General Motors today announced the next-generation Chevrolet city car for Europe will be based on the popular Beat concept, after 1.9 million online voters elected it their favorite of a trio of minicar styling studies shown at the 2007 New York Auto Show.
Speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the production announcement was made, Chevrolet General Manager, Ed Peper, said: “The people have spoken. The vote count tripled all previous GM online consumer surveys, telling us Beat resonated with customers all around the world. Chevrolet was overwhelmed by the positive reaction to each of the three mini concept cars, but Beat was a sound winner.†GM vice chairman, Bob Lutz, also revealed that the Beat was the automaker’s front runner since the introduction of the trio.
Recent rumors indicate GM is mulling a plan to import the car to the United States. According to a BusinessWeek report this summer, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner wouldn’t give a firm answer as to whether the vehicle would make it to the U.S. market, but he hinted that he’s keen on selling one here.
“I just looked at them the other day,†Wagoner said, “and not just because I wanted to look at them.â€
The new city car will debut for the 2010 model year. GM says it will incorporate the Beat Concept’s “core values.”
GM officials also indicated that they had not ruled out a production version of the Chevrolet Groove — placing a close second to the Chevy Beat in online voting. If given the green light, look for the Groove to follow a year or two after the Beat’s initial U.S. introduction.
