HHR is hot, so GM raises target again
Automaker looks at boosting production to 120,000 annually

Jamie LaReau
AN / October 10, 2005

DETROIT -- General Motors believes it has a hit with the new Chevrolet HHR wagon but must figure out how to build more of them.

"What we're trying to do is ramp up the capacity of the components and the plant so that we can build without having to go build another plant for it," says Lori Queen, GM's vehicle line executive for small cars.

Robert Lutz, GM's vice chairman for product development, says GM plans to produce 120,000 HHRs annually.

 

good to see. this little thing is a HUGE hit. can't wait to see what comes out of the pipeline next.

 

There sure is a lot of feet in peoples mouths. lol GO HHR!

 

The marketing is working! Just last night we saw one of the HHR ads, and the GF says, I wouldn't mind getting one of those. Now when I first showed them to her, she said they look OK. Now she actually likes it! Commercials are very expensive for a reason.

 

Yep......urmph....no doubt.



So, anyone want to take bets when GM is going to start jacking up Solstices's production targets?

 

I got $50 on November 1st.

 

Not at these prices...
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402760
:blah:

 

I forgot, what wsa the original production numbers that had aimed for?

 

I guess I'd be one of the them

I'm still surprised it's selling so well, but I won't complain

 

Im also one of them. But I had my doubts with the HHR, Nox and Maxx all taking up the same space, that one had to go.

 

What are your personal impressions of the vehicle, I am assuming you have seen one in person and possibly rode in it?

Personally I love it. Except the guages are a little small.

 

We'll be test driving one this Friday.

Anyone know when the "SS" version is expected?

 

I really like how the tach is setup. Its nifty.

 

LOL Exactly, I currently have a size 10 shoe in my mouth!

 

My biggest complaint (like most people) was that the styling is too derivative. But once I got that out of my mind, I could more rationally judge its real strengths and weaknesses. First the packaging is excellent. I've always thought that the station wagon is the perfect configuration for small cars. Especially the tall ones like Vibe/Matrix, Focus, and now HHR. There's so much flexibility with so few drawbacks, that it makes little sense IMO to buy a sedan. However it doesn't seem like HHR uses its bigger size as efficiently as the smaller PT Cruiser.

I'm still let down by the interior. No matter how many times reviewers say it's great, I don't buy it. The grains of the plastics look cheap and hard, and the fits still aren't up to Japanese quality (BTW, same goes for Cobalt and Impala). And I agree with you that the IP is too tiny; it looks like it came out of a smaller car.

My other major knock would be the powertrain. It's probably good enough for most of this segment, but it doesn't inspire much enthusiasm. Even the base Vibe/Matrix 4-banger gives a more fun driving experience despite it being a much smaller engine. Unfortunately GM is still second-tier when it comes to 4-cylinder engines.

In the end I would not buy one. If I was shopping this segment, I'd have a Vibe in my driveway.