Historic Brazilian Truck Joins GM Heritage Collection After Epic 10,000-Mile Journey From South America

Sterling Heights, Mich. - At a ceremony at the General Motors Heritage Center held during the 2005 World Forum of Motor Museums, GM received the latest addition to the GM Heritage Collection, a vintage 1960 Chevrolet pickup driven to Michigan from Brazil.

The 1960 Chevrolet Brasil is a significant addition to the Collection for several reasons. This pickup truck played such an important role in the rapidly emerging economy of Brazil in the '60s and '70s that it was officially bestowed with the country's name - the Chevrolet Brasil. This honor is reflected in the incorporation of the outline map of Brazil in the vehicle's Chevy bowtie logos on the hood and fenders.

In addition, this truck represents a first for the GM Heritage Collection - the first vehicle from South America, thereby contributing to the Collection's objective to represent the history of General Motors globally.

Called "The Old Way Expedition" and organized as a celebration of GM do Brasil's 80th anniversary, an intrepid band of eight passionate Brazilian adventurers drove 10,000 miles from South America in three vintage GM vehicles to bring the historic truck to the GM Heritage Center.

"In doing so, the group crossed two continents, ten countries and the Amazon River in just over five weeks, as well as surviving torrid heat, intermittent storms, treacherous roads and even a mild earthquake along the way - and all without air conditioning or power steering," said Brent Dewar, GM North American Vice-President, Marketing and Advertising, who accepted the truck from Luiz Cezar Thomas Fanfa, Old Way Expedition leader and retired PR Director of GM do Brasil, in front of about 100 delegates attending the Forum.

"I can't think of a better example of the pride and passion that the GM Heritage Collection exemplifies," Dewar added.

The Chevrolet Brasil truck - and the other two in the Expedition - was restored and prepared by the Museu de Tecnologica da Ulbra (Ulbra Museum of Technology) in Canoas, Brazil, where Mr. Fanfa serves as director.

General Motors' Brazilian Heritage Collection was consolidated within the Museu de Tecnologica da Ulbra in 1996, with the purpose of depicting the importance of industrialization to Brazil, the financial, technological and social role of the automobile industry as a whole and that of General Motors do Brasil in particular.

"The incorporation of this vehicle in our vehicle collection in North America today has the special significance of joining together two of GM's Heritage Collections across the globe," said Dewar.

The Old Way Expedition was sponsored by General Motors do Brasil, Esso Brasil (Exxon Mobil group), Goodyear do Brasil, the Museu de Tecnologica da Ulbra (Ulbra Museum of Technology) and ACDelco. Further information on the Expedition can be found on www.oldwayexpedition.com.br (in Portuguese).

The GM Heritage Center features a continuously changing display of about 200 of the GM Heritage Collection's more than 700 historically significant concept and production vehicles from as early as 1903. Artifacts and archives are displayed along with automotive design and technology milestones that mirror the Corporation's rich product history and the pride and passion of its people. The 81,000 square-foot facility in Sterling Heights, Mich., provides an inspiring environment for business meetings and special events.

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.