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GM AutoShow in Motion Revs Up


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GM AutoShow in Motion Revs Up San Francisco Bay Area

Consumers encouraged to put GM and competitive vehicles to the test without sales pressure; More than 150 cars, trucks and SUVs available on closed-circuit driving courses

BAY AREA – San Francisco Bay Area residents are invited to experience AutoShow in Motion, the world’s only auto show where consumers are handed the keys to take a spin in more than 150 of the hottest GM vehicles on the market today. Consumers attending the event have the opportunity to drive vehicles from every General Motors brand – Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER – as well as their key competitors.

Now in its third year, AutoShow in Motion originated as a means for General Motors to build relationships with potential customers and strengthen the bond with current owners.

“AutoShow in Motion is a great venue for us to showcase the benefits of GM products among competitive owners,” said Steve Tihanyi, general director, marketing alliances and regional programs. “It is the perfect way for GM to close any quality perception gaps and provide consumers with accurate product information. Many people who attend the event, leave with the desire to purchase a vehicle that they may have otherwise not considered.”

AutoShow in Motion offers consumers one-stop shopping to compare and contrast vehicles before they visit a dealer to make their vehicle purchase. Attendees can learn the latest features and options available for their comfort and security. And since today’s busy families spend a lot of time in their vehicles, children attending AutoShow in Motion can test drive too: from the backseat, safely buckled in safety seats installed by trained onsite technicians.

In 2005, AutoShow in Motion is stopping in approximately 30 markets across the United States. When the tour wraps up this year, more than 4 milliontest drives will have been logged since its inception. The event features test-drive courses specially designed to simulate real-world driving conditions for each product segment.

Driving courses include:

* An off-road driving experience that showcases HUMMER vehicles in their natural habitat; tackling tough terrain and scaling steep hills * Multi-stage courses that put passenger vehicles to the test * Challenging courses for SUVs and trucks * A performance course, featuring the exhilarating Chevy Corvette and Cadillac CTS-V, made of hairpin turns and straight-aways that give consumers a taste of speed

Complementing the test-drive courses are displays from many GM partners that offer visitors more information on a variety of topics ranging from vehicle and home financing to environmental, technological and safety issues. AutoShow in Motion also features displays for products such as OnStar, the in-vehicle safety, security and information service that offers real-time, personalized help 24 hours a day, and XM Radio, America’s number one satellite radio service. There is even a children’s play area for family fun and each attendee receives complimentary refreshments and gifts.

General Motors is bringing AutoShow in Motion to Alameda Point in Alameda, Calif., from Thursday, October 20 to Sunday, October 23 and to Paramount’s Great America Park in Santa Clara, Calif., from Thursday, November 10 to Sunday, November 13. The event is open each day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Consumers interested in attending the AutoShow in Motion in Alameda or Santa Clara may visit www.autoshowinmotion.com for more information. Consumers may register online or on-site but space is limited. Customer service representatives at 1-877-THE-ASIM (1-877-843-2746) can provide information regarding availability. Test-drive participants must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old. Kids can ride with an adult.

About General Motors: General Motors Corp. , the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 317,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company’s history. GM’s global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit . More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.