Updated: 07/08/08
Chevrolet isn't only working on the Beat city-car or the Cruze small family car, judging by this spy photo of the mule in the Austrian Alps and Michigan, it looks as if the American car firm is working on a Tacuma replacement. The U.S based prototype seems to have 2 rear door handles. The Tacuma came onto the European market 9 years ago. Back then, it was known as Daewoo. This mule looks like a crossover between a MPV and 4x4, like the Dodge Journey.
As dictated by UAW contracts, the Delta-based MPV will be built at GM’s Hamtramck, Michigan, plant alongside such future vehicles as the Chevrolet Volt and next-generation Malibu. Codenamed MPV-7, this new ‘people mover’ will be closely related to the next Opel Zafira, although it will be unique with a boxier and more masculine look compared to the sleek European designed Zafira. Non-American Chevrolet sales have been booming in recent months, in stark contrast to GM’s fading fortunes in the U.S. Chevrolet sales in Europe have increased by 19% so far this year, and in emerging markets the brand is making even bigger advances: Russian sales are up by nearly 50% year-on-year.
Although no information has surfaced on this development, customers can expect a range of petrol and diesel engines, mated to both manual and automatic transmissions. In order to compete with the upcoming Volkswagen Touran, Renault Scenic, Ford C-Max, Peugeot 3008, Vauxhall/Opel Zafira and the current Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda5, Kia Carens/Rondo, the interior should be classier than it predecessor. The Tacuma replacement is due in the second-half of 2009, if not, in 2010.
Via Autoweek.nl > Chevrolet crossover spied with other prototypes