GM CANADA STARTS ITS CENTENNIAL YEAR WITH 8 CANADIAN PREMIERES AT THE 2008 MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

MONTREAL, Quebec (January 17, 2008) - General Motors of Canada today highlighted its drive forward to the "GMnext" century with a focus on designs and technologies that are on the leading edge of customer expectations.

At its press conference for attending journalists, GM of Canada highlighted seven new production vehicles making their Canadian show debut, including the Pontiac Wave5 , G8 and Vibe, the Chevrolet Aveo5 and Tahoe Hybrid, the Saab Turbo X and the GMC Yukon Hybrid.

GM also demonstrated its commitment to offer customers fuel efficient technologies and a driving experience beyond their expectations in high volume vehicles by showcasing the Chevrolet Malibu, which offers a new hybrid model for 2008 and will soon offer a segment-first pairing of a six-speed transmission with a 4-cylinder engine, striking at the heart of the Canadian mid-size segment.

"Our harshest critics tell us that GM's new vehicles can compete with the very best," said Marc Comeau, GM of Canada's vice president, sales, service and marketing. "When you add our industry-leading coverage and the higher levels of content we offer versus competitor models, we think customers will have a hard time finding a better proposition."

GM also revealed the next steps in its overarching `green by design' strategy, with even more new products coming this year featuring a variety of fuel solutions. These include 5 new gas-electric hybrid models coming this year, all part of GM's strategy of vehicle electrification to remove the automobile from the environmental debate. Next steps include a plug-in hybrid, the world's largest fuel cell customer test fleet, and plans to produce the Chevrolet Volt - the first example of GM's innovative new electric vehicle propulsion system called "E-Flex" which would greatly reduce CO2 emissions and, for many commuters, could eliminate trips to the gas station.

CAA Pyramid Awards

For the third consecutive year, GM of Canada was honoured by the CAA with an environmental Pyramid award. In fact, this year, GM won 2 awards: One for its industry-leading 2-mode hybrid system featured in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and one for the all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid model, featuring GM's affordable BAS hybrid system.

GM's new 2-mode hybrid system enables full-size SUV utility while returning excellent fuel economy - on par with some 4-cylinder cars in the city - an industry first. It proves, definitively, that `big' can be green. Later this year, the 2-mode hybrid system will be featured in the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid and will provide a 45% improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy.

GM's affordable BAS hybrid system, first featured in the Saturn Vue and Aura Green Line hybrid models, is now available on the first-ever 2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid model. At some $5,000 less than hybrid competitors in the segment, any mid-size buyer can afford to go green with the Malibu hybrid.

ALL-NEW VEHICLES:

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid & GMC Yukon Hybrid - Canadian Premieres

Carrying on a tradition of comfort, performance and utility, the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid models boast vastly improved fuel economy. Featuring a state-of-the-art 2-mode hybrid system using GM's all-new Electrically Variable Transmission and Active Fuel Management, they provide full-size utility while returning exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway driving - an industry first.

In the city, these Hybrid SUVs run predominantly on electric drive and get 50% improved fuel economy - that's on par with the four-cylinder 2008 Camry.

2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 - Canadian Premiere

Arriving this summer, the restyled 2009 Aveo5 features a new, more refined 1.6L DOHC VVT engine that provides more power, a quieter drive experience, more features and about 8% improved fuel economy.

As well, it boasts an updated interior and new exterior styling reflecting the new face of Chevrolet. As Canada's lowest price car, and with the best coverage available, this economical compact is a real win for customers.

Saab Turbo X - Canadian Premiere

With a higher output, twin turbo, VVT 2.8L engine; sport tuned suspension and brakes; electronic control systems and Saab's innovative new cross wheel drive system, the Turbo X is a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards for the brand.

The active Cross Wheel Drive system fine-balances drive torque between the two axles and between the rear wheels. It also features a segment-first electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential, taking driver control to new dimensions.

Available this summer in Sport Sedan or SportCombi bodystyles, the Saab Turbo X limited edition showcases the launch of Saab Cross Wheel Drive, which will also be available on Aero models this summer and on 2.0T models later this year.

2009 Pontiac Vibe - Canadian Premiere

Coming next month, the redesigned 2009 Pontiac Vibe takes the successful formula of its predecessor to even higher levels, with new looks, new powertrains, and new features. The base model features a more refined 1.8L DOHC VVT engine which provides 5% more power with no reduction in fuel economy.

The popular all-wheel-drive and GT models return, featuring a new 2.4 L engine producing 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, which is also available on base models. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control and traction control are standard on all models, making the new 2009 Vibe ideal for customers who value safety and practicality in any conditions.

2009 Pontiac Wave5 - Canadian Premiere

Coming this summer, the efficient, made-for-Canada Pontiac Wave 5-door also gets an injection of style and technology for the 2009 model. This small car with the "tall car" interior now offers a new design inside and out, and gets a new, more refined engine with variable valve timing and improved fuel economy.

As well, unexpected technologies like OnStar and available XM Satellite radio, plus GM's 5-year / 150,000 km coverage, mean that the new Wave 5-door has a whole lot to offer for such a small package.

2009 Pontiac G8 - Canadian Premiere

For true driving excitement, the all-new 2009 Pontiac G8 is just the ticket, combining dynamic driving character, refinement and style. The base G8 model features a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 256 horsepower and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control and Sport Mode.

The G8 GT model is powered by a 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 361 horsepower and 385 lb.-ft. of torque and features GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. A six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control and Sport Mode is standard.

Coming in late spring, the G8 is a dynamic driver's car that will punch above its weight, competing readily with more costly competitors.

CONCEPT VEHICLES

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept - Canadian Premiere

The Camaro convertible concept, wrapped in Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes, is based on the original Camaro concept, with only minor changes required to accommodate the convertible body style. The Camaro convertible concept embodies strong heritage while appealing to a new generation of customers who seek a distinctive statement in a new car. The Camaro convertible concept is motivated by a torquey V-8 engine that rightly sends power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission. It also features a four-wheel independent suspension system and four-wheel disc brakes. GM Canada already has announced production plans for the Camaro at its Oshawa, Ontario production facility, and will go on sale in 2009. A production convertible model will be added later that year.

General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and hybrid systems to E85 biofuel and fuel cell vehicles - more than any other auto company right here in Canada. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 19,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 743 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.

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For media enquiries contact:
General Motors of Canada
Product Communications
Tony LaRocca
905-644-1804
tony.larocca@gm.com