GM has announced that it plans to launch the Pontiac G3 5-door sporty hatchback in the United States by spring 2009. The car is already sold in Canada as the Pontiac G3 Wave and in Mexico as a sedan.
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The announcement is a response to the downturn in the US market and the fact that consumers are turning away from large gas guzzlers. GM said that the new model would mean Pontiac has four vehicles in its range that would that are capable of achieving more than 30mpg fuel consumption on the highway. Other cars are the new 2009 Vibe (32mpg), versions of the G6 sedan (33mpg) and the G5 coupe (37mpg).
“The small car segment has literally exploded in recent months, with sales up nearly 33 percent in the first six months of 2008 alone,” said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “With its proven success in other markets, we felt the time was right to bring the G3 into the BPG portfolio for our U.S. customers.”
The G3 will have a 1.6L Ecotec engine. Pricing will be announced closer to introduction.
