New Delhi, November 16, 2004: General Motors India today launched the New Look Chevrolet Optra. With new styling and additional comfort, convenience, safety and luxury features, the upgraded model takes India’s entire midsize sedan segment to a new level.

“The New Look Chevrolet Optra represents an extension of GM’s commitment to exceed customer expectations in our products and services. Our new offering raises the bar in terms of value for money in its segment,” said Aditya Vij, President & Managing Director of GM India.

“By making India among the first countries in the world to build and sell the Chevrolet Optra, GM has demonstrated its faith in this market,” Mr. Vij added. “Driving forward, GM will continue to roll out new models to meet the changing tastes and needs of local consumers as part of our pledge to become a leader and a trusted friend of the people of India.” Since launch in July 2003 the Optra has offered greater options to its customers - a choice of Automatic transmission (Oct 03) and a choice of 1.6 engine (Dec 03). Besides in August 2004, 150 numbers of ‘Design Edition’ fully loaded cars with factory fitted DVD system were also offered. These exclusive cars were quickly picked up by discerning customers. The Optra is today sold in over 100 countries across the globe and is truly an international car.

The New Look 2005 NY edition Optra has been given an exterior as well as interior facelift. These changes are not only in top end variants but across all variants and are based on the ‘Voice of the Customer’. Among the new exterior features are an American Chevrolet grille, which pays tribute to the heritage of one of the world’s most popular vehicle brands. It also gives the Optra a more international look and a strong, sturdy and stylish front end. New 12-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels fill up the Optra’s flared wheel arches and add a sporty look. A new exterior colour, the trendy “Mystic Satin,” has been added to the Optra’s palette. GM also has enhanced the Optra’s premium interior, which is designed to appeal to both the driving enthusiast and most demanding passenger. The Optra’s colour-coordinated beige interior and dashboard have a more luxurious feel and provide a sense of additional space. Adding to the premium interior are a wood finish on the centre console, instrument panel door boards and steering wheel, and the use of soft grey fabrics on the economy variants with the 1.6 petrol powerplant.

Among the new safety features are dual front air bags and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The ABS prevents wheels from locking during hard braking, helping the driver maintain control.

The new automatic climate control system on the 2005 NY edition Optra allows the customer to effortlessly set his desired level of cooling in the passenger compartment. A rear sunscreen maintains pleasant yet optimum lighting while improving the effectiveness of the air conditioning system. This does away with the need for tinted films on windows.

Because of its advanced level of safety, the Optra has received the highest possible rating in the 64-kilometer-per-hour IIHS Test conducted by the American Insurance Association. The car retains its technology leadership position on account of its 32 bit Engine Management System, Hydraulic Engine Mounts, All Wheel Independent Suspension (AWIS) and Total Noise Reduction System (TNRS). The Optra provides a remarkably quiet ride with minimum vibration and harshness reminiscent of a large sedan through the adoption of the total noise reduction system, which utilizes extensive noise-insulation materials throughout the vehicle body, engine compartment, door panels and floor pan.

The roomy, ergonomically designed cockpit has high hip-point seats that ensure easy entry and exit as well as optimal visibility. The Optra makes highly efficient use of space, with more than a dozen storage spaces such as a pocket on the side of the front passenger seat, storage bins in all four doors and even a slot for a mobile phone.

The 2005 Optra is available in five variants. The base model 1.6 Optra is priced at Rs. 747,516 ex-showroom (Delhi). The four other variants are priced at Rs. 810,460 for the 1.6 LS; Rs. 877,548 for the 1.8 LS; Rs. 1,022,252 for the 1.8 LT; and Rs. 1,084,188 for the 1.8 LT (AT) model with an automatic transmission.

The high-end Optra comes equipped with a 16-valve DOHC 1.8-liter engine that is characterized by high power and efficiency. The refined engine generates 115 PS of power and 156 Nm of torque. It delivers power smoothly and seamlessly from city to highway cruising speeds. The engine is mated to an equally refined manual transmission. Thanks to revised engine tuning and gear ratios this car is now the most fuel efficient in its segment. Top-end variant of the Optra is also available with an advanced electronic four-speed automatic transmission.

Introduced in India in July 2003, the Optra has captured the imagination of discerning vehicle buyers across the country, becoming a leader in the luxury sedan segment on sales of 13,000 units since its launch. It finished second in the recent J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.

The Optra has won more than seven prestigious awards, including: CNBC Autocar - “Value for Money Car 2004”; CNBC Autocar - “Viewers Choice Award 2004”; Overdrive - “Most Comfortable Car” (Sept. 2004); Autocar India - “Best in Class Mileage” (June 2004); BBC World Wheels - “Car of the Year 2003”; BBC World Wheels - “Viewers Choice Award 2003”; and BBC World Wheels - “Best Car in Its Segment.”

GM India is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation. Besides the Chevrolet Optra, GM India manufactures the Chevrolet Tavera, Opel Corsa, Opel Corsa Sail and Opel Swing at its facility in Halol, Gujarat. GM India also sells the imported Opel Vectra and Chevrolet Forester.