General Motors presents eleven world and European premieres at the 62^nd IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007). The Opel, Chevrolet, Saab, Cadillac, Corvette and Hummer brands also show their current diverse model portfolios at their stands. Over a display area of around 8000 square meters in hall 8, IAA visitors can find information about GM – from the new Opel Agila to the future of the automobile, such as the new E-Flex architecture and latest fuel cell vehicle HydroGen4.

These vehicles highlight GM’s environmental strategy, which is to reduce CO₂ emissions in the short term and introduce new propulsion technologies in the long term. In the future, customers will have a choice of vehicles with many different energy sources, enabling them to decide which propulsion system is best suited to their life.

GM: Alternative propulsion concepts presented to IAA visitors

At the GM stand, four enormous windswept trees abstracted by metal plates symbolize GM’s approach to sustainable protection of the environment. Four vehicles and models with alternative propulsion systems show what future mobility could look like. The electric car Volt and HydroGen4 fuel cell vehicle, which makes its world premiere at the IAA, are presented to the public in Frankfurt along with two chassis variants of the E-Flex electric vehicle architecture.

In one of the E-Flex cutaway models, hydrogen-powered fuel cells create additional electricity, while in the other a combustion engine provides an increase in operating range via an electric generator.

Specially trained experts are available at the GM stand to explain the environmental strategy and details of GM’s environmental initiative to visitors - an interactive approach that has met with great success at other motor shows. Four touch-screen monitors are also available to provide IAA visitors with information about the “Well-to-wheel” chain, the process of fuel production from raw materials through to its actual use in a car.

GM’s computer workstations at the IAA also highlight the use of alternative energies, as the computers are powered by fuel cells installed directly at the stand.

Opel: Two live shows about the Agila and environment

The world premiere of the Opel Agila and ecoFLEX environmental strategy are the highlights of Opel’s stand, which covers more than 4200 square meters. The two “Highlight areas” are situated opposite one another and connected by a "loop" – a softly curving ribbon. And at the heart of the stand, the concept vehicle with new E-Flex architecture symbolizes the brand’s environmental strategy. Next to this is the “Media Mesh” wall, another special feature composed of several LED displays in a stainless steel web that together show a unique, raw resolution image.

Two live shows in both areas are entertaining and informative. While one highlights the Agila’s multi-functionality, the other hosts a moderated show about ecoFLEX. Equipped with finger cameras, presenters on Segway electric scooters show images of unusual details on the screens.

Chevrolet Europe: Award-winning uniform designs from students

It is not just cars like the new Aveo or the Camaro Convertible that take center stage at Chevrolet’s stand. The hostesses are also eye-catching, wearing exclusive uniforms designed and produced by students from the “Private Modeschule” fashion school in Düsseldorf, Germany. The project is part of a pan-European event called “Young? Creative? Chevrolet!”. This competition among students at schools for the applied arts began last March in Geneva and takes place in eight European countries. “Young? Creative? Chevrolet!” is comprised of five categories: photography, video, performing arts, design and fashion.

The winner was Sina Schumacher, a twenty-year old fashion design student. As a participant in the “Young? Creative? Chevrolet!” competition, she designed the award-winning exclusive uniforms worn by the Chevrolet hostesses at the IAA.

First public appearance of new Saab 9-3 range

On the Saab stand, the successful Saab 9-3 range is on display with a new face. The 9-3 range also underwent an interior update in model year 2007. These enhancements put the finishing touches to the new range. The 9-3 now boasts a progressive, sharper look that is inspired by the Saab brand’s Scandinavian design tradition and by the acclaimed Aero X concept car.

Technical highlights of the new Saab 9-3 range include Saab’s four-wheel drive system Cross Wheel Drive (XWD), one 1.9-liter, 132 kW/180 hp turbo-diesel engine with two-stage turbocharger and two powerful BioPower engines (E85) with 129 kW/175 hp or 147 kW/200 hp.

Cadillac, Corvette and HUMMER: World premiere for BLS Wagon

The BLS Wagon is the star of the Cadillac stand, and is joined by the complete model year 2008 with the STS luxury sedan, SRX crossover, full-size Escalade SUV and high-performance XLR-V roadster. Also on display is the fastest automatic Corvette ever: the Corvette LS3 as a Coupé or Cabriolet with optional six-speed automatic transmission. The Hummer H2 character from the new “Transformers” adventure film will also wow every fan of the archetypal American cult brand. The car can be seen on a screen at the IAA ‘transforming’ from the Hummer H2 rescue vehicle into “Autobot Rachet”.