General Motors Statement Regarding Discontinuation of Pontiac Vibe Production at NUMMI Facility

As part of its long-term viability plan and recent decision to phase out the Pontiac brand, General Motors has decided to discontinue production of the Pontiac Vibe by the end of August 2009. The Vibe is produced at the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) facility jointly operated by GM and Toyota in Fremont, California. While no replacement for Vibe production has been determined, GM and Toyota remain in active discussions regarding potential future production at NUMMI.

GMC EXPANDS ITS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE WITH THE EFFICIENT AND CAPABLE 2010 TERRAIN

GMC’s all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an “ECO” mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. A comprehensive list of standard and available features includes purposeful technologies such as:

• Standard rear vision camera
• Programmable power rear liftgate
• Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
• MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal cargo space
• Remote vehicle start
• USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback
• Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive
• DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens
• Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling

Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC’s aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility

The Terrain’s rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A “floating” center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain’s seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience

Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

• New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
• New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
• Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

Buick Tops 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study

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Further demonstrating Buick's ongoing commitment to quality, J.D. Power and Associates announced today that Buick tied for the highest ranking in vehicle dependability for three-year old models. The Buick LaCrosse was also ranked first in the midsize car segment, beating the Toyota Camry, while the Buick Lucerne came in second in the large car segment.

For the seventh straight year, Buick has ranked in the top ten brands in the J.D. Power and Associates dependability study, which tracks vehicle issues over a three-year ownership period and this year evaluates more than 200 problem areas. Buick moved from sixth place to take over the top spot in this year's study.

"Quality and craftsmanship have always been one of the defining characteristics of the Buick brand," said Susan Docherty, GM North America vice president for Buick, Pontiac and GMC. "The added value of that dependability, combined with premium materials and refined, responsive performance, is something our customers have come to expect from every Buick, and it's the driving force behind the continuing transformation of the brand."

In addition to the latest J.D. Power and Associates honor, Buicks have been recognized with numerous "recommended" and "best buy" designations by leading consumer magazines and websites for all three current models: Enclave, Lucerne, and LaCrosse. Building on that tradition, an all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan will arrive in showrooms this summer

GM Board Schedules Annual Stockholders' Meeting For Aug. 4 in Detroit

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The General Motors Board of Directors today announced that the company's annual stockholders' meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 in Detroit.

The deadline for submitting stockholder proposals will be March 31, 2009, and the deadline for submitting stockholder board nominations is April 6, 2009. GM disclosed its 2008 executive compensation in its annual report on Form 10-K, filed on March 5. Stockholders of record as of June 12, 2009 are eligible to vote at the annual meeting; proxy materials will be mailed in June.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 243,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

GM Certified Used Vehicles Offers Nationwide GMAC Rate Incentive Financing on Select Vehicles

Image via WikipediaGM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, today announced a new nationwide GMAC rate incentive program on select GM Certified Used Vehicles, including Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Cobalt and Impala models.

The new rate incentive offer, effective January 6 through March 31, 2009, provides qualified GM Certified Used Vehicles buyers with 2.9% APR financing for terms up to 36 months from GMAC Financial Services on 2004-2009 models of Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Impala and Cobalt vehicles purchased from participating GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers.

Qualified customers also can receive GMAC 4.9% APR financing for terms up to 60 months on 2004-2009 models of Chevrolet Cobalt, Impala and Trailblazer; Buick Lacrosse, GMC Envoy and Pontiac G6 vehicles at participating GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers.

“Shoppers now can receive these attractive finance rates on several of our most popular GM Certified models,” said Paul Pejza, manager, GM Certified Used Vehicles. “They also receive the peace of mind that comes with a bumper-to-bumper limited warranty for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, now standard on every GM Certified Used Vehicle.”

A monthly payment at 2.9% APR financing for 36 months is $29.04 for every $1,000 financed. A monthly payment at 4.9% APR financing for 60 months is $18.83 for every $1,000 financed. Average example down payment is 10 percent. Some customers will not qualify. Not available with other offers. Customers must take delivery from a participating GM Certified Used Vehicles dealer by March 31, 2009. See participating dealer for details.

Consumers can go to www.gmcertified.com to find out more about GM Certified Used Vehicles, locate the closest GM Certified dealer, or search the industry’s largest available certified pre-owned inventory, with 60,000-plus vehicles in inventory.

About GM Certified Used Vehicles

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the auto industry’s number-one selling manufacturer-certified brand*, are high-quality, reconditioned vehicles, available at participating Buick, Chevrolet, Pontiac and GMC dealers. All models are six years old or newer, have 75,000 miles or less, are reconditioned to stringent GM Certified Used Vehicles quality standards and must undergo a rigorous 117-point inspection and reconditioning process. All GM Certified Used Vehicles are supported by a fully transferable five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible (whichever comes first from vehicle’s original in-service date), a 12-month/12,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty, a Carfax vehicle history report, a three-day/150-mile customer satisfaction guarantee, and 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation during the term of the powertrain warranty. See dealer for details. For more information about GM Certified Used Vehicles, visit www.gmcertified.com.

About General Motors

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

General Motors Statement Regarding Discontinuation of Pontiac Vibe Production at NUMMI Facility

As part of its long-term viability plan and recent decision to phase out the Pontiac brand, General Motors has decided to discontinue production of the Pontiac Vibe by the end of August 2009. The Vibe is produced at the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) facility jointly operated by GM and Toyota in Fremont, California. While no replacement for Vibe production has been determined, GM and Toyota remain in active discussions regarding potential future production at NUMMI.

FORD'S ECOBOOST, EASY FUEL TECHNOLOGIES WIN POPULAR SCIENCE'S BEST OF WHAT'S NEW AWARDS

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeFord Motor Company garnered two “Best of What’s New for 2008” awards today from Popular Science, the world’s largest science and technology magazine. Ford’s new EcoBoost engines and the industry-exclusive Easy Fuel capless fuel filler both won awards in the automotive category.

“For 21 years, Popular Science’s ‘Best of What’s New’ awards honor the innovations that make a positive impact on life today, and change our views of the future,” said Mark Jannot, editor-in-chief of Popular Science. “PopSci’s editors evaluate thousands of products each year to develop this thoughtful list. There’s no higher accolade Popular Science can give.”

“We are honored that Popular Science chose to honor two new Ford technologies for 2008,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.
“Both EcoBoost engines and Easy Fuel reflect Ford’s commitment to deliver sustainable, smart vehicles that customers want and value,” he said.

The EcoBoost family of four- and six-cylinder engines uses turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions versus larger-displacement engines. According to Kuzak, EcoBoost builds upon today’s affordable gasoline engine and improves it.

“The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power,” said Kuzak. “We’re able to decrease the size of the available engine -- such as installing a V-6 versus a V-8 – yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine.”

Unlike hybrids, which are most fuel efficient in stop-and-go traffic, the real-world fuel economy benefit of EcoBoost comes both in the city as well as on the highway.

In 2009, Ford will introduce EcoBoost on Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex and Taurus. In the next five years, EcoBoost will be available on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America.

The Easy Fuel capless fuel filler is a Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap.

“This feature eliminates the likelihood of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after fueling,” said Kuzak. “It also saves time by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a fuel-filler cap and provides a better seal, cutting down the emissions of smog-forming vapors.”

Easy Fuel launched on the 2008 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer and currently is available on the 2009 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS. The feature will be standard equipment across the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury product line by 2010.