29.6..2001
GM Introduces Chevrolet Cruze for Asian Markets

General Motors announced on Friday, June 29, the name of its first passenger vehicle designed and manufactured in Asia for the Asia-Pacific market. The car, formerly known by the internal code YGM-1, will be called the "Cruze" and sold in Japan under the Chevrolet brand.

This compact lifestyle car is very similar to the YGM-1 concept vehicle, introduced at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. Production is set to begin in the fall at Suzuki's Kosai plant in Japan following its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The first vehicles will be sold in Japan towards the end of this year. The car will be exported to Australia starting in early 2002.

The Cruze sports Chevrolet design cues, such as distinctively flared body sides, a prominent chrome grille crossbar, dramatically shaped headlamps, five-spoke wheels and round tail lamps. A wide stance gives it a bold, sporty look, setting it apart from other vehicles in its class, while its specifically tuned chassis provides it with excellent driving and handling characteristics. Based on Suzuki's new small car platform, it will be available with either a 1.3 liter or 1.5 liter engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive.

When regular production begins in the fall, Suzuki's Kosai plant will further increase GM's manufacturing footprint in Asia. GM's wholly owned and joint-venture production facilities are in Australia, China, India, Indonesia and Thailand.