Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet's All-New Malibu, Colorado and Equinox Aimed at the Heart of the Market

DETROIT, Jan. 7, 2003; When the curtain goes up on the 2003 North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet will take a bold step forward with three all-new vehicles aimed straight at the heart of the car, truck and SUV markets. It's the most competitive segment of the market, filled with formidable domestic and import challengers in the $15,000 to $25,000 price range. The all-new 2004 Malibu mid-size sedan, 2004 Colorado mid-size pickup and 2005 Equinox compact utility will give Chevy a robust presence in the mainstream of the market, historically a stronghold for the brand. "To win in baseball you need to be 'strong up the middle,' and the same holds true in the auto business," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager. "In the next 15 months, Chevy will be fielding an all-star lineup in key mid- market positions. The new Malibu, Colorado and Equinox will build on the momentum of our recent truck launches, and help strengthen our presence in the heart of the market."

MALIBU The 2004 Malibu sedan personifies General Motors' revamped approach to mid-size cars. An all-new car based on GM's "Epsilon" global architecture, Malibu features a clean, crisp exterior design, a refined, spacious interior and performance with a European flair. Two new powertrains will be offered: a 2.2-liter, 140-horsepower four-cylinder and a 3500, 200-horsepower V-6. The new Malibu also boasts a flexible interior with adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, five-position power seats, and a fold-flat front passenger seat. It also will offer a segment- first factory-installed remote vehicle-start package. The vehicle will now come in three trim levels -- Sedan, LS and LT -- offering buyers more choices. "Malibu is recognized for quality and value," said Ritter. "The all-new 2004 Malibu will build on this reputation with dynamic design, enhanced performance and surprising flexibility and functionality."

COLORADO Starting with the introduction of the all-new Silverado full-size pickup in 1999, Chevrolet has solidified its reputation as a leader in full-size trucks and mid-size SUVs. The all-new 2004 Colorado is designed to continue that momentum and set a new standard for mid-size pickups. Angular, athletic styling characterizes the truck, topped off by a prominent gold bowtie and chrome grille bar. Meanwhile, under the hood the Colorado will offer a choice of powerful, smooth and efficient engines: the new Vortec 2800 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder and new Vortec 3500 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder, both derived from the acclaimed Vortec 4200 4.2-liter I-6 introduced in the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Available in nine separate model configurations, the spacious Colorado will offer three suspension packages, three cab styles (crew, extended and regular) and two- or four-wheel drive. "Mid-size truck customers use their vehicles for an incredible variety of activities," said Ritter. "With its extensive choice of models and drive configurations, Colorado is a great new addition to the growing family of Chevy trucks."

EQUINOX An all-new compact SUV with strong Chevy Truck DNA, the 2005 Equinox takes dead aim on the fastest-growing segment in the industry. The largest vehicle in its class, Equinox raises the bar for compact utilities with a fresh approach to design, along with more functionality and versatility. Chevy's first crossover-based SUV, the Equinox responds to customer needs for more refinement, enhanced ride and handling, and increased comfort. Based on GM's Theta architecture -- the same as the Saturn VUE -- the Equinox is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It comes standard with a Vortec 3400 3.4-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Equinox goes on sale in early 2004. "The new Malibu, Colorado and Equinox are all stylish, spacious, 'gotta- have' vehicles that will enable Chevrolet to build on our momentum," said Ritter. "These exciting new cars and trucks will appeal to a broad range of customers and add significantly to Chevrolet's volume in the all-important heart of the market."