Record Results by General Motors Dealers in 2004
National Motor Company Qualifies for GM’s Prestigious Chairman’s Challenge Award

Manamah, Bahrain – 23 February 2005 – National Motor Company, one of two General Motors’ dealers in Bahrain has qualified for the coveted 2004 Chairman’s Challenge Award which recognizes the performance of the company’s regional dealers in the areas of sales, customer enthusiasm and other operational measures against pre-set targets.

National Motor Company overshot its annual sales target by nearly 9% in 2004.

Every year, GM’s dealers are challenged to excel at delighting their customers and surpass their targets. Qualifying dealers get to meet with Rick Wagoner, General Motors’ Chairman and other senior executives at a gala dinner during which qualifiers are presented with the Chairman’s Challenge Award in recognition of the efforts and dedication shown. The 2004 awards will be presented early March in Monaco.

“With an overall growth of more than 55%, 2004 was another great year for General Motors in the region,” said Terry Johnsson, Managing Director of General Motors Middle East. “Having an unbeatable range of products is not enough in such a challenging and demanding market, but it is also the combined teamwork, effort, dedication and investment of our retail partners that allows us to shine, and last year’s results are a living testament to that fact.”

CONTACT(S):
Saada Hammad
Communications and Public Relations Manager
General Motors Middle East
Tel (+9714) 3143350
e-mail saada.hammad@gm.com






About GM

General Motors, the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, was founded in 1908 and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today employs about 324,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent from the previous year, and the second-highest total in the company’s history. GM’s global headquarters are in Detroit.

GM has been operating in the Middle East since the early 1940s. GM’s vehicle brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Opel and Saab supported by a unique set of customer-focused services. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands. The regional office in Dubai covers the company’s operations in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen.

In 2004, GM sold around 89,000 vehicles in the Middle East, representing a 55 percent increase over figures recorded in 2003, and the company continues to introduce pioneering programs in the region. More information on GM and its products can be found on the company’s consumer websites www.gm.com and www.gmarabia.com.