Chevrolet Spark and Orlando production versions to debut in Geneva

2010 Chevrolet Spark

Despite giving American television viewers a teasing skirt lift of their new Chevrolet Spark and promising it would appear at the Detroit Auto Show, the company's breakthrough mini-car will not even appear at the NAIAS. Instead, GM has decided to introduce the car, and a production version of the Chevrolet Orlando, at the Geneva Motor Show this March. There is no word yet on why the late change in plans.

To cover their mistake, company executives drove the already-seen concept versions of these cars down a runway lined with employees. This was nothing new: the concept Spark, called the Chevy Beat, has been touring around for the last two years, while the Orlando concept first appeared at the Paris show last September. They also "introduced" a picture of the production model (seen above), that had already been leaked to the internet.

Without question, Detroit would have been an important venue for the two new production cars. With faltering public support, and a recent cash bailout from the government, GM just barely staved off bankruptcy. GM's presentation was still strong, including appearences by the Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac Converj Concept, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, the Opel Insignia, and several other Chevrolet models: Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Volt.

Regardless, GM Global Design VP Ed Welburn's appearance on the TODAY Show hinted that the Chevy Spark would be the surprise hit of the show.

All we do know about the Chevy Spark is that it is a very small five-door to be produced in Korea. It likely has available engines of a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine, and a turbocharged version. The Orlando is a seven-seat MPV/SUV crossover. A production model will likely look like the concept car.

"These two stylish vehicles make a big statement," said Chevy Europe exec Wayne Brannon. Too bad we will have to wait even longer to see what that statement is.

The absence of the Chevrolet Spark can only be seen as yet another setback to the long road to General Motors' recovery.

Source: Chevrolet

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BRIGHT SPARK TO LIGHT UP GENEVA SHOW

New Chevrolet mini car announced
Public debut will be at Geneva Show in March
Orlando also confirmed for production

It's called the Spark, and it's set to light up the Geneva Motor Show when it debuts there in March this year.

The first picture of Chevrolet's new global entry into the lively mini car market was unveiled by GM's North American president Troy Clarke at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11, 2009, at the same time as the announcement that the model would also form part of the brand's North American range.

"The Spark will add great style, roominess and versatility to the segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars," said Clarke. "The decision to add the Spark to Chevrolet's North American portfolio reflects the brand's commitment to being a fuel efficiency leader in the industry."

Clarke also confirmed that the Chevrolet Orlando show car, first seen at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, will become a production reality in 2010 and will go on sale in key markets across the globe, including Europe and the USA.

Equipped with five doors, the Spark features a fresh, youthful exterior and interior design that is reflected in the selection of materials and colours. The Chevrolet Beat concept, seen at many motor shows around the globe over the past two years, gave a strong indication of Spark's mission to break with traditions - a fact that is reflected in the show car's pearlescent green paintwork, which matches that of the prototype.

Developed largely in Europe, the Spark will go into production in Korea in the final quarter of 2009, with European sales - including the UK - starting early in 2010. It will go on sale in the USA the following year.

The Orlando, meanwhile, is a seven-seater MPV with rugged SUV-style looks. The production model is tipped to look very similar to the show car, which was first seen alongside the all-new Cruze at Paris.

These two stylish vehicles make a big statement," said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. "With their fresh, clean approach, we believe Spark and Orlando will appeal to a wide range of customers who want fuel efficiency, functionality and great design combined with excellent value."

The announcements come on the back of yet another impressive year of growth for Chevrolet Europe, with sales breaking the 500,000 mark for the first time in 2008. The range will be further strengthened in 2009 with the launch of the new Cruze four-door saloon, which arrives in UK showrooms later this year.