USA - General Motors to build next generation Cruze in Mexico.

General Motors Co will build its next-generation Chevrolet Cruze small car in Mexico, the company said on Monday, as automakers look to expand there to take advantage of low labor costs and free trade agreements.

GM will invest $350 million to produce the Cruze at its plant in Coahuila, as part of the $5 billion investment in its Mexican plants announced last year.

GM also said it will continue manufacturing the model at its factory in Lordstown, Ohio. GM so far has identified only three plants globally that will make the next-generation Cruze, including in China.

A GM spokesman in the United States said the company's assembly plant in Gunsan, South Korea, will continue to build the current Cruze model to meet demand in domestic and export markets. However, as part of a new wage deal last summer, GM agreed to build the next-generation Cruze in Korea starting in 2017, according to a GM proposal seen then by Reuters.

Automakers are looking to move to Mexico for its low labor costs and access to the U.S. market. Toyota is finalizing plans for its first passenger car assembly plant in Mexico, people familiar with the matter previously said. Volkswagen recently announced a $1 billion investment in its Puebla plant.

It is the first time the Cruze will be made in Mexico, a GM spokeswoman in Mexico said, and production will be mainly for the domestic market. The Cruze is currently imported to Mexico from GM's plant in South Korea, she said.

South Korean tensions

GM has encountered tensions with its South Korean workers.

In April 2013, then GM CEO Dan Akerson angered union workers in Korea ahead of annual labor talks when he warned the automaker could shift operations from South Korea in the longer term. Union activists in South Korea in the past have threatened "a war" if output was shifted from their plants.

The GM spokesman declined to say whether added Cruze production in Mexico meant that the Coahuila plant's capacity would expand or was simply shifting among models it builds.

Eleven plants globally make the current Cruze model but some, including a plant in Australia where GM is shutting down assembly operations, will not build the next generation model, he said.

GM's plant in Coahuila currently makes the Chevrolet Sonic car and Captiva Sport SUV, and Cadillac SRX SUV.

Chevy's daft sponsorship of Manchester United Football Club continues with the free cars not being used.

Chevrolet's blockbuster $559 million sponsorship agreement in 2012 with British soccer club Manchester United ultimately drew a red card for General Motors marketing czar Joel Ewanick. GM fired Ewanick amid accusations that he did not fully disclose financial details of the deal.

Now it seems that one of the main perks for Man U -- a fleet of 15 free Corvettes and Camaros for the team's stars to drive -- has been left to warm the bench.

Photographers for England's Daily Mail newspaper recently camped out at Man U's training facility and snapped photos of several players driving their own cars, which include Porsches, Range Rovers and Mercedes-Benzes, instead of the high-performance Chevrolets.

Why are the Chevys being snubbed? Perhaps because the Corvette and Camaro are not available in right-hand-drive versions, which could make them a bear to drive on English roads.

This may be some consolation: The newspaper reports that Man U Coach Louis van Gaal does drive a Chevy, his own Captiva 4X4, a small SUV.

Chevy at Frankfurt, one special edition and loads of safety additions

• Spark Bubble special edition available in select markets
• Safety enhancements include radar-assisted Blind Zone Alert, Advanced parking Aid
• Chevrolet expands its offer of MyLink connected radios

Chevrolet will be showcasing a host of new convenience and safety enhancements to its line-up at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Among the design highlights is the new Spark Bubble edition, which will induce even more customers to become fans of Chevrolet’s most popular model in Europe.

"We constantly strive to give our customers great value for their money," said Dr. Thomas Sedran, President and Managing Director, Chevrolet Europe. "This year, we are adding the new Chevrolet MyLink connected radios, more safety and comfort features as well as new engines with lower emissions, such as the 1.7L diesel with 99 g of CO2 per 100 km in the Chevrolet Cruze saloon," Sedran added. ** Approval required **

Spark Bubble edition delivers more convenience and great looks

In select European markets, customers can order the new Spark Bubble, a special edition of the popular city car. It carries a sporty bumper, side rocker moldings, 15-inch white painted alloy wheels as well as frisky white or pink-colored Bubble decals on the front fenders. The center console and inserts have been styled to match the cheerful color pattern on the exterior. The seats are made of leatherette.

Moreover, Chevrolet's most successful European model will provide improved safety, thanks to standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and meet Euro5+ emission criteria.

Inside, the instrument cluster and trims have been restyled. A new radio with Bluetooth connectivity is standard on most trim levels. The interior also features a CD player as well as USB and aux-in jacks. For audio streaming and hands-free calling, steering wheel controls can be used.

Chevrolet Aveo receives rearview camera

Customers who intend to buy an Aveo with the Chevrolet MyLink connected radio can look forward to using a standard rearview camera. The device is connected to the radio's seven-inch high resolution touch screen and makes maneuvering in and out of tight parking spaces safer and more comfortable.

The LTZ trim of the Chevrolet Aveo will have stylish LED turn signals mounted in the outside mirrors.

Cruze gets more powertrain options and new safety feature

Starting this autumn, a choice of four petrol engines will be available on all body styles of the Cruze –  a naturally aspirated 1.4L (100 hp/75 kW), a 1.4L turbo (140 hp/103 kW), a 1.6L (124 hp/91 kW) and a 1.8L (141 hp/104 kW) engine. The diesel line-up, currently consisting of a 1.7L (130 hp/ 96kW) and a 2.0L (163 hp/120 kW) unit, will be complemented by a 110 hp (81 kW) variant of the1.7L diesel. The latter has the smallest carbon footprint – just 99 g of CO2 per 100 km – of all engines offered on the Cruze.

On the LTZ trim of the Cruze family, Chevrolet is introducing Side Bind Zone Alert, a safety feature spots approaching vehicles in the side blind zone by means of radar. In potentially hazardous situations, the driver is alerted through an amber display that lights up in the left or right side mirror. The display will flash if the driver attempts to activate a turn signal while an object is present in the side blind zone. The outside rearview mirrors will sport integrated LED turn signals.

Chevrolet Orlando boasts Advanced Parking Aid

With the new model year, Orlando will be available with Side Blind Spot Alert. The system has ultrasonic sensors that detect approaching vehicles in the blind spot and warns the driver through an illuminated icon in the outside rearview mirrors.

In addition, the Orlando will make parking in cities more convenient, thanks to the Advanced Parking Aid functionality offered on higher trim levels. The driving aid identifies suitable parallel parking slots at low speeds and gives the driver instructions on how to steer the vehicle.

Seamless smartphone integration will be possible with the new, icon-based Chevrolet MyLink connected radio with its seven-inch high-resolution full-color touch screen. The new radio will be standard, and depending on the trim level, the package may include a rearview camera and an integrated navigation system.

Passengers in the rear seats, meanwhile, will appreciate the second row seat heating that is available on select trim levels.

Changes to the exterior include LED turn signals in the outside rearview mirrors as well as new 16-inch wheel covers and 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. Under the hood, the Orlando is now available with a proven 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine which can be matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Trax now available with FWD variant of 1.4L Turbo engine

The turbocharged petrol variant (1.4L) of Chevrolet's small SUV, the Trax, will become available with a front-wheel-drive layout as of this autumn. When matched to a six-speed manual transmission, this variant of the Trax is capable of zero to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds. Fuel consumption on a combined cycle is 47.1mpg with Stop/Start, which translates into 139 g of CO2 per km.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is the world's fourth largest car brand with annual sales of almost 5 million cars and trucks in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides customers with vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, high quality and Chevrolet MyLink intelligent connectivity. The UK Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark, Aveo, Cruze Saloon, Hatchback and Station Wagon, Orlando, Captiva, the legendary Camaro and Corvette sports cars and the extended-range Volt electric car. In 2013, Chevrolet is launching the all-new Trax small SUV and the all-new Corvette Stingray.

Chevrolet records best ever Q2 and increases for first half.

• More than 1.3 million units sold in best-ever second quarter
• Small-car lineup attracting new U.S. customers to the brand, sales up nearly 25 percent over 2012
• GM sales up nearly 4 percent in the first six months of the year

Chevrolet sold a record 2.5 million vehicles around the world in the first six months of 2013, up 1.4 percent over the same period in 2012, and achieved its 11th straight quarter of increased sales on the strength of new products like the Onix subcompact car in Brazil, Impala full-size sedan in the U.S. and Colorado midsize pickup in Southeast Asia.

Overall, General Motors Co. posted sales of more than 4.85 million in the first half of 2013, an increase of nearly 4 percent over the same period in 2012.

"Chevrolet is in the midst of the most aggressive new product roll-out in the brand's history," said Alan Batey, senior vice president of Global Chevrolet. "The continued sales growth around the world is a result of a focused effort to strengthen Chevrolet's presence in developing markets as well as its relationship with consumers by offering the right products, technologies, and world-class customer service."

In the U.S., Chevrolet's small car line-up continues to attract new customers to the brand. Sales of the Sonic, Spark, Cruze and Volt combined were up nearly 25 percent in the first half of 2013. Full-size truck sales also increased 23 percent over the same period and dealers are delivering the all-new Silverado to eager consumers at a rapid pace, averaging only 10 days on dealer lots.

Chevrolet sales in China rose 6.1 percent to more than 322,000 units, fueled by strong sales of the Sail, Cruze, Malibu and Captiva.

Chevy's Captiva gets a nip and tuck and is shown at Geneva

• Captiva boasts carefully re-designed rear and front
• Keyless start and entry among Captiva's new comfort features
• Trax sales to start in spring

Being widely acknowledged as the creator of the entire SUV segment with the Suburban in 1935, Chevrolet has more than 75 years of experience in designing great sport utility vehicles. At the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the brand will present the restyled edition of its Captiva compact SUV in Europe for the first time.

The new Captiva introduces several changes to the rear and front of the vehicle, including new LED tail lamps, angular chrome exhaust tips and a remodeled bumper. Up front, it sports a lower bumper, a new grill mesh as well as restyled foglamps. New 18-inch alloy wheels further enhance Captiva's road presence.

The Captiva will now feature keyless entry and start as standard on upper trims. Inside, the vehicle will boast fresh seat colours, new fabrics (upper specifications: leather seats), and restyled trims in the instrument panel. A dual-zone climate system, an ambient lighting package and heated rear seats provide even more comfort on select specifications.

Offering up to seven seats, along with additional convenience features, the restyled Captiva is a typical SUV for the family. Chevrolet will up the ante even more by launching Trax this spring, its contender for the popular and fast-growing small SUV segment. Trax will be available in front and all-wheel-drive configurations.

"With Captiva and Trax, Chevrolet will offer two very distinct SUVs in Europe, both featuring Chevrolet’s iconic design," says Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. "Trax combines the agility of a small car and the versatility of an SUV, making it perfect for today’s urban explorer. The larger and more powerful Captiva has a more upscale presence. Captiva is the ideal companion for those who want to have some adventure, but feel that they could do with more space, capability and that extra bit of convenience," Docherty added.

Trax sales to start in spring

Trax is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in Europe as of springthis year. Chevrolet's new small SUV features an athletic, inspired styling, a choice of three fuel-efficient engines and sporty, responsive ride characteristics. The engine line-up will comprise a 140 hp (103 kW) 1.4L turbocharged petrol unit, a 1.6L petrol engine as well as a 1.7L diesel engine which produces 130 hp (96 kW). All manual transmission variants come with Start/Stop technology. Trax is offered in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations.

Upper trims will feature Chevrolet MyLink technology as standard, a system that aggregates content from compatible smartphones onto the seven-inch high-resolution full-colour touchscreen display. Chevrolet MyLink will also enable users to navigate by means of a dedicated smartphone app called BringGo and will allow them to access TuneIn internet radio.

MyLink users who own a compatible iPhone* (as of 4S) running iOS6 will be able to use the Siri assist system, to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.