Chevrolet, a car brand under General Motors (GM), is looking to launch a new entry-level electric vehicle (EV) in key international markets, according to a report published by GM Authority.
The report stated that Chevrolet is exploring bringing back the Joy nameplate as its new entry-level electric hatchback. Chevy is said to be considering rebadging the Wuling Bingo Pro to be the new Chevrolet Joy electric hatch. To put things in perspective, the Wuling Bingo Pro is an EV built under SAIC Motor and GM’s joint venture in China.
With that, Chevrolet’s idea to launch the entry-level Joy electric hatch is plausible, as SAIC Motor and GM have previously agreed to renew their joint venture, extending their partnership by 20 years through 2047. The continued partnership is seen to accelerate the brands’ technologies, as well as explore new growth opportunities and deliver sustainable profitability.
The two automakers also shared that they would launch at least 30 new energy vehicles (NEVs) by 2030 and introduce more technology solutions developed in China for the Chinese market. Considering this, the Chevrolet Joy EV could be launched as a rebadged Wuling Bingo Pro.
Reviving the Joy nameplate could be ideal for Chevrolet, as it could still be known in markets like South America and Mexico, where Joy was previously sold as a budget-friendly subcompact car. On the other hand, the Wuling Bingo Pro is an EV that’s capable of delivering a driving range of up to 403 kilometers on a single charge. It also supports DC fast charging, which allows the battery to go from 30 percent to 80 percent in 15 minutes. Power comes from an 87-horsepower electric motor.
If the news gets a green light, it will not be the first time that Chevrolet will be rebadging a model from Wuling. Chevy has previously opted to use badge-engineering strategies to rebadge Chinese models, which was seen in the Spark EUV crossover. The crossover is a rebadged Baojun Yep Plus, an EV built in China by SAIC and GM.
The report also stated that GM has yet to make a decision, but sources familiar with the matter reportedly said that Chevy’s marketing team is already preparing to promote the return of the Joy nameplate.
Autocar’s Take
News about the possibility of having a new entry-level Chevrolet electric hatch is good for the brand, as it would expand its model lineup. A rebadged Wuling could speed things up for Chevrolet, as it can launch a challenger in the entry-level EV in a faster way. This could also give Chevrolet in the Philippines a boost since it would allow them to compete with the growing interest of local consumers in EVs. It could also give Chevrolet PH a model that could go up against the likes of the BYD Seagull.
