StabiliTrak now standard across all Chevrolet and GMC medium utilities and 1500 series large SUV's

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 20 February 2006 - Reinforcing its commitment to providing customers with the best safety features available, General Motors has increased the number of SUVs in its line-up which feature the StabiliTrak electronic stability enhancement system as standard. The standard feature enhances the safety offering of approximately 40,000 projected vehicles to be sold in the Middle East in 2006.

As with the Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full size SUVs, StabiliTrak is now standard on the midsize Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. In less than three years since its regional launch, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which combines Chevrolet 4x4 toughness with style and versatility, has quickly established itself as one of the most popular midsize SUVs in the Middle East. Continuous refinement has been the philosophy behind the popular mid-sized GMC Envoy since its introduction in 2002.

StabiliTrak uses a series of sensors that monitor various inputs, including wheel speed, steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration (sideways forces) and yaw (rotational movement) rate. If the system determines that the vehicle is not following the path being steered by the driver, it applies brake pressure to one or more wheels in order to gain traction and guide the vehicle back on course. Engine power may also be reduced, if necessary.

StabiliTrak typically intervenes in two primary driving situations: understeer and oversteer. Understeering, a condition which occurs when a driver enters a curve too fast, causes the front wheels to lose traction, thereby making it difficult to turn. If a driver turns right and the vehicle does not adequately respond, StabiliTrak applies the right rear brake causing the vehicle to rotate, which helps the front tires gain grip and the vehicle to execute the turn. Oversteering occurs when the rear wheels lose traction while cornering, causing the rear of the vehicle to swing outward. If the driver turns right and the rear of the vehicle swings outwards, StabiliTrak applies pressure to the left front brake causing the vehicle to rotate in the opposite direction and nudging it back on the driver's intended course. StabiliTrak is also integrated with traction control and ABS systems.

"The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us and is one of the cornerstones of our business." says Samer El Khalil, Marketing Manager - Chevrolet and GMC SUVs, "The standardisation of StabiliTrak across an increasing number of our vehicles is testament to our strong belief in contributing to the maintenance of road safety at all times."

Other key features on the TrailBlazer include the class-leading standard award-winning Vortec 4200 Inline 6 cylinder engine, producing 294 gross horsepower and 396Nmof gross torque, while the Envoy boasts the award-winning Vortec 4.2L 24-valve, inline six-cylinder engine,  which also produces 294 gross horsepower and 396Nm of gross torque.

-Ends-       

General Motors, the world's largest automaker, has been the global automotive sales leader for 75 years.  Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world.  With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries.  In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall.  GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance.

GM has been operating in the Middle East since the 1920s. 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 2005, GM sold over 113,500 vehicles in the Middle East, representing a 28 percent increase over figures recorded in 2004, 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 Public Relations Manager
General Motors Middle East              
Tel (+9714) 3143350    
e-mail saada.hammad@gm.com  

© Press Release 2006