Is Chevy Serious about the Beat Microcar?

Despite not having the most fuel efficient overall product lineup, with so many larger vehicles in its lineup, General Motors is

trying to fix things when 2010 rolls around. Besides the long-awaited Volt, the next-generation Cobalt and the arrival of an all-new subcompact to replace the Aveo, General Motors is also looking to slot something even smaller into its range.

Remember the Chevrolet Beat, the little green tuner-esque three-door hatchback concept car? It was part of a trio that General Motors showed during 2007's New York Auto Show, which also included the Groove wagon and the Trax micro-SUV. When the curtains came down, GM stated that it would build the Beat, but that it wouldn't be sold in North America mostly due in part to its small size. It appears that GM is changing its mind, if Bloomberg is to be believed. The change was prompted by GM's desire to shift its production lineup to more fuel efficient, economical vehicles to increase sales and lower its CAFE

(Corporate Average Fuel Economy) ratings.

Pitched as a slightly larger and more practical alternative to the smart fortwo, the Beat could very well be powered by an engine similar to that featured in the concept. GM confirmed that it would begin producing its new engine lineup, dubbed "Family Zero", including a three-cylinder turbocharged engine which would enable the Beat to achieve 40 mpg, besting the aforementioned fortwo for fuel economy. In a world of $4.00 plus per gallon gas prices, the Beat, along with the Volt, has the potential to help GM pull a serious turn around to become one of the most competitive automakers in North America.