Chevrolet Cavalier Releases On The Chinese Car Market

The new Chevrolet Cavalier has been released on the Chinese car market following the 2016 Chengdu Auto Show in southwestern China. The Cavalier is a brand-new compact sedan using the platform of the last generation Chevrolet Cruze.

Cost ranges from 79,900 yuan ($11,966) to 109,900 yuan ($16,459). The Cavalier is placed just above the Chevrolet Sail and just below the present Chevrolet Cruze. It will take on popular compact sedans such as the Citroen c-Elysee, Honda Greiz, and Volkswagen Jetta.

The front-wheel drive Cavalier is functioned by a 1.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 113 hp and 141 Nm, coupled to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

The Cavalier is made in China by Shanghai-GM, the long term joint venture that makes numerous General Motors cars for the Chinese market under the Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet names. Shanghai-GM likewise owns the platform and all the copyright rights of the Cavalier.

It is not uncommon for foreign car makers to offer their older platforms to their Chinese joint endeavors, who will then utilize these platforms to construct a “new” vehicle. The advantage for the joint endeavor is that they do not have to pay fees for the platform and IP rights any longer and therefore make bigger earnings on each automobile sold.

The benefit for the foreign automakers is that they get cash for an otherwise obsolete platform, and they will make again if the car in question offers well, as they still own their 50% of the joint venture.