Unveiled last week at the Paris Auto Show 2008 as one of GM’s new “global cars”, the Chevy Orlando was slated to hit the U.S. market in 2009. Today, it was announced that GM is canceling plans for a U.S. debut, opting instead to keep the Orlando exclusive to European and Asian markets. Originally, the Chevy Orlando was intended to replace the HHR in Chevy’s U.S. lineup, but now it looks as though the HHR has received a stay of execution.

Sharing the same Delta platform that underpins both the Chevy Cruze and Chevy Volt, the Chevy Orlando is a global-car adaptation of the minivan. Equipped with three rows of seats and neon decor guaranteed to hold the 10 yrs. and under set captive, the Orlando is offered with either 1.6L or 2.0L engine variants, mated optionally with 5-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Scheduled to hit the European market in 2009, GM is reportedly in the process of heavily researching which markets hold the most potential for the Orlando’s success.

[News Source: LeftLaneNews.com]