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Wow, GM is actually producing the HHR Panel?!?!

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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 07:18 PM
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Default Wow, GM is actually producing the HHR Panel?!?!

Don't care for it, but its nice to see them try this. Seems to be perfect for light commercial use. Small business will love this. to them.















Chevrolet Announces Pricing For HHR Panel

Segment-exclusive model delivers unmatched functionality for less than $17,000


DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today that pricing for the new, segment-exclusive HHR Panel will begin at $16,750 (including destination) for a well-equipped LS model. Orders for the HHR Panel will begin in early January.

“Priced at only $200 more than an HHR passenger model, the HHR Panel demonstrates tremendous value to business customers,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The HHR Panel is a model unlike anything else in the segment, offering commercial customers and expressive enthusiasts a bold, functional and different vehicle – and one that delivers more than 30 mpg on the highway.”

The HHR Panel features windowless side panels and rear cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. A flat load floor provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 L) of cargo space, along with approximately 5 cubic feet (141 L) of additional covered, under-floor storage. Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor.

The LS model comes with a fuel-efficient 2.2L engine rated at 149 horsepower (111 kW). The LT model is equipped with a 2.4L engine rated at 175 horsepower (130 kW). With either engine, the HHR is rated at 30 mph in highway driving and can provide up to 450 miles of cruising range on a tank of gas.

Power front seats, a family of radios with MP3 capability and OnStar are available on LS and LT models. LT models also offer XM Satellite Radio, 17-inch wheels and leather-appointed seating. There is also a rear power plug connector with available 40-amp service, for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This feature answers the call of upfitters, who asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles.

OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation is available on the HHR Panel, enhancing its value as a courier or delivery-type vehicle. OnStar Turn-by-Turn provides verbal instructions to assist the driver with right- and left-hand turn directions; and it establishes a new route if the driver needs to get back on track; for example, if a freeway exit is missed.

Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States , Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 07:36 PM
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Shouldn't it be cheaper than the normal HHR if anything?
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by knihc2008
Shouldn't it be cheaper than the normal HHR if anything?
I agree - you'd think they saved more than $200 by not having to include two sets of window mechanisms on the back doors.
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 09:25 PM
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wow, sooo ugly
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 10:19 PM
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great visibility
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 04:40 AM
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Another GM blunder if you ask me. If someone wants a minivan they will buy one.

Last edited by morris; Dec 10, 2006 at 04:55 AM.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 04:48 AM
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Yeah, funeral homes might buy these
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 05:13 AM
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Thatc car would work here if they had a diesel and priced it at a good level.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 07:22 AM
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Where's the market for something like this?

People looking for a panel van will buy a real full size van.
This is to small to be used for most business/work purposes.

Another great idea from a company trying to save themselves??
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 08:03 AM
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I like the two-tone model better than the monotone, but still too strange for my tastes. I wish this vehicle had more power.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 11:42 AM
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And yet another reason GM is sliding down the tubes. Why don't they worry about making a car that most people will actually want to buy?
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 12:30 PM
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All GM has succeeded with this is giving women yet another vehicle that they will be reminded not to park next to at night in a parking lot.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 03:07 PM
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I did a review on the HHR sometime ago. I agree that it has great retro looks, and has proven to be popular in the auto market, no doubt because of those good looks, but, underneath the skin, it is a piece of junk ......and even the skin itself, in the sheet metal and trim quality, is less than impressive. It has the typical material and assembly cheapness of lower-priced Chevy products...and of lower-priced American-designed vehicles in general. In addition, it runs like a slug, especially with the automatic, and handles like a top-heavy turtle. However, it is great vehicle if you want to imitate the old woody beach crowd....and in this case, with the panel version, to carry things. The problem is, it doesn't have enough power to carry very much....GM should seriously consider a turbo version like what Chrysler does with the PT Cruiser...........and like the Woody PT Cruiser, the panel HHR would look great with a big wood decal down the sides.

( I agree with LexMex, though........barring a wood-tone version, the two-tone looks much better than the monotone).

Last edited by mmarshall; Dec 10, 2006 at 03:14 PM.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 04:06 PM
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The biggest problem I've had with this car right from the beginning is that it
blatantly coppied the PT Cruiser concept. Sure, it doesn't look identical, but it's an obvious immitation. It's pathetic when the world's largest automaker can't come up with it's own idea's.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by JLSC4
The biggest problem I've had with this car right from the beginning is that it
blatantly coppied the PT Cruiser concept. Sure, it doesn't look identical, but it's an obvious immitation. It's pathetic when the world's largest automaker can't come up with it's own idea's.
Yes and no. It is a very loose comparison to the PT Cruiser at best. The PT Cruiser was designed with a late 30's styling theme and the woody beach vehicles. The HHR has late 40's styling reminiscent of the '49 Suburban...a very different vehicle than what the PT Cruiser was designed to imitate.
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