D.C. Auto Show: Chevy Puts Millennial Buyers In Charge With Two Concepts

January 27, 2012 1:55 pm ET

At the 2012 Washington Auto Show a few area car enthusiasts got a sneak peak at how Chevrolet is listening to the next generation of consumers – millennials.

By now, most of us are familiar with the term that is defining a generation that barely remembers a time without Facebook and is passionate about tech brands like Apple and Google.  Millennials are 80 million strong and represent about 40 percent of the car buying market today, which makes them extremely influential.

John McFarland, Senior Manager of Global Strategic Marketing and Infotainment at General Motors, spent time yesterday talking intimately about how Chevrolet has engaged the next generation of car buyers.  Over the past year and a half, Chevrolet has been listening to thousands of students across the country to better understand what they’d like to experience from a car company.  What Chevrolet learned they developed into two stunning concept cars that embody both Chevrolet’s core values and the needs and wants of young consumers: passion, performance, affordability and a youthful spirit.

The Tru 140S and the Code 130R are both four-passenger coupes and designed to achieve 40 MPG using a 1.4L Turbo engine.  The coolest part?  The interiors for both concepts exist only as sketches.  This is where Chevrolet is asking for young buyers’ feedback – so they’re inviting customers to participate in the process through interactive kiosks at the auto show.  The show opens to the public today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, we hope you have a chance to check it out!

Take a look here at the GM exhibit and check back next week for more from the 2012 Washington Auto Show!

Code 130R