Czzhevrolet (French origin), (in daily Chevy), is a brand of car produced by General Motors (GM). It is the best selling GM marque and the best known brand of GM worldwide, with "Chevrolet" or "Chevy" is sometimes synonymous with GM.
Chevrolet is GM's largest brand, currently offers more than 20 vehicles and many different enhanced versions in its home market. Brand vehicles range from subcompact cars to medium commercial vehicles, trucks. Its number one sellers in the U.S. include Impala, which is the best selling car with a domestic nameplate in the U.S. [1] and the Silverado, the 2007 Motor Trend North American Truck of the Year and number two selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2006. GM leads all other automakers in Strategic Vision Total Quality Index (TQI).
History
U.S. history
Chevrolet was co-founder Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Louis Chevrolet was a race car driver, born on 25 December 1878 in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland. William Durant, founder of General Motors, had been forced out of GM in 1910 and wanted to use Louis Chevrolet's designs to rebuild his own reputation as a force in the automotive industry. As head of Buick Motor Company, prior to founding GM, Durant had hired Chevrolet to drive a Buick in promotional races.
On 3 November 1911, Chevrolet entered the automobile market to compete with the Ford Model T. A year later, "Classic Six" was introduced. Classic Six was a five-passenger touring sedan equipped with 299 IN3 (4.9 L), a six-cylinder engine capable of taking the car to a top speed of 65 miles per hour (104 km / h).
Chevrolet first used its 'bowtie' logo in 1913. This logo is said to have been designed from wallpaper Durant once saw in a French hotel. Another theory on the shape of the mark is from the Swiss cross, because Louis Chevrolet was from Switzerland.
In 1915, Durant made a trip to Toronto, Ontario to determine the possibility of establishing production facilities in Canada. After meeting with "Colonel Sam" McLaughlin, whose McLaughlin Motor Car Company manufactured the McLaughlin-Buick, it was agreed that the Chevrolet Motor Car Company of Canada, operated by McLaughlin, would be created to build Chevrolet cars in Canada. Three years later, the two Canadian companies were purchased by GM to become General Motors of Canada Ltd.
The 1916 Chevrolet was profitable enough to allow Durant to buy a majority of shares in GM. After the agreement was completed in 1917, Durant was president of General Motors, and Chevrolet was merged into GM, becoming a separate division. In the 1918 model year Chevrolet introduce the Model D V-8 series 4-passenger roadster and 5 passenger touring. These cars had 288ci, 35 hp engines with Zenith carburetors and 3 speed transmissions. In the 1955 model year Chevrolet introduced the most famous and versatile V8 engine ever produced. It came out with 265 cubic inches and was offered in three versions. The basic 265 had a two-barrel carburetor and was rated at 165 HP Horsepower was increased to 185 with the addition of a four-barrel carburetor, and an underestimation 195 hp version, called "power pack" had a high lift solid lifter cam, high compression heads, and dual exhaust. This engine became a hit with hot rodders and almost overnight became the engine choice to replace Flathead Ford engine as the hot rodders preferred motor. In 1955 the 265 cubic inch engine was one of the smallest V8 engines offered by the big three U.S. automakers (see 264 Buick Nailhead, 241 Plymouth non-Hemi and 241 Dodge Hemi, but it gave similar sized cars with far more powerful engines -- Like the 88-series Oldsmobile with its 324 cubic-inch "Rocket" engine 324 Oldsmobile - a run for their money. For example, a Chevy equipped with the power pack engine and a three-speed manual shift transmission can achieve 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 8.4 seconds, an astonishing feat for the time.
Because his engine was put into production only 15 weeks after authorization was given by management, engineers have not have the necessary time to do the proper dynamometer testing and rate its horsepower prior to release. The untested engine rated at 185 H.P. when released in 1955, but was rated at 205 HP in 1956 after dynamometer testing. Because of its unique ability to breathe a 225 HP option was available by adding two four-barrel carbs. The power pack engine for 1956 also had two four-barrel carburetors and was rated at 245 hp In 1957 the engine was increased to 283 cubic inches. This engine also had heads with larger valves and ports, and four-barrel carburetor engine was rated at 220 HP Two four-barrel's gave 245 HP A high-performance version, with a high lift solid cam and fitted with heads that had even larger intake valves, called fuel injection heads by enthusiasts, was rated at 270 HP Fuel injection was also offered the same year. Rated at 283 horsepower, this was the first engine offered by U.S.Rochester fuel injection unit. After proper dynamometer testing, it was rated 290 hp in 1958. Enthusiasts affectionately called this engine the "fuelie." car manufacturers to produce 1 HP per cubic inch. This title, however, was again incorrect due to delayed production schedules for the
Famous Chevy models include the large and luxurious Impala (1958) and the innovative air-cooled rear-engined Corvair (1960 to 1969.) Chevrolet has had a major influence on the American car market in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1963 was one out of every ten cars sold in the U.S., a Chevrolet.
Chevrolet outside North America
Latin America
Historically, many Latin American-market vehicles from GM were modified derivatives of older models from GM's North American and European operations. The current S10 and Blazer exemplify this strategy. But more modern cars are now being marketed as market conditions change and competition increases. Besides the older models made in Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia and Mercosur, Korean vehicles originate from former Daewoo factories some markets also get German Opel and U.S. made Chevrolet on top of thir local line-ups.
In Argentina (whose factory was opened in Rosario in 1995), the models are the same Opel in Brazil, together with S-10 Blazer, and Avalanche. Chevrolet had a presence in Argentina since the 1960s when the locally produced Chevy II (sold in Argentina as a Chevrolet 400 or Chevy), but it stopped its activities in 1978 because of high inflation.
In Brazil, Chevrolet Opala was based on the German Opel Rekord from the late 1960s, continuing in production until the early 1990s when it was replaced by a version of the Opel Omega. Other smaller Chevrolet in Brazil, Kadett and Monza, were based on the Opel Kadett and Ascona respectively. Chevrolet's product line-up in Brazil now comprises some exclusive designs as the Corsa "B" based Celta sold in Argentina under the Suzuki brand, the Astra, and a brand new, Brazilian designed Vectra based on the current Opel Astra, while the current Corsa is built and the Omega name is now used on the Holden Commodore. Utility and four four-wheel drive vehicles line-up includes S10, the Blazer, and Montana. Montana is a compact pickup truck, which is also sold in other Latin American markets. From the 1960s to the mid-1980s, there was also a large station wagon, derived from the C10 truck (somewhat similar to the Suburban), called Veraneio.
Chevrolet production in Chile began in 1962, but first through local partners (in this case, Avayu with Nova II) . GM still collects Isuzu D-Max as LUV D-Max in Africa and Isuzu 'F and N series in Huechuraba, Santiago.
Chevrolet has been operating in Ecuador for 80 years. GM Ecuador sells U.S. Chevrolet with GM-Daewoo and Opel models available. It also sells the 1983 Suzuki Super Carry the Chevrolet name.
In Mexico, some of these Opel origin Chevrolet models are sold alongside U.S. models. One example is with regard to the Vectra. While the Brazilian Vectra is derived from the current Astra, the Mexican Vectra is actually the current Vectra as sold in Europe. Mexico also has some cars of its own, such as the Chevy C2, which is a reworked last-generation Corsa, the Sonora (which is a re-badged Tahoe), and the Cheyenne (which is equivalent to the Silverado but is as diverse as the Sonoran is the Suburban).
In Venezuela, Chevrolet has been operating since 1948, when truck production began in Caracas. In 1979 production was moved to a plant in Valencia that was purchased from Chrysler. Chevrolet total more than 1,500,000 vehicles in its first fifty years in Venezuela.
Europe
Chevrolet Europe is a Swiss-based firm (in Zürich) that sells it again branded by GM Daewoo. Until 2005, Chevrolet Europe sold a few models, mostly United States domestic market (USDM) models adapted to European rules. Among them were the Chevrolet Alero (which was a re-badged Oldsmobile Alero) and the Chevrolet Trans Sport (which was a Chevrolet Venture with the front of the Pontiac Trans Sport). Among other models sold by Chevrolet Europe were Camaro, Corvette, the Blazer, and pioneering efforts.
It was in 2005 that all the mainstream models from Daewoo were re-branded as Chevrolet in Europe (the ownership of SUVs of the former Daewoo area had returned to the ownership of SsangYong at this time). But the Daewoo name was retained in South Korea and Vietnam. In the rest of the world, most Daewoo models worn Chevrolet badge since 2003. The exceptions include the use of the Suzuki badge in the U.S. and Canada, the Pontiac badge in Canada, the Holden badge in Australia and New Zealand, and the Buick badge in China for certain Daewoo models.
Corvette is marketed in Europe through a separate distribution channel operated by Netherlands-based Kroymans Corporation. Because the Chevrolet brand now represents value-driven cars in Europe, the Corvette name was made into a separate marque for Europe and Japan.
Asia
The Holden Commodore is badged as a Chevrolet Lumina in Thailand and the Middle East and South Africa. The longer wheelbase Holden Statesman is sold as a Chevrolet Caprice in the Middle East.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, Chevrolet introduced its cars in collaboration with a local car manufacturer called Nexus Automotive. The current models are Chevrolet Optra and the Chevrolet Joy. As of December 2005, the Chevrolet Joy assembled locally in Pakistan.
India
Chevrolet is among the newest brands in India launched by GM's Indian operations. Until June 6, 2003 (the official birthday of Chevrolet), GM India (which was originally a joint venture with Hindustan Motors) sold the Opel Corsa, Opel Astra and Opel Vectra. Corsa and Astra were built at a factory in Halol, Gujarat.
Since then, Chevrolet currently sells the Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Tavera, Chevrolet SRV and Chevrolet Spark. Chevrolet Forester, a re-badged Subaru, was imported directly from Fuji Heavy Industries in Japan until 2005. The Optra and Tavera are built at the Halol plant.
Indian Motorsport
Chevrolet also is the only engine supplier for the Formula Rolon single seater series in India.
Thailand
The American-built Chevrolet Colorado pickup is also manufactured in Rayong, Thailand. General Motors is currently exploring cost-saving options as part of its restructuring plan. One of these options involves an extension of Rayong, Thailand plant to add additional capacity to export Colorado's to the U.S. This would allow the Shreveport, Lousiana plant to be closed (where the Colorado is also produced). This scenario is likely only if an FTA is concluded between the U.S. and Thailand, the U.S. tariff on imported pickup trucks from non-FTA countries is currently 25%. The United Auto Workers is the most vocal opponent to a change in pricing structure.
Japan
In Japan, distributes Suzuki, a GM partner, and markets Chevrolet Trailblazer and Chevrolet Optra wagon in limited numbers. Suzuki also assembled and marketed Chevrolet Cruze in the past. Mitsui currently distributes and markets the Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet HHR, and Starcraft versions of the G-Van and Chevrolet Trailblazer. General Motors Japan directly imports and distributes the Corvette, which is marketed under its own marque. There are actually two different distribution channels for Chevrolet-branded cars and a separate network for Corvette-branded cars.
South Korea
Chevrolet-branded cars are not sold in South Korea. But many global-market Chevrolet vehicles from GM Daewoo in South Korea.
South Africa
In South Africa, Chevrolet was GM's largest brand until 1982, with a number of Vauxhall Motors and Holden derivatives prevented the Chevy name from 1964. In the 1960s, the advertising jingle "braaivleis, rugby, sunny skies and Chevrolet" (similar to Holden's 1970s "Football, meat pies, Kangaroos and Holden cars") came to the epitome of the ideal lifestyle of white male South Africans. Originally Chevrolet were CKD kits of American Chevy assembled in their plant in Port Elizabeth. But when South Africa was right-hand drive and the U.S. was LHD, with encouragement from the South African government to use local content, such as the Chevrolet Biscayne was eventually made entirely in South Africa along with GM's "own car for South Africa": the Ranger. By the 1970s, was South African Chevrolet like Command and Constantia based on Australian Holden models like Kingswood, while the Firenza was based on the Vauxhall Viva. Chevrolet Nomad sold in South Africa was entirely different than Nomad sold in the U.S., while the American Nomad was originally conceived as a station wagon version of the Corvette and eventually became the station wagon version of Bel Air, the South African Nomad was an SUV of truck proportions before SUVs have become popular.
But these were replaced by Opel models like the Rekord, Commodore, and Senator, and in 1982 Chevrolet brand was dropped in favor of Opel. Because of the political climate at the time, GM decided to disinvest from South Africa in 1986, and a local group eventually bought out GM's South African operations (including the Port Elizabeth plant) and renamed the company Delta Motor Corporation, which concentrated on Opel, Isuzus, and Suzuki, built under license.
But thanks to an improved political climate in the 1990s, GM has decided to return to South Africa, eventually buying out the entire Delta. In 2001, the Chevrolet name made a comeback, used on the Lumina, a re-badged Holden Commodore, and later, on the Daewoo range of cars. Current cover Chevrolet Spark (a re-badged Daewoo Matiz), Aveo, Optra, the Lumina (including a pickup version), and the Vivant, an MPV that is a rebadged version of the Daewoo Tacuma.
Current models:
Cars
Cobalt
Malibu
Impala
Monte Carlo
Corvette
Trucks
Colorado
Silverado
Avalanche
SUV's
HHR
Equinox
Trailblazer
Tahoe
Suburban
Vans
Upländer
Express
Future products
Chevrolet brand is currently undergoing a product restructuring in North America along with all other GM brands in order to fit into the parent company turnaround efforts. All-new versions of the Malibu Sedan is expected to be introduced in 2008 as a result of these efforts. The future models are expected to have more interesting features than current models. The label will also reintroduce its Camaro muscle car on its new Zeta designed, in alliance with GM Holden Australia. Although there is no official date, GM announced in August 2006 that it would be on sale in 2009. Three subcompact concepts will debut on 4 April 2007 New York International Auto Show. The Trax, the Beat, and Groove will be voted on to see who will be offered in the U.S.
used its 'bowtie' logo in 1913. This logo is said to have been designed from wallpaper Durant once saw in a French hotel. Another theory on the shape of the mark is from the Swiss cross, because Louis Chevrolet was from 
