Dubai, United Arab Emirates: - 26 August 2004 - As General Motors' biggest brand Chevrolet continues to surpass all sales records in the Middle East, it is no longer just the larger vehicles that are bolstering the figures.
The Chevrolet Aveo, which celebrates its first birthday in the Middle East region, has led the way over the last twelve months in redefining the perception of small cars.
"We have been enjoying fantastic sales figures for the Chevrolet line-up every month to date," said Gerry Groenewegen, Regional Marketing Manager for Chevrolet. "Growth has been fuelled by the introduction and strong market acceptance of the new Chevrolet Aveo along with its stable mates in the small and mid size categories - the Optra and Epica."
Groenewegen adds that GM was always confident that the Aveo would exceed all customer expectations, and as a result prove a valuable addition to the GM line-up.
"Such was the response to the launch of the car last Summer, that we soon extended the product offering, introducing a hatchback alongside the notchback together with a choice of engines. As a result Aveo sales over the past twelve months have surpassed all projections fuelled by sales from a diversity of customers ranging from students to car rental companies."
Groenewegen says that customers have been pleasantly surprised by the roominess that this refined entry-level car delivers along with a range of extras normally only found on bigger, more luxurious cars.
"For its size the Aveo is also powerful, efficient and nimble with a refined, responsive powertrain and chassis that will help redefine the perception of small cars," he says.
"We are also very proud of the fact that this is the only light car to receive the US government's highest safety rating for frontal crash performance - five stars for both driver and front passenger," he adds.
The Italian design of the car is also another feature which has impressed customers. "It is very evident and comes from the famous Turin firm ItalDesign which styled its swept-back look, enhanced by "character lines" along its flanks," says Groenewegen.
"However the other major attraction is the fact that there is beauty inside the Aveo along with plenty of ticks next to the space and specs column.
Pop open one of its flyweight doors and you'll find 50 cubic feet of interior space in front and 41 in the rear, despite its modest exterior dimensions, making it the roomiest interior in the segment and enabling it to comfortably carry up to five adults.
In addition to class-leading passenger room, Aveo offers anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, remote-controlled central locking, alloy wheel rims, power windows, a CD player and an electric mirror on the passenger side. Safety features are also extensive and include single-stage frontal air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors for the front seats as standard. The rear seat features shoulder belts in all three seating positions.
-Ends-
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is the largest division of General Motors. Founded in 1911, Chevrolet fulfills the transportation needs of millions of people daily around the world and offers the broadest line-up of cars, trucks and vans in the industry.
In the Middle East, Chevrolet has a strong heritage stretching back more than four decades. Today Chevrolet brings the most comprehensive range of quality vehicles to customers across the region, offering superlative comfort, safety, power and excitement from a brand that has long been a trusted partner in the region.
Chevrolet boasts the widest range of passenger cars in the Middle East, from the cost effective entry-level Aveo, Epica and Optra models to the full-size luxury Caprice and Lumina sedans and the award-winning TrailBlazer, Suburban and Tahoe SUV models. In 2003, Chevrolet represented 63% of all GM sales, and that number is expected to rise to 70% in 2004.
To find out more about Chevrolet, visit the web site at www.chevroletarabia.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 342,000 people and has manufacturing operations in 32 countries. Its vehicles are sold in more than 192 countries. In 2003, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is in Detroit.
GM has been operating in the Middle East since the early 1940's. 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 Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
In 2003, GM sold around 60,000 vehicles in the Middle East 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
For more information:
Saada Hammad
Communications and PR Manager
General Motors Middle East
Tel Dubai (009714) 3143350
e-mail saada.hammad@gm.com
Paul Venn
Account Director
Hill & Knowlton
Tel (009714) 3344930
paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com
© Press Release 2004
