September marks the three-year anniversary of the Chevrolet Cruze in the U.S., a hallmark for the global compact that is Chevrolet’s best-selling nameplate with more than 2 million units sold around the world.
Cruze has been a big contributor to General Motors’ U.S. and global sales gains since its launch in 2009. Chevrolet small cars, including the Spark, Sonic, Cruze and Volt, have seen a 229 percent increase in sales from the first six months of 2010 compared to the first six months of 2013, evidence of the brand’s success at attracting new buyers.
The Cruze helps grow GM’s share of younger buyers by offering segment-leading horsepower, range and advanced vehicle technologies, such as Chevrolet MyLink.
“The Cruze continues to lead the small car segment by being among the top-selling Chevrolet vehicles to buyers under 25,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president, Global Chevrolet. “As a brand, we recognize the importance of providing our customers, especially our younger buyers, with the most value for their money.”
The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, now in showrooms, is also helping Chevrolet gain share in key markets. Cruze Diesel drivers can travel approximately 717 highway miles, or more than 10 hours of driving, on one tank of diesel fuel.
According to early buyer data, 45 percent of Cruze Diesel sales were from customers trading in a vehicle from competitive makes. In Europe and other global markets where diesels are popular because of high gas prices, more than 35,000 Cruzes were sold with diesel engines last year.
“The Cruze is helping bring new consumers to the brand with more than 40 percent of overall Cruze sales in 2013 being from non-GM owners,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director, Small Cars and Electrified Vehicles. “The Cruze provides the amenities of a larger, more expensive sedan with the efficiency and value of a compact car.”
