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Weekly Recap: Chevy and Alfa plot comeback strategies

Chevrolet and Alfa Romeo were two of the 20th Century's most iconic automotive brands. Chevy embodied America's post-war power and confidence. Alfa was the definition of the stylish Italian sports car. They reached halcyon heights in the 1950s and '60s, before declining precipitously amid new competition, changing consumer tastes, and uneven corporate management. Both say 2015 is the start of something better, and this week Chevy and Alfa laid out ambitious plans and showcased new cars that they hope will make them more relevant this year, and in the coming years. Each brand sits at its own crossroads, and their paths forward are as different as the Chevy Cruze and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Chevy is still a sales beast, as evidenced by its volume of 4.8 million vehicles sold around the world last year. Chevy executives are fond of saying one of their cars is sold every seven seconds, which illustrates the strength and reach of a car brand that is the fourth largest in the world. "Make no mistake about it, we are a brand for the people," said General Motors North America president Alan Batey. But he wants consumers to want to buy a Chevy for its design and technology, not simply because it's affordable. That starts with all Chevys now featuring a distinctive a family look, with sporty cues from the Corvette or strong lines that riff on the Silverado pickup. "We want people to fall in lust with our cars," said Mike Pevovar, executive design director for Chevy passenger cars. "That initial emotional attraction has to be right on the exterior, and that's where form comes into play." Chevy is also loading up its cars, like the freshly unveiled 2016 Chevy Cruze, with technology to appeal to a younger crowd that prizes connectivity. The Cruze will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with its MyLink infotainment system, and OnStar with 4G LTE and wifi. Seeking out younger buyers is also sound business practice: Millennials now outnumber Baby Boomers as the largest single age group in the United States. Younger buyers also can improve a brand's image, which is another area where Chevy would like to improve. Chevy ranks 82nd on Interbrand's Best Global Brand's list, behind 11 other automakers. Apple is No. 1. "We need our own variation of the Genius Bar," Batey said. 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia View 3 Photos Meanwhile, Alfa is in different shape.

Netflix to feature electric cars from GM and others in programming

LOS ANGELES — Netflix has unveiled a new star for some of its upcoming programming: electric vehicles from General Motors and other automakers. The streaming service announced an agreement on Thursday to feature vehicles including the Chevrolet Bolt, the electric GMC Hummer pickup and the Cadillac Lyriq in TV series and films "where relevant." The companies will highlight the partnership in a commercial featuring Will Ferrell that will air during the Feb. 12 Super Bowl. Netflix and GM called the agreement "part of a commitment to a more sustainable future." Financial terms were not disclosed. Netflix said it will help creators "better understand how EVs can complement and enhance their stories." Shows that will feature GM's electric vehicles include "Love is Blind," "Queer Eye" and "Unstable." Netflix productions also will include electric vehicles made by other automakers, the company said.   Marketing/Advertising TV/Movies Chevrolet GM GMC Hummer

Chevy EN-V 2.0 coming to Tianjin Eco-City in China

Chevrolet is bringing its EN-V 2.0 to the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City in China to show off the "Electric Networked-Vehicle" and demonstrate sustainable urban mobility. The small, two-seat EV concept is an updated version of the original EN-V, a vision of getting around in a future world where space is at a premium and clean air is a priority. So what better place to showcase the evolved EN-V than at the Tianjin Eco-City? The Eco-City is being developed as a planned urban space with eco-consciousness built in. The joint venture between China and Singapore offers an alternative to country living and smog-filled cities. Tianjin Eco-City, slated to be completed by 2020, will be able to offer 350,000 inhabitants clean air and water, renewable energy, green transportation and living spaces and, if all goes as planned, jobs for 50 percent of the residents. Currently, only about three square kilometers of the planned 30 square kilometers have been built, with only about 6,000 permanent residents, but there's still time. The EN-V 2.0, as the "Networked" part of its name suggests, not only features mobile internet, but can communicate with other cars around it. Along with GPS and built-in sensors, this connection between vehicles allows the car to drive autonomously (at least in theory - again, there's still time). This is ideal in an urban environment where congestion can be a major issue. The EN-V 2.0 improves upon the original concept with climate control, storage space and all-weather capability, which also make life more bearable and daily commuting possible. We first saw renderings of the updated vehicle in 2012. The Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 will be used in the Eco-City's National Animation Industry Park and Eco-Business Park of the course of the two-week demonstration. Read on below for more in the press release from GM. GM to Demonstrate Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 in Tianjin Eco-City SHANGHAI – General Motors today announced that it will begin demonstrating the Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 (Electric Networked-Vehicle) in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City this week, signaling the company's learning and progress in sustainable urban mobility. The demonstration will help GM further understand consumers' usage of low-speed transportation tools for their daily commute. During the two-week demonstration period, the EN-V 2.0s will be used in the National Animation Industry Park and Eco-Business Park inside the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City.