General Motors Delivers 17 '08 Models That Get 30 mpg or Better on the Highway

Chevrolet Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE are among the segment's best with EPA
highway fuel economy of 36 and 35 mpg, respectively

DETROIT, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- From nicely equipped entry subcompacts to
award-winning midsize sedans and a capable, compact SUV, General Motors offers
plenty of choices for consumers who want to wring more miles out of a gallon
of gas. Seventeen 2008 GM models -- more than any other automaker -- achieve
EPA fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon or higher.
Chevrolet leads the pack with eight models -- including the hot-selling
Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan, the 2008 North American Car of the Year --
followed by Saturn with five and Pontiac with four. Topping the mpg performers
are the recently released Chevrolet Cobalt XFE (Extended Fuel Economy) and
Pontiac G5 XFE sedans, equipped with a 2.2L four-cylinder engine and a five-
speed manual transmission that deliver 36 mpg and 35 mpg, respectively, on the
highway. In fact, Cobalt XFE's highway fuel economy beats a comparably
equipped 2009 Toyota Corolla.
"GM has been and continues to be a leader in delivering a broad range of
fuel-efficient vehicles to customers," said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice
president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "In addition to the 17 models
for 2008 that achieve 30 mpg or better on the highway, many of our vehicles
either win or are strong contenders in their segments.
"Our customers want a break from high fuel prices and so do we: That is
why we are demonstrating leadership and fully leveraging our global technology
resources to address pressing automotive energy needs with biofuels such as
E85 ethanol, hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel
cells."
Here's a brand-by-brand look at GM's 30-mpg-plus highway performers, along
with actual EPA estimated highway fuel economy:
Chevrolet: Aveo sedan, Aveo5 (both 32 with automatic transmission, 34 with
manual); Cobalt coupe and sedan (30 to 33, depending on engine and
transmission selection); Cobalt XFE coupe (36); Malibu 2.4L (30 with four-
speed transmission, 32 with six-speed); Malibu Hybrid (32); HHR (30 with 2.2L
and automatic or manual transmission) and HHR Panel (30 with 2.2L and
automatic or manual transmission).
The Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Hybrid and Cobalt XFE coupe are new models
for 2008. The Cobalt XFE uses revised engine calibration, low rolling-
resistance tires, a new, 3.74:1 final drive ratio and other technologies to
drive a 9-percent highway fuel economy improvement and outdistance comparably
equipped competitors such as the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and 2009 Toyota
Corolla.
Pontiac: G5 (31 to 33, depending on engine and transmission selection); G5
XFE coupe (35); G6 2.4L sedan (30); Vibe (31 with automatic transmission, 33
with manual transmission).
The G5 XFE is new for 2008; it achieves an EPA estimated 35 mpg highway
using the same powertrain and tire efficiencies as the Cobalt XFE.
Saturn: Astra 5-Door XE and XR; Astra 3-Door XR (all 30 with automatic
transmission, 32 with manual); Aura XE four-cylinder (30); Aura Green Line
Hybrid (32); Vue Green Line Hybrid (32).
Both Astra and Vue are all-new for 2008. Edmunds.com recently named Astra
its top-rated coupe under $25,000.
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 can be found at www.gm.com .
SOURCE General Motors Corporation

Kyle Johnson, Director, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy Communications,
+1-248-857-0239, Mobile: +1-313-215-9938, kyle.1.johnson@gm.com, or Pete
Ternes, Director, GM Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing Communications,
+1-313-665-1179, peter.ternes@gm.com, both of General Motors Corporation