The Chevy Volt electric hybrid is only part one way Chevy is working to more environmentally friendly. Several models are also being built with four-cylinder engines that dont sacrifice power for cleaner air.
Your Chicago Chevy Silverado dealer is seeing a trend in Chevrolet buyers going for the four-cylinder models like the Cruze and Malibu. Chevrolet says this has doubled in the last four years. In fact Chevy sales this year consisted of 46 percent four-cylinder vehicles, up from 36 percent last year and 23 percent in 2007.
This really shouldnt come as a huge shock to anyone familiar with the auto industry. Manufacturers have for years been working on ways to glean more power from smaller engines in an effort to be a fuel efficient as possible and theyre getting really good at it.
With gas prices continuing to rise, we will probably see four-cylinder purchases continue to rise as well. And what exactly can buyers expect from these Chevy models? Well, the Malibu, Equinox and Cruze all get over 30 mpg highway, definitely a bargain.
Then there is the Cruze Eco with an EPA rating of 42 mpg, one of the highest non-electric mileage numbers around. Elmhurst used car customers are taking a close look at the Cruze Eco to see how well it will meet their lifestyle needs.
The Cruze seems to be the car to compete with, as Chevy shipped more than 32,000 Cruzes in January and February as opposed to selling 602 Volts. But we do have to remember that the electric cars are not practical for everyone, partly because of their short range before needing a charge and partly because places to charge are not yet easy to find.
A higher demand for four-cylinder vehicles will be good for the environment and likely good for Chevrolet and General Motors as they seem to be selling quite nicely. As fuel-economy standards and emissions standards are gradually tightened by the government, the four-cylinders also will be able to meet them more easily.
In the meantime, Chicago Chevy Silverado owners may want to enjoy the larger rides while they can afford to do so. Dont get me wrong, I dont think were going to see all the trucks switch over to four-cylinder engines and we certainly wont see Americans giving up their pickups. The six-cylinders are getting more efficient as well, if not quite as affordable to drive.
General Motors is working to keep up with other manufacturers to produce fuel-efficient vehicles and overall for 2010 its fleet was more efficient that other domestic automakers like Ford and Chrysler, but theres a lot of ground to make up to catch many foreign automakers.
About the Author:
Matthew Kuchar is a freelance writer and auto buff. His article features information on your Chicago Chevy Silverado dealer for Elmhurst used car customers.