GM To Compete In U.S. Market With 40 MPH Chevy Beat Mini Car

July 6, 2008 10:09 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - General Motors is fast tracking the development and manufacture of the next-generation Chevrolet Beat mini car.

GM will launch the mini car in selected global markets in the next few years. The new model, according to news reports, is more fuel efficient at 40 miles per gallon.

GM has been lagging in sales with more car buyers preferring Japanese brands due to fuel efficiency. The mini car is expected to turn around GM's sales and its position in the U.S. auto industry.

The Chevrolet Beat, which belongs to the same class of cars as Daimler Smart, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris segment, will be assembled in South Korea.