Chevrolet is taking a downsized approach to attract modern buyers, as sales of the brand’s small and compact cars have grown by 229 percent from the second quarter of 2010 to the same quarter this year. Much of that success can be attributed to the popularity of the Chevy Sonic, Spark and Cruze with the crucial millennial generation: A quarter of all Sonic and Spark buyers are under the age of 25, while the Cruze is among Chevrolet’s top-selling models for drivers in the same age bracket.
In August, the Chevy Sonic and Spark each posted their best-ever monthly sales in the United States. The Sonic moved 11,354 units, topping its August 2012 tally by 31 percent, while sales of the Spark rose by 72 percent year-over-year, totaling 4,534 units. Nearly six in 10 buyers of the Sonic subcompact and Spark mini car are new to Chevrolet, and their performances last month helped the brand’s overall sales increase 10 percent compared to August of last year.
“As more millenials become old enough to purchase their first car, we’re seeing major differences from other generations in how they choose the model that works for their lifestyles,” said Ed Rossi, owner of Rossi Chevrolet Buick GMC, a New Jersey Chevy dealership. “Unlike their parents, millenials are not looking for a status symbol, but rather an affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle that offers cutting-edge technology so they can stay connected on the road.”
On sale later this month, the 2014 Chevy Sonic will be available with new active-safety technology that alerts drivers to potential collisions. A Forward Collision Alert will send a warning to drivers if they are closing in on another vehicle too quickly, while the Lane Departure Warning will do the same if they are veering outside a marked lane. Buyers can also opt for a rear-vision camera to get a better look at potential obstacles when backing up.
The Sonic’s new driver-assistance features will build on its already-stellar safety reputation, as the subcompact was the only vehicle in its class to earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the 2013 Sonic a Top Safety Pick.
Under the hood, the Sonic sports a standard 1.8-liter engine that produces 138 horsepower and returns up to 35 mpg on the highway, while an optional turbocharged 1.4-liter powerplant improves fuel economy to 40 mpg on the highway.
“Students and young professionals are drawn to the Sonic because it’s stylish, efficient and has all the technology they could ask for, like standard Bluetooth connectivity and the available Chevrolet MyLink Radio,” added Rossi. “The new safety technology for the 2014 model year rivals what might be found in luxury cars, and we expect even stronger sales as buyers do the math and find that the Sonic has more bang for their buck in every way.”
