The Geo Metro has reached legendary status among hyper-milers and fuel efficiency fans, and if the rumors are to be believed, it could be getting a spiritual successor in the form of a Chevy-badged Wuling Bingo EV for global markets.
Citing unnamed sources allegedly familiar with the matter, GM Authority is reporting that GM could tap its SAIC JV Wuling for access to that brand’s Bingo Pro compact EV, re-badging it as a Chevrolet in key global markets where the brand is already present with the goal of quickly bringing a more affordable electric vehicle to dealers decidedly sooner than later.
And if the list of “key global markets where the brand is already present” happens to include Canada, there’s no reason to believe we won’t be seeing a new-age, electric Geo Metro on North American shores.
Why it could work
Earlier this month, a shipment of 18 brand-new Lotus Eletre EVs became the first Chinese-built electric vehicles from a Chinese-owned brand set to go on sale in Canada under an agreement that allows up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to be imported each year at reduced tariff rates, as America’s northern neighbor looks to diversify its auto market and reduce its dependence on US brands. I cited arrangement that in another article about the Wuling Starlight L PHEV SUV, arguing that the Canadian market would be a good proving ground for a mainstream Chinese product wearing a US brand’s logo.
A reborn Geo Metro ESi (for Electric Sport interior, of course) probably wouldn’t have mainstream appeal, however, making the case for bringing it to the US significantly flimsier – but for a certain breed of cynical Gen-Xer who is frustrated by the current high-tech, high-testosterone, and high-hooded crossovers and SUVs taking over US roads, a new-age Metro just might pack the right mix of efficiency and nostalgia to move some units.
And if not, at least markets in Africa and countries like Brazil that are making moves to electrify in order to educe dependence on foreign oil refineries and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution might get to experience it for us.
The Wuling Bingo EV itself promises up to 255 miles of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle from its 37.9 kWh LFP battery pack, and while its 50 kW (~67 hp) electric motor is probably nothing to write home about in the era of ultra-fast EVs, it’s bound to be quicker than the original Geo Metro’s 55 hp three-cylinder engine ever was while still being slow enough to do justice to the name.
SOURCE: GM Authority.
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