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Into 2001 and Chevrolet introduced an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) in the shape of the Borrego. The Silverado HD (Heavy Duty) truck was launched and almost immediately became Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year. The following year, the Truck of the year title went to the newly-introduced Avalanche. The TrailBlazer also appeared in five- and seven-seat configuration and earned the title of North American Truck of the Year.
Meanwhile, GM re-entered South Africa with its buy-out of the Delta Motor Corporation and the Chevrolet name returned on the Lumina, a rebadged Holden Commodore.
Brent Dewar became the company’s next general manager and In South Africa, the entry-level GM-Daewoo-built Aveo made its début. The Aveo is launched in America in 2004. An all-new Malibu was introduced in the US while the Cobalt replaced the Cavalier. The Nomad concept, based on the Kappa floorpan, was shown. A Corvette paced the Indy 500 for a record sixth time, driven by famous actor Morgan Freeman.
In 2006 a Camaro concept, with styling cues reminiscent of the original car, was shown at the North American International Auto Show and soon after it was announced that the car would go into production. GM also announced that 100-plus Equinox fuel cell vehicles would be placed with customers across the country as part of ‘Project Driveway’ marketing test. Cycling star Lance Armstrong paced the Indy 500 in a Corvette Z06. The Spark is introduced to South Africa.
At the end of 2006 the second-generation Silverado was launched as a 2007 model. The vehicle was completely redesigned – exterior, interior, running gear and power hikes for some engines. Better aerodynamics and tighter panel gaps were said to help fuel economy. The Chevrolet Volt was revealed as an advanced technology concept car. Apart from the use of high-tech materials, it featured an innovative rechargeable electric drive system and could be configured to run either on electricity, petrol, E85 or biodiesel.
Next Page : The final countdown begins
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