Chevrolet and GMC all new 2007 full-size SUV range wins high praise from Middle East media at Abu Dhabi launch

Dozens of leading journalists gathered at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi last week for an exclusive launch of GM's powerful, capable Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs.

There, they were able to take the chance to look over the vehicles - GM has been part of the automotive scene in the Middle East for many decades - before putting them through their paces on a demanding on and off road driving course in the desert outside Abu Dhabi.

All the vehicles came through the tough test with flying colours, earning high praise from the media for power, comfort, safety and ride and handling.

Products like the Suburban have secured a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of Arabs - and the new SUVs are undoubtedly set to ensure the regional passion for GM cars continues to last.

Terry Johnsson, managing director of GM Middle East, said: "The Middle East is clearly an extremely important market for full-size SUVs, as they represent 40% of our total business here.

"This has been an important and successful launch for GM and I'm delighted that the media have recognised our achievements and been so impressed by the vehicles, which have been eagerly anticipated."

GM's sales in the region have been rising steadily in recent years. They rose by 28% in 2005 and this strong performance continued in the first quarter of 2006. The company posted its 30th consecutive record month in April and finished the first quarter 22% up on the same period in 2005.

"GM is the leader in the SUV segment in many markets and the new vehicles will provide the basis for more success for the company in the region in the coming years," added Terry Johnsson.

"The dealers have geared up to receive these highly anticipated vehicles, which will be arriving in their showrooms in June."

Whether it's for the school-run, as stylish executive transport, for family holidays, weekend desert camping trips or more hard core dune and wadi bashing, the Chevrolet and GMC full-size SUV range has a product to suit everyone's requirements.

The new range comprises the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models as well as the professional grade GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, both of which are available as luxuriously appointed Denali models.

Covering a wide spectrum of potential applications, the Chevrolet and GMC full size SUV family is incredibly versatile in terms of its passenger and cargo-carrying capabilities.

Awesome towing prowess is also on offer thanks to heavy duty variants. The range includes two and four wheel drive variants, with eight cylinder engines ranging from 5.3- to 6.0-litres and on to an exclusive 6.2-litre unit for the flagship AWD Denali line.

GM's line of smaller cars has been instrumental in fuelling its growth in the region with the Aveo and Optra performing particularly well. The full-size SUV range too has played a vital role in driving the company's sales forward. Research suggests a high proportion of the new sales are "conquests" from Toyota, Ford and Nissan.