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"Over the past four years, General Motors Middle East has enjoyed tremendous growth, with sales almost tripling since 2003", said Terry Johnsson President of General Motors' Middle East Operations. "We expect the Middle East to continue to play an important role in the world-wide growth of General Motors for many years to come." Johnsson concluded.
The Tahoe Hybrid, the first full size hybrid SUV shown in the Middle East and the Chevrolet Volt Concept, built on GM's E-Flex architecture took centre stage, demonstrating advanced propulsion technologies that improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Maureen Kempston Darkes, GM Group Vice President and President, GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East said:
"Throughout the world our growth strategy includes launching new vehicles, expanding into new markets and aggressively pursuing our energy diversity strategy, which, together with advanced technology, can make a real difference in addressing environmental issues. It also makes good business sense - stimulating top-lines sales that will contribute to our continued success, expanding into new markets."
Energy diversity is the key to removing the vehicle from the environmental debate" - she continued. "This means powering the automobile with many different sources of energy, including conventional gas and diesel, bio-fuels and electricity. We're determined to make advanced energy diversity technologies practical for everyday use and available to consumers worldwide", concluded Kempston Darkes
Design was another highlight of General Motors' participation in this year's version of the MEIMS, with vehicles such as the highly evocative Chevrolet Camaro Coupe concept, the custom Cadillac Escalade, designed exclusively for the Middle East, and the Holden EFIJY showcar, inspired by the iconic design of the 1950's.
Commenting on General Motor's dedication to design, Ed Welburn, Vice President of GM Global Design said: "As much as we like to think that our decision to purchase a new vehicle is based on careful research and logical reasoning, for most of us, it is our emotional reaction to the design that really counts."
As General Motors looks forward to its centennial celebration next year, the company is making significant progress in transforming itself, and taking the actions necessary to achieve sustained growth and profitability.
General Motors' stand at the MEIMS showcased the following vehicles:
Chevrolet Aveo5
The Aveo5 has evolved into a sportier and more dynamic interpretation of the compact hatchback. The sports Chevrolet's new design language where the bonnet follows the lines of the radiator grille. The interplay of surface treatment has been refined and it is much more eye-catching than before especially the way the body lines flow from the bonnet to the A-pillar.
Chevrolet Volt
General Motors first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the award-winning Chevrolet Volt Concept is the first environmentally friendly car that's been designed to change the way the world drives. As a plug-in electric car it successfully combines stylish design cues with innovative technologies and day-to-day practicality.
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Concept
The new Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Concept isn't just a hand-built show car. It's a brand statement that looks at modern motor car engineering values, passionate design and styling while promising exhilarating performance on road as its predecessor.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
The world's first production 2-Mode full hybrid version of Chevrolet full-size SUV, the Tahoe Hybrid combines environment-friendliness and fuel-saving electric technology advantages plus all the features as expected of a full-size SUV with the help of cutting edge technology on board.
Chevrolet Corvette
The 2008 edition of the sixth-generation Corvette, available as a coupe or convertible, has an all-new, larger and more powerful V8 engine. The muscle-bound sports car also benefits from a host of refinements in driving characteristics. The extensive exterior and interior refinements raise the Corvette's luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
Chevrolet Lumina CSV CR8
The Chevrolet Lumina CSV CR8 is the world's first production "track-day" car and is being introduced at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show. It is one of the most aggressive, unyielding high-performance cars on the market, and customers had better be prepared for the sheer exhilaration that 400 bhp provides.
Chevrolet Silverado Rally Sport
Chevrolet Silverado Rally Sport is a fully operational vehicle that uses a stock 6.2-litre Vortec V8. To give the desired customized effect, it was modified inside out. Apart from the high tech BASF paint job, the suspension kit was lowered and large 22-inch wheels with low-profile performance tyres replaced the stock wheels with all-terrain tyres. These two give the truck its unique look. For more stopping power, high-performance four-wheel disc brakes were added.
Chevrolet Avalanche
The Avalanche brings the best of two separate worlds. The powerful SUV not just provides more comfort, interior appointments, roominess, smoothness and quietness, but at the same time with up to a maximum 2.5 metres of cargo length in the open tray and a mighty 5.3-litre V8 engine, the Avalanche is also a true-blue pick up.
Chevrolet Captiva Sport
The new Captiva Sport is meant for those who are looking for a more dynamic and sporty compact SUV experience. It comes with distinctively designed sports headlamps with black bezels, chrome-coated bumper grills, satin silver door handles, newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, clear-type taillamps and a large muffler. With a red and black colour scheme accentuated by a red-stitched gear knob, steering wheel, leather seat covers and door trim, the interior has the look and feel of a sports car.
2008 Cadillac CTS
The all-new CTS achieves both the serious performance of a sports sedan and the sophisticated poise of a luxury sedan - breaking down the traditional compromise between spirited driving and luxury motoring. The 2008 CTS is even more desirable to luxury sport sedan buyers. The new model arrives with new and enhanced engines and transmissions and dramatic new styling, inside and out.
2008 Cadillac SLS
The Cadillac SLS is the latest to the third variant in the successful STS range, after STS itself and the high-performance STS-V. The SLS is based on the STS, but with additional design and engineering work, as well as manufacturing, taking place at Shanghai GM's state-of-the art facilities in Shanghai.
2008 Cadillac SRX
In the highly competitive market, the SRX sets a new trend in combining the sporty exterior and driving dynamics of a luxury car with the flexibility and interior space of a sport-utility vehicle.
Cadillac Custom Escalade for the Middle East
The Cadillac Custom Escalade for the Middle East features spectacular exterior paint colours and ultra-luxurious interiors that envelope its occupants in sumptuous, unique materials. Exterior colours include Xirallic Cobalt Pearl and Xirallic Pearl Gold Mist Fade while interiors feature exclusive alligator or ostrich leather seats and accents.
Saab Aero X Concept
Continuing the exciting journey in motorcars, the Aero X concept is the latest chapter in series of concepts from Saab that was showcased in Dubai. Saab's other evocative concepts can be traced back to the 'four-dimensional' 9X (IAA Frankfurt 2001), the 9-3X Crossover Coupé (Detroit 2002) and the 9-3 Sport Hatch (IAA Frankfurt 2003).
Saab 9-3 Convertible
The new Saab 9-3 range features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting a series of powertrain improvements that include the introduction of a more powerful engine.
GMC Sierra Denali
Sierra heavy-duties are offered in a range of 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models and are available in WT, SLE and SLT trim, in addition to the upscale Denali trim. The GMC Sierra is built on a solid platform which helps the pick up smooth ride and sharp handling and also has improved aerodynamics. Exterior styling is quite different and the Sierra cabin offers a choice of two elegant dashboard styles.
GMC Terrain
GMC Terrain is a compact SUV with a distinctive design character emphasized by a bold contrast between robustness and elegance. At 4,575mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,704mm high, GMC Terrain is a technologically sophisticated vehicle, proficient for everyday use and equally suitable as a leisure vehicle.
Hummer H2 SUT
All 2008 H2 models are distinguished with functional changes that maintain Hummer's instantly recognizable design identify. The iconic, seven-slot grille features larger openings and the lower grille also is enlarged and the lower bumpers on 2008 models are now painted in silver. All-new interior features refined, premium appointments, all-new instrument panel and all-new, more comfortable seats with a full third row.
Hummer H3 Open Top
The stock Hummer H3 has an available oversized power sunroof for an open-air feel, but the H3 Open Top concept goes a step further with a unique sliding fabric "Infinivu" roof system. The expanded opening provides a nostalgic, safari-style experience in a thoroughly capable modern mid-size SUV. This versatile off-roader is set to show customers that purposeful innovation is key in developing cars that capture peoples' imagination.
Hummer H3 V8
The Hummer H3 V8 delivers all of H3's renowned off-road capability, but with enhanced performance that is suited to a variety of lifestyles. In addition to the V8 engine, the package also includes the popular luxury equipments such as the Chrome Appearance package which includes 16-inch chrome wheels and a 4.10 rear axle ratio.
Hummer AUTOBOT RATCHET
Hummer AUTOBOT RATCHET™ and was one of the highly visible four characters in Transformers, the Hollywood flick that has been enthralling movie goers around the globe since July. The larger than life Hummer H2 in either its SUV or SUT guises stands out anywhere with its distinctive styling. For 2008, both models have a completely redesigned and more refined interior, enhanced safety features and more power.
Holden EFIJY
A showcase of Holden's creative abilities the EFIJY concept show car is all about fun, emotion and imagination. The 'Soprano Purple' paintwork highlights a curvaceous 5.2-metre body, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden. The radical pillarless custom coupe is a working concept car powered supercharged six-litre V8 engine, Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout.
See all Middle East International Motor Show news
Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
