General Motors (GM) presented last week, at Arena Sonic, in Distrito Anhembi, in São Paulo, the new Chevrolet Sonic, an urban SUV with a coupe style that will be produced exclusively in Brazil, in Gravataí. The event brought together more than 2,000 people and marked the automaker's bet to compete in one of the fastest-growing segments in South America.
The model, positioned between the Onix and the Tracker, arrives in two top-of-the-line versions: Premier, with a more sober look, and RS, with a sporty character. Both are automatic and come with a high level of standard equipment, including active safety systems. The initial price in Paraguay will be US$ 19,990.
Thomas Owsianski, president and general director of GM in South America, stated that the regional strategy cannot focus only on Brazil. “Each unit counts and each market counts. If we want to be successful in South America, we have to grow and be successful in every market. Paraguay is also very important to us,” he declared.
The executive explained that the company's internal meetings include the country managers of all countries in the region, such as Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, and that there are specific goals for each one. “I also have a growth target for Paraguay. It won't be 10,000 more units, but we will grow equally,” he added.
Álvaro Espínola, country manager of GM in Paraguay, confirmed that the new Sonic will arrive in the country at the end of May and will be available in the 21 Chevrolet showrooms starting June 1. “It is an iconic car, with an iconic name in Paraguay. The expectation is huge,” he said.
The launch occurs in a context of intense competition, with Asian brands pressuring traditional ones. The Sonic seeks to attract consumers who demand more standard equipment and good value for money, in a segment where SUVs and crossovers dominate demand.