USA Chevrolet launches a new chunkier sportier Spark Active for the 2017 Model Year.

Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Spark ACTIV, a sportier take on the brand’s versatile, connected mini-car, featuring trail-inspired accents and upscale features that complement its urban-chic design.

“The new Spark ACTIV is all about adventurous fun and style,” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet director of Car and Crossover Marketing. “It has an attitude, while still offering the sophisticated, efficient and connected driving experience customers have come to love.”

On sale

First quarter of 2017

Pricing

$16,945 manufacturer’s suggested retail price with manual transmission*

$18,045 manufacturer’s suggested retail price with continuously variable transmission*

*Price includes destination charge, but excludes tax, title and other dealer fees.

Product details

Spark ACTIV features unique front and rear fascias with accents influenced by off-road skidplates, as well as a new 15-inch wheel design and a revised suspension that increases the ride height by 0.4 inch (10 mm). Additional unique content includes:

• Specific grille pattern with ACTIV nameplate
• Round fog lamps and fog lamp housings integrated in the front fascia
• Contrasting wheelhouse moldings and hatchback cladding
• Rocker moldings
• Roof rails

The well-appointed interior features standard black, heated leatherette front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with these features:

• Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone)
• Rear-vision camera system
• SiriusXM satellite radio (three months)
• OnStar Guidance Plan (three months)
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (three-month/3GB data trial)
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Remote keyless entry
• Steering wheel controls for phone and audio system
• Power windows with Express Up/Down

USA - Chevrolet announces a price cut of upto 50% on the Data Plan for it's 4G LTE connectivity.

Chevrolet owners have used more than 3 million gigabytes of data since OnStar 4G LTE launched in June 2014

Chevrolet is reducing its OnStar 4G LTE data plan pricing by up to 50 percent just in time for the Independence Day weekend, when AAA projects 36 million Americans will drive to holiday destinations.

As the first automaker to offer 4G LTE connectivity across its entire retail portfolio, Chevrolet has sold more than 2.1 million OnStar 4G LTE-connected vehicles since June 2014 and is an industry leader in bringing this technology to the masses.

In only two years, Chevrolet customers have consumed more than 3 million gigabytes of data – the equivalent of streaming more than 100 million hours of music – and Chevy in-vehicle data usage continues to trend upward.

“Wireless connectivity has proven to be a beneficial technology for many Chevrolet customers, from contractors who use their Silverado as a mobile office to families using their Suburban on a summer road trip,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director. “As our customers increase their usage of the technology, we are able to make it more affordable for them.”

More than 60 percent of Suburban owners and passengers use their OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, with Tahoe and Traverse hotspot usage not far behind. Not surprising when you consider those vehicles are typically for families and you can connect up to seven devices to the hotspot. The high-volume Silverado accounts for the largest amount of data usage, with customers consuming more than 1 million gigabytes of data to date.

A 4G LTE connection comes standard on all new Chevrolet retail models with the OnStar Basic Plan, which also features remote vehicle access and the AtYourService marketplace via the myChevrolet mobile app.

The new data pricing constitutes a 50 percent reduction for most plans with the all-new 4 GB monthly plan representing four times the amount of data available previously for $20 per month.

Data Plan	Old Pricing	New Pricing
1 GB / month	$20	$10
4 GB / month	N/A	$20
10 GB / month	$80	$40
20 GB / 12 months	$150 for 10 GB / 12 mos.	$150

“As more people embrace the technology, it brings down the cost of entry for all users,” said Laura Keck, OnStar Subscriber Marketing Strategy manager. “With these lower prices, we expect even more customers to use 4G LTE connectivity during this busy summer driving season.”

USA - Five Chevrolet vehicles led their segments in the J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study.

Five Chevrolet vehicles led their segments in the J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study. No other brand has more J.D. Power Initial Quality awards than Chevrolet — for the fourth consecutive year.

This follows the brand’s strong showing in the 2016 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, where Chevrolet also had more models ranked highest in its segments than any other brand.

“These results play two critical roles in our strategy to bring new retail buyers to the brand,” said Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. 

“First, the study results will help attract new buyers to Chevrolet, as J.D. Power data shows ‘expected reliability’ is customers’ top purchase consideration for a new vehicle. 

Second, the improved ownership experience of our new vehicles will help convert first-time Chevrolet buyers into repeat customers, as J.D. Power indicates customers who have a positive experience in the first 90 days of ownership are more likely to become repeat buyers for the brand.”

Chevrolet’s focus on the customer has fueled a 3 percent gain in retail sales for the first five months of 2016. In the same period, Chevrolet’s share of the retail sales grew 0.6 percentage points, making Chevrolet the fastest growing full-line brand in the industry.

Chevrolet segment awards in the 2016 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study include:

• Silverado swept the full-size truck categories, with the Silverado 1500 receiving the top marks for light-duty trucks and the Silverado HD receiving the top marks for heavy-duty trucks.
• Equinox led the compact SUV segment (in a tie), with study results that were 15 points better than the segment average.
• Tahoe lead the large SUV segment, with study results that were 19 points above the segment average.
• Finally, the Spark dominated the city car segment, with study results that were 48 points higher than the segment average.

The study, now in its 30^th year, examines problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. 

The study is based on a 233-question battery organized into eight problem categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded from February through May 2016.

Domino's Pizza to take delivery of 100 converted Chevy Sparks, as their next delivery vehicles.

100 DXPs will be deployed to 25 markets across U.S.

Domino’s announced today it has chosen the 2015 Chevrolet Spark as the basis for the company’s new Domino’s DXP™ (Delivery Expert), a specially designed and built pizza delivery vehicle.

The Spark will help bring Domino’s heritage of pizza delivery innovation to the streets, due in part to the vehicle’s emphasis on driver experience, nimble maneuverability and fuel economy – assets important to the modern day pizza delivery driver.

“The Chevrolet Spark is the perfect vehicle to bring our pizza delivery to life,” said Russell Weiner, president of Domino’s USA. “Not only will the DXP have a warming oven on board and enough storage capacity to hold 80 pizzas in the rear, but the fuel efficiency is something our franchisees welcome.”

The vehicle, adapted from a crowd-sourced concept submitted as part of the Domino’s Ultimate Delivery Vehicle Challenge, was converted and delivered through a partnership between Domino’s and Roush Enterprises.

Once the Domino’s franchises across the country deploy the vehicles, Chevrolet dealers will receive special training to meet the needs of the unique fleet.

The DXP fleet will be equipped with the OnStar® navigation system, helping drivers deliver their cargo as quickly and safely as possible to customers.

“We love to see fleets use our vehicles in new and innovative ways,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, General Motors Fleet. “This partnership between Chevrolet and Domino’s demonstrates the versatility, technology and performance our vehicles can deliver – in a literal sense in this case – to fleets across America.”    

Domino’s expects to see the first DXP’s to hit the streets this month.

USA - 3.5 million sold, now Chevrolet are set to launch the second generation Cruze worldwide.

Chevrolet’s best-selling global car surpasses 3.5 million sales

Chevrolet Cruze, the brand’s best-selling car around the world, has surpassed 3.5 million global sales, a milestone that comes as Chevrolet prepares to introduce the next-generation Cruze on June 24.

“When we introduced the Cruze it replaced 15 other compact vehicles around the globe,” said Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America and global Chevrolet brand chief. “By consolidating design, engineering and marketing efforts, we were able to produce an award-winning, value-driven sedan that won over customers around the world.”

Cruze is sold in 115 countries. The top global markets include China, the United States, Brazil and Canada.

In the United States, Cruze total sales were 273,060 in 2014 – a 10 percent increase over 2013. It is also the segment’s second-best seller to customers under 25 in the U.S.

Importantly, Cruze brings new buyers to Chevrolet – 35 percent of all buyers are new to the brand. Additionally, of those who trade in a Cruze, 56 percent stay with Chevrolet and 23 percent trade in for another Cruze.

“In every corner of the globe, Cruze has been successful at introducing new and younger customers to Chevrolet,” said Batey. “Compact car customers are looking for style, safety and connectivity at an affordable price and the Cruze delivers on all fronts.”

The 2016 Cruze will build on the current model’s success, aiming to elevate the segment with more of the features increasingly important for today’s compact car buyers. 

It will be larger yet lighter than the current model, with new technologies, new powertrains and additional available safety features that will bring a higher level of sophistication to the compact car segment.

The 2016 Cruze joins the all-new Chevrolet Volt, Spark, Malibu and Camaro, all unveiled earlier this year. These five new vehicles will bring 25 new technologies to the brand, most to improve safety, fuel economy, performance and connectivity for the customer. 

The 2016 Cruze will be one of the first Chevrolets to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

When the next-generation Cruze hits showrooms in early 2016, more than 95 percent of Chevrolet’s U.S. product lineup will be less than three years old.

USA - Chevy Spark repriced to offer an even better value package.

As low as $14,995 after full federal and state tax credits and Chevrolet Bonus Cash

Chevrolet announced today Spark EV 1LT’s new manufacturer’s suggested retail price would start at $25,995. Depending on an individual’s tax situation, the Spark EV is eligible for federal tax credit up to $7,500.

“Chevrolet is committed to making EV driving more accessible, affordable and fun” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Car and Crossover Marketing. 

“The Spark EV is already the most efficient – and one of the most affordable – EVs you can buy. 2015 Spark EV customers will benefit from an impressive blend of technology, capability and low cost of ownership, now at an even more impressive price.”

California and Maryland Spark EV owners may also qualify for a $2,500 California state rebate or $2,300 Maryland excise tax exemption. Additional Chevrolet bonus cash is also available: $1,000 in California, $1,200 in Maryland, and $3,500 in Oregon. 

After full federal and state tax credits and Chevrolet bonus cash, the Spark EV could be as low as $14,995. Individuals should consult a tax professional prior to claiming any credits to confirm eligibility for tax benefits.

Spark EV owners in California and Maryland are also eligible for High-Occupancy Vehicle, or carpool lane, access

A $139 per month* sign-and-drive lease for 39  months with $0 due at lease signing including security deposit but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees, is also available, making the Chevrolet Spark EV one of the most affordable EVs on the market.

Compared to the average new gas-powered vehicle, the Spark EV can save drivers, on average, about $83 per month in fuel costs according to EPA assessments based on 24 mpg highway for an average vehicle and 12 cents per kWh of electricity cost.  More details are available at fueleconomy.gov.

Currently available at select Chevrolet dealers throughout California and Oregon, select Chevrolet dealers in Maryland will have Spark EV’s available beginning in mid-2015.

More than 90 percent of Spark EV owners are trading in a non-GM nameplate or adding a new car to the household.

“The Chevrolet Spark EV is helping us reach new buyers in critical markets like Los Angeles,” said Majoros. 

“Spark EV owners recognize the car as an opportunity to drive an all-electric vehicle that fits their budget and lifestyle.” The Spark EV features a combined city/highway EPA estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent.

The Spark EV is compatible with the SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging as an available option. The capability enables the Spark EV to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes at select DC Fast Charging stations based on charging levels and outside temperature.

Unlike most competitors, the Spark EV’s battery system is capable of handling multiple compatible DC Fast Charges daily. Charging can also be completed in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge. 

A 120V charge cord set comes standard.  Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar, which is standard for three years. The vehicle’s 19 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers limited warranty protection of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.