General Motors, and Chevrolet specifically, has often prided itself on offering a car for every segment. Soon, Chevy will exit the sub-compact market, however.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the Chevrolet Sonic will exit production as early as this year. Sonic sales have dwindled from a high in 2014 when Chevrolet sold around 100,000 units. Current sales are a fraction of the 2014 figure as the market shifts to crossovers, SUVs and trucks.
What the news means for the Orion assembly plant is unclear. The plant currently builds the Sonic and Chevrolet Bolt EV. Orion once built the Buick Verano, which also exited production. The plant also builds the Opel Ampera-e which will soon exit production following the sale of Opel to PSA Groupe.
Prior to the report, it was understood that plans for a next-generation Sonic had been pushed back to early next decade. However, the market’s shift to utility vehicles likely killed the Sonic for good. The report also claims, according to sources close to the matter, that the full-size Chevrolet Impala is next on the chopping block.
