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Decision Affects Gravataí Factory (RS) and Includes Lay-Off Negotiation; Automaker Aims to Align Production with Demand for Chevrolet Onix in Brazil and Prepares Updates.
General Motors (GM) announced a temporary halt in production of the Chevrolet Onix and Onix Plus models at its Gravataí unit in Rio Grande do Sul. The pause, scheduled between February 17 and March 7, 2025, is part of a strategic adjustment to match the supply to the current demand for the Chevrolet Onix in Brazil.
At the same time, the automaker is negotiating a lay-off with the Metalworkers’ Union of Gravataí. The measure, which may affect between 700 and 1,000 employees, is expected to start on April 22 and last for two to five months, with possibility of extension.
Demand Adjustment Motivates Pause and Lay-Off Negotiation in Gravataí
The decision to temporarily suspend the manufacturing of the Onix and Onix Plus reflects the current conditions in the compact car market. GM aims, with this measure, to balance its inventory and the production capacity of the Gaúcha factory.
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Havan will leave the shopping mall in Blumenau to inaugurate something that the chain has never done before: a megastore in half-timbered style in the Historic Center of the city, which is expected to be completed in May and change the landscape of local retail.
The lay-off, or temporary suspension of employment contracts, is a tool used to manage periods of low production, preserving jobs in the long term while the company adjusts to the economic scenario.
Intense Competition Impacts Chevrolet Onix Sales in Brazil
The compact car segment, once comfortably led by the Onix, is facing increasing competition. Models like the Hyundai HB20 and the Volkswagen Polo have gained ground, putting pressure on Chevrolet’s hatchback sales. In January 2025, the Chevrolet Onix in Brazil recorded 3,856 units sold, trailing both direct competitors and even other models from the brand, such as the Hyundai Creta and the Chevrolet Tracker.
Future of Onix: Billion-Dollar Investment and Redesign for 2026
Despite the current challenges, GM reaffirms its investment plans for the Gravataí factory. In 2024, a funding of R$ 1.2 billion was announced for the modernization of the plant and the development of a new model, with a launch expected in 2026. This amount is part of a larger investment of R$ 7 billion for Brazil.
By 2026, the Chevrolet Onix and Onix Plus will undergo significant redesign. The changes include a new front design, with headlights integrated into the bumper and slim daytime running lights (DRL) positioned at the top. The 1.0 turbo flex engine will be adjusted to new standards, raising the power from 116 hp to 121 hp. The 8-inch MyLink multimedia system with wireless connectivity will be standard equipment, and a digital cluster is a possible addition.
Essa correia banhada a óleo matou a Chevrolet, eu mesmo fui um que desistir de comprar por causa disso, já tive o prisma, e não tinha nada a reclamar, mas a correia banhada a óleo, acabei optando pela fiat
Tenho um cobalt da GM desde 2018 com a correia dentada sem ser banhada a óleo,uso óleo normal,está com quase 200 mil km,nada de agência,meu custo é em torno de 250 reais a cada 10 mil km,não sei porque inventar essa moda de correia a óleo,deve ser para movimentar as concessionárias.
Essa história de ser óleo barato o problema do Onix e balela, o consumidor já perdeu a confiança no carro se não mudar vai flopar de novo e motor 3 cilindros e carro de brinquedo feito para durar só 5 anos. Mete um 4 cilindros com correia convencional se não vai continuar perdendo mercado.