PARIS, October 2 /PRNewswire/ --
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General Motors Europe President Carl-Peter Forster appealed to European politicians to help restore consumer confidence in the markets. He also called for clear, European-wide environmental laws at a GM press conference at the Paris Motor Show.
"In view of the gloomy market developments in Spain, Great Britain and Germany there must be an end to the uncertainty for consumers. The high oil and energy prices are hitting the middle class to the bone," he said.
In addition, confusion over future environmental policies in Europe paralyses purchasing decisions of European consumers and hinders auto sales, he added. Forster called for clear, transparent European-wide environmental policies and laws.
Also at the Mondial de L'Automobile 2008, GM presented the production version of its environmentally friendly Chevrolet Volt, an electric car with extended-range capability because the gasoline motor charges the electric battery.
Opel/Vauxhall announced an ecoFLEX version of its new Insignia. Thanks to its highly efficient Turbo diesel engine and an extremely low air resistance, CO2 emissions will be well below 140g/km.
Also premiering in Paris are the compact Chevrolet Cruze and the new Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, the sporty wagon variant of the new Opel flagship Insignia.
Forster's speech can be found at http://www.gmeurope.info/paris08/press_opel.php
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM E can be found at http://media.gmeurope.com and http://www.gmeurope.com.
Contact: Frank Klaas Office Phone: +41-1-828-2588 Mobile Phone: +41-79-616-63-62 E-mail: frank.klaas@ch.gm.com
Contact: Frank Klaas, Office Phone: +41-1-828-2588, Mobile Phone: +41-79-616-63-62, E-mail: frank.klaas@ch.gm.com
