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GM do Brasil presents Astra Multipower to Brazilian President

The Chevrolet Astra Multipower 2.0 is able to use alcohol, gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG)

Brasilia,(DF) August 13, 2004; Today at the Palácio do Planalto, Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian President, saw first hand the new Chevrolet Astra Multipower 2.0 that General Motors do Brasil will produce in the country starting next month. The Astra Multipower is the very first Brazilian vehicle able to run with different fuels: alcohol, gasoline or any proportion mix of both and natural gas only.

The car was presented by Ray Young, GM do Brasil Managing Director, José Carlos Pinheiro Neto, GMB Vice-president, Luiz Moan, GMB Public Affairs Director, João Batista Simão, Chevrolet Dealers Association President, Besaliel Botelho, Bosch Vice-president and Angela Pighini, Rodagás Business Director.

"This new model is another example that GM do Brasil has a firm commitment in the country to develop vehicles with alternative fuels to attend local market requirements. We have made investments in high technologies to provide our Brazilian customers the best choice for affordable fuel prices in the market." said Ray Young.

The Chevrolet Astra Multipower sedan, 4-door, is equipped with a 2.0 liter, 8-valve engine and an engine control module (ECM) developed by Bosch do Brasil Ltda.

At the end of this month (August, 2004) the Chevrolet Dealership Network, located in cities where natural gas is available, will be receiving orders for this new model.

The car is innovative because it will leave the plant already equipped with CNG components and with a GM do Brasil warranty.

José Carlos Pinheiro Neto, GM do Brasil Vice-president, said "Today is a remarkable day for the Brazilian Auto Industry, the only one in the world to have this unique and flexible technology, and for the first time provide this multiple fuel choice for local customers. This shows the extraordinary capability of Brazilian automotive engineering in terms of innovation. It's our Chevrolet brand leading the way".