Housed in the company's world headquarters at Detroit's Renaissance Center, the 50,000-square-foot showroom displays vehicles from the entire global scope of GM operations. Twenty-six vehicles are exhibited at a time, representing GM domestic and international brands, including several not sold in the United States - Opel, Vauxhall and Holden. Vehicles and supporting audio visual presentations will be rotated every 60 days, keeping the exhibit fresh for new and repeat visitors.

"GM World is an expression of the passion behind our global brand portfolio and clearly demonstrates the innovation and technology leadership that is driving our business," said Joe Meagher, manager, strategic projects, GM's marketing services. "Equally important, the GM World showcase reinforces GM's commitment to its employees and as a visitor destination for the city of Detroit."

GM World is divided into four quadrants - Touring and Luxury; Family and Neighborhood; Outdoors; and Sports Enthusiasts - all containing engaging vehicle brand vignettes. These scenes display GM's contemporary global products and services by highlighting the lifestyle of the featured vehicles.

The "Touring and Luxury" quadrant showcases cars like the Buick LeSabre and Cadillac Escalade, while the "Family and Neighborhood" area displays vehicles such as the Chevrolet Blazer and Pontiac Grand Am. The "Outdoors" section features products like the GMC Sierra and Chevy Suburban, and the "Sports Enthusiasts" quadrant highlights vehicles such as the Buick Park Avenue and Chevrolet Venture.

Clever product presentations are enhanced by interactive elements such as seat talkers, videos and audio players triggered by motion detectors and sensors. The entire GM World showroom features 30 video screens, 60 audio speakers and 145 graphics.

To further assist visitors during their GM World experience, two customer information stations that blend with the vehicle vignettes are staffed by product specialists who can answer questions about GM, its products and its services. Each station is equipped with two Internet-linked computers for guests to access information from all GM Web pages, DirecTV, OnStar and GMAC financing through GM BuyPower.

Construction on GM World began in April 1999. The exhibit will be open to the public weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

(March 3, 2000)