GM May Sell a Mini-Car in U.S.
The Chevrolet Beat gets as much as 40 miles per gallon, a U.S. fuel efficiency topped only by hybrids.
Chevrolet Beat
In an effort to win back buyers deterred by record fuel prices, General Motors Corp. may begin selling a mini-car, according to Newsday.
It’s a noticeable shift for GM, which popularized the 7,800-pound Hummer. GM may bring the production version of the Chevrolet Beat to the United States. The Beat gets as much as 40 miles per gallon, a U.S. fuel efficiency topped only by hybrids.
John Wolkonowicz, an analyst at Global Insight Inc. in Lexington, Mass. said GM has no choice but to make the change because he said there has never been as rapid a shift in consumer demand in the history of the auto industry.
The Beat, a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, is 138 inches in length, the size of a Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris.
The car is more than a foot shorter than anything else GM markets in the United States. The Beat is normally reserved for markets such as Asia and Latin America, according to Newsday.
More Small Fleet
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
Simple Tire Checks That Help Keep Your Business Fleet Moving
A survey found that nearly one in every 10 passenger vehicles has at least one bald tire. What's more, 27% -- more than one in four -- of vehicles are driven with one or more severely under-inflated tires.
Read More →
Developing Budget-Friendly Driver Safety Programs
From driver training and safety meetings to one-on-one coaching and incentive programs, several small fleets share how they have developed a safety culture with their drivers using low- to no-cost resources.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology
Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →