The Camaro Convertible Concept
By Mark La Neve
GM Vice President, Sales and Marketing
It’s no secret that the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is a big deal for our industry. This show sets the tone for the year, and includes some of the most important new-product reveals and events. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — if you can’t compete on your product, you’re not going to win. I’m pleased to say that I am confident our new products are winners, and that our innovative concept vehicles will change the way many people think of General Motors and the technologies that are so important to our company and country.
Our two 2008 product introductions have been highly anticipated. Both the 2008 Cadillac CTS and the all-new 2008 Chevy Malibu are exquisite showcases of design and product excellence and are prime examples of our ongoing product renaissance. In addition to these new models, we’ve got several additional vehicles and concepts we think you’ll enjoy.
On Saturday, Jan. 6, for the first time ever on the Detroit riverfront, we will hold one of our most popular Los Angeles events, which is done in conjunction with the Academy Awards in L.A., in Detroit. At the GM Style Event, stars and cars alike will take the stage — think of it as Hollywood meets Detroit iron. In addition to an impressive group of A-list celebrities, the Style Event will host the world premiere of the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible concept. Many would argue that the only thing better than a Camaro is a Camaro drop-top, and this car is, in one word, sensational. In addition, the GM Style will feature concepts like the stunning Saab Aero X, the historic 1951 Buick LeSabre, and the Pontiac Solstice Club Racer, along with some of our other vehicles you won’t want to miss. In a way, this is General Motors’ Oscar night.
On Sunday, Jan. 7, we’ve got something up our sleeve that we can’t talk about — yet. Suffice it to say that it’s a game-changing approach to automotive transportation that will eventually make trips to the gas station a lot less frequent and substantially less painful. This concept will make its world debut this Sunday, and we think you’ll find it as exciting and promising as we do.
On Monday, Jan. 8, the 2008 Cadillac CTS will take the stage. From the moment Bob Lutz gave 60 Minutes a hint of this beautiful redesign, Cadillac fans around the world have been anticipating its final reveal. This outstanding car embodies the continued pursuit of excellence that has transformed the Cadillac brand.
Tuesday, Jan. 9, brings one of our most exciting reveals of the year. You’ve probably seen the pictures. It’s the completely redesigned, all-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. This car demonstrates the new direction for Chevy exterior design, with an emphasis on interior quality.
We’ve got lots of other great cars and trucks at the show, too, like the 2007 Pontiac G6 GXP, the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox Sport, and the Saab 9-3 biopower concept, a green car that’s making its North American debut.
Our new cars and trucks are better than ever. With our new five-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, exceptional interior and exterior design, and industry-leading value, we’re proud to be making the kind of cars and trucks Americans want to buy. We are committed to being the world’s automotive design leader, and the North American International Auto Show is the showcase to prove we have what it takes.
Media days are January 7-9, and the show is open to the public from Jan. 13-21. For those of you who can’t make it in person, stay tuned to FYI, FastLane and GM.com for updates, and don’t forget that you can watch all events live or on-demand at our GMtv streaming video site.