The New Chevrolet Colorado - Heralding a century of truck-building heritage

MANILA, Philippines - From its very start in 1911, Chevrolet has been bringing technology and features typically reserved for more expensive cars to its lineup of cars and trucks. The first Chevrolet – the Series C Classic Six – offered an electric starter and electric headlamps at a time when both were rarities among even luxury cars. In the decades that followed, innovations such as safety glass, fuel injection, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems were used on Chevrolet models at the same time as more expensive vehicles. As one of the largest-selling brands in the industry, Chevrolet’s early adoption of landmark technologies fundamentally changed the way they were applied to new vehicles.

Chevrolet also made quality performance accessible to the public. Its early four- and six-cylinder engines were known for durability and strong performance, but it was the 1955 introduction of Chevrolet’s small-block V-8 that began a new era in attainable high-performance. The engine would power millions of cars and trucks in the next 50 years, with its legacy passed on to a new generation of small-block V-8s used in today’s trucks and SUVs, as well as performance cars including the Camaro SS and Corvette.

In 1918, Chevrolet introduced its first pickup--the 490 series. It had a 4-cylinder engine that produced a top speed of 50 kph. In 1955, the special-edition Chevrolet Cameo Carrier introduced smooth rear fenders for the first time to a mainstream pickup. The styling gave the truck a flowing, upscale appearance that differed greatly from the traditional “step side” design of contemporary trucks. Within a few years, the entire industry was transformed. The smooth cargo bed sides, which became known as “fleetside” styling, were found on every truck on the market.

During the 1960s, Chevrolet led the pickup segment with regard to design and technology. The Chevy trucks had a broader and longer look compared to its competitors. It was also first to have an independent front suspension that offered better ride and handling. Chevrolet design innovations helped drive change and create new markets in the industry. The Suburban was introduced in 1935 and continues as the longest-running automotive nameplate in industry history. Its concept of delivering greater passenger and cargo capacity has remained true for 76 years.

Today, Chevrolet introduces the all-new Chevrolet Colorado to the world. It’s a midsize truck that is built not only with premium parts and materials but a century of truck heritage. Through decades of evolution, Chevrolet provides the market with the best pickup truck it has to offer yet. The Colorado boasts of being equipped with the new Duramax 2.5 and 2.8L engines that are designed to provide optimum power and torque for hauling and off-road requirements. It has comfort and convenient features that makes rides on rough terrains more enjoyable. The Colorado is equipped with grade A safety features that allows the driver and passengers to have a worry-free ride.

The Duramax engine is made in the new state-of-the-art $200 million engine power plant in Rayong Thailand. The engine plant has the latest equipment and technologies including fully automated, computer-guided sequence for gauges, and employs lasers for high-level precision. All these are linked to mainframe computers for consistent high quality. It is capable of producing approximately 120,000 engines per year.

The Chevrolet Colorado is set to be available in all Chevrolet dealers nationwide by quarter three of 2012. To know more about the Colorado, visit www.chevrolet.com.ph or like the Chevrolet Philippines facebook page.