4 new Chevrolet models for Paris auto show

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

4 new Chevrolet models for Paris auto show

BY MARK PHELAN

FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC

PARIS -- General Motors' plan to transform Chevrolet into a global powerhouse brand like Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen and Ford gets a major injection of fresh sheet metal as Chevy introduces four key models at the Paris auto show this week.

The globalization of Chevrolet is one of GM's few unqualified successes in the last several years. The brand has become a major player in fast-growing markets around the world. It has spearheaded GM's growth in Russia and central Europe.

The new models will include the Aveo subcompact, an aggressively styled little car intended to be a major player in developing markets around the world. The Aveo is also destined to become the only subcompact car built in the U.S. GM's Orion Township assembly plant in Oakland County will produce it alongside a new compact from Buick.

In addition to the Aveo, Chevrolet will show a slick hatchback version of the Cruze compact.

The Cruze should become one of GM's best-selling cars around the world. The hatchback promises to boost sales in Europe, where the stylish and practical body style is very popular.

Chevrolet just began building the Cruze sedan in Lordstown, Ohio. The car is also destined for production at several plants in Europe and Asia. There's no plan to build the Cruze hatchback in the U.S.

Chevrolet will also show new versions of its Captiva small SUV and Orlando compact minivan. Chevrolet initially planned to sell the Orlando in the U.S. It canceled that plan, but the space-efficient little seven-seater still plays a major role in the badge's plan for Europe and other parts of the world.

The four vehicles just about complete Chevrolet's evolution from a hodgepodge of designs and vehicles borrowed from GM operations around the world to a global brand with a model line with consistent styling and characteristics in all markets.

Chrysler's Italian partner Fiat will pull the wraps off a powerful and fuel-efficient engine equipped with a technology destined for production at Chrysler's engine plant in Dundee, just west of Monroe.

The 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine uses Fiat's Multiair system, an innovative system that boosts the power and fuel efficiency of small engines.

Fiat's Multiair technology will be a key to the company's goal to produce a fleet of fuel-efficient small cars and crossovers.

Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand will also show a new transmission Chrysler plans to produce in the U.S. Called TCT, for twin-clutch transmission, it uses the system also known as dual-clutch to improve fuel economy while providing more of the control drivers like about manual transmissions.

Ford introduced a dual-clutch as the automatic transmission in its Fiesta subcompact.

The TCT dual-clutch transmission should eventually be offered in everything from the new subcompacts Chrysler plans to produce to its midsize sedans and crossovers.

In addition, several key Chrysler models will share Fiat's Lancia luxury brand's stand. Fiat plans to combine Chrysler and Lancia into a single worldwide luxury brand.

The vehicles will be called Chryslers everywhere but Italy, where the Lancia name carries on. The Chrysler 300C and Town & Country minivan -- called the Grand Voyager in Europe -- are prominent in the Lancia display.

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