Chevrolet Records Best-Ever First Half with 2.35 Million Global Sales

Chevrolet sold 2.35 million cars worldwide in the first six months of 2011, which is a record number in the company’s 100-year history. The GM brand sold 286,499 more vehicles than in the same period of 2010, which represents a 14% increase.

This is due to Chevrolet gaining ground in its top five markets. In the US, its sales increased by 16%, in China by 15%, in Russia, where it is the best-selling global brand, by 54%, in Canada by 8% and in Brazil by 0.4% over the record first-half of 2010.

Most of the increase can be attributed to new models like the Cruze, which with 330,000 units recorded a 132% increase over 2010.

“The success of the Cruze illustrates what is possible when you listen to your customers,” said Mary Barra, senior vice president of GM Global Product Development. “By offering drivers more than they expected in a compact car, the Cruze has redefined the global segment and is on track to bring a million new customers to Chevrolet before the end of 2012”.

Chevrolet’s minicar, the Spark, sold 100,000 units, a 110% gain over the same period a year ago, with its biggest markets being South Korea, Mexico and Uzbekistan.

The compact Aveo did even better, with its sales boosted by the introduction of the next generation Sonic/Aveo, achieving a record 150,000 sales.

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It Came from eBay Hell: The “Camaro or Her” Edition

In a very different “It Came from eBay Hell” piece than what you are normally used to seeing on Coolpictures, we bring you the best automotive advert that you’re going to read today on the popular online marketplace.

While we can’t verify the story behind the “Her or the Car?” edition, the owner of this 2010 Chevrolet Camaro claims to be selling his beloved muscle car due to a divorce. But let’s not take the spotlight away from him.

Enjoy the seller’s humorous narrative and comparo on the specifications of the Camaro SS and his…soon to be ex-wife after the break.

eBay Seller’s Description:

HER or the CAR?

Your Choice...

But The Car is Better Looking & A Whole Lot Cheaper!

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

“As much as this car & my wife are loved and will be missed. I am forced to part with both, So my loss is your gain here. The car has less than 10,000 miles on it, her- a little more-just saying. The car has never seen snow, she can be as cold as ice. The car was garage stored when not in use, she is making me move out to the garage. This car has extraordinary acceleration with the 6.2L V8, superior handling, excellent value, head-turning looks, unique interior design, great fuel economy, and a throaty boasting exhaust, which beats a bitchy mouth any day.

Story Source: eBay via VWVortex

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GM Confirms Chevrolet Cruze Diesel for the USA, Sales Start in 2013

We’d heard rumors that a diesel-powered version of the Chevrolet Cruze was being readied for the U.S., but now it’s official as General Motors announced today that the diesel variant will be added to the compact model’s North American lineup in calendar year 2013.

However, that’s about all we get from GM as the Detroit company stated that it will release further details on the car at a later date.

Currently, the most fuel efficient model in the Cruze range is the Eco model featuring a standard six-speed manual gearbox with an EPA-rated 42 mpg (equal to 5.6lt/100km) on the highway.

Chevrolet already offers the Cruze with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine in other regions including Europe and Australia.

The latest version of the 2.0-liter oil burner delivers 161HP (120kW / 163PS) at 3,800rpm and 360 Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,750 rpm.

It’s fuel economy on the combined European cycle (which can’t be directly compared to U.S. combined figures) is rated at 5.6 lt/100km [42mpg US] when equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and at 6.7lt/100km [35.1mpg US] with the optional six-speed automatic.

CHEVROLET CRUZE (USA / EUROPE / AUSTRALIA)

It Came From eBay Hell: Custom Made Canadian “Woodie”

One of my all-time favourite cars is the 1948 Ford Super Deluxe. The station wagon and Sportsman convertible variants were the last true “woodies” and in my mind the best looking of the bunch.

On the opposite end of the scale is this hand-built woodie pick-up from Quebec, Canada. It’s like a child’s drawing of a pick-up truck come to life or maybe the first car designed and built exclusively by the Amish.

It was intended as a static display / parade float / advertising showpiece, though personally I think it’d be better suited as kindling or beaver food.

Underneath that svelte body is the engine, transmission, chassis and suspension of a 1993 Chevrolet S10. With a 2.8 L V6 and manual transmission, you couldn’t pay me to drive this thing.

The body is roasted grey pine and the hubcaps are Russian plywood.

The Buy It Now price on eBay, for what the seller describes as a, “Unique, original and certainly an excellent advertising tool for your business,” is CA$16,000 (US$16,726 / €11,834 at the time this article was written).

Unsurprisingly, no one has made an offer on it yet. The seller is keen the point out that this car cannot be exported to the United States due to its hand-built body and recent vintage.

You can check out our full gallery below and leave a comment if you wish.

By Tristan Hankins

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