Chevrolet UK says the imminent launch of its Orlando – the first of six models to come to market next year – will see incremental growth in the segment.
The seven-seat MPV launch follows the launch of the Cruze and latest Spark models by Chevrolet whose UK managing director, Mark Terry, conceded the past 12 months have presented a tough challenge in the British market.
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Speaking to just-auto in Valencia where Chevrolet was showcasing the Orlando, Terry nonetheless insisted the new vehicle – together with the 2011 range – would see the GM division compete effectively with its rivals particularly through its ´five-year promise’ offering free servicing, warranty and roadside assistance.
“[It] is the best package on the marketplace – it is transferable to [a] second owner,” said Terry. “If you buy a Promise vehicle and decide your family wants to keep the vehicle, they can, it is an integral part of what we do.”
Despite his optimism, Terry added the automaker “had a lot of work to do,” but was confident once the product was in the public eye, consumers would understand “what Chevrolet was about.”
“If you go back five years there was confusion about American gas-guzzling vehicles,” he said. “We are pretty fortunate we have a unique position in that we bringing four new cars to the market.”
Terry added the majority of his 90 dealers in the UK were very supportive and that he was happy with most of them, although he added there some he needed “to take a review of”.
“All retailers have done a great job,” Terry said, adding he was planning to go for a “very personal dinner” with them to launch the Orlando.
The new MPV – due to arrive in the UK by spring next year – will be available with one petrol and two diesel engines.
