General Motors unveiled its 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt at the Los Angeles motor show – it’s the latest new Chevy in a revamped line designed to boost the brand’s sales to three million units, a level last reached in 1979, according to an Associated Press (AP) report.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
AP said the Cobalt [which effectively replaces the long-running Cavalier] is Chevy’s entry in the premium small car market and will compete against the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic – it will debut next autumn with two versions for the 2005 model year.
“We know we face an uphill fight to regain passenger car share lost to the Japanese over two decades, and in recent years to the entry-level Korean imports,” Gary Cowger, president of GM North America, reportedly said at a media preview for the show which opens to the public on Friday.
AP said both the Cobalt sedan and coupe will feature wood on the dashboard, leather interior and other premium features such as satellite radio, MP3 player and the company’s OnStar emergency notification system but pricing [key in this sector] – was not announced.
AP noted that the Los Angeles motor show traditionally kicks off the annual roadshow of new and concept cars but most carmakers are holding their more significant announcements for the North American international motor show in Detroit, which opens on January 4.
Cowger reportedly said GM’s decision to debut the Cobalt in Los Angeles is a recognition of the importance of the California market.
“These trends start here in California,” Cowger told AP, adding: “We recognise that. We’re here in full force.”
 |
 |
 |
