GM Ultimate Road Trip Vehicles at 2006 NAIAS

Press Release

GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express Conversion Vans

General Motors will showcase the “ultimate road trip vehicles,” the 2006 GMC Savana and 2006 Chevrolet Express conversion vans, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) next month. The GM conversion vans, customized by Explorer Van Co., and Majestic Van Corp., will be located in the GMC and Chevrolet exhibit areas of the Cobo Center .

“Today’s GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express conversion vans are among the automotive industry’s best-kept secrets, and the NAIAS exhibit gives consumers the chance to experience first-hand the wide range of amenities these custom vehicles offer at an affordable price,” said Ross Hendrix, marketing director, commercial vans, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “GM conversion vans are the best conversion products available today. We’re committed to the category and work closely with our upfitters to provide consumers vehicles with superior comfort, features, safety and value.”

At NAIAS, Explorer Van Co. and GMC will display an exceptional high-top conversion of the 2006 Savana full-size van, featuring a custom body kit, 20-inch chrome wheels, skylight, navigation system, rear back-up camera, and 26-inch flat-screen HD satellite television. Majestic Van Corp. and Chevrolet will exhibit a revolutionary low-top 2006 Express conversion van with a new, aggressive design and custom features including 20-inch racing wheels, all-wheel drive, lowered suspension, custom exhaust, special “fade” paint treatment, 17-inch flip-down LCD monitor and theatre-quality sound.

The 2006 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express c onversion vans offer segment-exclusive available all-wheel drive with the luxury and comfort of an interior featuring leather captain’s chairs and plenty of space to comfortably move around inside the vehicle. Coupled with significant improvements in safety, design, technology and entertainment amenities, today’s GM conversion vans are virtual “living rooms on wheels,” the ultimate weekend or everyday travel vehicle for recreation with friends and family, tailgating, and outdoors activities.

GM conversion vans come in high-top and low-top versions with premium paint finishes, custom wheels and ground effects, segment-exclusive driver-side swing-out doors, and a wide array of entertainment systems, including dual-zone music systems, flat-screen LCD televisions up to 26 inches, high-definition TV reception, DVD players, integrated video gaming consoles, an onboard navigation system and available XM Satellite Radio.

The 2006 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express have received the federal government's highest frontal crash test safety rating – five stars – for the driver and front-seat passenger. Other safety and security features include dual-level air bags and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

“There’s a gap between consumers’ perception of the old conversion van and the reality of today’s conversion van,” said Rod McSweeney, president of the Conversion Van Marketing Association (CVMA), an industry group comprised of 23 GM-approved conversion van manufacturers, that is focused on raising consumer awareness of GM conversion vans. “Thanks to significant advancements GM made in recent years, they are now the ultimate in luxury, comfort and entertainment, and we’re focused on telling this story to consumers.”

The CVMA has launched an integrated consumer marketing campaign featuring the tagline: “Today’s Conversion Van: Life’s Better in Here,” and a website, www.todaysconversionvan.com, which provides consumers with detailed information on upfit options, CVMA member upfitters, and where to find a local GMC or Chevrolet conversion van dealer.