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October
19, 2005
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- 2005 Copyright & |
Cadillac GM’s American luxury brand, Cadillac, is highlighting four models on the automaker’s stand. The 2006 CTS luxury sedan is a modern interpretation of the strikingly beautiful cars that made Cadillac famous. The 2006 SRX delivers performance and flexibility to the medium luxury utility segment in a distinctive package. Its smooth, nimble handling and cargo-carrying ability combine to create a utility vehicle that drives like a sports sedan. Making its debut in Japan is the 2006 STS-V. Designed for everyday driving, the sedan delivers supercharged, rear-drive performance with an elegant design statement that is unmistakably Cadillac. It will go on sale in Japan in the first quarter of 2006. Also making its debut in Japan - following its worldwide introduction last month at the Frankfurt motor show - is the Cadillac BLS. The new front-wheel-drive premium midsize sedan was developed by GM for luxury customers, with particular attention given to the demands of international markets. Chevrolet From Chevrolet comes the award-winning Corvette. Earlier this year, GM Japan sold out its entire allotment of the 2005 model, attesting to its popularity among local sports car enthusiasts. Appearing on the GM stand will be two 2006 models. The Corvette Convertible features a new electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. The new Corvette Z06, which is making its first appearance in Japan and goes on sale in the first quarter of next year, is the fastest and most technologically advanced model in Corvette’s 53-year history. It is equipped with a 7.0-liter V-8 engine that generates 505 horsepower. HUMMER
H3 Red Cross From GM’s unique HUMMER brand are the 2006 H2 and H3. The H2 is a bold and youthful interpretation of what HUMMER means, with rugged good looks and incredible off-road capabilities. The H3, which went on sale in Japan in June, delivers authentic HUMMER style and off-road capability in a more accessible, midsize package. Opel Opel is displaying three members of its 2006 Astra lineup, which carries on the German nameplate’s heritage of progressive design and excellent driving dynamics. The Astra wagon was launched in Japan in January. With its elegant design, outstanding handling and ample space for passengers and up to 1,590 liters of cargo space, the 2006 edition continues Opel’s success story in the compact station wagon segment. The Astra hatchback was introduced in Japan last month. It features new exterior design cues that help set the Astra apart from its competitors in the compact class, and with a t op rating of five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests puts safety at a premium. The new Astra TwinTop, a sporty and elegant four-seat cabrio-coupe with a retractable hardtop, is making its debut in Asia Pacific following its global introduction at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Joining the Astras is the 2006 Zafira. The second generation of Opel’s compact van trendsetter is being launched locally at the Tokyo Motor Show. The new edition, which goes on sale in Japan later this year, has grown in all dimensions. It features dynamic design and driving performance as well as a high-quality interior with a driver-oriented cockpit and the patented Flex7 seating system. Rounding out the Opel lineup is the 2006 Signum, which combines the spaciousness of a station wagon with the elegant lines of a coupe and offers unrivalled interior versatility. With a completely new face and other design details inside and out for 2006, the front-wheel-drive Signum is a real eye-catcher that offers superb driving dynamics.
Saab Saab, GM’s European premium brand, is represented by four members of its 2006 9-3 and 9-5 portfolios. The 9-3 SportEstate, which is making its Japan premiere, is Saab’s initial entry in the premium midsize wagon segment. It will appeal to those who need the versatility of a wagon without compromising their desire for distinctive design and driving satisfaction. The 9-3 SportSedan and 9-3 Convertible convey a sense of movement even while standing still. Both products emphasize the distinctive Saab identity while offering the pure performance and high level of safety for which Saab is renowned around the world. Completing the Saab lineup in Tokyo is the 9-5 Estate, which features striking new front-end styling, an upgraded powertrain package, an uprated chassis, sleeker lines and a sportier stance that combine to give the new 9-5 a fresher, more dynamic cutting edge. Fuel Cell Vehicle The Sequel concept vehicle, first shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in January, represents GM’s latest achievement in the development of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles. The technologies embodied in the Sequel such as fuel cells, by-wire and wheel hub motors have developed so fast that GM has been able to double the range and halve the acceleration time, compared to current fuel cell vehicles, in less than three years. The Sequel points to a vehicle that in the future will be better in nearly every way – quicker, surer-footed, easier to handle, easier to build, better looking and safer – and whose only emission is water vapor. “With the world’s second-largest vehicle market, Japan offers a tremendous opportunity for our company,” said Hunt. “As our display at the 39 th Tokyo Motor Show and the expansion of our product lineup demonstrate, GM is fully intent on capitalizing on that opportunity.” (Oct. 17, 2005)
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