GM officially forms "Power Partnership" with Transformers

click above image to view high-resolution pics of the entire GM cast of characters

During its sixth-annual "ten" pre-Oscar gala last night, General Motors made official what everyone already knew: it's going to be in the live-action Transformers film this summer. They had on hand some of the four main GM vehicles that will be in the film, including "Bumblebee" (Chevy Camaro), "Autobot Jazz" (Pontiac Solstice), "Autobot Ratchet" (HUMMER H2), and "Ironhide" (GMC Topkick). We're certain that every car parked at a meter and waiting for a green light in the Transformers universe will also be of GM descent, but we do know of one vehicle that's not: a Saleen Mustang that plays the evil Decepticon "Barricade". Trust in GM that a full marketing blitz is being planned around the release of its newest commercial on July 4th. Hopefully it won't get pulled from theaters because someone starts complaining that robots are dying.

Check out the pics released by GM of each character from Transformers in our high-resolution gallery. You can also see some live shots of "Bumblebee" and "Jazz" at last night's event here. For more, get a load of the action-figures that will accompany the release of the film.

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE:

'Transformers™' and GM Form Power Partnership

Live-Action Movie's 'Heroes' Attend 6th Annual GM Ten Event;
DreamWorks/Paramount Film Slated to Debut July 4

LOS ANGELES - Four new movie stars - "Bumblebee™," "Autobot Jazz®," "Autobot Ratchet®" and "Ironhide®" - from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures,' in association with Hasbro's, forthcoming July 4th action-adventure release, "Transformers™," were introduced this evening by General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) as it hosted its sixth annual "ten" pre-Oscar fashion event at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood.

"Bumblebee" changes from the classic Chevrolet Camaro, and is a central character in the saga of aliens who take mechanical forms when on Earth. "Autobot Jazz" converts from a Pontiac Solstice in a hardtop format. A Hummer H2, modified as a rescue vehicle, changes into "Autobot Ratchet," and "Ironhide" changes from a GMC TopKick medium-duty truck. They all star in this summer's live-action blockbuster, "Transformers," from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, which will premiere July 4.

Buzz about the roles that these vehicles play in the movie has been spreading since a quick glimpse of the new Camaro was spotted in Paramount's newest "Transformers" trailer, which began appearing in theaters on Dec. 20, 2006. This clip, which is currently the most-viewed movie trailer on Yahoo!, also contains images of the Solstice, H2 and TopKick for fans who were quick enough to have freeze-framed it.

"'Transformers' is a compelling project and offers us a global platform for marketing GM products and building our brands," said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, marketing and advertising. "It represents the perfect intersection of entertainment, marketing and design."

"The first time I saw the new Camaro, while touring the GM Design Center, I knew immediately that it would be the perfect 'Bumblebee,'" said Michael Bay, the film's Director. He continued, "It's got beautiful lines and a classic, timeless look. There were no other cars that came even close. I have had a great working relationship with GM for many years and am psyched to be working with them on 'Transformers.'"

Gerry Rich, President of Worldwide Marketing at Paramount Pictures, added, "We are thrilled to be working with GM on this incredible and action-packed film. Having integrated the cars as characters in the film is truly an innovative concept that will help eventize this exciting 4th of July tentpole film."

GM will roll out a fully integrated marketing and promotional effort around the film in the near future, including a major Chevrolet promotion, according to Jackson.