Vehicle offers easy access for wheelchairs and less mobile passengers 3.5 liter V6 produces 200 hp Innovative interior offers added passenger or cargo flexibility

Kuwait City, Kuwait - 1 December 2004 - Chevrolet has launched the 2005 Uplander, an exciting new vehicle which combines the bold styling of a 4x4, the passenger room and interior versatility of a van, and the smooth ride and fuel efficiency of a sedan.  Uplander is powered by an overhead valve 3.5L V-6, rated at 200 horsepower.

"With the ability to carry seven people in comfort plus plenty of cargo, the Uplander is the ideal choice for a 'big-family' vehicle," said Gerry Groenewegen, Regional Divisional Marketing Manager for Chevrolet.  "With comfortable seating for up to seven, the Uplander's interior is extremely versatile for Middle East customers, with almost unlimited combinations of passenger and cargo space configurations."

Innovation Enhances Flexibility

Both the second- and third-row seats are foldable and removable. Second-row bucket seats can be folded and tumbled up against the front seats for increased cargo space, and the third-row fold-flat bench seat has a 50/50 split for added passenger or cargo flexibility.

The Uplander also offers an innovative and flexible rear convenience center/cargo system.  With its doors closed the box-like cargo system's height lines up with that of the folded third-row seat, providing a flat load floor, with more depth for carrying items behind the second row. Overall, there is up to 136.5 cubic feet (3,865L) of cargo space.

Steering the Safest Path

Uplander is engineered to be among the safest vehicles in the mid-van segment, and is designed for outstanding performance in real-world crashes. Notable features include a high strength steel frame, a long front-end compartment providing a large crush zone, and longer and stronger engine compartment side frame rails to increase energy absorption in the event of a frontal impact.

Standard, front dual-stage air bags for both driver and front passenger are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system's control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient.  

Comfort & Convenience

The Uplander has as standard an extensive list of comfort and convenience items such as air conditioning, power windows and power door locks, tilt-adjustable steering column, and an AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 player.

The Uplander also features an innovative overhead rail module that can slide the DVD Entertainment System from the second to the third row as required, to keep all passengers entertained, or to allow some passengers to sleep while others watch a movie. 

Mobility for All

The Uplander has a range of optional Mobility packages for customers who transport passengers that need easier access to enter or exit a vehicle. The innovative Sit-N-Lift power seat, operated by a hand-held remote control, rotates and extends out from the right side of the vehicle's second-row seating area to provide easy transfer from a standing position or from a wheelchair. 

-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

For more information:
Saada Hammad                                                                    Paul Venn      
Communications and PR Manager                                            Account Director
General Motors Middle East                                                    Hill & Knowlton
el: (009714) 3143350                                                           Tel: (009714) 3344930
saada.hammad@gm.com                                                       paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2004