DETROIT - Chevrolet customers will find more Impalas available at dealers now that GM has added a third shift of production at the Oshawa I Car Plant Assembly in Ontario. Impala has ranked in the "Top 10" in sales for the past three years, says Jim Campbell, marketing director for the Impala.

"This car 'wows' customers," he explains. "The smooth ride and sporty handling, the comfort and amenities, the space, and the overall value combine to surpass customer expectations. People just say, 'Wow!'"

Consumer interest led General Motors to expand production recently. The third shift will give Chevrolet approximately 50,000 units of additional production, which Campbell says will allow Chevy dealers to keep up with demand.

"Word is spreading on what a great car Impala is," Campbell says. "We have 'maxed' out production during the last 19 months, selling every vehicle we could make. That tells us the Impala is connecting with what customers want and need in a mid-sized sedan."

Impala has many strong attributes that are meaningful to consumers, such as a 5-star/5-star safety rating -- the highest U.S. government safety rating in front crash testing. But what does that mean? Campbell explains:

"Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts front and side crash tests of new cars and trucks and awards 'stars' based on performance," Campbell says. "Impala's 5-star/5-star means that the Impala earns the highest rating possible for vehicles in the same weight class."

Impala also scores high in other customer demands. * The best highway fuel economy of a V6 in the industry, so customers can expect lower annual fuel costs. * Four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, giving Impala a comfortable ride and great handing. * Large car interior, with 123.1 cubic feet of space, but a trim exterior for a nimble feel.

"We hear again and again how roomy Impala feels. That's simply part of the overall appeal. It's got the ride and handling of a mid-sized sedan, but you can comfortably take six adults out on the town.

"Because it's nimble," Campbell continues, "we were able to make the turning diameter tight, which translates into easier maneuverability in parking lots and around corners."

In terms of power, Impala really performs. The LS model offers a standard 3800L V6 which provides 200-hp. Impala offers more in nearly every category, from overall room to acceleration and braking power.

"Impala has the largest brake rotors and pads of a mid-size sedan," Campbell explains. "That gives customers increased brake life, and shorter stopping distance."

Campbell points out that from its inception, the Impala was planned to serve as a police car, so engineers built into designs a robustness and durability unmatched in the industry.

"Impala is the first and only vehicle designed for law enforcement from its inception," he says, "So early on, we were thinking about things like 24-hour usability and driving performance.

"Quality is one of the most important considerations," Campbell says.

"Impala has terrific quality, which is key for our customers. A prestigious industry study recently ranked us superior to Toyota Camry and Avalon in initial quality. That's something most people don't realize."

Campbell smiles broadly when he talks about adding capacity to the Oshawa plant.

"Hopefully with this added production volume, we still won't be able to keep up with demand," Campbell says. "Consumers know a good value when they see it, and they see it with Impala."