Chevrolet Europe - History

History

Chevrolet was established in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and Billy Durant, the founder of General Motors. Louis Chevrolet had already built up a reputation as a mechanic and race driver, first in his native Europe and then over in the USA. He gained experience working with the largest car manufacturer of the time, de Dion-Bouton whilst dominating the race circuits for 15 years. In 1905 he set a land speed record by covering a mile in 52.8 seconds. In 1907, Louis Chevrolet began driving for Buick, which is where he met future GM founder Billy Durant. Seeing his passion for cars coupled with a reputation as a talented racer, Durant saw potential in creating a brand from Louis Chevrolet's name. Upon its birth, Chevrolet went on to establish a firm presence in North and South America, toppling the Ford Model T from the top sales position. In Europe, Chevrolet also had production facilities in Denmark, Poland and Switzerland, which continued operating until 1968. In the latter half of the 20th Century Chevrolet grew as a niche European brand with imports of the two flagship models, Corvette and Camaro as well as other Chevrolet vehicles.

At the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet announced that it was relaunching the brand across Europe, basing its headquarters in Zurich, the largest city of founder, Louis Chevrolet's home country of Switzerland. By 2010 sales had risen from 295,000 units in 2005 to 500,000. This level of growth was in part due to the introduction of small and mid-sized cars built by GMDAT (GM Daewoo Auto & Technology). Chevrolet have recently announced plans to return two of their most iconic cars, the Camaro and Corvette to Europe in 2011.

Read more about this topic:  Chevrolet Europe

Famous quotes containing the word history:

    The basic idea which runs right through modern history and modern liberalism is that the public has got to be marginalized. The general public are viewed as no more than ignorant and meddlesome outsiders, a bewildered herd.
    Noam Chomsky (b. 1928)

    If you look at the 150 years of modern China’s history since the Opium Wars, then you can’t avoid the conclusion that the last 15 years are the best 15 years in China’s modern history.
    J. Stapleton Roy (b. 1935)

    ... in a history of spiritual rupture, a social compact built on fantasy and collective secrets, poetry becomes more necessary than ever: it keeps the underground aquifers flowing; it is the liquid voice that can wear through stone.
    Adrienne Rich (b. 1929)