For Release: Aug. 1, 2004
GM ACCESSORIES BROADENS CONSUMER PERSONALIZATION CHOICE AND
TARGETS 2005 FOR GROWTH
GM Accessories is accelerating its product
portfolio for the 2005 model year, offering customers a broad range of choices
to personalize their vehicles. From stylish and solidly engineered 20-inch
wheel and tire systems for the company’s entire full-size truck lineup to
interior trim kits that provide the best fit for GM vehicles, GM Accessories
has expanded its offerings to GM buyers as never before.
"GM Accessories offers the best solution for
buyers to upgrade and personalize their General Motors' vehicles," said Nancy
Philippart, executive director - GM Accessories. "We're positioning our
accessories as the 'gotta have' items for our customers by designing products
that truly complement the vehicle, enhancing its looks and functionality."
One way to do that is by offering variety
and quality. GM Accessories are designed during the vehicle development
process, which ensures that the company can deliver products that provide the
best fit, best function and the most tailored appearance for GM vehicles. The
20-inch and plus-size wheel systems for pickups, full-size SUVs and cars are a
prime example of product integration.
There will be more than 30 accessory wheel
designs on the market by the end of the year. These highly styled wheels have
been engineered to strict tolerances, tested for safety, performance and
durability, and are designed to function as integral components for specific GM
vehicles.
Since 2001, the GM Accessories product
portfolio has increased 300 percent with 1,000 options available by the end of
2004. These accessories add an extra dash of style and function and blend
seamlessly with the appearance of GM’s vehicles.
For instance, Chevy and GMC Trucks come
with a host of accessories that help these vehicles work and play, such as
specially designed bed liners, ample and convenient storage units, side steps
and running boards, and bed liners and bed extenders.
Customers can add additional sporty touches
to Pontiac’s 2005 G6 to get
pulses racing, such as a sport package that includes a unique spoiler, exhaust
tips, deluxe rubber floor mats, and an interior trim package that will be
available in Dark Carbon Fiber, Carbon Fiber, Silver, Red and Blue.
The 2005 Buick LaCrosse, already a stylish
and powerful family sedan, can be outfitted with a color-keyed spoiler that
adds even more pizzazz.
"When customers make a significant purchase
such as an automobile, they want the best quality accessories to go with it,"
Philippart said. "Because of our extensive resources dedicated to total vehicle
development, we can bring to market products that fit GM vehicles like a
glove."
Philippart’s goal is to achieve an
increase in sales by more than 60 percent in 2004, with even more aggressive
growth in the next few years. “Our broadened portfolio of the right products,
combined with the right distribution and selling system, gives us confidence
that we can grow this business by giving customers what they want: the best
accessories for their GM vehicles,” she said.
GM Accessories are backed by the
promise of a General Motors warranty. GM Accessories permanently installed on
a new GM vehicle at the time of delivery will be covered under the GM New
Vehicle Limited Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty. GM accessories permanently installed
by a GM dealer after vehicle purchase are covered for the balance of the new
vehicle warranty, and no less than 12 months or 12,000 miles.
"We stand behind our accessories
because they're tested to meet GM's rigorous standard for performance,
durability and safety," Philippart said.
For more information, visit www.gmaccessorieszone.com or call
toll-free 866-901-9001 to speak to one of GM’s knowledgeable accessory agents.
GM Service and Parts Operations,
headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., markets
automotive replacement parts and accessories worldwide under the GM Parts and
ACDelco brand names. For more information, visit the GM Goodwrench web site at http://www.gmgoodwrench.com.
General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs,
builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive
sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
Contact:
SPO Communications
Nina Price
Phone: 810-606-3106
Fax: 810-606-3130
E-mail: nina.price@gm.com
Tom Henderson
Phone: 810-606-3114
Cell: 810-241-6470
E-mail: tom.e.Henderson@gm.com
GM of Canada Communications
Richard James
Phone: 905-644-1804
Fax: 905-644-3873
E-mail: richard.james@gm.com
GM de Mexico Communications
Juan Bernardo Urrutia
Phone: 011 (5255) 5901-3046
E-mail: juanbernardo.urrutia@gm.com