GMC Announces Pricing on All-New Terrain

GMC has announced that its all-new Terrain five-passenger crossover will arrive in showrooms in September sporting a starting price of $24,995 for the front-wheel drive model. An all-wheel drive model starts at $26,745. Both prices include a $745 destination and freight charge.

“The Terrain allows us to build on the evolution we started with the Acadia, applying the distinctive styling and capabilities that have always been a part of the GMC DNA to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles that customers are seeking in today’s rapidly changing market,” said Susan Docherty, GM North America Vice President, Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “We think Terrain is a bold statement of GMC’s key role within the reinvented General Motors.”

The base SLE1 model comes standard with GM’s new 2.4L direct-injection engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivers EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon while offering a unique MultiFlex rear seat configuration that can optimized for either class-leading passenger legroom or nearly 64 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. The base price also includes unexpected standard features, such as an integrated rear-view camera system and six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with USB connectivity and XM satellite radio service, along with a full suite of safety equipment, including six airbags, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control, and OnStar.

The top-of-the-line SLT2 trim level, which features leather seating, a premium Pioneer sound system, a power liftgate, sunroof and a special chrome appearance package, starts at $29,995 (including DFC). The Terrain also offers a powerful 3.0L direct injection V6 engine and a host of optional features like integrated navigation system and a rear-seat DVD infotainment system.

The GMC Terrain will be built at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

GMC EXPANDS ITS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE WITH THE EFFICIENT AND CAPABLE 2010 TERRAIN

GMC’s all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an “ECO” mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. A comprehensive list of standard and available features includes purposeful technologies such as:

• Standard rear vision camera
• Programmable power rear liftgate
• Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
• MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal cargo space
• Remote vehicle start
• USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback
• Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive
• DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens
• Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling

Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC’s aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility

The Terrain’s rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A “floating” center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain’s seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience

Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

• New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
• New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
• Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

GM Reports 127,296 Deliveries in February

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• Chevrolet retail cars continue to gain share, led by Malibu's 33 percent retail sales gain compared with last year
• Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook drive mid-utility crossover retail sales up 35 percent, share up 10 percentage points, compared with a year ago
• GMAC retail penetration increased dramatically to more than 30 percent of sales in February; Credit Union-financed sales now about 10 percent of total

DETROIT - General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 127,296 vehicles in February, down 52.9 percent compared with a year ago, driven by a 75 percent reduction in fleet sales. However, GM's car sales compared with January were up nearly 23 percent, and crossover sales increased 6 percent, as financing availability continued to improve and slightly more fleet orders were able to be filled. Retail sales for the month were off 43 percent compared with a year ago in a total industry vehicle market estimated to be the weakest February since 1967.

"It remains a tough and challenging market, but seeing some upticks in volume and showroom traffic compared with last month is encouraging. Our new products continue to take hold in the market and we are estimating retail share increases with Malibu, Traverse, Enclave, HHR, Cobalt and G6. This is in line with our viability plan which is focused on passenger cars and crossovers in addition to our strong truck lineup," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "With the 2010 Camaro launching this month, closely followed by the Buick LaCrosse, Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, we are adding even more world-class, fuel-efficient cars and crossovers to our lineup."

GM February total car sales of 53,813 were off 50 percent and total truck sales (including crossovers) of 73,483 were down 55 percent compared with a year ago.

The newly-launched Chevrolet Traverse crossover continues to gain traction in the marketplace with total sales of more than 6,400 vehicles, up 23 percent from January. Chevrolet's crossover portfolio of HHR, Equinox and Traverse combined for 11,796 retail sales in February, a 7 percent increase compared with last year. Malibu retail sales were up 33 percent compared with a year ago.

"All of our new product launches in the 2009-2014 timeframe are cars or crossovers, and with outstanding products like Malibu and Traverse already in the market, we're building on a strong foundation," LaNeve added. "We saw customers respond to our 0 percent reduced rate APR and bonus cash offers last month, so we're doing what we can to keep sales rolling by extending most of those offers into March."

A total of 1,087 GM hybrid vehicles were delivered in the month, illustrating the wide range of hybrid product offerings available. GM offers the Chevrolet Malibu, Tahoe and Silverado, GMC Yukon and Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, Saturn Aura and Vue hybrids. So far, in 2009, GM has delivered 2,010 hybrid vehicles.

GM inventories dropped compared with a year ago. At the end of February, only about 781,000 vehicles were in stock, down about 160,000 vehicles (or 17 percent) compared with last year. There were about 337,000 cars and 444,000 trucks (including crossovers) in inventory at the end of February. Inventories were reduced about 20,000 vehicles compared with January.

Certified Used Vehicles

GM certified total sales for February 2009 were down, impacted by the uncertain economic environment. GM Certified Used Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, combined sold 33,014 vehicles.

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling certified brand, posted February sales of 28,204 vehicles, down 25 percent from February 2008. However, several brands saw an increase in sales from February 2008. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 828 vehicles, up 17 percent. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 3,303 vehicles, up 1 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 476 vehicles, up 4 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 203 vehicles, up 31 percent.

"Despite slow sales in February, the Certified Pre-Owned Program continues to be a bright spot for GM, our dealers and the automotive industry as a whole," said LaNeve. "In particular, we are proud of the strong performance of our luxury CPO brands that continue to show good growth year-over-year. We are providing a tremendous value for customers and dealers in very challenging times for the industry and economy."

GM North America Reports February 2009 Production; Q1 2009 Production Forecast remains at 380,000 Vehicles; Initial Q2 2009 Production Forecast at 550,000 Vehicles

In February, GM North America produced 135,000 vehicles (37,000 cars and 98,000 trucks). This is down 215,000 vehicles or 61 percent compared with February 2008 when the region produced 350,000 vehicles (129,000 cars and 221,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 7,000 vehicles in February 2009 and 22,000 vehicles in February 2008.)

The region's 2009 first-quarter production forecast remains unchanged from last month's projection of 380,000 vehicles (118,000 cars and 262,000 trucks), which is down about 57 percent compared with a year ago. GM North America built 885,000 vehicles (360,000 cars and 525,000 trucks) in the first-quarter of 2008.

The region's 2009 second-quarter production forecast is initially set at 550,000 vehicles (195,000 cars and 355,000 trucks), which is down about 34 percent compared with a year ago. GM North America built 834,000 vehicles (382,000 cars and 452,000 trucks) in the second-quarter of 2008.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 244,500 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.