BRAINTREE, Mass., May 4, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Massachusetts drivers are going to have to “Get used to more” Chevrolet Cruzes after dealerships like Quirk Chevy helped the bowtie brand celebrate the start of its centennial year with record sales numbers. Chevrolet sold 416,505 vehicles in the first three months of 2011 in the United States, an increase of 23 percent over the same period last year. Worldwide, 1.1 million Chevrolets were sold, led by the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze with 150,652 units, a 117 percent increase over 2010.
Since its debut in July 2010, the Cruze has reinvigorated Chevy’s small-car sales in the United States, selling 50,205 units in the first quarter of 2011. With the slogan “Get used to more,” the Cruze packs some decidedly upscale features into its compact-car frame.
“The Cruze is a lot of car for the money,” said Haykel Ammari, general manager of Greater Boston Chevy dealer Quirk Chevy. “Chevrolet obviously spent a long time designing the Cruze to be a class leader, not an also-ran. The interior looks like it came out of a much more expensive car, and the smooth ride is similarly outstanding.”
Wardsauto.com recently recognized the Chevy Cruze 2LT RS on their 10 Best Interiors list, putting the car among some much more expensive company. Ward’s praised the soft-touch plastics, bolstered leather seats and quiet interior while noting the car’s low price. One key part of the Chevy Cruze’s refinement is a specially laminated acoustic windshield that cuts out road and wind noise.
Two engines are available in the Cruze; the standard powerplant is a 138-horsepower 1.8 liter that earns 36 mpg on the highway. A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder also produces 138 horsepower and returns 36 mpg on the highway, but ups the performance by churning out 148 pound-feet of torque. In the ultra-high-efficiency Cruze Eco, the turbo engine earns 42 mpg on the highway.
Both the automatic and manual Cruze transmissions come with six gears. Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, electronic stability control and OnStar service that detects accidents and automatically calls emergency services.
While the Cruze may be in the sales spotlight, it isn’t the only safe and economical car waiting at Chevrolet dealerships. The revolutionary Volt electric car was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Volt scored the highest-possible “Good” rating in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection during the first-ever round of IIHS electric-car testing.
“With Massachusetts gasoline prices getting near $4 a gallon, the Chevy Cruze is the right car at the right time,” Ammari said. “It has the right mix of great gas mileage, fun driving dynamics and an upscale interior that sets it apart from the competition.”
About Quirk Chevrolet:
Quirk Chevrolet serves satisfied Chevy drivers throughout the Boston metro area and Massachusetts. Their expert service staff and dedicated parts department, in addition to their extensive inventory of new and pre-owned Chevrolets, has made Quirk Chevrolet the destination for Chevy lovers throughout the region. To find out more, visit them online at www.quirkchevy.com, like them on Facebook, call them at 781-917-1151, or stop by their dealership at 444 Quincy Avenue in Braintree, Massachusetts.
Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800