Chevrolet Avalanche Sponsors Survivor

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche To Sponsor CBS's Survivor: Africa First Survivor Series To Be Offered In Interactive Television Format

DETROIT - The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche will be the lead vehicle sponsor of the upcoming CBS Survivor: Africa television show beginning October 11. In addition to its advertising presence, Avalanche will be integrated into CBS' Survivor Web page. Also, for the first time, CBS is making the Survivor series available for Interactive Television, and this interactive programming will include Avalanche information. The partnership also includes the opportunity for Chevy Avalanches to be given away during the course of the series.

"Many prospective Avalanche customers are outdoor enthusiasts, just like the 16 contestants that will be competing in this challenge," said Bill Waldman, Chevrolet Avalanche Advertising Manager. "With its unique cargo system, the Avalanche can be reconfigured to function as either a pickup or an SUV to meet the needs of these types of active and athletic individuals."

"We are pleased to be able to offer Chevrolet such a broad platform on television's top-rated show to launch its 2002 Avalanche," said Chris Simon, Senior Vice President of Primetime Sales and Executive Vice President of New Media Sales for CBS. "From on-air to on-line to the first fully client-integrated interactive TV series, CBS and Survivor are providing an innovative and comprehensive way for our clients to reach their customers."

A Chevy Avalanche 30-second spot will air throughout the Survivor: Africa series, including the premiere and finale episodes as well as the reunion show. Two 30-second Chevy Avalanche spots, titled "Change" and "Switch," will be shown. These new spots focus on the heart of the Avalanche, the exclusive Convert-a-Cab System, featuring the Midgate design.

Avalanche will also be integrated into the CBS.com web site where consumers can enter a sweepstakes to win an Avalanche. As part of the registration process for the sweepstakes, applicants will be able to interact with a module that demonstrates the functionality of the Midgate design.

For the first time, CBS has made the Survivor series interactive for television. Users of MSNTV (formerly WebTV), UltimateTV and various other enabled set-top boxes will be able to extend their Survivor experience beyond the traditional broadcast. Viewers will receive interactive content and information on their TV to enhance and complement their viewing experience. This is the first time CBS has enabled a sponsor like Chevy Avalanche to be part of its Interactive Television programming.

"We have worked closely with CBS to ensure all Avalanche information is fully integrated within the Interactive TV application," said Steve McGuire, Chevrolet Interactive Manager. "Avalanche demonstrates GM's commitment to being the industry's product innovation leader, and this opportunity to be part of a new innovative communications technology is really exciting for Chevy." Avalanche will be seen in the polling and profile areas where viewers can request additional Avalanche information and also enter the sweepstakes.

"Chevy is extremely excited to be partnered with CBS and the Survivor: Africa television show," stated Waldman. "We believe everyone is ready for a third Survivor series as well as the auto industry's first Ultimate Utility Vehicle - The Chevy Avalanche."