Chevrolet Cruze Improves Fuel Economy for 2012

2-mpg improvement and streamlined content builds on successful global launch

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Jun 15, 2011, 11:49 ET

DETROIT, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For 2012, Chevrolet Cruze models with the 1.4L turbo and six-speed automatic transmission will get 2 mpg better fuel economy. The Cruze Eco with an automatic transmission will deliver as much as 39 mpg on the highway compared with 37 mpg for the current model, Chevrolet said Wednesday.

The most popular 1.4L turbo/six-speed automatic will get 38 mpg compared with 36 mpg for the current model. A lower axle ratio for the 2012 models enables the approximately 5 percent increase in highway fuel efficiency for Cruze.

Cruze Eco with the standard six-speed manual transmission remains the most fuel-efficient gas-powered/non-hybrid vehicle in America, with an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway.

Also for 2012, a feature package containing Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather-wrapped shift knob will be standard. These features were part of the $525 Connectivity Plus Cruise option package on 2011 models. The option was ordered by 90 percent of American customers.

"Chevrolet is committed to responding to what customers want and making it easier for them," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Adding these previously optional features streamlines the ordering process and answers the call of what our customers told us should be standard."

Cruze, which was the best-selling small car in the United States in May, is Chevrolet's best-selling nameplate around the world, with global sales of more than 250,000 in the first four months of 2011.

"Fueled by a successful launch in the United States and continued growth in China, Chevrolet Cruze is proving to be the right car at the right time," Scheidt said "Fuel economy is the top reason customers buy a compact and the Cruze's greater efficiency for 2012 makes it all the more attractive."

Additional standard equipment on the 2012 Cruze includes:

Remote keyless entry
Air conditioning
Audio system with AM/FM/CD and MP3 playback
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service
Driver information center with average and instant fuel economy feedback, tire pressure readout, oil life remaining and more
Rear defogger
Power windows
Fuel-saving rack mounted electric power steering.

New equipment on the 2012 Cruze includes:

Keyless entry and keyless start available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
Touch screen navigation system with 7" color display available on Eco, 2LT and LTZ
16-inch five-spoke machined-face alloy wheels are standard on 1LT
17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with four-wheel disc brakes are standard on 2LT
Compact spare tire and wheel standard on all models except Eco with manual transmission and 1FL (fleet)
Fog lamps are standard on LTZ
Exterior colors: Blue Granite Metallic, Blue Topaz Metallic and Victory Red (with RS appearance package only)

Cruze's standard safety features include:

Ten standard air bags – the most in the segment – including frontal, head curtain side air bags, front and outboard rear-seat side-impact air bags and knee air bags
StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes
Collapsible pedal system, which allows the pedals to detach during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries
OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

The U.S. and Canadian versions of the Cruze are built in Lordstown, Ohio.

About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE General Motors