Aurora Named Car Of The Decade

FOR RELEASE: March 8, 2002

Olds Aurora Named 'Car Of Decade,' Buick Rendezvous 'SUV Of Year' By Auto Website

DETROIT- The Oldsmobile Aurora has been named Car of the Decade and the Buick Rendezvous Best SUV of 2002 by eMOTION! REPORTS.com, an automotive and aerospace industries research and analysis website.

The concept of Aurora was "daring, bold and futuristic," said Myron D. Stokes, publisher and president of the website. He said Aurora's designers and engineers "seamlessly integrated flowing lines along with leading-edge powertrain and suspension technologies to create a beautiful balance of power, elegance and road-going competence."

As for Rendezvous, Stokes described the new crossover SUV as "reflective of new thinking at General Motors as it relates to functional and exterior design, while at the same time pampering occupants with 'surprise and delight' features." Rendezvous was earlier named Truck of the Year by the Detroit News.

The awards were accepted at a dinner by John Gatt, Aurora brand manager, and Chris Mazglad, Rendezvous brand manager.

Gatt noted that when it was introduced as a 1995 model, Aurora was the flagship of the Oldsmobile line. "It was the first car in our centennial plan and a very successful seller," he said. "We are very pleased to receive this recognition for a truly great automobile."

Mazglad said Rendezvous continues to grow in the marketplace and brings a lot of new customers to Buick. "In February, Rendezvous was the best-seller among luxury crossovers and helped Buick to a 12 percent improvement compared with the same month last year. Rendezvous is helping Buick reach a wider customer base by appealing to younger buyers."