Behind the Scenes: GM Premier Party
Some of the less publicized events at a Frankfurt are the myriad of conferences and parties put on by manufacturers
and suppliers at night after the show. We were lucky enough to catch invitations to GM's Premier Party where they
unveiled the Opel Antara GTC concept. Of
course, this was only one of a handful of similar events held by other manufacturers, but it was still a blast. It was
an intimate setting to say the least at the Hockenheimer Depot north of the Frankfurt Messe convention center.
GM had placed several of their new vehicles outside the depot for examination. Note the glowing orbs, the theme would
continue inside. The new Opel Vectra is sharp, and that goodness GM has the sense to bring a variant of it to the US.
The Opel Signum also has potential in the US as some consumers look to wagons to wean themselves from SUV
utility.
Once we confirmed the invitation and got passed security, we entered into the depot. A quick stop to offload our press
kit laden bags at the coat check allowed us to examine the party atmosphere of the event.
Models wrapped in towels pass out press kits in the mock sauna, but with the venue packed with suited executives and
sweaty autojournos the whole place felt like a sauna. Thats nothing a little mineral water and a couple glasses of
bubbly wouldnt solve. In all seriousness, we appreciate being part of this event. The Opel Antara GTC was quite a
sight, especially after not seeing anything groundbreaking up until that point.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sid Ghosh 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Wow, the Sigma is as good looking as the Mazda3 hatchback.
Reply
iQuack 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Enough of concepts already!
GM makes a beautiful concept car, then puts the concept car's name on a POS. Maybe that's why GM's profits are just concepts, too.
I would like to see GM succeed with some competitve cars, but this concept nonsense is so boring decade after decade with so little to show for it all.
iQuack');">Reply
Tedjs 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
And the GM bashing begins...
Last time I checked GM's so called concept cars look pretty much like the real thing. The Grand Prix GXP and Solstice are just two examples.
GM has some great cars out now and some great trucks on the horizon - the new Tahoe is a great looking SUV with first-class interior and with over 20mpg estimated from the new Gen IV V8.. Enough said...
Reply
Carter 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
This new model is amazing. I just love to have a look at it.
Reply
Grand Poo Bah 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I think the models in the towels are the best looking 'new' models there.
Reply
Chris 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I don't understand. I was under the impression that a version of the Opel Signum IS sold in the U.S. Well, it might be as the more plain-looking Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, but is this not essentially an Americanized Signum?
Reply