Chevy Invests in Next-Generation Cruze, Promises Improved Efficiency

HAVERHILL, MASS. (08/30/2012)(readMedia)-- Chevrolet's Cruze has been one of the best-selling compact cars on the U.S. market since it debuted as a 2011 model in 2010, but the American automaker has no plans of leaning on that initial success. Chevy recently announced that the next-generation Cruze will be even more fuel efficient than the current model, and it plans to invest $220 million into the vehicle's Lordstown, Ohio assembly line to ensure that the improved gas mileage is matched with impeccable build quality.

Already capable of returning up to 42 mpg on the highway, the 2012 Chevy Cruze Eco is the most fuel-efficient gas-only car on the market, which makes Chevy's latest efficiency goal that much more ambitious. Official launch dates for the next-generation Cruze have yet to be released, but Edmunds' InsideLine.com reports the vehicle will likely be a 2015 model released in 2014.

"Chevy set a pretty high bar with the current Cruze, but I don't think it is being unrealistic with its goals for the next-generation model," said Bill DeLuca III, president of Haverhill, Massachusetts Chevy dealership Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC. "Forty-two miles per gallon was unheard of outside the hybrid world just a few years ago, but with Chevy's dedication to improving fuel efficiency, the sky is the limit at this point."

Fuel economy is especially important among young drivers on a budget, which is one of the reasons that Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com recently selected another Chevy, the Sonic subcompact, for its 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012. The list focused on vehicles available for less than $16,000 according to Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price, making the highlighted models affordable to student drivers as well as their parents, who are often the ones weighed down with tuition bills.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic made kbb.com's scholarly list due in part to its sporty styling, which matches aggressive design lines with head-turning color options like Inferno Orange Metallic, Victory Red and Cyber Gray Metallic. Editors also noted that parents could feel confident watching their children drive away in the Sonic, thanks to the car's great outward visibility and easy-to-drive manners.

Coming with a 1.8-liter engine that returns 35 mpg on the highway, the Chevy Sonic is a true fuel-sipper in standard form; however, an optional turbocharged 1.4-liter powerplant provides even more savings, netting up to 40 mpg during freeway driving. That efficiency doesn't come at the expense of features either, as the Sonic is available with everything from heated leatherette seats to an optional sound system that can connect with Bluetooth-enabled smartphones for streaming audio.

"Massachusetts drivers that are looking to downsize without downgrading are finding the intuitive features in Chevy's small cars highly appealing," added DeLuca. "With the Sonic, Chevy has demonstrated that it knows how to build a stylish car that's big on personality and small on fuel use."

About Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC:

Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Bill DeLuca Chevrolet Buick GMC has served automotive customers in the Merrimack Valley for more than 50 years. Their sales staff has garnered a reputation for honesty, quality and integrity, and they offer a large inventory of Buick, GMC and Chevrolet vehicles to customers in the region. Browse their inventory of new and used vehicles at www.billdelucachevroletbuickgmc.com, visit them in person at 112 - 116 Bank Road in Haverhill, or call 978-912-5247 to speak to a friendly member of their sales staff.