It’s another important distinction for GM’s Orion Assembly Plant, located in Orion Township, Mich.: Already known as home to the only subcompact car currently being built in America – the all-new Chevy Sonic – the plant recently hosted a visit from President Obama, who toured the facility with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in support of the U.S.-South Korean Free Trade Pact. The presidential pair was welcomed to the facility by GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson, and spoke to hundreds of workers and their guests during the visit.
While there, the presidents also were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at production of the Sonic, a key vehicle in GM efforts to help the country reduce its dependence on foreign sources of oil. For example, when packing a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the Sonic is capable of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway. Those are the exact same marks put up by the competition at Ford, but the Chevy achieves this benchmark while also enjoying the benefits of 15 percent more horsepower – along with the ability to dash from 0-60 in just 8.2 seconds.
“Sonic changes the subcompact stereotype and puts an end to the term ‘econobox,’ ” said Joaquin Nuño-Whelan, Sonic vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer. “The 1.4L turbo saves money at the gas pump and is a ridiculously fun car to drive. So, our buyers are getting a safe, exciting and fuel efficient car at a great price with the 1.4L turbo.”
The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, available in both sedan and five-door body styles, is on sale now at local dealerships with an MSRP that starts at $14,495 at dealers like Dayton Chevrolet.
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