For Release: July 1, 2003

SSR, ALL-NEW COLORADO MID-SIZE PICKUP, NEW SILVERADO MODELS ADD DEPTH AND BREADTH TO CHEVY TRUCKS PORTFOLIO

From the SSR, to the all-new Colorado mid-size pickup, and to major new variants of the Silverado full-size pickup, Chevrolet is building on the depth and breadth of its compelling truck lineup in 2004.

The SSR roadster, with its rear-wheel-drive V-8 and unique power retractable roof, already has created a buzz even before full production begins in July 2003. The Colorado will be largest mid-size pickup ever offered by Chevrolet and will provide the largest lineup, with a choice of nine separate models. Major new models under the Silverado banner include 1500 Crew Cabs; the segment's first-ever hybrid propulsion pickups, designated as "Flex Power" pickups; and single-rear-wheel, one-ton pickups, providing optimum capability in a driver-friendly design. Additional Crew Cabs also join the new 2500 Series lineups.

"Our aggressive new-product program is adding more muscle to the Chevy Trucks lineup, which is already one of American's most powerful," said Chevrolet General Manager Brent Dewar. "The Colorado will help build our presence in the high-volume part of the market, while our new full-size truck offerings will help extend the appeal of the Silverado, GM's best-selling nameplate. And with the SSR, we have the kind of 'wow' factor that injects a fresh dose of excitement into our showrooms and energizes the entire Chevy organization."

The introduction of Colorado will make five all-new Chevy Trucks since the announcement of the Chevy Avalanche at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. That wide array of innovative products helped Chevy Trucks make U.S. history in 2002 by selling more than 1.88 million trucks and bettering its best-ever sales mark, set in 2001. The new product offensive will continue in 2005, when Chevrolet introduces the Equinox, an all-new entry that will bring a balance of style, comfort and SUV capability in the fast-growing compact sport utility segment.

Following are 2004 highlights for Chevy Trucks.

All-new Colorado
At the top of the list for 2004 is the all-new Colorado. This vehicle redefines the standard for the mid-size pickup truck segment by offering an unexpected combination of features that provide increased functionality and capability. From powertrains to sound systems, wheels to seals, this truck is completely new.

Colorado is a true pickup truck, with body-on-frame design; Crew, Extended and Regular Cab models; three distinct suspension packages; manual and automatic transmissions; 2WD and 4WD; and class-leading power from two completely new inline engines, the Vortec 2800 four-cylinder and the Vortec 3500 five-cylinder.

"The American public discovered the inherent advantages of inline engine technology with the introduction of the TrailBlazer, and this year they're going to realize the same thing in the Colorado," said Bruce Mader, Colorado product manager. "Both of these all-new inline engines are among the most advanced engines in the world. These powertrains are indicative of just what a 'true Chevy truck' Colorado really is."

SSR convertible sport pickup
SSR made its debut in 2003 and features large, flared fenders, a sculpted hood and bold stance. The frame and chassis of the SSR are similar in design to Chevy's mid-size TrailBlazer family of sport utilities. All exterior panels are of stamped steel. Power comes from a new aluminum block version of GM's Vortec 5300 5.3L small-block V-8. Rounding out the sporty street machine appearance of the SSR are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear tires and wheels.

The most distinguishing feature of the all-new Chevrolet SSR is its ingenious power-retractable hardtop "top stack" system, the first ever applied on a pickup-styled vehicle. Roof panels move independently to "stack" vertically behind the passenger compartment - a design that ensures quick operation and minimal stowage requirements.

Expanded choices in pickups
Being introduced in mid-2004, Silverado 1500 Crew Cabs augment Chevy's half-ton pickup portfolio. They combine all the driver- and passenger-friendly features of a 1500 Series model with Chevy's roomiest cab and feature a new 5-foot, 8-inch (1.7-meter) pickup bed that permits easy handling, parking and garageability.

Silverado hybrid Flex Power models go into production for fleet and commercial customers in October. These half-ton Extended Cab models feature a standard Vortec 5300 V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission coupled with the segment's first hybrid propulsion technology, to provide 10-15 percent better fuel economy; 120-volt electrical power with ground fault detection; and unique accessory powering capability.

Silverado K3500 (4WD) single-rear-wheel models, available in Regular, Extended and Crew Cab body styles either as long box pickups or box delete chassis cabs, become available at mid-year for customers who need increased capabilities in a more driver-friendly, easier-to-maneuver configuration.

Additional Silverado and Sierra 2500 Series short box Crew Cabs, in two- and four-wheel drive, available with 8,600-pound (3,901-kg) GVWRs, enable Chevy to offer optimum roominess at every level.

Avalanche, the spontaneous quick-change artist of the truck world, provides unparalleled flexibility in the mix between passengers and cargo. Avalanche's revolutionary Convert-a-Cab System and Midgate continue to offer great flexibility and function. New features for 2004 include the addition of standard Hydroboost brakes and tire pressure monitoring on 1500 models. Avalanche also adopts a richer look for 2004 with new chrome accent on the grille.

To round out the pickup truck lineup, the popular S-10 compact pickup returns for a limited engagement in 2004 in one of its most versatile configurations - the 4WD Crew Cab.

Vans for cargo or comfort
Express, Chevy's full-size van, continues to offer superb features such as the wide rear cargo-door openings and low step-in heights. The versatile van comes with four engine choices and in wheelbases ranging from 135 inches (3,429 mm) and 155 inches (3,937 mm) for passenger van and cargo vans, and up to 177 inches (4,496 mm) as a solid foundation for an RV conversion.

The 2004 Chevrolet Astro - the most capable mid-size van around - remains unmatched by its segment's competitors in terms of cargo capacity, towing capability and comfortable eight-passenger seating. For 2004, 16-inch wheels are standard on all Astro models.

The Venture minivan's low step-in height through its standard dual sliding rear doors and available dual power sliding doors offer easy access to a spacious interior - with seating for up to eight people in some extended wheelbase models. Available separate front and rear HVAC controls add to its custom comfort. Available DVD-based entertainment systems, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) and an available CD/MP3 radio adds even further to the entertainment choices.

SUVs with versatility
At the head of the Chevy sport utility lineup, the venerable Suburban's workhorse reputation means there's enough space to comfortably seat eight adults or to fit a 4-by-8-foot (1.2-by-2.4-meter) sheet of plywood on the load floor with the doors closed and rear seats removed. Suburban can trailer as much as 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) when properly equipped.

The full-size Tahoe sport utility provides all the essentials - and then some. From its enhanced vehicle stability from StabiliTrak, plus creature comforts such as tri-zone climate control, premium sound and the security of the OnStar services, Tahoe proves it's both durable and refined.

New features on 2004 Tahoe and Suburban include a tire pressure monitor, Hydroboost brakes on Tahoe and half-ton Suburban models and a right-front passenger seat belt reminder for both.

All-new features on the 2004 TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT mid-size sport utility include a last-door locking feature and new 17-inch wheels on TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT. Interior design changes include an attractive and durable monochromatic instrument panel, Light Cashmere cloth reclining bucket seats or premium two-tone leather seating surfaces. Infotainment additions for 2004 include XM Satellite (continental U.S. only) and navigation radios.

Tracker continues to provide the essential power desired by small-SUV buyers. All models come in either 2WD or 4WD with a standard automatic transmission and 2.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine that generates 165 horsepower (123 kw).

The durable Blazer is also part of the SUV lineup in 2004, positioned between the Tracker and the TrailBlazer in the Chevy sport utility family, giving Chevy Trucks a comprehensive lineup of small to mid-size utility vehicles.

Innovative Equinox for 2005
While most compact utilities are variations on traditional sport utility designs, the all-new for 2005 Chevy Equinox will take a fresh, memorable approach, one that should appeal to a broad range of buyers. Its overall size and interior spaciousness provide enhanced passenger comfort and cargo capability. It will be powered by a 3.4L V-6 and be built on a unitized body made of high-strength steel, which incorporates full-length frame rails and a safety cage in a single, welded unit. Production begins in early 2004 at the CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ont., GM's joint-venture facility with Suzuki Motor Corp.

Equinox will be the largest in the compact SUV segment, with the longest wheelbase (112.5 inches/2,858 mm) and a wide stance (61.6 inches/1,565 mm). Equinox also will offer flexibility and versatility not found in other vehicles, from a sliding rear seat to innovative cargo storage.