Comments on: GM Mulls Production Site for Chevy Spark

By: raybesto

raybesto — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:54:37 +0000

Really…GM doesn’t get it?? How is producing a car that competes with the Toyota Gayis “not getting it”? With almost a third better fuel economy, that is what these little shitboxes are for.

By: Святослав Соколов

Святослав Соколов — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:29:37 +0000

Интересно, хотя не мешало бы чуть подетальней написать, а то есть несколько непонятных моментов

By: Logan5

Logan5 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:30:04 +0000

This ‘spark’ is a beautiful car. The toyota iQ is stunning and innovative (not to mention SAFE).

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:15:03 +0000

“It remains to be seen if US consumers are ready to make the transition from supersized vehicles to minicars.”

The Change has begun already. I just got rid of my suv and picked up a civic 36 mpg couldn’t pass up – lol. Everyone on my block who once had SUV’s or pick-ups now has fuel efficient cars – lol. Gas is out rageous.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:29:33 +0000

I'm surprised that this article did not mention the Nissan Cube as direct competition. It's a kinda a mini version of the of the Scion xB except the styling and oddness are straight out of Japan with few alterations. Many of the old school car people would call it ugly, but the design is brutally practical, plenty of room and cargo capacity. One option even includes electric motor 4WD on the back wheels for snowy days. Way more hip in than any of the competition listed here. They are marketing it as a "mobile device" with all the gadgets and personalization you could expect from a mobile electronic device like the iphone. You will call it ugly, but the hipsters won't care, and they will buy it anyway.

By: Need2Change

Need2Change — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:03:59 +0000

The Spark looks good to me. MPG similar to a Prius at a much lower MSRP.

I'm still waiting for a premium small car from Detroit. Something about the size of a Ford Focus or 3-series BMW, that has a quality interior, exterior, and performance with a price slightly under $30K.

Unfortunately, us Americans think small is cheap, and Detroit meets that expectation.

By: Max Reid

Max Reid — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:57:32 +0000

Good decision.

As gas prices increase, more people will start buying these vehicles.
Now a days, I see a lot of Prius, Scion-xb, in Chicago Taxi fleet.

Hope these vehicles also join in.

For a family with 1 or 2 kids, this can be a ideal 2nd vehicle.

By: Austintatious

Austintatious — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:04:04 +0000

Just drove the Toyota Yaris. Should be able to purchase, well equipped, for under $15,000. Gets 29 city and 35 hwy (auto) /36(stand). A surprisingly satisfactory auto for the price, with a descent ride. The hatchback is too cramped but the 4/5 place sedan is good, for size and money. Ample leg room in back although short on back seat head room for a 6 footer. In my opinion, lots better looking than the Spark or, perhaps more accurately said, not nearly as ugly as the Spark. Would be a good starter car for young business type just starting career, or anyone interested in basic, fuel friendly transportation.

Re the GM thing, it appears that they still do not "get it".

By: Samie

Samie — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:00:56 +0000

I have to check out how this lines up with a Toyota Yaris. The Spark needs to be engineered to compete in that market not the urban Scion market. I wonder if specs right now will hold up, if so I'm skeptical that this will not have enough power for some Americans. Also is this car going to be thrown out there to try to meet CAFE regulations? I always say that GM needs to have a complete line-up but this may get into too narrow of a niche market in the short-term. Maybe I'm wrong and again need to look up the Scion types market share. I love that it gets 47mpgs but doubt without added room or a more powerful engine that this will be a big seller, depends on gas prices and full details b/t now/ production. Price is also key in selling this type of car. I would love to see it built more like a Yaris with a standard turbo engine @ 13k-15 but what do I know.

I'm a bit alarmed at how the company is deciding to produce this car. Made in America is great but why in the world would you have shutdown plants competing to produce this vehicle? GM and the UAW need to get their heads straight. You restart your most productive plants and the ones that allow you to quickly adjust to consumer demands. You don't build a car at a factory that is ill-equipped to meet your production needs. I don't think GM has the luxury of wasting money if they want to stay alive. Also politicians need to stay out of it and let GM decide where best to make their vehicles. The Union got a large share of the New GM and a seat on the board, will that lead to bad production practices???? Lets hope not...

By: 9691

9691 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:07:41 +0000

Giugiaro? That’s why it looks so good.