be stradled with the cost repeatedly diagnosing the problem, and rediagnosing it if the fix does not work. These days are over for me, and I do not feel GM any longer can provide the total package it takes to innovate, design, engineer,produce, and stand by the vehicle they make. With the expense of repairing small flaws, as well as the large ones, I am doubt I will be buying GM. As far as I can see they already are into me for too much money, and giving them more for a untested product is questionable. Keep trying, but maybe GM should refocus on engineering a product that works, and provides a value to the driver, not shareholders.
UrFmrMan
GM,
i think you should bring over the Corsa And CXR(corsa crossover).
and out of these the biggest impact would CUV=Groove and maybe Jeep Trax.
where’s the WTCC or Corsa OPC?
Camaro_Man
These cars are POS!!! GM should concentrate on building high horsepower cars.
RAYMAN
HOW ABOUT MARKETING THESE LITTLE GUYS VIA WEB-SELLS?
ALLOW BUYERS TO BUILD AND ORDER VIA THE WEBSITE.
PROVIDE MANY AFTERMARKET PARTS.
WHY DID U KILL GEO AND MOVE SATURN UP?
*WHO’S THE SACK OF ROCKS?
THE BUYERS OR AUTOMAKER
firefly_pwn
i was just wondering if its possible to put a turbo on a firefly with over 200k kms on it???
kimj
great idea, why dont you have the pierce triplets promote the cars?
Buppa
For me I like the Groove with the diesel . Bringit it on I am in the market for a car just like this . I also think that a mini pickup truck with a small diesel build on the same lines as the Groove would be a winner !
J.Crew
Hi guys, I was sitting at home and thinking about cars as I do often. I came up with a new idea, or rather, an application of an existing automotive idea for these small cars as well as others. I have no idea if it is feasible, but thought I would throw it out there and see what you think. The concept is taking the same idea of the Chrysler “Stow ‘n Go” seating and apply it to the front passenger seat to these small cars. I am not talking about the front seat back folding forward as most cars today. I am referring to making the seat totally hide itself, or at a minimum drop down into the front foot well to creat extra room for any number of items like hockey bags, golf clubs, and groceries. The original thought occured to me a while back when I was checking out the Solstice and Sky at a local dealer. I play hockey and would not be able to put my gear in either of those cars… unless the seating on the passenger side was more flexible. Most people tend to drive alone and need to carry multiple items. This seating arrangement would create a more usable package. I also drive a lot for my work so I prefer a 4 cyl car for gas saving purposes. I considered the Sky and Soltice for both the fun factor, fuel economy, and I have no kids…but I play hockey as I previously mentioned as well as golf. The goal is to make these cars more functional on top of the style, fuel saving, and driving dynamics. Just a thought from a fan of the great new cars you guys and girls are now producing. Keep up the good work!
Sampson
I think that the Chevy Beat looks the best out of the three. It shares some similarities to the Chevy WTCC Ultra, which is currently a concept for over seas. I don’t know if it ever made prodution or not, though. Anyway, I’ll be honest: I think that the WTCC Ultra looks better than the Beat. The WTCC Ultra would make a better tuner car for younger drivers, and I think that it would just be more fun. I’m not dissing the Beat or any of the other two concepts here on this page, because they do look nice, but I really wish that Chevy would bring the WTCC Ultra to the States. Great job, Chevy!!!
john Feliu
I have been a GM owner for 40 years. I like the Beat,and the Trax, but if North America doesn’t come out with a Diesel grocery getter soon. I’m going euorpean or asian next time.BTW.usta get 52 MPG/hwy with my Chevy Sprint.
hal
I HAVE 2 JEEP LIBERTY DIESELS. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER GAS VEHICLE. ARE THE BIG THREE IN U S NOT SMART ENOUGH TO SEE THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD LOVE A 50+ MPG DIESEL SMALL CAR.
James
The Groove makes the most sense. So what if Toyota’s ScionXB is similar. That’s how Toyota has become successful, imitate success and build it better. The XB is the #1 selling Scion design & best choice for GM to invest in. The Groove provides a choice not currently offered by GM - Trax is smaller - Beat is a 2door hatchback that would only compete with the Aveo and new Saturn Astra. The Groove has the most broad appeal & fits better in the product mix.