New vehicle provides 4x4 styling with mid-van family convenience Optional Mobility packages include innovative Sit-N-Lift power seat to provide easy transfer from a wheelchair

Kuwait City, Kuwait - 1 December 2004 - Chevrolet has added a new dimension to the mid-van segment, selecting Kuwait for the Middle East debut of the 2005 Uplander.  The exciting new vehicle is a crossover sport van, combining 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. 

"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.   

Uplander is set to make a bold statement on Kuwait's roads, with innovative styling which combines the best attributes of vans with the bold look of a sport-utility vehicle.  From the side, Uplander's wide, exposed C-pillars also reinforce its SUV look, while 17-inch wheels and wide tires contribute to its sturdy stance.

"The Uplander's interior is extremely versatile for Middle East customers, with almost unlimited combinations of passenger and cargo space configurations," adds Groenwegen. "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.

Uplander is powered by an overhead valve 3.5L V-6, rated at 200 horsepower and coupled to GM's proven Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled automatic overdrive transaxle. When properly equipped, Uplander can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

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

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. A standard, all-new four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system, a rigid chassis structure and long (3077 mm) wheelbase all contribute to Uplander's smooth and precise car-like characteristics.

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
Tel: (009714) 3143350                                                    Tel: (009714) 3344930
saada.hammad@gm.com                                                  paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2004