US Premiere In Chicago For New Saturn Astra

Chicago/Rüsselsheim (ots) -

- Cross reference: Picture is distributed via EPA (European
Pressphoto Agency) and can be downloaded free of charge at:

http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=59428&keygroup=bild-

- Market launch in North America in fall 2007
- Production of three and five-door models at GM plant in Antwerp,
Belgium

Premiere of the new Saturn Astra in the USA: the General Motors
brand presents the compact sedan for the first time to the North
American public at the Chicago Auto Show (February 9 - 18, 2007).
Available on the US and Canadian markets from the fourth quarter of
2007 as a three or five-door model with a 1.8-liter, 140 hp ECOTEC
engine, the Saturn Astra is produced alongside its Opel counterparts
at the GM plant in Antwerp, Belgium.

"In Europe, the Astra's combination of style, performance, safety
technology and fuel efficiency have made it a hit with owners and
auto critics alike," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn General Manager.
"Now, Saturn is bringing the newly restyled Astra to North America
and marrying it with our celebrated customer experience. The Astra
rounds out our portfolio with a smart-driving, well-equipped compact
car that shares the European designs evident in all our new
vehicles." Since the European debut of the third-generation Astra in
March 2004, over 1.3 million units have been sold. The new edition of
the bestselling Astra model line was launched this month and boasts
fresh new design styles and new engines.

The Saturn portfolio in model year 2008 will only include cars
that are less than 20 months old. Saturn currently offers the Aura,
which is related to the mid-size Opel Vectra sedan; the Outlook SUV;
the Vue Red Line and Vue Green Line hybrid crossovers, as well as the
Roadster Sky, which represents a further example of transatlantic
cooperation as the sister model of the Opel GT.

The brand focuses on innovative products with high technological
quality, solid value and excellent customer service. Just a few weeks
ago, the Saturn Aura, which shares its vehicle architecture and
design language with the Opel Vectra, was named the North American
Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, ahead of the Toyota Camry
and Honda Fit (Jazz in Europe), and is proof that the ongoing product
revitalization plan is paying off.

Originaltext: General Motors (GM Europe)
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Contact:
Steve Janisse, +49 61 42 77 38 64, steve.janisse@de.gm.com
Ulrich Weber, +49 61 42 77 22 79, ulrich.weber@de.opel.com

Text and photos can be downloaded from the Internet at
http://media.gmeurope.com.