Chevrolet

What cars does Trump want us to buy?

Posted 07/02/2025 by Terje Bjørnstad

«- They don't take our cars. Yet, they send cars to us by the millions! »
Trump's claim that Europeans don't buy American cars is true. But what cars does he want us to buy?

We have gradually learned that what comes out of Donald Trump's mouth is unfortunately often false accusations, harassment and threats. He probably makes his statements without checking the facts. This may also apply to his knowledge of the car market in Europe. But the claim that Europeans do not buy very many American cars – it is actually completely true.

What about Tesla?

In 2024, the Tesla Model Y became the fourth best-selling car model in Europe. It will likely be a big seller this year as well, despite Elon Musk's anti-social tendencies. But the vast majority of Teslas sold in Europe are manufactured in Berlin or Shanghai - not in the US. They contribute little or nothing to Trump's steel industry.

GM canceled its European plans

In 2023, GM's European president said they would establish themselves in Europe with their new electric car models. Work was started in Oslo to create a showroom, but it was cancelled. It is uncertain om, or when, GM will return. Electric Cadillac Lyrics could have been well received. The less expensive models, Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV, would be able to compete with Tesla og Mustang Mach-E.

Never came to Norway. Ex Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Equinox EV and Chevrolet Blazer EV.

But GM is not coming to Europe. Their profits come from selling large full-size pickups and SUVs that are not suitable in Europe. Sales of electric models were not as expected, and GM's small and mid-size gasoline-powered models are unlikely to do very well here. Moreover, they are not produced in the USA, either.

American pickup culture does not fit in Europe

The cars that Trump probably has in mind are Ford F series og Chevrolet Silverado, S og Tahoe – cars that have been top sellers in the US for several years. All the large frame-built cars are still built in the US. For many Americans, this is the ultimate type of car. If you can't afford a new car, you buy a used one. The success can be explained by a culture based on American patriotism and Western idealism. Americans have always loved big cars – many of the owners are big people themselves – and after several years of downsizing, pickups represent the latest big car models. One could also add that having a new full-size pickup in front of your house signals that you have succeeded in life – which is important in the US.

Large American pickup trucks and SUVs are a poor fit in European cities. They are too long and wide, and with a poor turning radius, they are best suited to straight, wide roads. They are also disproportionately expensive in European countries with taxes calculated according to engine power and weight.

Left: (Built in USA) Chevrolet Traverse Z71 AWD 2.5 liter Turbo 4-cyl. 8-speed automatic. Mid-size SUV with 3 rows of seats on a self-supporting body. Length 524 cm, width 200 cm. Price: $47.795. Number in Norway: 2.

Right: (Built in USA) Dodge Durango GT Plus 3.6 liter V6 Pentastar. 8-speed automatic. Mid-size SUV with 3 rows of seats on frame. Length 502 cm, width 194 cm. Price: $40.565. Number in Norway as of 2020: 16.

New US tariffs will hit ordinary Americans

Trumps Secondly, The claim is that the United States imports millions of cars. These are car models in lower price ranges – cars that most people depend on. Because in the United States, most people depend on cars. 16-year-olds need a car to get to school. If you have a job, you need a car no matter how little you earn. The expensive, huge pickup trucks are at the top of the sales charts, but affordable car models like Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic og Nissan Sentra coming close behind. Toyota Corolla og Honda Civic Hatchback is manufactured in the USA, while Honda Civic Sedan is manufactured in Canada and Nissan Sentra in Mexico. Many of the cars in the lower price ranges are manufactured outside the United States but are adapted for the U.S. market. The prices of these cars will likely rise regardless of where they are manufactured.

Left: (Built at GM South Korea) Buick Encore Avenir 1.3 Turbo. 9-speed automatic. Compact SUV. Price AWD $34395. Length 435 cm, width 181 cm. Number in Norway: 0.

Right: (Built in USA) Buick Enclave Avenir 2.5 Turbo 4-cyl. 333hp. 8-speed automatic. Mid-size SUV with 3 rows of seats. Length: 527 cm, width: 202 cm. Number in Norway: 0.

American cars that are manufactured outside the United States

Numbers in parentheses are numbers sold Q4 2024.

Chevrolet
Trax – South Korea and Mexico (50900)
Equinox – Mexico (64200)
Trailblazer – South Korea (22000)
Blazer – Mexico (7800)

Buick
Envista – South Korea (12400)
Buick Encore GX – South Korea (13600)
Envision – China (12900)

Ford
Bronco Sport – Mexico (30300)
Mustang Mach-E – Mexico (16100)
Maverick (pickup) – Mexico (22100)
The Escape (Kuga) and Ranger are produced elsewhere for the European market.

Dodge
Hornet – Italy (5000)
Charger – Canada (2800)

Chrysler
Pacifica – Canada (11900)

Jeep
Compass – Mexico (27200)

Foreign car brands in the United States

Several foreign automakers have established production in the United States. In the last quarter of 2024, 82300 were sold. Toyota Camry there, 55800 Toyota Corolla as well as 25300 Corolla cross – all made in the USA. Volkswagen has established production in both the USA and Mexico. Their US-made SUV, Atlas og Atlas Sports, sold a total of 32000 cars in Q2 2024. Manufacturing facilities in the US provide protection from tariffs, but could potentially face new tariff barriers when exporting to Canada. Honda manufactures the Civic in both the US and Canada, and therefore transports car parts between the factories. This can result in tariffs being applied multiple times.co

Chevrolet Colorado at The 2020 North American International Motor Show (Photo: Steve Lagreca/Shutterstock.com)

In the top photo: (Built in USA) Chevrolet Colorado, frame-built mid-size pickup. Number in Norway: 105. Photo: Steve Lageca/Shutterstock.

In the next picture: (Built in Mexico) Ford Maverick, mid-size pickup built on the same platform as the Escape/Kuga. Number in Norway: 1.

Conclusion

In 2010, my friend, the businessman, had Jonny Bunæs a meeting with Tesla's marketing manager where he said that Tesla could be an optimal electric car for the Norwegian market. The marketing manager then replied dryly that "Norway is probably far too small for us to invest in that country for many years." Who would have thought that Tesla would become a big seller in Norway – and Europe? Ford Mustang E-Mach also well suited to European conditions, although it is manufactured in Mexico, not the USA. If the USA is to succeed in selling more cars to Europe, they have to build cars that suit European conditions. But those are hardly cars that Trump is interested in, right?

See

Remarks by President Trump - Whitehouse.gov

The next big thing

Posted 15/02/2024 by Terje Bjørnstad

Will GM be able to maintain its zero-emission goals when sales numbers decline and the country's incoming president mocks electric cars? And why hasn't Toyota entered the electric car market with greater weight?

Da Mary T. Barra recently presented GM's annual report, it emerged that sales of electric cars have declined and that GM has chosen to increase its investment in hybrid cars. The GM boss stressed that the company's goal of zero emissions still stands. Nevertheless, the press has subsequently asked whether GM is in the process of reconsidering its investment in electric cars, due to lower demand. In social media, GM is accused of listening more to the politicians than to its own customers, although American politicians are unlikely to fuss about electric cars. Everything indicates that the next president of the United States will be Donald Trump - a self-proclaimed opponent of electric cars.

We're taking action in the fight against climate change by planning to make our global products and operations carbon neutral by 2040 and eliminating tailpipe emissions from our new US light duty vehicles by 2035. (GM's climate goal)

GM's new electric car platform vice got off to an inauspicious start last year with delays followed by nationwide strikes. Barra said that sales of electric vehicles have slowed. Even if other electric car manufacturers experience the same, GM must see itself overtaken by foreign electric car manufacturers for the last quarter of 2023. The company's results for 2023 were nevertheless good - far better than expectations - thanks to the sale of the large pickups with thermal engines (source: NBC).

Several American websites predict that GM will reduce its production of electric cars in favor of gasoline and hybrid cars.

GM is not just anyone in the American auto industry. It is about capital, jobs, politics, social responsibility, profit and risk. No one knows how the technology will develop. Responsible car manufacturers should have more legs to stand on. Ruling out electric cars can be as big a risk as going "all in". Toyota's chairman, Aiko Toyoda, has stated that he believes electric cars are unlikely to exceed 30% of the global car fleet. Toyota has invested heavily in developing alternative powertrains, primarily hybrid technology. They are also one of the few car manufacturers that can deliver hydrogen cars. The company is Japan's leading car manufacturer - a "locomotive" - with partnership and ownership interests in Subaru, Mazda and Daihatsu, among others. Nor have any of these car manufacturers distinguished themselves to any significant extent as electric car manufacturers.

The fact that two of the world's largest car groups have not thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the electric car race could have major consequences if developments in battery technology were to make major progress. If "the next big thing" provides major improvements in range and charging times, we can see a "game changer" in the car industry, where car manufacturers such as GM and Toyota do not have time to adapt - so that new players from China hijack the customers. Nobody knows what is going to be "the next big thing", It may as well be based on fuel cells as battery technology.

Without political facilitation and financial support for consumers, electric cars would only be an offer for the wealthiest in society. We take it for granted that the politicians steer the development towards zero emissions, but it doesn't have to be that way. The likely future president of the United States, Donald Trump, has expressed that he hates electric cars. Whatever he may think, in the short term GM stands to gain more from increasing production of large pickup trucks with thermal engines than from developing zero-emission vehicles. That would be unwise in the long run. Nevertheless, Trump can reap political gains from harping on electric cars. By claiming that real Americans don't want electric cars, or anything like that, he can influence his own supporters - about half the US. It can also influence reactionary political leaders in other countries to give the thumbs down to measures that reduce emissions and financial support for the purchase and use of electric cars.

Donald Trump on his way to the courtroom in 2023. Photo: Thenews2/Depositphotos.com

Aiko Toyoda probably knows the global car market better than most. If Toyota's management had agreed to it, they could have built the world's best electric cars that most people could afford to buy. One of Toyoda's arguments is that 1 billion people on the planet live without fixed power. That is one of the reasons why the share of electric cars in the world is unlikely to exceed 30%. There are several obstacles that need to be overcome.

Here are some of them:

Charging in the million cities
In Naples in 2018, there were as many as 2,35 million cars – most parked on the street. How should these cars be charged? If each car is to be charged once a week, 330 cars will need charging every day. Where should they stand? In another European million-dollar city, Barcelona, 000% of the city's area was filled up by cars in 60 (Catalan News). In cities of millions, such as these, the amount of traffic is already at breaking point. Where should the cars drive to charge?

Prices
Electric cars are more expensive than equivalent cars with thermal engines. In rich countries, the authorities can facilitate financial support schemes. Poor countries can hardly do that. If electric cars are to replace the car fleet globally, they should not cost more to produce than thermal cars.

Small cars
Currently, there are few electric cars in the small car segment with acceptable battery capacity. Partly because the batteries are too heavy for small cars and partly because the prices will make them too expensive. We need a better offer of electric cars in the A and B classes.

Dependence on China
China belongs to what we in the West call the "axis of evil" - which supports authoritarian and cynical regimes. China supplies batteries to many European car manufacturers. In an overview from Finnish Cleanfi Oy, 2021, for example, all electric cars from Daimler AG were equipped with batteries from China. Models from BMW, Citroen, Opel and Peugeot also had their batteries delivered from China. Europe should be able to produce batteries itself with its own raw materials.

Ethical values
Many claim that the production of batteries for electric cars leads to exploitation of minerals, that the work is harmful to the environment and that workers are exploited - including child labour. Raw materials, such as cobalt, are mined in developing countries. We need batteries that are built on raw materials where the entire value chain can be followed.

preparedness
Military vehicles require diesel or "multifuel". In the event of mobilization, the state can seize civilian vehicles. The fact that there are civilian vehicles that run on diesel is an important part of our preparedness. Imagine being called to war as a truck driver to be handed an electric truck 🙂

Analogy to Norwegian DAB investment

I hope that electric cars do not fall into the same category as the Norwegian DAB initiative. Former head of broadcasting Thor Gjermund Eriksen convinced the politicians that DAB was the future solution for radio broadcasting. Norway became the first and last country in the world to go "all in" for DAB. Norwegian households were encouraged to buy expensive Pinelli DAB radios, which turned out to be highly flammable. A short time later, "the next big thing" came in the form of 4G. By then, DAB was technically passé.

See

Forbes: GM does a U-Turn
My American Dream

GM returns

Posted 17/08/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

It's no secret that GM is preparing to return to Europe. Already in the autumn, some really exciting Americans may appear in central Oslo.

Ready for autumn?

Earlier this year, GM's European president confirmed, Jaclyn McQuaid, to Automotive News Europe that GM will present its electric models in Europe. We do not know exactly when GM will come to Oslo, but they have signed a contract for premises in Nedre Slottsgate and are currently looking for a service engineer for Sweden and Norway. They will probably be in place with their electric model program for 2024 as early as this autumn.

GM's new models are Cadillac Lyrics, chevrolet blazer ev, Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, Chevrolet Equinox EV og Chevrolet Silverado EV. We will probably also see new ones GMC Hummer EV SUV. A brand new one is due next year Chevrolet Bolt put into production. For several years, the Bolt has been GM's only electric car.

What can GM offer?

Electric cars sell primarily on price, space and range - and this is precisely where GM's new models will assert themselves. The secret is called vice which is a new electric car drivetrain GM has developed in collaboration with LG Chem. The advantages of the new drive system are lower production costs, more energy per volume and lower weight. The new battery management system can eliminate up to 90% of cables and connectors other models need. Not only does it provide lower weight, but also a better ability to accept fast charging.

The experiences with Bolt

Here at home, the Chevrolet Bolt and its sister model, the Opel Ampera-e, are often portrayed as failed cars. When the Bolt was launched in 2016, it offered unprecedented range for its price. That was what made most people put themselves on waiting lists. Unfortunately, GM and the battery supplier LG Chem grossly missed the production capacity. Huge waiting lists arose - and while people waited, GM was overtaken by other car manufacturers. When they were finally able to deliver cars, the buyers were blown away. It got then GM dealer, Bergheim Auto feel. They had bought a large batch of Chevrolet Bolts which they had to sell at a loss. When GM later sold Opel to PSA, GM's electric car disappeared from the model range.

Although GM stumbled after its launch, the cars were well-engineered and technologically superior to the competition. It is possible that GM may face a similar situation today. It has been opened for orders for certain models even before production has started, but in the last few days it has been reported that the start of production has been delayed by 6 months due to a supplier struggling to deliver equipment to automate the production of the batteries . All the new models are affected, but executive vice president Mary Barra has said that GM will still be able to produce 100 new EV models during the second half of 000.

Cadillac Lyrics

During the first half of the year, only a few cars were produced with GM's new drivetrain – the Cadillac Lyriq and the GMC Hummer EV SUV. These are considered pre-production cars for exhibitions, tests and marketing. The Cadillac Lyriq will probably be the first model to arrive in Oslo. It can to be followed by the all-new Escalade IQ due to enter production in late 2024 as a 2025 model. The Escalade IQ is a colossus of 5,7 meters with a range of up to 720 km that can hardly find a place in Norwegian car parks. The Cadillac Lyriq, on the other hand, has just the right amount of space with its 5 metres. The Lyriq is offered in three equipment variants, Technology, Luxury og Sports - all can be selected with RWD or AWD and are powered by a 102 kwh battery. Range is 505 km for 2-wheel drive cars and 494 for 4-wheel drive. In the US, prices start at just under $60.000, to $80.000 with equipment packages. Then the prices in Norway can start in excess of NOK 600 before taxes and equipment packages.

Chevrolet Equinox EV

This year's most interesting model for most people will probably be the Chevrolet Equinox EV. The electric car version looks better than the other Equinox cars. The external dimensions are almost identical to the Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford's new European Explorer. In the US, the Equinox EV can be ordered already, although production has not yet started. Prices are expected to start from $30.000 for the base model 1LT with 201 hp, front-wheel drive and a range of 400 km. Most people will probably choose the Equinox 2LT with 290 hp, larger battery pack and wider infotainment screen. The range is estimated at 480 km for cars with front-wheel drive and 448 for four-wheel drive. The top model 2RS gets the same powertrains as the 2LT. There are many indications that the prices of the Equinox EV can start well below the tax limit of NOK 500.

chevrolet blazer ev

The new Blazer EV ends up in the same size class as the Equinox, but carries a tougher design language, which is reinforced in more daring colours. The Blazer 2LT is currently priced at $56.715, the RS edition at $60.215. The range-topping SS is yet to be priced, but most images and specs appear to belong to the SS – with acceleration from 0-60mph in 4 seconds and a range of 512km. The Blazer EV comes with a type of 4-wheel drive system where you can also choose to drive with rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive - whatever it would be good for.

Building charging networks

The three best-selling car models in the US in the second quarter of this year are pickups - Ford F-series, Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge RAM. But already in 2th place we find the Tesla Model Y, and in 4th place the Tesla Model 12. After Tesla, we have to go far down the list to find more electric cars. The Chevrolet Bolt is in 3th place, while the Ford Mustang Mach-E is number 112. In Q115, 2 times more Model Ys were sold than the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The two models are actually equivalent in terms of size, range, power, quality and handling. Could Tesla's advantage be the good charging network? There are still areas in the US without good public electric car chargers. Tesla chargers, on the other hand, can be found along all major thoroughfares.
Executive director Mary Barra's production target is 400 cars on GM's Ultium powertrain. It's daring. In the first half of 000, Tesla sold 2023 cars in the US, while the other electric cars only got crumbs on the domestic market. There is no reason to doubt that GM's new EV models can deliver competitive technology, but GM car owners need to trust that there is a charging network along the road. Fortunately, GM has taken action on this problem, and is now joining forces with 343 other car manufacturers to build a seamless charging network in the US and Canada in the same way as Tesla. The first charging stations will arrive next summer.

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ convertible (pre-production model).

Coming to Oslo soon? 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe in Seawolf Gray (pre-production model).

The driver's seat of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe (pre-production model).

The GMC Hummer EV SUV has a very appealing interior.

The Silverado EV is approved to tow 9 tons.

See

Inside EVs – GM is returning to Europe

Manufacturing Dive – GM blames supplier for delays in possible production

Cars from Brazil

Posted 12/06/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

brasil — Puma 4,1 GTB used import from Brazil

Cars from Brazil have long been a hidden treasure for Europe. But now that the world has shrunk, they're starting to appear on our shores too.

Lately I have seen several Brazilian cars at car rallies in the South of France. So many that I suspect organized imports - and quite rightly, a local firm brings Brazilian cars into France. There are air-cooled Volkswagens, Pumas and Willys Interlagos and more. The company has shown off the cars at car meets and they had a sales stall at "Roues Libres" in Perpignan. I thought that there must be a company closer to Norway that also takes in cars from Brazil. But no matter how much I looked, I couldn't find anyone. There are companies with headquarters in Brazil that sell and organize shipping to European cities, but it may feel somewhat uncertain considering that you may have to transfer a lot of money. One company that has actually delivered at least one car to Norway is Combi Brazil. They broker cars from different providers and take care of paperwork and shipping. You can also transport a car you have bought yourself in Brazil. On their website you will find a lot of delicious things.

Kombibrazil.com

Until then, I am posting a link to a company in France that does serious car imports from Brazil. Several of the cars in this post are cars that have been taken in via this company. They have Brazilian cars for sale from their own premises, but also offer the opportunity to take in specific cars under their control. I haven't asked myself, but it's not impossible that you can get a car transported to Drammen, or something like that, too?

Wheelbox 66 - import from Brazil

Volkswagen "Kombi"

1986 Volkswagen Estate 1600 Petrol/Ethanol 89.900 *1BRL (198.158 NOK)

T2 in overtime

Production of Volkswagen's legendary bus/van in the T2 series continued until 2013. From 2007, air-cooled engines were replaced by a more modern 1,4 liter engine. You can actually import an almost new T2 van with a distinctive black "pig nose" grill. The car in the main picture below is such a model. Incidentally, it is worth noting that the early T1 model was also produced overtime, and that the first cars in the T2 series only got a new front while the rear was still T1.

High price range

If you are going to have a fully restored T1 or T2 bus, the price is likely to be well over a million Norwegian kroner - no matter where in the world you are. Also in Brazil. In the pictures below, I have found two cars that are relatively reasonably priced at around NOK 200 (delivered in Brazil). Even with high prices, I think the "Kombi" represents the best buys for imports to Europe.

Volkswagen "Fusca"

Beautiful people's car that is reminiscent of the cars that were still produced in Brazil.

1985 Volkswagen Fusca BRL 160.000 (NOK 352985) *1

Produced in 1996

Volkswagen's Beetle was produced until model year 1996. This means that they are still in use, although most of the cars offered for sale are restored or special original cars. A flat "bubble" can easily exceed NOK 200 in Brazil.

Not identical to European cars

Brazilian public cars have body shapes that seem more nostalgic than cars built in Europe. Volkswagen in Brazil has largely developed its models in parallel with Germany. Brazil has also created its own models. An imported people's car can therefore have other characteristics.

Volkswagen "SP2"

A special Volkswagen

It looks very cool, is based on a chassis from Karmann-Ghia and produced by Volkswagen in Brazil between 1972 and 1976. It is relatively rare and the prices are high considering that this is far from being a sports car. In Norway, there are two copies of this model in the vehicle register, and two cars are said to be undergoing restoration.

Were underpowered

The 1700 engine in the Volkswagen SP was not the same engine that the parent company used in its Type 4 series 411/412. It is, however, about a 1600 engine from Variant bored up to 1700 with double Solex carburetors. The performance of 75 hp did not match the car's exterior. In retrospect, many owners will have upgraded their engines.

Puma

Puma 1600 GT

GT cars from Brazil

Puma is a completely Brazilian car brand that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The concept is a fiberglass body on a tubular steel frame in a sporty Gran Turismo design. Chassis and drivetrains were taken from other Brazilian car models. The first was from DKW-based Vemag, then Volkswagen from Karmann-Ghia. The main image in this post is of a Puma GTB 4,1 which is based on the Brazilian-built Chevrolet Opala (Opel Rekord C) fitted with an inline six. The GTB is also built in fibreglass.

Volkswagen-based cars

For Europeans, the Volkswagen-based cars are probably of greatest interest. Several models used chassis from the Karmann-Ghia model and Volkswagen's air-cooled 1600 engine with twin carburettors and sports exhaust system. At Puma, these models were marketed as GT, GTE and GTS 1600. The concept was still beautiful, sporty fiberglass bodies. The cars are as simple as their donor cars, and therefore not too complicated to renovate. There are several nicely refurbished cars for sale that can be kept on the road for many years to come.

Willys Interlagos

Alpine A108

Alpine produced cars in several places in the world, including Brazil. As far as I know, only this one model, the A108, was produced under license by Willys in São Paulo named after the race track Interlagos. Like the A108, the powertrain was taken from Renault Dauphine – a rather modest engine that gave an acceleration from 0-100 in approximately 14 seconds. The descendant of the Alpine A108 was the Renault 8-based A110 which came as a 1963 model, but the production of the A108 continued until 1965. In Brazil, the model was produced until the 1968 model year.

High price range

Don't think that this little car made of fiberglass on a tubular steel frame with a tinny Renault drivetrain is being sold on the cheap. These are highly sought-after cars in our part of the world, since the A108 model was quite rare. I have been able to study a Willys Interlagos up close and can confirm that it maintains a high level of quality. It is also quite funny that a model like this was produced by a Jeep manufacturer. Did they produce other exotic models? No, the other model range from Willys in São Paulo consisted of only Jeeps in various variants.

Chevy Opala

1974 Chevrolet Opala 2,5 BRL 179 (NOK 700) *1

Do you recognize this one?

The Opel Rekord C was given a new life in São Paulo, Brazil, under the name Chevrolet Opala. The model was offered as a 4-door sedan, 3-door station wagon and as these beautiful 2-door coupé variants without door pillars. Understandably, they reign highest on the price scale. Both cars are around NOK 400 delivered to Brazil. The beige Opala SS is built up with new improved parts, based on a 000 liter engine. The burgundy red car also has a 2,5 liter engine. Now you'd think it was about "our" nice 2,5-cylinder Commodore engine, but it's instead an old 6-cylinder Chevrolet Nova engine that was modified by GM in Brazil and followed the Opala model all its life until with 4. Opala was also delivered with 1992 liter inline sixes - also those with roots in the 4,1s. Both engines could be converted to run on ethanol.

How could it live until 1992?

The answer is countless facelifts. Opala was a very nice car for a long time, and kept the lines with the Cola shape throughout its life. But new front and rear parts as well as new interior made the whole thing tip over towards the tasteless. A nice sedan variant costs about half the price of the coupes shown here. I follow several Opala fans on Instagram and understand that this is a model that evokes good memories for Brazilians, in the same way that Rekord C does for well-grown Norwegians. The burgundy Opala Coupé 2,5 Special has Luxo interior with full bench, the beautiful dashboard of the Rekord C and 3-speed automatic on the steering wheel. This is a car you can cruise calmly through the city to the tunes of The "Girl From Ipanema".

1978 Chevrolet Opala SS 2,5 BRL 180.000 (NOK 397.108) *1

See

Puma

From its base in Rio de Janeiro depicts *Curt Fauskanger* Brazilian car enthusiasm and the Brazilian car brand Puma. The Puma GT is a car that makes you want to own it at first sight. **See more**

A world car in Østfold

Posted 15/06/2022 by Terje Bjørnstad

chest — Are there more copies of this car in Østfold than elsewhere?

It is a well-known fact that Eastfoldings like American cars. But the reason why there are more Chevrolet Trax in Østfold than elsewhere may be connected to the fact that the importer was based there - until GM decided to pull Chevrolet out of Europe.

Without dealers in Europe

- There aren't many of these in Norway - and most actually go here in Østfold.

the owner, Jonny Bunæs, is aware that his car is rare – a model that had an all too short career in Norway. We wonder if owners of the Chevrolet Trax run the risk of experiencing negative experiences as a result of the fact that there are no longer any dealers here?

Last year the owner discovered one Chevrolet Spark that the airbag warning light was on. He had the control unit replaced, but the workshop lacked the codes needed to configure the unit – codes that only authorized dealers had. The error meant that the then 6-year-old car could not be EU-approved. The case was discussed in TV2 Broome.

The Chevrolet Trax and Opel Mokka were both developed by Opel in Germany and put into production in South Korea. At the same time, the Trax was produced in Mexico for the American market. It is therefore not just a car for Eastfolders, but a real world car!

Can owners of Chevrolet - which is both developed and built together with the Opel Mokka - have problems that cannot be solved by Norwegian workshop chains?

Great similarities

Jonny's car has the same engine code as the Opel Mokka and Opel Astra. It is one of Opel's most popular: 1,6 ecoTec 115 HP. GM produces them both in Hungary and in South Korea. Mokka and Trax with four-wheel drive were delivered with another well-known Opel engine, namely the 1,4 Turbo 140 HP. In addition, they could also be delivered with Opel's 1,7 turbodiesel. When I search for vital parts on skruvat.no, I find no significant differences between Chevrolet and Opel. One of the biggest visual differences is the design of the instruments and the infotainment screen. The computer that controls technical functions works the same for the two models. This applies, among other things, to the calibration of the tire pressure sensors, which acknowledge by honking the horn loudly.

Safe used cars

When GM changed its name from Daewoo to Chevrolet, they had big plans to conquer Europe. There are therefore many Trax cars, especially in Germany, but I haven't found any stories online like the one reported by TV2 Broom. Both the Chevrolet Trax and the Opel Mokka appear today as safe choices on the used market. The Mokka received a facelift for the 2017 model year and production was moved from South Korea to Zaragoza, Spain.

Opel Mokka or Chevrolet Trax?

Cars of model years 2013 and 2014 are outside all new car guarantees. Chevrolet is completely without a dealer network in Europe, while Opel's aftermarket has been transferred to other dealers after being acquired by Stellantis. Opel's old dealer network is gone. The prices speak in Chevrolet's favor. Today, they are approximately NOK 20 lower than the equivalent Opel. The Opel has a more luxurious dashboard and interior that gives a higher premium feel.

Which model should you buy?

The models with Haldex-3 four-wheel drive and 1,4 turbo engine provide more driving pleasure and are better suited for long trips and motorways. When we tested the engines in the Opel Astra J, we gave thumbs up for the 1,4 T 140 HP - and thumbs down for the 1,6 ecoFlex 115 HP. The latter is experienced as slow in normal traffic and buzzes badly on the motorway. But in today's used market, you save NOK 20-25 by choosing cars with the simple drivetrain. It can therefore be an alright alternative if you are looking for car number 000 in the family.

Chevrolet Trax in the rest of the world

After GM stopped supplying Trax cars to Europe, the cars from South Korea were shipped to the US. The model is still sold there, with only minor changes and one facelift since the model was introduced for 2015. Most customers choose the 1,4 Turbo with four-wheel drive and automatic transmission. The model has also been sold as Buick Encore. The factory in Mexico supplies Trax to several countries on the American continent. Certain places with Portuguese and Spanish languages are called the model Tracker since Trax supposedly means female breast - or something like that. In Australia, the Trax is sold under the GM brand name Holden. During 2022, there will be a completely new model of Trax, but it is unlikely to come to Europe.

2013 Opel Mokka Cosmo. European design gives a more premium feel

Prices

Average prices of 2013/2014 year models based on sales ads on Finn.no:

Chevrolet Trax 1,6: NOK 80
Chevrolet Trax 1,4 T 4×4: NOK 100

Opel Mokka 1,6: NOK 100
Opel Mokka 1,4 T 4×4: NOK 125-130

New car prices 2013:

Chevrolet Trax 1,6 LS: NOK 219
Chevrolet Trax 1,6 LT: NOK 259
Chevrolet Trax 1,4 T 4×4 LT: NOK 299

Opel Mokka 1,6 ecoFlex Essensia: NOK 239
Opel Mokka 1,6 ecoFlex Enjoy: NOK 262
Opel Mokka 1,4 T 4×4 Enjoy: NOK 307
Opel Mokka 1,4 T 4×4 Cosmo: NOK 339

(Source: Norwegian Tax Administration)

Number of Chevrolet Trax in Norway: 482
– with Østfold signs: 82
– with Haugesund signs: 65
– with Oslo signs: 60
– with Egersund signs: 39
– with Bærum signs: 27

(Source: regnr.info, VIN beginning with KL1B)

See

Revisiting the '81 Chevy Suburban

Posted 11/06/2020 by Terje Bjørnstad

A virtual reunion. I have been on eBay and bought "happiness" in the form of a car brochure.

Sometimes I think: "I would like to see that car again." Cars that I have previously owned or driven. All the vehicles I had 20, 30 and 40 years ago are long gone. But I think further: "Why did I really like that car?" To answer that, I need to see the car again.

Bring it back!

The car I want back is a 1981 Chevy Suburban. In Norway, there are traces of only 3 pieces of this model. The following year, Suburban came with diesel, and then sales took off. The petrol consumption was formidable - especially if you drove "fresh". I remember the first tank fill. I happily said: "Drink, please!". When the pump ended up at over 120 litres, I realized that I didn't have enough cash. I thought. Fortunately, I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The year was 1982. Then petrol cost so little per liter that the petrol pumps could not register such small amounts. There were not enough decimal places. Therefore, you had to multiply the price per liter "at the pump" 10 or 100 times. The real amount to fill up the Chevy was just pennies.

Standard interior in Silverado. 3 rows of benches.

Based on the pick-ups

Suburban belonged to the truck segment of GM. They shared technology and platform with the super popular Chevy pickups and shared the designations C10, C20, K10 and K20, - depending on equipment and how much cargo they could carry. They had the same engines - although the Suburban only had V8s - manual or automatic transmission and 2- or 4-wheel drive. "My" car belonged to the seventh generation of Suburban, manufactured as model years 1973-1991 at GM's plant in Flint outside Detroit.

No problem towing the family's beautiful Airstream Caravan.

An important step ahead

In 1981, Chevy Trucks abandoned the slogan "Built to stay tough" w/ "An important step ahead". I'm sitting with the '81 Chevy Suburban brochure in front of me. The news for 1981 was very little, at least seen by today's eyes. The only thing I can detect is a new grill with twin headlights mounted one above the other for the Silverado model. On the slightly simpler Scottsdale, there is only one set of headlights. In any case, the double headlights shone extremely poorly and could in no way be characterized as a "step ahead". A slightly bigger novelty is that the freewheel hubs are locked automatically when you go from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive.

My first encounter with an American car

1986 suburban — Light Blue over New Silver Light Metallic. 1986 model in "my" color combination.

The meeting was to last well over a year and a half. The car took me out to King Khalid International Airport, which was my workplace. At the time, the airport was approximately 5 miles outside the city. It was under construction and the roads to it were not yet completely finished. It was good to have a solid, tall four-wheel drive out in the desert, as well as downtown to the Souq in the life-threatening Saudi Arabian traffic. There were several ways to die. Either you could die in traffic, or you could cause another man's death - and thus be sentenced to death yourself under the country's strict Sharia law. Previous experience with heavy vehicles gave me confidence. Also, people respected the big Chevy in traffic. In city traffic, you did not "bear" to let other road users and pedestrians pass to. You "carried" to say that you actually wanted to use your right of way. The horn on American cars "bleeps" in polyphonic harmony. An important feature when driving with one hand on the wheel and one on the horn.

Real vehicle

I ordered the brochure on eBay. It is a replacement for the fact that I can no longer find any real '81 Suburban in Norway - or anywhere else in the world. The brochure confirmed the impressions from my memory. 350 (5.7 liter) V8, 4×4, K10 (max 2 tons on the rear axle) manual transmission with a gear lever that could have been taken from a pre-war model, Silverado plush seats, 3 rows of benches, full front bench, 2+1 folding rear seat and fully folding in row 3, no headrests, metal on the lower edge of the dashboard, Silverado instrumentation, large truck mirrors "Below Eyeline mirrors", roof rack with air plane in the back, double side-hinged rear doors, "two-tone" paint with Light Blue Metallic over New Light Silver Metallic.

Scottsdale had simple headlights. The standard mirrors look wonky on such a large car.

Petrol or diesel?

Beyond the 80s, the Japp era had begun in Norway. Everyone got a lot of money, and the Suburban eventually became quite popular with the 6.2 liter V8 diesel engine and top-spec Starcraft editions. The very first cars could be registered as combination cars. All common sense dictated that one should choose a diesel engine. I have heard of several people who replaced well-functioning petrol engines with diesel. At the time it made sense. But the 6.2-litre is an underpowered "squeegee". 136 HP and a torque of 240 Nm at 2000 revolutions were not much to brag about when it arrived in 1982. Gradually, the performances improved a little. My objections are to the sound image. I can't imagine any other motorization than the V8 petrol in the Suburban.

Increasing Harry factor

I like the simplicity of the '81 model. Functional, simple and durable. Later generations - with more equipment and luxury - in my opinion increased the model's Harry factor. Today it has become an SUV for the kardashians and real estate agents in New York. Was the 7th generation Suburban the last generation of simple and honest cars - built according to good old American values? The Starcraft models that appeared over the 80s probably indicated that GM already then wanted to move the Suburban higher up the status scale.

Personality

The last card I want to highlight is about personality. "My" '81 Suburban was a simple and honest, big, safe and unadulterated vehicle with a masculine feel. A truck to my taste and personality. I had that confirmed when I arrived at work one day in a brand new Nissan Patrol. Then I was stopped at the guardhouse - which I passed daily. Normally I just saluted over the steering wheel as I calmly drove past with all access signs visible through the windscreen. I never had to stop. Not until now.

"Where did you get your Chevy?" asked the guard. I told him it had been traded in. "Sin", he smiled. "That Chevy suited you so well!"

Pictures '81 Suburban

See

Presentation of a 1986 model with "my" color combination and spec, except this great '86 model has bucket seats and an automatic. Turn on the sound and fast forward to 3:35 and you'll see and hear it on the road. Towards the end we also hear the horn. Beautiful memories 😎

GM Heritage Archive: 1981 Chevrolet Suburban Model Configuration

Living under Islamic laws and customs can sometimes offer positive surprises when something tragic happens. Read my real life story! It ended well

Amcars at the Elvefestivalen

Posted 26/08/2018 by Terje Bjørnstad

This year the Amcar exhibition was held at Nøsted Brygge in front of Nøsted hall south of Drammen. I don't think there was as much of an audience as last year, when the exhibition was held in the park. But the location was well suited for an event like this. The area was being redeveloped. From being an area with commercial activities, the building mass at Nøsted Brygge is to be changed to luxury apartments - probably without American cars in the backyard.

Come along and look at the beautiful cars!

Ford Mustang 6 with 2,3 EcoBoost. Sounds good and runs well with turbo.

Tough Dodge "Li'l Red Express Truck" was imported to Norway at the end of the 70s. I have no idea how many survived.

corvette c3 — Chevrolet Corvette C3 with beautiful side pipes

Chevrolet Corvette String Ray Convertible with 327 engine

The pier in front of Nøstedhallen in Drammen. Chrysler Imperial from the early 80s in the foreground.

See

Nøsted Brygge

The grom car is American

Posted 11/09/2017 by Terje Bjørnstad

1954 Buick Super with the distinctive grill. A real dollar grin.

Oslo Grombil & MC 2017 at Ekeberg Camping

What is a grom car?

What is a grom car for some, may not be the change. Is the AMC Pacer, for example, a grom car? The car everyone has been bullying since it appeared in the seventies? The car that never got a hero role in Hollywood?

Of course, the Pacer is a grom car, - if you own one, that is. The Pacer will forever be a piece of automotive history. It didn't change the world, but it became an icon of what the future could be, seen through American eyes. In its time, the Pacer was sold through a dealer in Norway, together with the AMC Hornet and Javelin. I wonder if there are any original Norwegian Pacers with plates?

Grom car? AMC Pacer. Well... 🙂 Undoubtedly a historic car model for which there will always be a certain demand. A well-kept Pacer will always find a buyer, and, by the way, this one was actually for sale.

Over the grass mats at Ekeberg Camping, it was not difficult to find buggies. Corvette, Camaro, Trans-Am, Mustang, T-bird will always be grom cars. They are almost like icons to count. But the American car industry has a lot more to offer than these. I met many of them on the way up to Ekeberg. Unfortunately, I didn't get off as early as I had planned. I needed cash for the entrance ticket, and who has cash these days? The ATMs on the road were either down, or didn't accept my bank. Fortunately, I managed to scrape together hidden funds from the bottom of a lady's purse.

If you are going to a car collection, you must be early, especially when Yr.no has announced rain. There were few cars left when I finally arrived. As a hobby photographer, it is nice to be able to photograph the cars when they are scattered, - solo parked, as if they were the only car in the park that day.

The organizer, ACSN, had also invited non-American grom cars. I saw a newer Audi RS6. But where were the others? Within the framework of American car culture, there is room for air-cooled people cars, buses and Porsches. Not to mention styled Honda Civics and CRXs, and Subaru WRXs.

- Follow me on the hunt for grom cars!

Grom car? The interior of the Buick Super is beautifully sculpted like a work of art.

Grom car? '72 Chevy Corvette Stingray C1. All Corvettes are, of course, grom cars.

Grom car? 1969 Dodge Charger R/T scores big.

Grom car? All Mustangs are grom cars, especially the 1967 models.

Grom car? Early T-bird interior. Simple, youthful, - and, - for its time - futuristic.

Dirt bike? Great motif paint on the Honda Goldwing.

Grom car with a bit of bad sheet metal? Several Grand Marquis were actually sold as new cars in Norway - as grom cars. I liked them da and i like them *access*. Great amcar.

Grom car with hidden lights? Ford Mustang's sister model – Mercury Cougar.

Grom car? Newer Lincoln Town Car mk3 Presidential Edition. Original and unusual car in Norway, and in an unusual design.

Vinyl coated rear side window for more privacy. Grot for presidents.

Grom car? Pontiac Trans-am first type was every boy's dream car.

Grom car? Parked outside – and not American, but definitely someone's grom car.

Tønsberg Motorshow

Posted 23/04/2017 by Terje Bjørnstad

Tønsberg MC, Tønsberg Automobilklubb and Corvette Club Norway department Vestfold, Telemark and Buskerud exhibited their historic donations inside the Fix Arena at Eik outside Tønsberg.

In Tønsberg, visitors could get to know the Troll car brand. Not just one, but two. I have always thought that the project ran aground because the founders got in over their heads, but Troll was made for low-series production and an emerging Norwegian car market. It was the Norwegian authorities that halted the project, apparently due to trade policy reasons.

For the first time I got to see the Volkswagen type 81, - a rare van version, apparently based on the bubble. From what I have been able to find out, the car was constructed shortly after the war. Volkswagen used the Kübelwagen's undercarriage and the front part of the bobla. The taillights originate from the T1 Transporter. A bit on principle "you take what you have". I'm sure the engineers who later developed the first Variant must have had the Type 81 in mind. This is a very rare model - and it can be found in Tønsberg!

Bad photo conditions

Cars on display in sports halls never look good when photographed. At least not with automatic cameras. The lighting means that the cameras struggle to find the correct focus. That's why I'm going to show cars that were parked outside. There was a lot to see there too. You know you've arrived at a motor show when you park next to two stroked Ford V8s from the 30s.

Corvettes

On the way to the hall I passed some great Harley motorcycles. Many of the visitors had taken the trip on two wheels. I think some of the most polished bikes probably belonged to members of the organizing club Tønsberg MC. Likewise the beautiful Corvettes that were strategically parked in the area.

The R8 is an eye-catcher

Cars with a visible mid-mounted engine are difficult to pass without taking a closer look. One could say that the Audi R8 is Lamborghini with Audi rings. The mid-mounted engine on this car, however, is Audi's own 4,2 liter FSI V8. Later models have Lamborghini's V10 engine. Although, what is Audi and what is Lamborghini can be difficult to determine when the companies are under the same umbrella.

Audi R8 42

Amcars, of course

Outside stood shipowner Lorentzen's magnificent Humber Super Snipe. With its panoramic windows, it looks American but is British. You can see that inside it is the British school that applies. There were several nice Amcars, too. Some came and some left. The Chevy Parkwood is not something you see every day. This 1959 model is the Belair station wagon. It has 3 rows of benches, 2 facing forward and one facing backwards. I think it is possible to cram 9 people into this cruiser.

Save the vinyl roof!

I also stop at this 1969 model Catalina. I'm sure I've seen this before, but I can't remember where or when. I like the color combination, silver with black vinyl roof. From my own experience, I know that rust can easily appear under the vinyl roof. This roof appeared to have been re-laid in recent times. Vinyl roofs were a popular option in the late 60s and right up until 1980, especially on American and American-inspired models such as Ford and Opel, - and all the Japs models sold in the United States. I don't see a comeback for vinyl roofs on new cars, but I hope that old car owners take the time and money to replace existing vinyl roofs. I'm sure they can still be obtained from one warehouse or another.

Saab Sport

In the 60s, a red Saab 96 Sport was a real dad racer. The 850cc two-stroke produced 56 HP and had a separate oil tank for the two-stroke oil. Externally, it stood out with decorative rings on the wheels, additional decorative strips at the bottom of the sides, as well as "Saab Sport" on the boot lid. In the USA, the Saab Sport was marketed under the exotic name "850 Monte Carlo". The standard model had 42 horses in 1966. The new front, the "long nose", came in 1965. That was the kind of car I learned to drive in. Four gears on the steering wheel and freewheel. In the turns, all you had to do was steer and give full throttle, - even when you came in a little too fast. Did you hesitate, it went straight ahead, thank you and goodbye...

One should perhaps be careful in choosing the most beautiful Cadillac. In my opinion, the 1964 Cadillac Deville has the finest proportions and fins that are just right, without being vulgar – well, maybe a little…

And as for the exhibition inside the hall, it was fantastic. Several great Corvettes, some extremely rare cars, some with local history, some fun, not to forget the MC department.

Lots of lovely nostalgia.

Tønsberg Motorshow