HHR Swims Across the Pond

[Flybrian]

Chevrolet HHR Under Consideration for Europe
Link to Original Article @ Edmunds.com

ZURICH, Switzerland — General Motors' European operation has announced it will show the Chevrolet HHR (Heritage High Roof) next month at the Geneva auto show in a bid to gauge European interest in the retro-styled hatchback/wagon.

On sale in the United States since 2005, the HHR was initially ruled out for European sale due to the reorganization of the Chevrolet brand following GM's takeover of Korean carmaker Daewoo, which now supplies the majority of Chevrolet models in Europe.

However, high-ranking GM officials say there is now a very good likelihood of it being placed on sale in selected European markets. "We've already weighed the financial aspects of bringing the HHR to Europe. Now we want to see how the car-buying public reacts to the car," a source told Inside Line.

One drawback to the plan could be the HHR's lack of a diesel engine. Currently sold with a choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines, a 146-horsepower 2.2-liter and a 174-hp 2.4-liter, its appeal would be limited in a market driven by sales of compact diesel-powered hatchbacks. Another obstacle is the lack of a right-hand-drive version for the U.K. market.

What this means to you: Iconic American looks and a badge to match could persuade Europeans to get interested in the HHR.

[FunkyPig]

I thought Lutz said the HHR wasn't engineered for Europe as GM Europe said they didn't want it originally.

[aaaantoine]

How hard would it really be to put a diesel engine into the HHR? I mean, really.

[Z-06]

Not that hard. Take the gas engine out and put the diesel in.

[Carguy]

I think the ARTSY FARTSY French and other Europiens would like the HHR! And the British I am SHURE woud LOVE IT!! Just imagion an American Flag painted on the roof as a sign of YOUTHFULL REBELLION in the streets of London! THAT would be FUNNY!!

[SimonDavid]

I think the ARTSY FARTSY French and other Europiens would like the HHR! And the British I am SHURE woud LOVE IT!! Just imagion an American Flag painted on the roof as a sign of YOUTHFULL REBELLION in the streets of London! THAT would be FUNNY!!

Its not that much of a joke

Ford sell quite a few Rangers here in London

The wide boys south of the river pimp 'em out and get the whole post-mad max urban warrior look happening

[SimonDavid]

with a diesel engine, that car will definitely sell in Europe

[Carguy]

Its not that much of a joke

Ford sell quite a few Rangers here in London

The wide boys south of the river pimp 'em out and get the whole post-mad max urban warrior look happening

SAWEET!! I hope they do begin selling them there. Maby as a new London TAXI but NOT as a "post-mad max urban warrior"!! That would be to WEARD!!

[Flybrian]

Seriously, how hard is it to do that? Its a good vehicle and definitely unique in the European market.

[thegriffon]

Its not that much of a joke

Ford sell quite a few Rangers here in London

The wide boys south of the river pimp 'em out and get the whole post-mad max urban warrior look happening

That's a Thai Ranger designed by Mazda, not the American Ranger.

[Drew Dowdell]

Just do what Olds did 30 years ago. Plug up the spark plug holes with glow plugs, add a "wait to start" dash lamp, fill the tank with bunker C and off ya go......

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

Maybe HHR's could serve as taxi's-but there isn't much rear seat or cargo room in there, but anything's better than the Vivant/Rezzo/Tacuma they sell over in Europe, I'm sure. Sounds like a golden opportunity for Chevy to expand in Europe with a popular, relatively new car over here.

[sciguy_0504]

I think it would be a great car for Europe IF it had a diesel option. I have no clue about what GM has in its stable but I'm sure it has something.

[FAPTurbo]

'Iconic American Looks'

Isn't that how you DON'T sell to the Europeans? They seem like a fickle bunch.

I love the HHR, but I don't have the highest of hopes for it in Europe. It'll likely be a bit too pricey for it's category.

[Imaj]

Our friends across the pond hate us (*), why do you think they would buy one of our cars (*), and especially without a diesel option?!

* What I understood from Top Gear, they hate America and American cars, I know Top Gear isn't all of Europe, but still...

Edited February 22, 2007 by Imaj

[daves87rs]

It will sell-though not in large numbers...