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LA auto show will showcase Cruze, Volt
GM Lordstown prepares for the Cruze.
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GM Lordstown shows off preparations for the Cruze during a June 24, 2009 media tour.
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The Vindicator/Geoffrey Hauschild A Chevrolet Cruze signed by President Obama at the Lordstown Auto Plant on Tuesday morning. 9.15.2009
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The 2008 Chevrolet Volt Concept at the Cleveland Auto Show.
By Don Shilling
Chevrolet will showcase the fuel efficiency of the Lordstown-built Cruze and its electric car, the Volt, at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month.
“With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas-friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free,” said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet vice president.
Chevrolet on Tuesday announced some of its plans for its Los Angeles display, which will feature the two small cars.
It will be the first time a Cruze produced at General Motors’ Lordstown complex will be shown to the public. Previous displays featured models made in Asia.
GM hasn’t been specific about the mileage the Cruze will achieve, but Motor Trend reported last month that its team of engineers is trying to create a Cruze XFE model that would reach 44 mpg on the highway with an automatic transmission.
Chevrolet has placed the XFE badge on certain models that have increased fuel efficiency.
Chevrolet said the Cruze will have a larger interior and trunk than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, as well as Bluetooth and XM Satellite Radio. It also will have 10 air bags that come standard.
Chevrolet called the Cruze one of the most well-tested Chevrolet products before a U.S. launch. More than 4 million miles have been logged worldwide in quality and durability testing.
The Cruze already has been launched in Europe, Asia and Australia.
Chevrolet said last month that it was pushing back the U.S. launch from April 2010 to the third quarter of next year so it could be sure the launch will go smoothly.
The other car being highlighted by Chevrolet in Los Angeles is the Volt, which will be an electric car that can be plugged in at home to recharge.
The Volt will be able to travel up to 40 miles without gas but will have a small gasoline engine to provide additional range.
In Los Angeles, Chevrolet will announce the initial markets were the Volt will be sold. It will be built in Michigan.
Chevrolet will have a news conference Dec. 2 at the auto show. The event is open to the public from Dec. 4-13.
shilling@vindy.com