Chevrolet Sells 3 Millionth Cruze Global Compact Car Is Brand’s Best-Selling Nameplate

Eleven plants. One-hundred and eighteen countries. Eighty-eight awards. And now, 3 million sales for the Chevrolet Cruze.

The best-selling Chevrolet model crossed the milestone this month, just 16 months after selling its 2 millionth model. From the U.S. and Canada, to Laos and the Philippines, to Lebanon and Qatar, the Cruze has proved itself a global player among small cars.

“The Cruze is an extremely adaptable car that can cater to the demands of nearly every market in the world,” said Alan Batey, GM executive vice president of Global Chevrolet. “It is a testament to Chevrolet’s global focus and capabilities to offer a car that is so highly regarded in so many places.”

The Cruze has collected 39 product awards in China, 27 in the U.S. and 12 in Brazil. Chevrolet is committed to building product in the markets they are sold, so the Cruze is built in 11 different countries on five continents. GM design teams in South Korea and Germany had the global consumer in mind when developing the car in just 27 months in the late 2000s before debuting in South Korea in November of 2008.

“Small car sales around the world have been growing exponentially as emerging markets, in Asia and South America, increase car ownership while mature markets, like the U.S., downsize for fuel economy,” says Michelle Krebs, senior analyst for AutoTrader.com. “Small cars, like the Cruze, are driving sales globally and will continue to do so.”

The Cruze endured intensive durability testing, including extreme weather tests and more than 210 crash tests tailored to the regulatory demands of the countries where it is sold. To appeal to the different markets’ tastes, the Cruze is available in in three body styles, including a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and station wagon. Cruze is powered by five different engines, 1.4-, 1.6-, and 1.8-liter gasoline engines, and 1.7- and 2-liter diesel engines. Chevrolet recently launched a new version of the Cruze catering to the styling and packaging demands of Chinese customers. Cruze sales in China lead all countries with 1.13 million sold since launch in 2009.

For the U.S. market in 2015, the Cruze will have OnStar with 4G LTE standard, providing passengers with a mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to seven devices. The 2015 Cruze will also have Siri Eyes Free integration, allowing users to text, call, ask for directions and even send email while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.