FOR RELEASE: 2005-09-08
General Motors says Chicago is for Everyone
Responds to the closing of Millennium Park by offering free rides and tickets to other high profile attractions
CHICAGO - In response to the closing of Millennium Park, General Motors, the world's largest automaker, today is providing Chicagoans and tourists free rides and admission to some of the city's other world-class attractions.
GM will be providing free rides in more than 40 of its newest cars and trucks -- and admission (where applicable and while supplies last) -- to the following destinations:
Navy Pier (Ferris Wheel, Wave Swinger or Carousel)
Field Museum (general admission)
Shedd Aquarium (general admission)
Museum of Contemporary Art
Hancock Building
Water Tower Place
To participate in the program, people should go to Michigan Avenue in front of Millennium Park from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and ask a member of the GM street team for a free ride and ticket.
"Chicago is for everyone and only GM is providing its newest selection of cars and trucks so everyone can experience Chicago's premier destinations," said Jim Bunnell, Regional General Manager of General Motors. "As a leader in providing high-quality cars and trucks to consumers, we are excited to bring a variety of our vehicles to the people of Chicago that will enable them to experience the GM "Total Value Promise" in a new and unique way."
Participants will have the opportunity to view and ride in vehicles representing all eight GM divisions, including the new Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac Solstice, Pontiac Torrent and HUMMER H3. To ensure participation for all Chicagoans, GM has provided vehicles with wheelchair accessibility, as well as child safety seats.
GM has a long history of supporting Chicago, from the Cadillac Palace Theatre to sponsorship of the Bears, Cubs, White Sox and all area minor league baseball teams. Since 2000, the GM Foundation has contributed $6.8 million to more than 75 Chicago universities and colleges, in addition to many local charities.
About GM
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 317,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.