For release: July 12, 2006

NEW FULL-SIZE TRUCKS AND SUVS, CROSSOVERS AND REVITALIZED SATURN LINEUP LEAD GM NORTH AMERICA INTO 2007 MODEL YEAR

From an all-new family of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs to carlike crossovers to small cars and a near-complete revitalization of the Saturn portfolio, General Motors is introducing several new or significantly redesigned vehicles for the 2007 model year – stylish products that leverage GM’s global resources to deliver value, brand-distinctive design character, safety, fuel efficiency, relevant technologies and quality to the North American market.

Among all-new entries for 2007 are full-size SUVs from Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet, including the Cadillac Escalade family (Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT); the GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Yukon/Yukon XL Denali lineup; and the Chevrolet Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban. GM’s much-anticipated crossover SUVs, the GMC Acadia and the Saturn Outlook, will debut, as well as a parade of other brand-new Saturn products: the midsize Aura sedan; the Sky and Sky Red Line roadsters; and the Vue Green Line hybrid SUV.

GM’s all-new 2007 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks also will be introduced. The 2007 GMC Sierra Classic and Chevy Silverado Classic family of pickups ushers in the model year. (For more on the new trucks, please click on the links listed in the Chevrolet and GMC sections below.)

Pontiac ’s popular Solstice roadster is joined by a performance-oriented sibling, the Solstice GXP, and a new small car, the G5. Chevrolet will entice small-car aficionados with the newly redesigned Chevrolet Aveo sedan, which gets extensive exterior and interior enhancements just 2.5 years after its North American debut. The HUMMER H3 receives an enhanced H3 X version, based on the popular H3 Street concept unveiled at last year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The Cadillac SRX luxury crossover gets dramatic interior enhancements that feature cut-and-sew handcrafted features reminiscent of Cadillac’s beginnings as a luxury coach builder. Buick adds uplevel OnStar services befitting its premium brand status.

“Our 2007 lineup continues to ensure that our brands are focused, relevant and competitive in North America and globally,” said Mark LaNeve, GMNA vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “Our all-new full-size SUVs – the best-looking and most fuel-efficient in the industry – are scoring big with customers; and our Saturn portfolio represents the biggest brand revitalization since Cadillac’s renaissance.

“GM also is leveraging its technology leadership with product-differentiating safety and security features such as OnStar, as well as powertrain leadership that delivers sophisticated, fuel-saving new engines and transmissions that enhance our competitiveness.”

OnStar upgrades

OnStar, which is celebrating its 10 th year, has grown from a dealer-installed option on just 1,000 vehicles in 1997 to more than four million subscribers today. For the 2007 model year, 60 percent of GM vehicles will have OnStar standard, and by the 2008 model year, most of GM’s U.S. retail lineup will feature standard OnStar.

In just a decade, OnStar is not only a key purchase differentiator for GM cars and trucks, but a highly innovative company with far-reaching influence within the technology sectors. Combined with GM’s leading crash avoidance and occupant protection technologies, OnStar provides post-crash emergency services that make GM the only automaker to deliver continuous safety to its customers.

With seven generations of hardware in 10 years, OnStar’s services have evolved to include increasingly sophisticated features including Turn-by-Turn Navigation (new for 2007), hands-free calling, Advanced Automatic Crash Notification and OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics.

OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar, is the latest in a series of industry-first innovations highlighting its new generation of in-vehicle hardware.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle’s stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. This will enable drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Powertrain advances

GM Powertrain is introducing 19 new or significantly revised engines and transmissions that improve fuel economy, enhance performance, reduce emissions and increase customer choice and energy independence.

For 2007, GM will offer 17 E85-compatible FlexFuel models totaling about 400,000 vehicles, compared to nine models in 2006. A GM FlexFuel vehicle can run on 100-percent gasoline, E85 ethanol or any combination of the two. The company has already nearly 2 million flex-fuel models on North American roads.

Likewise, GM will have two million vehicles on the road equipped with Active Fuel Management™ (AFM) technology, which shuts off half of the engine’s cylinders in low-demand situations, such as idling at a stoplight. This fuel-saving technology is available in 15 models of all types in 2007 (including models with the 5.3L V-8 engine with AFM and the Chevy Impala with the new 3.9L V-6 with AFM).

GM’s plan to offer one million vehicles annually with six-speed automatics by 2008 accelerates in 2007 with nearly 40 global vehicle applications of the fuel-saving transmissions.

The Cadillac STS and SRX, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, Outlook and GMC Acadia highlight some of the vehicles that will be available with new six-speed automatics in 2007. Other models already on sale include the Chevrolet Corvette, GMC Yukon Denali family, the Cadillac XLR-V, STS-V and Escalade lineup. GM’s roster of six-speed automatic-equipped vehicles also includes the full-size heavy-duty pickups, which match an Allison six-speed automatic with the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine.

Brand highlights

Here are the 2007 model year highlights at GM’s eight vehicle brands:

Buick

Buick continues to re-establish itself as a premium brand with high- quality, QuietTuned, technologically sophisticated products that offer timeless style, luxury features and relevant technologies – all at attainable prices. For 2007, Buick adds another breakthrough technology standard across its entire product lineup with the addition of OnStar Turn-by-Turn voice-activated navigation.

For 2007 Buick offers the LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans, as well as the Rainier midsize SUV, Rendezvous crossover and Terraza premium crossover sport van. Terraza now features GM’s 3.9L V-6, with variable valve timing and variable intake technology, standard on all trim levels for 2007.

A longstanding hallmark of Buick is quality, and all Buicks are covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. Buick consistently ranks among the leaders in several recent J.D. Power metrics.

Buick’s manufacturing facilities also have received accolades befitting of a premium brand. In 2006, the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center , where Lucerne is built, captured the Bronze award by placing third in quality among all plants in North and South America. The plant also earned consecutive quality awards from J.D. Power & Associates in 2004 and 2005. GM’s Oshawa , Ontario facility, where LaCrosse is built, was ranked the top plant in North and South America by J.D. Power & Associates.

Cadillac

For 2007, Cadillac’s historic renaissance moves into a second, even more ambitious era, focusing on more elegant product executions and marking an important milestone in Cadillac’s march back to prominence among the world’s finest luxury brands.

The completely redesigned family of Escalade SUVs aims to extend Cadillac’s leadership in that luxury category. The SRX crossover boasts a more luxurious new interior and new six-speed transmission, in addition to its award-winning performance. And, the landmark V-Series cars (XLR-V, STS-V and CTS-V) continue to explore the potential of the division’s performance, luxury and exclusivity.

This new phase of the division’s renaissance aims to continue Cadillac’s noteworthy progress in dramatic designs and enhanced performance. Phase two also adds a renewed emphasis on more elegantly detailed products. This will be achieved with a blend of advanced technology and hand-craftsmanship that harkens back to Cadillac’s origins as a custom luxury coach builder. The new interiors of the SRX crossover, as well as the STS-V and XLR-V, feature interior components cut, sewn and wrapped by hand, bringing extreme accuracy and attention to detail.

The STS sedan gets a new six-speed transmission and the DTS sedan, redesigned just last year, receives interior enhancements and a new exterior color palette, as well as standard chrome wheels.

For 200 lucky customers, Cadillac also is releasing a 2007 Passion Red Special Edition XLR, featuring a chrome grille, 18-inch chrome wheels and numbered sill plate.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet was the industry’s sales leader in calendar year 2005, making news with vehicles such as the redesigned Impala and Monte Carlo, as well as popular, established models like Cobalt and Corvette, and a new lineup of performance SS models.

Chevy’s 2007 model year kicked off early with the introduction of the all-new Chevy Tahoe, followed by all-new versions of the Suburban and Avalanche. These comprehensively redesigned full-size SUVs feature sleek styling, more powerful and more efficient powertrains, refined interiors and a 360-degree system of safety features – including government-awarded five-star frontal crash ratings for both the driver and right-front passenger.

Chevy’s new full-size SUVs are proving popular in an increasingly tough segment. Capability and performance are hallmarks of Chevy trucks and the new Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche exceed expectations on both fronts. Indeed, the entire 2007 Chevy truck lineup delivers the capability and performance needed for any task – and it does so with one of the most diverse range of offerings in the industry.

Several standard and available engines in the new SUVs offer fuel-saving Active Fuel Management, which helps increase fuel efficiency by seamlessly shutting off half of the engine’s cylinders in certain driving conditions. This technology helps give Chevy’s full-size SUV lineup the segment’s best fuel economy. Along with increased efficiency, several models of the Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche are offered with engines that can run on E85, a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and 15 percent gasoline. GM has more E85 vehicles on the road than any other manufacturer.

Along with the all-new full-size SUVs, an all-new Silverado pickup lineup is on the way. Check the GM media Silverado website link – http://media.gm.com/us/chevrolet/en/product_services/r_trucks/r_c_silverado/index.html – after Aug.1 for the latest information.

In other highlights, the Colorado midsize pickup gets more power in 2007, with all-new Vortec 2.9L and 3.7L engines, in addition to a standard tire pressure monitoring system. The popular HHR returns for 2007 with increased power for the 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec engines, as well as new exterior and interior color choices.

On the passenger car side, Chevy’s debut of the newly redesigned Aveo sedan proves that great things can come in small packages. The sedan boasts an all-new exterior and roomy interior design characterized by youthful refinement; a more confident, dynamic driving experience and features usually seen in more expensive cars. It was designed to challenge expectations of what an entry-level car can deliver, as was the case with the preceding generation Aveo, which quickly became the top-selling lineup in its segment in the U.S.

Impala, Chevy’s flagship passenger car, gets a new 3.9L V-6 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology, GM’s first application of this technology on a V-6. With AFM, the V-6 effectively operates as an inline three-cylinder engine, with cylinders 1, 3 and 5 deactivated on the left cylinder bank. The engine returns to V-6 mode the instant the controller determines the vehicle speed or load requires additional power.

GMC

GMC’s 2007 model year lineup is led by the all-new Yukon family – including Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali – and the all-new Acadia crossover. The Yukon family is all-new, featuring bold styling, refined comfort and improved efficiency and a 360-degree system of safety features – including government-awarded five-star frontal crash ratings for both the driver and right-front passenger.

The all-new Acadia is GMC’s first crossover SUV, offering seating for up to eight, and combining the capability of an SUV and agile, car-like driving attributes. Acadia features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height and the generous interior space of larger SUVs. Acadia offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults – and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with GM’s exclusive Smart Slide® second-row seat feature.

The all-new 2007 Yukon lineup landed in showrooms in early 2006. Several standard and available engines in the new SUVs offer fuel-saving Active Fuel Management, which helps increase fuel efficiency by seamlessly shutting off half of the engine’s cylinders in certain driving conditions. This technology helps give GMC’s full-size SUV lineup the segment’s best fuel economy. Along with increased efficiency, several models of the Yukon and Yukon XL are offered with engines that can run on E85, a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and 15 percent gasoline. GM has more E85 vehicles on the road than any other manufacturer.

The Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali offer unique exterior design and interior features, as well as an all-new 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine with variable valve timing and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2L engine is rated at 380 horsepower (283 kW)*, the most horsepower in its class.

Along with the all-new full-size SUVs and Acadia , an all-new Sierra pickup lineup is on the way. Check the GM media Sierra website link – http://media.gm.com/us/gmc/en/product_services/r_cars/r_c_sierra/index.html – after Aug. 1 for the latest information.

In other highlights, GMC’s Canyon midsize pickup gets more power in 2007, with all-new Vortec 2.9L and 3.7L engines, in addition to a standard tire pressure monitoring system.

HUMMER

For the 2007 model year, HUMMER refines its offerings with two limited-edition models for H3 and H2. It also continues its enhanced warranty of four years or 50,000 miles on all HUMMER vehicles.

For 2007, H2 adds a limited edition model with a Glacier Blue exterior, rear-vision camera system, carbon fiber interior accents, rear-seat entertainment with DVD, and more. The rear-vision camera system also is an option on all H2 models for 2007.

H3 receives a new, more powerful engine: the Vortec 3.7L with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This 3.7L inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency.

HUMMER expands the H3 line with a new model called the H3 X, based on the H3 Street concept shown at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The 2007 H3 X injects new energy into the HUMMER lineup, appealing to buyers with an interest in a customized appearance available directly from the factory.

Pontiac

Pontiac performance gets hotter still in 2007, with an array of vehicles sure to entice customers with a passion for driving and a flair for style.

Heading up Pontiac ’s ’07 lineup is the turbocharged Solstice GXP, which is powered by an Ecotec 2.0L engine featuring GM’s first application of direct injection technology in North America , and the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family. The exterior enhancements on the GXP include high-polished stainless steel dual exhaust outlets, and unique front and rear fascias.

Also new for ’07, the G5 offers sport coupe performance in a compact design. The G5 is available in base and GT models, and features Pontiac ’s signature twin-port grille, clean lines and standard rear spoiler. The G5 models are powered by GM Powertrain’s Ecotec premium four-cylinder engines.

The midsized G6 adds a new powerplant to its list of available features. GM’s highly-regarded 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing is standard on the top-of-the-line G6 GTP model. The state-of-the-art engine is mated to an advanced electronically controlled, six-speed automatic transmission.

Saab

Saab refines its 2007 product line, which has been dramatically reshaped during the past year, with new features and options.

Saab enhances the 9-3 range for the 2007 model year with a new interior in the Sedan , Convertible and SportCombi. It features a redesigned cockpit with new automatic climate control and infotainment systems, a larger instrument cluster with ch rome details and new interior trim.

For the 9-5, which underwent a major redesign last year, changes for 2007 are minimal. An Anniversary Special Edition convertible debuts midyear, featuring Ice Blue metallic paint, a specific leather interior and 17-inch wheels.


The 2007 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi also have optional Aero and Visibility Packages. The Aero Package offers a sport chassis, sport seats and metallic interior trim. The Visibility Package consists of Xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking assist.

For the 9-7X, OnStar-equipped models will feature Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. A tire pressure monitoring system also becomes standard equipment on the 9-7X in 2007.

Saturn

Saturn’s major product revitalization continues to gain traction with five new vehicles and a dynamic new design direction. During the 2007 model year, Saturn is launching the Sky roadster, Sky Red Line, Aura midsize sedan, Vue Green Line hybrid and Outlook crossover utility.

In the roadster segment, the Sky provides excellent value. For a starting price around $24,000, buyers get an impressive set of standard equipment. This includes air conditioning, four-wheel ABS with dynamic rear proportioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and the OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system.

The 2007 Sky Red Line, available in fall 2006, builds on the Sky’s performance characteristics and value, offering more power with the same inviting, driver-focused interior. Sky Red Line features the Ecotec 2.0L Turbo engine, GM’s first direct injection offering in North America.

The all-new midsize Aura sedan, based on the acclaimed concept of the same name, debuts. Aura blends Saturn’s new design language and high levels of refinement in a dynamic, midsize sports sedan. Its driving character matches its refined design with a host of technologically sophisticated powertrains and a sporty chassis setup. Uplevel models feature GM’s first application of a new six-speed automatic transmission mated with the 3.6L DOHC V-6, creating a powerful yet fuel-efficient package.

Saturn also launches the 2007 Vue Green Line, the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system. The Vue hybrid is expected to deliver an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway – approximately 20 percent better fuel economy than other four-cylinder Vue models – at a significantly lower cost than other hybrid systems.

Finally, the Saturn Outlook is an all-new crossover utility engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability. The Outlook offers seating for up to eight and combines the functionality of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. It also features Saturn’s striking new design language and a stylish, refined interior.

Outlook has a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. It offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults – and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide second-row seat feature.

GM Design’s integrated approach

Design is a key attribute in a customer’s vehicle purchase decision. GM’s vehicle brands continue to use design as a brand differentiator for 2007 with cues that pay homage to trademark brand elements but with a contemporary flair.

GM Design is a truly global organization, with 12 design centers on five continents that harness the creative energy of designers and sculptors around the world. It is a full partner in GM’s Global Vehicle Development organization, involved in all aspects of product design, not just styling.

Saturn’s new 2007 lineup demonstrates the growing strength of GM’s global design organization, particularly with the Sky roadster and the Aura midsize sedan, which featured strong collaboration between GM Design in Europe and the U.S. , with support from GM design centers around the world.

Based on the dramatic concept vehicle unveiled in 2005, the Aura sports sedan carries much of the concept’s bold design. Seen in other new Saturn models, such as the Sky roadster and Outlook crossover vehicle, these elements – including distinctive headlamps with jewel-like appearance and a chrome grille bar – establish a new design language for Saturn’s growing portfolio of vehicles.

Aura’s premium design cues include halogen headlamps covered in clear housings that wrap upward and around the corners of the vehicle. This expressive, jewel-like design feature shared among Saturn’s newest models adds a sense of motion to the vehicle, even when stationary.

GM’s new family of full-size SUVs is characterized by taut, athletic exterior styling with distinct design cues. The sleeker exterior designs convey strength and are aerodynamically tuned to bolster fuel economy, as well as enhance quietness.

Along with their athletic and capable presence – augmented by a wider track that creates a more confident, broad-shouldered stance – the new SUVs have a tailored appearance, with new, wraparound fascias and improved tolerances. The overall effect is a leaner, more refined appearance that suggests a trimmer vehicle, belying the vehicles’ increase in overall length.

A more steeply raked, 57-degree windshield gives the new SUVs the segment’s best overall aerodynamics of approximately 0.363 cd. The more aerodynamic profile helps reduce wind noise, as do narrowed gaps between panels and tighter, flusher mounting of the exterior components, such as the grille, headlamps and trim. It also promotes improved fuel economy, an example of how design affects other vehicle attributes.

GM Design also scored rave reviews with 2007 concepts that show the global strength of the organization. They include:

GM Powertrain: performance with fuel-efficiency

Great powertrains are at the heart of any great vehicle. GM’s 2007 portfolio of innovative powertrains is helping to build distinct brands with meaningful differences in performance that give customers a wide range of choice.

The new 2007 powertrain lineup ranges from a new, affordable fuel-sipping hybrid to the most powerful small-block truck V-8 yet produced; from increased offerings of E85 ethanol-capable FlexFuel engines and GM’s industry-leading Active Fuel Management technology to new launches of six-speed automatic transmissions.

In 2007, GM will offer 17 E85-compatible FlexFuel models totaling about 400,000 vehicles, compared to nine models in 2006. A GM FlexFuel vehicle can run on 100-percent gasoline, E85 ethanol or any combination of the two. GM already has nearly 2 million flex-fuel models on North American roads.

GM Powertrain ’07 highlights include:

GM also leads the industry in applying the new voluntary SAE Certification process, and will certify horsepower and torque for all new engines under independent review. GM began SAE Certification in 2005, certifying seven engines for a total of 22 models. For the 2007 model year, GM certified an additional 24 engines, totaling 102 applications.

Later in 2007, GM will introduce its first V-6 with direct gasoline injection for the North American market. This premium 3.6L engine will be launched in 2008 models to be announced at a later date.

GM Accessories

Vehicle personalization is driving record growth in the automotive aftermarket business at the same time customers demand products that deliver quality, great looks and performance.

GM Accessories meets the challenge head-on with a 2007 model year portfolio featuring an unprecedented number of products – more than 60 alone devoted to the all-new 2007 full-size utilities – that are designed, engineered, integrated and tested to GM’s high standards.

Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac dealerships offer a broad range of accessories from interior electronics such as dual-player headrest DVD rear seat entertainment systems to elaborate cargo management systems to head-turners such as chrome accents and plus-size wheels and tires.

Other highlights include the continued rollout of GM’s performance exhaust portfolio, one of the industry’s most comprehensive. By the end of 2006, GM will expand its offering of performance exhausts to 30 GM vehicles, including those currently available for the new full-size SUVs such as the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, as well as sporty new roadsters such as the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.

By anticipating the needs of customers and aggressive marketing, GM Accessories, part of GM’s Service Parts Operations, has tripled the size of its portfolio and grown its business by 105 percent since 2002. For 2007, GM Accessories intends to further grow its share of the $32 billion annual aftermarket accessories business by increasing the number of GM dealerships selling its products and reaching out to more customers.
Top