GM Confirms '05 Model names

General Motors today confirmed the names of five new models to debut in the 2005 model year. Pontiac revealed the names of the new lower midsize G6, replacing the Grand Am, and the Montana SV6 crossover sport van at a dealer conference in Las Vegas earlier today. In a separate announcement the company revealed the names of the remaining GMT 201 crossover sport vans — the Chevrolet Uplander, replacing the Venture; and the new Buick Terraza and Saturn RELAY. The new names reflect the dramatic changes GM is introducing with the new models, intended to create new interest in the sedan and mid-van segments.

Pontiac's new GMX 381 sport sedan was previewed by the G6 concept at the 2003 NAIAS and the production model (seen in recent spy photos) closely matches the concept formula, including the availability of the supercharged 3500 V6. The G6 sport sedan will be introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2004 and production will begin next the summer at GM's Orion Township, MI assembly plant. Coupé and convertible models will follow in 2005.

Delivering an optimal blend of mid-van versatility with SUV-like attributes, GM's new Crossover Sport Vans are intended to take the segment in a new direction and help GM compete across a broader range of the highly competitive people and cargo-carrying marketplace.

• Buick Terraza — the third entry in Buick's truck portfolio. Terraza will complement Rendezvous and Rainier by delivering another premium, refined experience that blends the best qualities of Buick sedans with the utility that today's marketplace demands. Terraza will compete at the upper end of the segment and continue the trend started with Rendezvous to pull new customers into the Buick showroom. Terraza was selected after consumers said the name has a luxurious, yet rugged image and conveyed a strong vehicle with comfort features.
• Chevrolet Uplander — another addition to Chevy's growing portfolio of crossover vehicles that includes the Equinox and Malibu Maxx. Uplander will feature improved interior refinement, a next-generation entertainment system and a long list of safety and convenience features.
• Saturn RELAY — a flexible people carrier with interior appointments reflecting the direction of future Saturn vehicles, which will help continue to grow the brand by attracting a new group of customers. It will also help Saturn meet the needs of existing Saturn owners with growing families and active lifestyles. The name RELAY, associated with motion and movement and team sport, conveys the vehicle's ability to connect people and their destinations.
• Pontiac Montana SV6 — featuring new SUV-like design, interior refinements and an array of features. Current owners have valued the Montana for its unique sporty appearance and versatility - qualities enhanced even further by the new look and features of the V6 "sport van".

"The crossover sport vans will be different from anything available today in the mid-van category," said Anna Kretz, GM vehicle line executive overseeing the new entries. The new vehicles will combine outstanding ride and handling, compelling styling, and convenient features such as power sliding doors. Production will begin in the fourth quarter of 2004 at the GM Doraville Assembly Plant, near Atlanta, GA. The Oldsmobile Silhouette, currently produced at Doraville, is the highest-ranked compact van in Initial Quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Initial Quality Study.^SM In addition, for two years in a row, Doraville ranked as the N^o. 1 plant in its segment in terms of productivity, according to The Harbour Report North America 2003 and The Harbour Report North America 2002.