Rumor has it that Chevrolet will change Aveo to Sonic

(December 9, 2010) Automotive sites around the internet are abuzz with rumors that General Motors will change the name of the sub-compact Chevrolet Aveo to Sonic for the 2012 model year.

It's the right time for a name change. A change for change sake could be a good thing. The Aveo name never struck much of a chord, and it is probably mispronounced as much as any car name currently in circulation. But more than that, the Aveo will be completely redesigned for the 2012 model year.

The 2012 Aveo

GM Inside News says that General Motors has filed a trademark claim on "Chevrolet Sonic" and claims unnamed sources within GM say the current leadership is unhappy with the performance of the tiny car. But, 2010 Aveo sales through 11 months are up about 25 percent in the U.S.

GM has been considering a name change for the subcompact sedan since October, Automotive News reports. GM North America President Mark Reuss confirmed that confusion over how to pronounce “Aveo” had sparked the desire for a change.

The redesigned vehicle, which will have hatchback and sedan versions, joins the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and the upcoming Chevrolet minicar in GM’s small-car segment.

GM introduced the Aveo in the United States in 2004. It is slated to be built in Orion Township, Mich.