HHR for Europe?
02-16-2007 | 07:36 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 08-20-2006
Posts: 21,640
From: Hillsdale, Michigan
HHR for Europe?
This could be good news, especially with those crazy European tuners.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Chevrolet HHR Under Consideration for Europe
ZURICH, Switzerland — General Motors' European operation has announced it will show the Chevrolet HHR (Heritage High Roof) next month at the Geneva auto show in a bid to gauge European interest in the retro-styled hatchback/wagon.
On sale in the United States since 2005, the HHR was initially ruled out for European sale due to the reorganization of the Chevrolet brand following GM's takeover of Korean carmaker Daewoo, which now supplies the majority of Chevrolet models in Europe.
However, high-ranking GM officials say there is now a very good likelihood of it being placed on sale in selected European markets. "We've already weighed the financial aspects of bringing the HHR to Europe. Now we want to see how the car-buying public reacts to the car," a source told Inside Line.
One drawback to the plan could be the HHR's lack of a diesel engine. Currently sold with a choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines, a 146-horsepower 2.2-liter and a 174-hp 2.4-liter, its appeal would be limited in a market driven by sales of compact diesel-powered hatchbacks. Another obstacle is the lack of a right-hand-drive version for the U.K. market.
© Source: article on insideline
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Chevrolet HHR Under Consideration for Europe
ZURICH, Switzerland — General Motors' European operation has announced it will show the Chevrolet HHR (Heritage High Roof) next month at the Geneva auto show in a bid to gauge European interest in the retro-styled hatchback/wagon.
On sale in the United States since 2005, the HHR was initially ruled out for European sale due to the reorganization of the Chevrolet brand following GM's takeover of Korean carmaker Daewoo, which now supplies the majority of Chevrolet models in Europe.
However, high-ranking GM officials say there is now a very good likelihood of it being placed on sale in selected European markets. "We've already weighed the financial aspects of bringing the HHR to Europe. Now we want to see how the car-buying public reacts to the car," a source told Inside Line.
One drawback to the plan could be the HHR's lack of a diesel engine. Currently sold with a choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines, a 146-horsepower 2.2-liter and a 174-hp 2.4-liter, its appeal would be limited in a market driven by sales of compact diesel-powered hatchbacks. Another obstacle is the lack of a right-hand-drive version for the U.K. market.
© Source: article on insideline
02-16-2007 | 07:42 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: 05-13-2006
Posts: 2,334
From: Chicago,IL
I wonder, if this happens, how long it would take before someone brought one w/right hand drive to the US...
02-16-2007 | 07:45 AM
#3
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Senior Member
Joined: 08-20-2006
Posts: 21,640
From: Hillsdale, Michigan
don't know but this could be a good thing for the aftermarket. europeans love to customize their cars and if they respond well to this car there is sure to be support from the tuners.
02-16-2007 | 08:22 AM
#5
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Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 6,052
From: Dallas, GA
Might be hard to sell to the UK unless they do a RHD conversion. Europe is a possiblilty, but they might get pressed for a diesel. Which is not a bad thing....
02-16-2007 | 08:40 AM
#6
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Joined: 06-21-2006
Posts: 3,100
From: Chicago
I would buy One If I could get the Driver On the right Side.
02-17-2007 | 08:24 AM
#8
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Joined: 08-20-2006
Posts: 21,640
From: Hillsdale, Michigan
Chevy has seen a recent uprise in sales in Europe so if appeal is there I think they will do whats necessary to make it happen.
02-17-2007 | 08:53 AM
#9
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Joined: 10-15-2005
Posts: 9,121
From: Rochester,N.Y.
They would have to redesign the HHR to meet the higher European safety standards. Like change the height and shape on the front of the HHR and stuff like that. There was an interview with Bob Lutz from a while back stating that the HHR would never meet European safety standards without major redesign. I’ll see if I can find the interview and link it here.
02-17-2007 | 04:37 PM
#10
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Joined: 01-13-2006
Posts: 2,999
From: Superior, WI - Over the Hill Warranty Club member
The new Post Office Rural Mail carrier Sunburst II Orange Panel.. (W/Runningboards) Just think of it..