Chinese Chevrolet Spark Due to Reach the US in 2011

Just as we told you some time ago, General Motors plans to move the production of some US models in China, citing the lower labor costs and the need for cost-cutting measures as the main reasons. At that time, nobody knew for sure which are the models to be launched in the United States and manufactured in China, with the American automaker still considering its options over the product range.

Well, according to a report by gasgoo.com, the company has already decided: the Chinese-built versions of Chevrolet Spark and the next-generation Aveo will be the first models to arrive in the United States. Additionally, a new small car called Lova will be also launched in the US by 2011. All models will be produced by GM's Chinese partners, Shanghai Auto Industry Corporation (SAIC) and Liuzhou Wuling Auto.

Details are still unconfirmed at this point but, given the current economic situation of the manufacturer, such a scenario is very likely to happen. Furthermore, we're here talking about a small car, Chevrolet Spark, which is often regarded as one of the appropriate models to tackle the recession. The new Spark will be offered with a choice of two engines, 1.0- and a 1.2-liter petrol units, delivering the best-in-class fuel economy, as General Motors likes to say. In addition, it sports almost the same designed as the Beat concept displayed at NAIAS, with large headlights and spacious interior.

General Motors is currently building approximately 15 percent of the models sold in the United States in factories based in locations outside the domestic market but it plans to increase the figures to no more than 23 percent by the next five years.