For Release: July 27th , 2004

NEW PRODUCTS STRENGTHEN GM BRANDS FOR 2005

One of General Motors’ historical assets is its family of strong divisional brands. GM’s 2005 North American product lineup reflects a renewed commitment to building strong brands based on offering customers compelling products with distinctive character.

Supporting this brand-building effort, GM will introduce a number of new or significantly upgraded vehicles for the 2005 model year, ranging from a new generation of the legendary Chevrolet Corvette to four new crossover sport vans – Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6 and Saturn Relay – that redefine the mid-van segment.

Also among all-new entries for 2005 are the Chevrolet Cobalt refined small car; Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV; Buick LaCrosse premium midsize sedan; Pontiac G6 performance midsize sedan; and the Saab 9-2X all-wheel-drive sport compact and 9-7X all-wheel-drive midsize SUV. Other highlights include a totally revised Cadillac STS luxury performance sedan; the addition of an SUT (sport utility truck) variant to the HUMMER H2 lineup; the addition of three new Denali models (Envoy Denali, Envoy XL Denali and Sierra Crew Cab Denali) in the GMC lineup; and new gas-electric hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

"This continuing barrage of new models and enhancement of existing models will help us sustain our positive momentum and capitalize on growth opportunities in 2005," said Gary Cowger, president of GM North America. "Our new products also will help each brand deliver on its individual brand promise. A broad brand portfolio, with clear and relevant differentiation between brands, allows GM to address highly diverse customer desires and expectations," said Cowger.

"The renaissance of the Cadillac brand gives us confidence that we can extend this kind of success across our lineup of vehicle brands. To accomplish this goal, we are continuing to leverage global vehicle architectures, compelling design, inspiring performance, surprising and meaningful product innovations, and continuous quality improvements," Cowger said.

Brand highlights

Following is a synopsis of 2005 divisional highlights for GM’s vehicle brands.

Buick – Buick begins a renewed emphasis on cars while continuing to build momentum on the truck side of the market. The first of Buick’s new cars is the LaCrosse premium midsize sedan, with a totally new design, a powerful new engine and enhanced body and suspension architecture engineered to provide a smooth, quiet ride with agile and responsive handling. Building on the division’s truck sales momentum, Buick introduces the 2005 Terraza, a seven-passenger premium crossover sport van featuring Buick’s improved independent suspension system and QuietTuning. Terraza combines sport utility features such as a high level of functionality and bold front styling with mid-van flexibility.

The Rendezvous lineup is expanded with a front-wheel-drive Ultra that features upgraded interior appointments and a standard 3.6L VVT (variable valve timing) V-6 engine. The Buick Park Avenue enters its last model year and will be offered in Special Edition versions of Park Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra.

Cadillac – The flagship division debuts the all-new STS while refining the other entries in its lineup. The 2005 STS replaces the Seville, and it combines the best of the brand into a luxury performance sedan that has been designed to deliver precision craftsmanship, exceptional performance and sophisticated luxury.

The CTS offers buyers more choices with a new entry-level model with a new 2.8L V-6 engine, while the higher-end CTS with the 3.6L V-6 VVT engine receives a new six-speed manual transmission and the CTS-V continues to offer driving enthusiasts the combination of explosive power with refined performance.

Chevrolet – The highly anticipated next-generation Corvette and three all-new nameplates highlight Chevrolet’s 2005 lineup. Completely new from the ground up, the sixth-generation Corvette features more power with the potent new 6.0L LS2 V-8, better handling, reduced weight and dramatic new styling. The SSR also gets the 6.0L V-8, giving it a new dose of power to match its outrageous looks.

The new nameplates in the Chevrolet lineup are the Cobalt, a line of coupes and sedans including a supercharged SS coupe, which will rewrite the rules of the small-car market; the Uplander, which revolutionizes the mid-van market by combining the best features of these family haulers with the bold styling of an SUV and the operating efficiency, responsiveness and quiet ride of a sedan; and the Equinox, bringing a higher level of innovation and versatility along with class-leading standard power to the compact SUV market.

Silverado’s already extensive range of 1500 and 2500 light duty models expands with the introduction of a gas-electric hybrid version of the 1500 Series Extended Cab. GM’s innovative Displacement on Demand technology debuts on TrailBlazer EXT.

GMC – Three new Denali models – Envoy Denali, Envoy XL Denali and Sierra Crew Cab Denali – join Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali in the GMC lineup. Envoy Denali and Envoy XL Denali feature interior and exterior styling enhancements, and are powered by the Vortec 5300 V-8. The Sierra Crew Cab Denali features premium exterior and interior cues and is powered by the Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8.

The Vortec 5300 in the Envoy XL Denali will feature Displacement on Demand technology. The Sierra also will offer fuel-saving technology with the debut of a gas-electric hybrid.

The Yukon family delivers added safety features, improved fuel economy and more wheel choices for 2005, and the StabiliTrak stability enhancement system is now available on all Yukon and Yukon XL models.

HUMMER – The HUMMER lineup continues to expand with the addition of the new H2 SUT. The SUT – or sport utility truck – is an innovative new body style for the H2 featuring a cargo bed in the rear that is adaptable and expandable at the touch of a button. The H2 SUT joins the H1, the original HUMMER that offers unparalleled capability, and the H2 SUV, which takes the rugged heritage of H1 and refines it by adding more creature comforts while maintaining off-road leadership.

Pontiac - The new G6 and Montana SV6 lead Pontiac’s lineup for 2005. A game-changing midsize sedan, the G6 is a tightly wrapped package of total performance, a driver-oriented and greatly refined interior, and outstanding quality and safety that carries Pontiac’s dramatic yet refined new design language. The Montana SV6 crossover sport van was designed with the rugged styling cues of an SUV, but maintains the versatility and capabilities of a mid-van.

Among other Pontiac highlights, the GTO receives a new 400-horsepower (298-kw) engine – the LS2 V-8 – and new exterior choices. The Vibe has been refreshed with a redesigned front fascia and grille and a host of safety and convenience features.

Saab – Two all-new products – the 9-2X all-wheel-drive premium sport compact and 9-7X all-wheel-drive midsize SUV – join Saab’s product portfolio in 2005. The new vehicles complement the 9-5 Sedan and SportWagon and 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible to comprise the broadest, most diverse lineup in Saab’s history.

The 9-2X, available with two four-cylinder engines – including a 227-horsepower (123-kw) turbocharged version – is designed for drivers who appreciate the performance and driving dynamics of sport compact vehicles, but demand a high level of luxury and convenience. The 9-7X is a responsive, sophisticated package of capability and performance, available with an inline six-cylinder or V-8 engine.

Saturn – Continuing to expand its appeal to more diverse groups of customers, Saturn adds the Relay family utility vehicle to its lineup. Relay will be the first of four all-new Saturn products to come to market over a span of 30 months. The first Saturn that can seat seven people, Relay combines SUV-like styling with the functionality of a mid-van.

The Relay joins a significantly enhanced Ion sedan and quad coupe and the Vue compact sport utility in Saturn’s 2005 lineup. Ion is significantly refined, with new seats; a new steering wheel; reduced noise, vibration and harshness levels; and a new front fascia and grille for the sedan. Among updates for the Vue, the 2005 model offers the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle as an option with the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model. Saturn also offers two performance-oriented variants, the Ion Red Line and Vue Red Line, which debuted as interim 2004 products.

Design

Design is a key differentiator in generating customer passion for a vehicle. Design also plays a critical role in defining and communicating brand character, and GM’s vehicle brands continue to evolve distinct identities in the 2005 model year.

For example, the new STS is the latest iteration of Cadillac’s chiseled, dramatic design philosophy, which has helped distinguish the brand in the luxury market. HUMMER is another brand noted for bold design, and its aggressive style is carried through in 2005 with the H2 SUT and its versatile new body style.

The 2005 Cobalt continues Chevrolet’s refined and expressive design character, while the sleek, clean Equinox provides a stylish addition to Chevy’s SUV lineup. The introduction of three new Denali variants adds Denali’s reputation of performance and refinement to the clean, purposeful design of GMC’s professional grade products.

The 2005 Buick LaCrosse unveils a sleek, elegant new design, inside and out, that marks the beginning of a complete passenger-car renewal for Buick over the next three years. At Pontiac, the 2005 G6 is the latest example of a new design direction that combines smooth surfaces and contemporary forms with refined details.

The new 9-2X and 9-7X bring Saab’s premium, contemporary look to two new segments in 2005. Saturn is in a transitional phase in design, with a distinct new direction to be unveiled in the near future. Meanwhile, the Relay’s refined interior, plus upgrades to the Ion and Vue, reflect Saturn’s intensified attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The Relay, along with its sibling new crossover sport vans – Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander and Pontiac Montana SV6 – also represent a design breakthrough that brings the aggressive and substantial styling cues of SUVs to the mid-van segment.

Inspiring performance

Great powertrains are at the heart of creating the kind of inspiring performance that makes customers really want to buy. GM’s 2005 lineup illustrates how a broad spectrum of innovative powertrains is helping to build distinct brands with meaningful differences in performance.

The 2005 Corvette features the new 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine based on GM’s Gen IV small-block family. Rated at 400 horsepower (298 kw) and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm), the LS2 is the most powerful standard small-block engine ever offered in Corvette. In ’05, the new LS2 also becomes the standard engine for the Pontiac GTO and Chevrolet SSR.

The new 2.8L V-6 VVT engine debuts in a new, entry-level model of the Cadillac CTS for 2005. A modified version of the 3.6L V-6 VVT that is available in several Cadillac models as well as the new Buick LaCrosse, the 2.8L V-6 VVT is packed with technologies such as fully variable valve timing of the intake and exhaust valves and a dual-stage variable intake manifold to deliver outstanding flexibility, fuel economy and emissions control.

Introduced in 2004 on the new Chevy Malibu, the 3500 3.5L V-6 is the standard engine in the all-new Pontiac G6 V-6 and GT models, as well as GM’s new crossover sport vans: Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, Buick Terraza, and Saturn Relay. Featuring low-rpm acceleration and high-rpm responsiveness, the 3500 includes many technological features designed to enhance the driving experience, including electronic throttle control.

The 3.5 V-6 is backed by the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. With the G6 GT, the transmission also is equipped with a manual shift mode, allowing the driver to manually select the gears without the need for a clutch or just leave it in the fully automatic mode.

The renowned 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT shows its adaptability with an application in the new rear-wheel-drive Cadillac STS. Versions of the Northstar already power front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive vehicles from Cadillac, including the DeVille, XLR and SRX as well as the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP.

In Cadillac models, the 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT is available with one of the most technically sophisticated transmissions available, the Hydra-Matic 5L50-E five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. The 5L50-E gives drivers the ability to override normal automatic gear selection for more control during aggressive driving. Driver Shift Control (DSC) switches from automatic to clutchless manual shifting with a flick of the gear selector, allowing up- or downshifts with a quick tap on the lever.

Product innovations

Surprising, meaningful product innovations mark GM’s 2005 product offerings and contribute to the goal of building strong brands. For example, GM is introducing two technologies designed to save fuel: Displacement on Demand (DOD) and hybrid power.

DOD is available on the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL and Envoy XUV. Equipped with the Vortec 5300 V-8 engine, fuel savings of up to 8 percent can be realized in certain light-load driving situations as the engine seamlessly switches between eight- and four-cylinder operation.

Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks equipped with gas-electric hybrid technology can realize fuel savings of up to 10 percent over comparable trucks. The hybrid pickups feature the 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission coupled with a new hybrid technology that provides the best highway fuel economy of any full-size truck on the market. The trucks also feature reduced emissions and unique accessory power capability, without any sacrifice in load-carrying, towing and grade-climbing capabilities.

Another technical highlight is the extension of the Magnetic Ride Control system to more GM models, providing exceptional responsiveness, greatly increased driver control and increased tire contact with the road, regardless of road surface. This electronically controlled magnetic fluid-based real-time system adjusts damping levels up to 1,000 times per second, making it the world’s fastest-reacting suspension control system. For 2005, it will be featured on the all-new Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac STS, and continues to be available on the Cadillac XLR and SRX.

The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx with the 3500 3.5L V-6 were the first cars to offer a factory-installed remote vehicle starter system, giving the driver a head start on heating or cooling the car's interior from a range of about 200 feet. For 2005, the system also will be available on the new Pontiac G6, as well as the crossover sport vans: Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac Montana SV6, Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay. The 2005 Cadillac STS will feature the Smart Remote Start system, which not only starts the vehicle via fob activation but also automatically adjusts a variety of personalization settings in the process.

GM’s crossover sport vans also provide a wide array of entertainment choices, such as a DVD rear-passenger entertainment system that is standard on all models. These vehicles also will offer the optional Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system (available interim 2005) that allows customers to store hundreds of hours of music, movies and other entertainment media on a single hard drive cartridge.

The Pontiac G6 features another innovation designed to make the drive more fun: the market-exclusive Panoramic roof with four sliding glass panels to create a convertible-style open-air driving experience.

OnStar advancements

OnStar, the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada, is introducing several significant advancements for 2005.

OnStar’s new Generation 6 hardware with digital and analog coverage is available on 29 GM models at the start of 2005 model year production. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

The new General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system is available on the OnStar-equipped 2005 Buick Rainier; Cadillac STS; Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx, Cobalt and TrailBlazer; GMC Envoy, Envoy XUV and Envoy XL; and Pontiac G6. The AACN system makes crash data available to 911 centers to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

All 2005 Cadillac owners receive 12 months of complimentary access to Cadillac Virtual Advisor by OnStar. Cadillac Virtual Advisor service begins at activation of OnStar Personal Calling. Cadillac Virtual Advisor provides three-day weather forecasts and traffic reports within pre-selected ranges of 5, 10 or 15 miles of the vehicle’s location in most major markets. Cadillac Virtual Advisor also monitors traffic for up to three personalized routes and reports information on up to 10 selected stocks on the DJI and NASDAQ markets – all at the touch of a single button.

Focus on fuel economy

In addition to the debuts of DOD technology on midsize SUVs and gas-electric hybrid technology on full-size pickups, GM also will bring improved fuel economy to its full-size trucks through a series of improvements, including an improved cooling system, a new voltage control system and aerodynamic enhancements.