In the interim, GM is expected to tweak the Impala slightly to give it at least a fighting chance among non-fleet owners. Already a fleet favorite, the Impala is largely eschewed by the car buying public who seems enamored with the competition. The changes expected to arrive beginning in 2012 may include GM dropping both engine choices replacing these aged powerplants with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine found in many other GM models. That engine would be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, giving the Impala one of the more modern powerplant combinations in its segment.
The news hasn't been all bad for the Impala as this model continues to outsell the Ford Taurus. However, profit lines on the Taurus are much higher, a model available in front- and all-wheel-drive and a sometimes competitor for upscale European and Japanese luxury brand shoppers. The Impala offers no such competition and must rely heavily on fleet sales to drum up sales.
"The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit."
Production of the Chevrolet Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.
"The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit."
