GM's Orion plant to build Chevy Sonic

By Chrissie Thompson, Free Press business writer
December 9, 2010 – Detroit Free Press

When General Motors' Orion Township plant starts production Aug. 1, it will build a subcompact that GM plans to call the Chevrolet Sonic.

The subcompact replaces the current Chevrolet Aveo. GM North American President Mark Reuss in October confirmed a Free Press report that GM was considering using a different name for the new car, partially because of confusion on how to pronounce "Aveo."

The GM Inside News blog first reported the new name. GM won't confirm that it plans to use Sonic, spokesman Pat Morrissey said, but two people familiar with the plans indicated the blog's report is correct.

GM trademarked the name "Chevrolet Sonic" on Oct. 5, according to U.S. patent and trademark records. The new subcompact, which will have hatchback and sedan versions, joins the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and the upcoming Chevrolet Spark minicar as offerings meant to boost Chevy's small-car credibility in the U.S. GM is expected to show the new global subcompact's U.S. version in the upcoming auto show circuit, possibly in Detroit in January. The 2010 North American International Auto Show featured a sporty show car version of the car.

The Orion plant was to close until GM granted it production of the subcompact in exchange for UAW concessions ahead of the automaker's 2009 bankruptcy. GM originally planned to import the car. To make the car profitably, GM and UAW leaders have agreed that 60% of the blue-collar workers in the plant will make the UAW's full, $28 hourly wage, while the rest will make about half that amount.