What is it?
2002 Chevrolet Cruze
What's special about it?
Chevrolet isn't shy about doing jointly developed vehicles, as the Tracker (Suzuki Grand Vitara), Prizm (Toyota Corolla) and Isuzu Hombre (Chevy S-10 pickup) attest to. The Cruze is the first Chevrolet designed and produced in Asia, and was engineered and developed in cooperation with Suzuki. With the Cruze's American-like styling, smaller size and high level of performance, Chevy hopes the mini-SUV will expand its customer base in the Japanese market.
Reading both the Suzuki and Chevrolet press materials reveals that Suzuki developed the mechanical hardware and Chevrolet was responsible for the styling and feel of the SUV. It comes with either two- or four-wheel drive and is powered by a 1.5-liter 110-horsepower engine. Highlights include a standard four-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering, anti-bacterial interior materials and spacious accommodations.
Also on display at the Tokyo Motor Show was the E-Cruze. Hooked up with the latest in telematics, this concept vehicle was designed "for today's highly-mobile, on-the-go lifestyle." Included in the package is Web-based navigation, a full entertainment system, Internet access, text-to-speech e-mail, OnStar and PDA-interface ability. There's even a multi-camera system to give the driver and passengers the ability to participate in video conferences.
Why should you care?
It's very unlikely that the Cruze will appear in the U.S. The Cruze's importance comes through GM's sheer attempt at breaking into this market. The company's sales in Japan are pathetic. It has even attempted to sell Cavaliers in Japan badged as Toyotas. Not being dummies, the Japanese shunned the car like the mediocre ride that it is. The Cruze should fair much better. Even the name makes sense, a change from the silly-sounding English names the Japanese are so fond of using for cars. Hooray for Chevrolet, even if it is a Suzuki. — Brent Romans
2002 Chevrolet Cruze
What's special about it?
Chevrolet isn't shy about doing jointly developed vehicles, as the Tracker (Suzuki Grand Vitara), Prizm (Toyota Corolla) and Isuzu Hombre (Chevy S-10 pickup) attest to. The Cruze is the first Chevrolet designed and produced in Asia, and was engineered and developed in cooperation with Suzuki. With the Cruze's American-like styling, smaller size and high level of performance, Chevy hopes the mini-SUV will expand its customer base in the Japanese market.
Reading both the Suzuki and Chevrolet press materials reveals that Suzuki developed the mechanical hardware and Chevrolet was responsible for the styling and feel of the SUV. It comes with either two- or four-wheel drive and is powered by a 1.5-liter 110-horsepower engine. Highlights include a standard four-speed automatic transmission, electric power steering, anti-bacterial interior materials and spacious accommodations.
Also on display at the Tokyo Motor Show was the E-Cruze. Hooked up with the latest in telematics, this concept vehicle was designed "for today's highly-mobile, on-the-go lifestyle." Included in the package is Web-based navigation, a full entertainment system, Internet access, text-to-speech e-mail, OnStar and PDA-interface ability. There's even a multi-camera system to give the driver and passengers the ability to participate in video conferences.
Why should you care?
It's very unlikely that the Cruze will appear in the U.S. The Cruze's importance comes through GM's sheer attempt at breaking into this market. The company's sales in Japan are pathetic. It has even attempted to sell Cavaliers in Japan badged as Toyotas. Not being dummies, the Japanese shunned the car like the mediocre ride that it is. The Cruze should fair much better. Even the name makes sense, a change from the silly-sounding English names the Japanese are so fond of using for cars. Hooray for Chevrolet, even if it is a Suzuki. — Brent Romans
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