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Home , Chevrolet Europe, General Motors Europe, Opel Antara, Opel Corsa

General Motors in Paris: All brands together in hall 5.2

WORLD PREMIERES: WTCC ULTRA CONCEPT AND ANTARA

• Debut: Opel CorsaVan concept based on new Corsa generation • Presented for the first time: Chevrolet Epica with 150 hp • European premiere: New SRX with enhanced interior

Paris. With the exciting concept WTCC Ultra, presents one of the most attractive newcomers at this year’s Paris Motor Show (September 30 – October 15). The ready-to-drive takes the Chevrolet design language to the extreme and is powered by a 190 hp diesel engine. Also making its debut is a 150 hp diesel version of the Chevrolet Epica. GM – located for the first time with all its brands in hall 5.2 - celebrates a further world premiere with the all-new model that will already be launched this year. With the CorsaVan concept, Opel debuts a study of a sporty city based on the new Corsa generation, which is of course also showcased in Paris. Other new models include the 2007 Cadillac SRX with a significantly enhanced interior and optional rear-wheel drive for the V6 model.

In addition, GM is also represented at the Mondiale de l´Automobile by its brands Saab, and Corvette. With the BioPower Hybrid Concept, Saab presents the latest development of its innovative combination of bio-ethanol and hybrid technology featuring the advanced two-mode system. In addition, the Swedish premium brand shows the stunning design study Aero X and the new, 210-hp 9-5 2.3t BioPower model. HUMMER presents its complete model range, H1, H2, H3, and with the ZO6 the fastest, most powerful series-production Corvette of all time is showcased on the GM stand in Paris.

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Chevrolet: Radical concept car, new diesel Epica, Captiva’s French debut

The exciting concept racing car WTCC Ultra is the highlight of Chevrolet Europe’s lineup at the Paris Motor Show. The ready-to-drive concept car (length/width/height: 4325/1905/1570 millimeters) takes the Chevrolet design language to the extreme and uses the WTCC race style as an example of Chevrolet´s spirit and race history.

“Aggressive, muscular and dramatic” are keywords that describe the concept car’s design. Sharp lines contrast with more organic, flowing surfaces. All side body lines accelerate rearward of the front doors to give the car more speed and keep it visually balanced. The steeply rising sweep of the lower window-line has a dramatic effect and serves to establish a fresh identity together with the small, separate window between the A and B-pillars. The waistline is also striking. It draws the eye forward and down, contributing to the front section’s taut forward flow.

Modern lightweight materials are used to keep the curb weight as low as possible in the WTCC Ultra, which is powered by a 190 hp, 2.0-liter diesel engine. Car body parts are finished in “Stealth Blue” and are made of a glass fiber and carbon fiber laminate. Front and rear spoilers, as well as the touring car’s flat underbody – which also graphically structures the vehicle – are made of pure carbon fiber fabric. Polished aluminum is used for door handles and other fittings.

The new Chevrolet Epica diesel is also presented to experts and the public for the first time in Paris, and will be available from spring 2007. The mid-size is powered by a 2.0-liter common-rail diesel engine. The powerful diesel unit (output: 110 kW/150 hp, max. torque: 320 Nm at 2000 rpm) is coupled to a five-speed manual as standard, but can also be optionally combined with an automatic gearbox. The Epica diesel sprints from zero to 100 km/h within 9.7 seconds (automatic version: 10.1 sec.) and has a maximum speed of 201 km/h (automatic: 208 km/h). Despite this good driving performance, the newcomer is economical with fuel: 6.1 liters/100 km according to MVEG mix (automatic: 7.7 liters/100 km).

The Epica is the brand’s second model with a modern diesel engine after the Captiva, which makes its French debut in Paris shortly before arriving at European dealerships in autumn.

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Opel: World premiere for new Antara and CorsaVan concept study

The production version of the all-new Opel Antara makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. The technologically sophisticated crossover for everyday and leisure use combines dynamic, elegant design with intelligent four-wheel drive and agile handling. At the same time, the Antara boasts generous interior space yet compact dimensions, innovative transport features such as the integrated rear carrier “Flex-Fix”, high levels of functionality and a raised seat position. Initially, the Antara is available with a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp engine, a 167 kW/227 hp, 3.2-liter V6 gasoline unit or a 2.0- liter, 110 kW/150 hp diesel. Within a few months, this common-rail turbo-diesel unit will be joined by a second version which produces 93 kW/127 hp. Both CDTI engines come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard.

Characteristics such as sporty looks, high-quality interior and a large load space distinguish the CorsaVan concept study, which Opel presents for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the new three-door Corsa, the model showcases how the Corsa’s dynamic style might look if transferred to a city van. The CorsaVan concept car comes in striking glossy glamour red. To create a bold contrast, the panels that replace the city van concept´s rear side windows are black. Distinctive sporty features include red front brake calipers, 17-inch alloy wheels with five-spoke design and OPC-line components, such as bumpers, side sills and rear spoiler. The concept car is powered by a 90 hp, 1.3 CDTI engine, while the low sport chassis with the new Corsa Sport’s variable progressive steering ensures outstanding agile handling.

Shortly before its market launch in October, the new is also on display in Paris. Both as three and five-door versions, the distinctively different Corsa models are tailor-made for different types of customers. The fourth model generation boasts exciting design with sporty, athletic contours, a newly developed chassis for driving dynamics and agility at the highest level, as well as a new high-quality interior with plenty of space and feel-good ambience. In addition, the new Corsa is available with new high-tech features such as curve and cornering light, heated steering wheel and variable progressive power steering (Corsa Sport), as well as numerous clever ideas like “Flex-Fix”. The Corsa is available with three gasoline and two common-rail turbo-diesel engines, which all feature four-valve technology. They cover an output range of 60 to 90 hp and have displacements of 1.0 to 1.4 liters. A new 125 hp, 1.7 CDTI engine with diesel particulate filter as standard will follow shortly.

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Cadillac: European premiere for 2007 SRX with new interior and optional rear-wheel drive

With the 2007 SRX, Cadillac borrows a page from its rich and elegant past. Available in Europe in early 2007, the 4.95-meter long crossover model debuts a redesigned, hand- crafted luxury interior that combines advanced technology with the hand-rendered precision of expert craftsmen. Coverings for components such as the instrument panel, center console and door trim are cut, sewn and wrapped mostly by hand. This enables details such as decorative French stitching, and the near elimination of gaps and seams for a superbly tailored appearance.

The 2007 SRX’s redesigned cabin is more inviting and luxurious, with softer surfaces, new flush mounted switches and controls, as well as enhanced storage. The streamlined new design features a clever “hidden” storage compartment on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The wood trim on the passenger side opens to reveal a surprisingly wide added storage bin above the existing glove box. The hand assembly of SRX’s instrument panel enables the passenger front air bag to be invisibly concealed. Craftsmen use a technique called “skiving” to carve tiny perforations into the reverse side of the material, through which the airbag can deploy. The Cadillac SRX is available with either a 258 hp, 3.6-liter or 325 hp, 4.6-liter V8. While the SRX has so far been offered in Europe with all-wheel drive only, a rear-wheel-drive V6 version will be also available in early 2007.

Cadillac will also display its new luxury SUV Escalade in Paris, as well as the flagship STS, the powerful XLR V-Series luxury , CTS touring sedan, and the four-door luxury mid-size sedan BLS.

Saab: BioPower Hybrid Concept and 9-5 with new 2.3 t BioPower engine

With the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, the Swedish premium brand presents the latest development of their innovative combination of BioPower and hybrid technology. The study, based on a 9-3 , is the first vehicle to combine fossil-free bio-ethanol fuel (E100) capability and electric-only propulsion by utilizing the advanced two-mode system that is co-developing with its partners DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group. The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is capable of zero fossil-fuel

CO 2 emissions while also enhancing performance and reducing energy consumption. Its 260 hp, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine retains a “flex-fuel” capability and can run on pure bio-ethanol (E100), E85 (85 % bio-ethanol, 15 % gasoline) or any combination of gasoline and bio-ethanol.

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Following the huge market success of its 9-5 BioPower models, Saab is now offering the 9-5 2.3 t BioPower version. Its new 210 hp, 2.3-liter turbo BioPower engine with a maximum torque of 310 Nm runs on E85 bio-ethanol fuel or gasoline or any combination of the two. When running on E85, its performance data considerably surpasses that of normal gasoline operation (185 hp, 280 Nm). The Saab 9-5 2.3 t BioPower takes just 7.9 seconds to make the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (gasoline: 8.5 seconds).

With innovative features such as a cockpit canopy in the style of a jet airplane, the stunning design study Saab Aero X makes its French premiere in Paris. Its 400 hp V6 bi-turbo BioPower engine runs on pure bio-ethanol (E100) and, as a result, combusts the fuel without fossil CO 2 emissions. In the interior, new technologies enable 3D-effect graphic displays of all information on transparent acrylic panels.

Corvette: Z06 – from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds

The fastest, most powerful series-production Corvette of all time, launched at the beginning of the year, is also showcased on the GM stand in Paris. The 512 hp output from its 7.0-liter V8 accelerates the Z06 from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The Z06 is not only identifiable by its larger wheels and tires, but also by a broader nose section with larger air inlets. Although the Corvette Z06 is a road model, its technical similarities with the Corvette C6.R competition car – successful in the American Le Mans race series and 24 hours of Le Mans race 2006 – cannot be overlooked. The C6.R is also on display in Paris.

HUMMER: Pure power on and off-road

Fans of the HUMMER brand in Paris will enjoy the complete model range: H1, H2 SUV, H2 SUT (with covered load area) and H3. These robust and powerful SUVs deliver outstanding performance both on and off-road. The H2’s with sequential injection and a displacement of six liters develops 325 hp; maximum torque is 488 Nm. Electronically controlled permanent four-wheel drive optimally distributes drive power to the individual wheels. The HUMMER H3 also features electronically controlled four- wheel drive. Its 3.5-liter engine develops 220 hp with a maximum torque of 305 Nm. The H3 retains all attributes that make a HUMMER a HUMMER, but in a smaller, more- efficient package. - 6 -

GM Forum: Design expertise and trend-setting flexibility

General Motors also provides insight into the creative work of its designers at the Paris Motor Show. A simulated studio ambience within the GM Forum gives visitors the opportunity to watch the designers at their craft. This is also where visitors can see for themselves that concept influence series production more than is generally acknowledged.

One example of this is a comparison between the new Corsa and the 2004 Trixx study. Looking back to Geneva two and a half years ago, this city car study was evidently the influence behind “Flex-Fix”, which is now the first integrated carrier system realized in a production car, and with which Opel again takes a leading position when it comes to flexibility. This world-exclusive system is user-friendly and can be pulled out like a drawer from the rear underbody. It can carry two bicycles and stows away almost invisibly into the rear when not in use.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 33 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2005, GM sold 9.17 million cars and trucks globally, up 2 percent and the second-highest total in the company’s history. In Europe, GM sells its Opel, Vauxhall, Saab, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer ranges in over 30 markets. It operates 11 production and assembly facilities in eight countries and employs around 64,500 people. More information on GM and its products can be found at http://media.gmeurope.com and http://www.gmeurope.com .

Contact:

Johan Willems Director, Product Development & Technology Communications Tel: 0049 6142 760243 E-mail: [email protected]