Chevy SSR Accessory Choices

FOR RELEASE: December 4, 2002

Comprehensive SSR Accessories Program Answers Call For Vehicle Customization

Accessory Initiative Designed to Keep Roadster Fresh

DETROIT -The Chevrolet SSR accessory program is one of General Motors' most comprehensive, adding to the cachet of a vehicle that has attracted the attention of automotive enthusiasts since it first appeared on the show circuit.

The intent is to offer a growing variety of options and accessories every model year - each carefully integrated and consistent with the SSR image - as a way to enhance the vehicle over time.

For initial 2003 model year production, more than 15 SSR vehicle accessories have been designed and will be launched with the roadster - ranging from "floating" aluminum finish running boards to a cargo cover storage system.

Over the next 48 months, available accessory items should approach 50 offerings, and could include a cargo-area speaker system, head and taillamp treatments, power remote cargo cover and engine beautification packages.

The key to the accessory offering is a track system integrated into the cargo area of the SSR. The system consists of four tracks - two on the cargo area floor and one on the upper side of each sidewall - enabling easy, configurable application of current and future SSR accessory items.

A team effort
"We've worked closely with the SSR vehicle development team to ensure the accessories complement SSR design, functionality and market segment," said Robert Triulzi, general director of GM Accessories. "By integrating with the vehicle development team, we ensure best fit and function, and test the products to meet GM's rigorous standards for performance, durability and safety."

The development of SSR accessories has run parallel with the vehicle's development. All accessories have been initiated, designed, developed, and validated by a cross-functional Accessory Product Development Team (PDT), which includes representatives from engineering, marketing, service, design and suppliers - all working to integrate each accessory into the vehicle program.

From the outset, the GM Design Center has been involved in all accessory designs - perhaps as much as in the vehicle itself. Design Center involvement ensured that the accessories not only fit and look right, but also truly enhance the vehicle's image.

GM Service and Parts Operations (SPO) distributes the accessories and provides the investment and engineering costs to design, tool and develop them.

At Chevrolet dealerships, SSR buyers will be able to order accessories when they order their vehicles, and finance them with monthly payments. For example, an auxiliary gauge package - an SSR development team-designed instrument cluster that integrates voltmeter, instantaneous fuel consumption, and transmission oil temperature gauges - can be ordered through dealership sales personnel and installed prior to vehicle delivery.

"With an image vehicle like the SSR, we wanted to make sure buyers could seamlessly order certain accessories for purchase through the dealership salesperson," Triulzi explained. "Customization is one of the hottest trends in the industry today, so we've streamlined the process and simplified it for the customer."

Comprehensive warranty
GM's warranty covers SSR accessories for 36 months or 36,000 miles when installed prior to vehicle delivery, or for 12 months or 12,000 miles when purchased over the counter. "It's a peace-of-mind benefit that can't be found in the independent aftermarket," Triulzi said.

All SSR accessories will be sold through Chevrolet dealers, and a variety of sales and marketing tools support the dealers' entry into the accessory business. Such tools include a point-of-purchase display that enables interested buyers to virtually customize a SSR, enabling them to see how a particular accessory (or accessories) would look on their new roadsters.

"This business has mutual benefits for GM and our Chevrolet dealer partners," Triulzi said. "We're responding to their recommendations to make the SSR accessories program a win-win, and to be a key element of General Motors' 'gotta have' product portfolio.

"Creative, intuitive accessories that evoke emotion are what's going to keep the vehicle fresh throughout its lifecycle - so this program is a very key aspect behind the overall strategy of the vehicle," Triulzi continued. "Just by the very nature of what it is, the SSR brings tremendous opportunities to the accessories arena - and we are working closely with Chevrolet dealers to move the business to new levels."

2003 SSR accessories
The following list outlines SSR accessories that will be offered during initial model year production:

Auxiliary Gauge Package - This is a cluster of three additional aluminum-finished gauges (voltmeter, instantaneous fuel consumption, and transmission oil temperature) design-matched to the gauge cluster on the instrument panel. The package is seamlessly integrated and ergonomically positioned into the space between the console and lower instrument panel.
Integrated Running Boards - Not just for appearance, the running boards also provide additional protection against stone chips and scratches on the front surfaces of the SSR's wide-flared rear fenders. The aluminum-finish running boards incorporate a non-slip surface, attach directly to the vehicle frame, and visually "float" about one-half inch clear of the rocker panels.
Cargo Compartment Customized Strips - Each package includes seven strips and two floor track covers. The strips and track covers are available in body color or wood finish. Aluminum strips and floor track covers come with the optional Uplevel Cargo Compartment Trim. This package includes a soft carpeted bed liner, matching tailgate liner, matching interior cargo cover liner, and two lights.
Cargo Netting Package - A cross bar positioned between the upper rails, combined with cargo netting that attaches to the tailgate and four tie-down rings, hold items that would otherwise slide around in the cargo area. The netting package is completely adjustable to the length of the cargo area, ensuring secure storage for everything from small grocery items to oversized luggage.
Integrated Side-Saddle Storage -These form-fitted, locking, covered storage boxes attach to the floor and side tracks. The ebony-finished storage boxes incorporate a highly durable exterior with a smooth-finished, easy-to-clean interior. The interior compartment for each box is approximately 12-inches deep, 40-inches long, and 8-inches wide, enabling secure storage of everything from tools and trailer hitch inserts to fishing equipment, waxes and polishes.
Customized Floor Mats - Upscale floor mats with decorative piping and an embroidered SSR logo.
Wind Break - A metal-framed net that slips into connectors on the bulkhead behind the seats reduces wind turbulence in the cockpit when the SSR's top is down.
Cargo Cover Storage System and Cargo Rail Trim - This complete system enables owners to easily remove the cargo area cover and place it on a wall. The system includes a soft bag to protect the removable cargo cover when not on the vehicle. The package includes hardware for hanging it on a garage wall and vehicle color-matched trim to hide gutters and weather stripping when the cargo cover is off the vehicle.
Towing Package - An upscale, machined European-style locking hitch slides upward into the receiver hidden behind the SSR's rear fascia. Three ball sizes - 13/4 inches, 17/8 inches and 2 inches ) - can be used with the hitch.
Vehicle Cover -This styled, form-fitting protective cover has been cut and designed specific to SSR dimensions.
Traditional Offerings - As with all GM vehicles, SSR accessory offerings will include traditional over-the-counter items such as wheel locks and vehicle care products.
Personal Items - The appeal of the SSR is reflected in a line of die cast scale models, of which two million copies already have been sold. Other collateral items include shirts, jackets, gloves, travel mugs, posters and a mouse pad. Official SSR merchandise can be purchased at www.SSRStuff.com.

# # #