Chevrolet Sonic - The smallest car assembled in US
The release of Chevrolet Sonic subcompact model from GM is going to be released in August, this year. The model has already started creating a stir in the car industry. With more sophisticated features, at a lesser price, the model is going to give a tough competition in the subcompact segment to the Ford's Fiesta and Hyundai's Accent. This model will definitely be a win for the GM motors which was lagging in sales in the subcompact segment after the release of the subcompact models from Nissan, Toyota and Honda around 4 years ago.
Though General Motors released the compact models in seventies and eighties and in this decade, the models were not successful in establishing their base in the segment. These models proved out to be non-profitable for GM, in the past.
The idea to go ahead with the model surfaced from minds of the development Engineer John Buttermore and chief Sonic engineer Joaquin NuÒo-Whelan were on a ride of the Chevy subcompact model two years ago. They decided that they would re-engineer the model and offer America a new version suitable for the US roads. However, it was not an easy job for the dual. They had put lot of effort to convince their bosses to go ahead with the production of this model. Ultimately their efforts were fruitful. The new model will be released in the Orion Township plant of the company, next month.
GM believes that this version can definitely bring help the company to regain its position in the small car segment and help in improving the sales figures. Also the company believes that the increasing trend in the gas prices will definitely create a good market for this kind of models.
The Sonic is designed to run on alloy wheels instead of the noisy steel wheels, to provide the riders a more comfortable and smooth ride. Only this feature has helped to minimize the noise levels by 3 dB. Further the wipers of the model are sunk a bit deeper into the hood to reduce the noise further. The altered design to tie the engineís cradle and body frame are fitted in place using the Buttermore Braces method(named after the development Engineer John Buttermore who stressed on implementing this method, after a prolonged hot discussions with his bosses) to make the body design more tough, not compromising on the comfort ride. Buttermore was also successful in convincing the officials to bring alterations in the original Chevvy by planning a sealing around the doors.
The basic model of Sonic will cost you around $15,000, including all the charges. Though nearest competitor Fordís Fiesta comes at a price of $14,000, the additional features in the vehicle are definitely worth considering.
This is definitely a great achievement to have a home grown model built at such a lesser price. Only 30% of the parts used in this subcompact model are imported from outside. Rest all is US manufactured. The introduction of the model also helped the company to restart the long halted production in the Orion plant. This venture will definitely prove out to be a good omen for the US job market.
GM is releasing this model will all big hope. Hope they will be successful.
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