NEW YORK -- Chevrolet's decision to add the Trax to its U.S. lineup marks the latest effort by automakers to wring more sales growth and fuel economy gains from the small end of the crossover segment.

It also underscores General Motors' efforts to put its global scale and reach to good use, selling more vehicles on the same architectures across more markets around the world.

The Trax, already sold in 60 markets globally, including Mexico and Canada, is about 19 inches shorter than the Chevy Equinox and 7 inches shorter than the phased-out HHR. It's built on the same subcompact platform as the Buick Encore, which became a surprise hit after its U.S. launch in early 2013, and will use the same 1.4-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The same platform also underpins the Chevy Sonic.

The 2015 Trax, unveiled ahead of the New York auto show last week, is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in mid-December.