Chinese Chevrolet Aveo Coming in 2011

Now that Chevrolet has introduced the new Aveo at the Paris Auto Show in Europe, the company is also looking into ways to bring the car in other large markets as well, including China. And according to a report by gasgoo.com, General Motors and its local partner Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corp. (briefly known as SAIC) has already started production of the car but the first units won't arrive in dealerships sooner than the third quarter of 2011.

As said, the new Aveo was first displayed at the Paris Auto Show earlier this year and the model plays a key role in the company's European strategy for the next couple of years. It is one of the six models Chevrolet plans to rely on in Europe, but Aveo will also be used as a key product in multiple other non-European markets.

Just like the Chinese flavor, the European Aveo will first meet the clients next year with four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The lineup includes a 1.2l engine (86 hp) and a 1.4l unit (100 hp) and, for the first time, two versions of a 1.3l diesel engine (75 hp and 95 hp) with Start/Stop technology.

Prices are not yet available, but Chevrolet says the Aveo will be a very competitive model that would challenge all segment leaders.

"It's just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet; not only do we have new entries into the MPV and compact classes, in Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small car segment, which is also Europe's largest segment," said Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe, when announcing the Paris debut of the new Aveo.