GM Introduces Chevrolet Cruze For Asian Markets Compact lifestyle

GM Introduces Chevrolet Cruze For Asian Markets Compact lifestyle passenger car co-developed with Suzuki

Tokyo - General Motors Corp. today announced the name of its first passenger vehicle designed and manufactured in Asia for the Asia-Pacific market. The car, formerly known by the internal code YGM-1, will be called the "Cruze" and sold in Japan under the Chevrolet brand.

This compact lifestyle car is very similar to the YGM-1 concept vehicle, introduced at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. Production is set to begin in the fall at Suzuki's Kosai plant in Japan following its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The first vehicles will be sold in Japan towards the end of this year. The car will be exported to Australia starting in early 2002.

"What could better illustrate the benefit of our strategic alliance with Suzuki than this new vehicle? It was jointly developed in a very short time by combining Suzuki's expertise in building outstanding small cars and GM's sophisticated design and engineering know-how," said Rudolph A. Schlais Jr., GM group vice president and president and CEO of General Motors Asia Pacific. "This is the first in a series of exciting Asian-derived GM cars we and our strategic partners are planning to introduce in the near future. With this enhanced portfolio, we will continue to offer our consumers in Asia and beyond dependable, fun-to drive vehicles that meet their needs at a competitive price." The Cruze sports Chevrolet design cues, such as distinctively flared body sides, a prominent chrome grille crossbar, dramatically shaped headlamps, five-spoke wheels and round tail lamps. A wide stance gives it a bold, sporty look, setting it apart from other vehicles in its class, while its specifically tuned chassis provides it with excellent driving and handling characteristics. Based on Suzuki's new small car platform, it will be available with either a 1.3 liter or 1.5 liter engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive. Thanks to its 4X4 capability, attractive design and spacious interior, the Chevrolet Cruze will appeal to people who lead an active lifestyle.

"GM chose to manufacture the Chevrolet Cruze in Japan for several reasons," Schlais said. "Japan will be the primary market for the Cruze. Japan is recognized worldwide for its stringent quality and efficient manufacturing. A third consideration was, of course, our long-term relationship with Suzuki.

When regular production begins in the fall, Suzuki's Kosai plant will further increase GM's manufacturing footprint in Asia. GM's wholly owned and joint-venture production facilities are in Australia, China, India, Indonesia and Thailand.

Over the next 10 years, Asia will become the world's second largest automotive market with sales approaching 20 million vehicles per year. One of GM's growth strategies in this region is to develop strong alliances with Asia Pacific-based companies to produce the next generation of vehicles.