The regional reveal of the all-new and highly anticipated Chevrolet Cruze at the 2008 Abu Dhabi International Motor Show was met with great enthusiasm among visitors. The arrival of Chevrolet's new global sedan in the Middle East will raise the benchmark for small sedans, and will exceed customers’ expectations with a high-end feel in an affordable car.
One of the visitors, Mohammed Deeb Nsouli, offering his first impression of the Cruze, said: “I really like the stance of the car…it looks very modern and sporty and really hugs the road. And the interior…wow! I can’t believe this category of car has such an amazing interior. I’ve been hearing a lot about this car since it was revealed in Europe and I’m glad that Chevrolet is going to sell the car here. "
Wider and roomier than most of its competitors, Cruze has a bold stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. Incredibly tight body panel fits that you normally see on luxury vehicles, and a modern, clean & uncluttered exterior add to a high quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance.
The Cruze's dramatic profile is matched by bold front styling, with large headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up, arrow-like, into the fenders and sculpted hood. Other distinct design themes include a concave shoulder line, the two-tier grille and a "wheels-out/body-in" stance.
Visitors to the Abu Dhabi Motor Show recognized the distinction of the Cruze's interior, which carries a new level of detailed execution, spaciousness and appointments that stand above any other competitor in the segment. While putting emphasis on comfort, spaciousness, and a sporty appeal, interior designers and engineers set a goal to create a cockpit environment that is harmonious, flowing and uniquely inviting to the senses. You have to see it to believe it.
Cruze will be offered with 16-valve, 1.6-litre and1.8-litre gasoline engines delivering 112 hp and140 hp respectively, both featuring variable valve timing (VVT). Transmission choices include a five-speed manual gearbox and an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a smoother ride and greater fuel efficiency than its peers. The Cruze will be available in the Middle East in Q2 of 2009.
About GM
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 252,000 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.
GM is the majority shareholder in GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. of South Korea, and has product, powertrain and purchasing collaborations with Suzuki Motor Corp. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. of Japan. GM also has advanced technology collaborations with Chrysler LLC, Daimler AG, BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp. and vehicle manufacturing ventures with several automakers around the world, including Toyota, Suzuki, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. of China, AVTOVAZ of Russia and Renault SA of France.
Genuine GM Parts and accessories are sold under the GM, GM Performance Parts, GM Goodwrench and ACDelco brands through GM Service and Parts Operations, which supplies GM dealerships and distributors worldwide. GM engines and transmissions are marketed through GM Powertrain.