Chevrolet Philippines—The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCCI) unveiled the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze at the open grounds along EDSA, Mandaluyong City, beneath the largest LED billboard in the country last Friday night, the 26^th of February 2010. This signifies a bold strong 2010 beginning for change since TCCCI, GM Southeast Asia’s newly-appointed exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines, has taken the helm of Chevrolet’s operations in the country last October 1, 2009.

In an event as progressive and innovative as their new Cruze, TCCCI broke from conventional product launches by unveiling the Cruze in a 60-foot bubble tent along the country’s longest avenue. Guests at the event were met by two Cruzes, a super red LT and a pewter gray LS.They were then greeted by Chairman of the Board Mr. Jose L.Cuisia Jr., who talked about positive change, encouraging everyone to “embrace change and breakaway from the ordinary for it will bring us to greater heights and will improve our lives tremendously --similar to what the Cruze can offer the market soon.” Chevrolet’s evolution in response to such change and TCCCI’s efforts to do things differently as opposed to the norm hopes to propel the brand to a level that will positively contribute to the lives of the Filipino people. In the same manner, GM President for South East Asian Region, Mr. Steve Carlisle completed the salvo of enunciations on change as he himself talked about many changes in the brand.He showed support in the change in management, referring to TCCCI; and the progressive and advanced changes in the compact sedan market,ultimately directing the Cruze as a definitive answer to the ever changing needs of its market.

Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Alberto Arcilla also spoke of change as embodied by the Cruze and its significance to the Chevrolet brand in the Philippines. Atty. Arcilla lay emphasis on the venue and manner in which they chose to introduce the new car,proclaiming that “…only Chevrolet can make everyone who drives a Cruze “Larger than Life” and predicting that soon The Chevrolet Cruze will be the main attraction of the metro’s prominent thoroughfare.” After which, his speech led to the toast and presentation of the Cruze AVP showcasing the impressive features and stylings of the Cruze.

Guests were then entertained by the electronic pop rock band, Up Dharma Downand partied the night away to house and lounge beats, all the while being treated to photo sessions with the cars on display during the performances, their images featured on the large LED in their very own 10-seconds of fame, broadcast to everyone passing along that portion of a busy EDSA Friday night.

All in all, the event’s flavor and its various presentations captured GM’s renewed commitment to build a stronger, innovative, flexible,and more successful GM worldwide to address the changing needs of today’s automotive landscape. A commitment met in no small part by the new Chevrolet Cruze.

Setting the bar higher in its market segment the Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan with performance, style, practicality and dependability in onetaut and handsome package. Offered in L, LS and LT trim, it boasts a1.8-liter 138-horsepower engine across the board, 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, available 17-inch wheels, standard 4-wheeldisc brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), available dual and side airbags, and even electronic traction control (ETC) for the LT trim level, a first inthe Cruze’s class segment. Another first in this segment is a 5-star European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) safety rating for the Cruze. This has never before been garnered by any compact sedan since the appraising organization’s inception in1997.

Capping the Cruze’s impressive roster is a 6-CD/MP3 (in the LS and LT) or single-CD/MP3 (in the L) in-car entertainment (ICE), steering wheel-mounted audio controls, 6-speakers, USB port and auxiliary input, graphic multi-information display, a trunk lid with touch pad,rear fog lamps, automatic headlamps and rear park assist (ultrasonic)sensors. The LT model even comes with power-folding side view mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.

All these features are wrapped in a shape and profile that’s more befitting a sports sedan, inside and out, effecting a radical change in the face of the compact family sedan forever.

The Cruze’s introduction is one of the many results that can be expected from TCCCI’s positive change and innovation, as the company evolves to more effectively respond to the changing needs of its customers.