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GMC TOPKICK C4500 PICKUP FROM MONROE TRUCK EQUIPMENT IS SLAMMIN’ AND JAMMIN’ IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO – A lowered stance, the brand-new Monroe Truck Equipment (MTE) So-Low chassis air suspension and a killer entertainment system mean drivers can be slammin’ as well as jammin’ in the GMC TopKick C4500 pickup from MTE.

The special-edition 2006 Chicago Auto Show truck, decked out in a stunning, custom Madrid Red finish just in time for Valentine’s Day, features an abundance of stainless steel and chrome that brings heavy-duty panache to this workhorse vehicle.

The 4x2 Chicago show truck was specifically upfitted to serve the recreational hauler, lowered 3-4 inches to make it easier for customers to tow large items such as fifth-wheel campers, horse trailers, boats and other recreational equipment.

Whether towing or riding light, this special upfitted truck delivers a comfortable and quiet ride, thanks to the new MTE So-Low air suspension; exclusive MTE cab air suspension; and leather air-ride seats and door sound insulation.

“Chicago is known as the City of Big Shoulders,” said Ross Hendrix, GM marketing director, commercial trucks and vans. “You can fit big shoulders – and then some – in this special truck.”

Besides the custom exterior finish, the Chicago GMC TopKick by MTE features plenty of chrome beyond the standard upfit, including a front light bar, door handle, tailgate handle and taillamp trim, as well as a custom side-exit exhaust system and two PIAA driving lights and two PIAA fog lamps.

Inside, the GMC TopKick by MTE is so luxurious and spacious, owners might not want to venture outside. A rich, walnut steering wheel and door and dash trim, as well as floor, step and headliner lighting, dress up the interior, with entertainment provided by a premium MTX sound system with XM Satellite Radio. A DVD system that includes a 15-inch overhead monitor with headliner-mounted speakers provides additional entertainment. The truck also is equipped with a Pioneer navigation system.

Class-leading attributes of the GMC TopKick pickup begin with its maneuverability. Its wider front track permits a 53-degree wheel cut, resulting in a turning diameter as tight as 47 feet (14.3m). In addition, its sloped-hood design and large windshield provide excellent visibility and a better view of the road.

The GMC TopKick is powerful, too, thanks to its Duramax 6600 V-8 turbodiesel. It delivers 300 horsepower (224 kw) at 3100 rpm and 605 lb.-ft. (820 Nm) of torque at a very low 1600 rpm and is mated to an Allison 1000 five-speed automatic transmission.

GVWR on this hard-working vehicle is 17,500 pounds (8.75 tons). Cargo-carrying capability is enhanced by the 8-foot dually pickup box with spray-in bedliner and a retractable and extendable tonneau cover. The GCWR is rated at 26,000 pounds (13 tons) with a 10,000-pound curb-weight application that would make the towing capability approximately 16,000 pounds (8 tons). The pickup box has a 5500 pound (2.75 ton) capacity, with an overall truck payload of 7,500 pounds (3.75 tons).

Another convenience feature is a rearview camera mounted above the high mount brake light. This camera, automatically activated when the truck is shifted into reverse, is especially handy when hitching a trailer or during challenging backups in tight spots, such as launching a boat. Two additional cameras are mounted under each side-view mirror. These cameras, activated by the turn signals, allow visibility of the blind spots on either side of the vehicle. Both rearview and side-view images are displayed on the Pioneer navigation system monitor.

“The beauty of the GMC TopKick C4500 by Monroe Chicago show truck is that whether you’re pulling up in front of a Rush Street club or towing a horse trailer to the country, you will definitely make a statement,” said Hendrix.

About General Motors:

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries . In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

About Monroe Truck Equipment:

Monroe Truck Equipment, with headquarters in Monroe, Wis., and five locations throughout the Midwest, has been in business since 1958 and has become a leading modification center through work and service above the industry standard. MTE distributes, installs and paints pickup truck accessories and truck equipment, in addition to manufacturing a complete line of snow and ice control equipment and an extensive line of truck bodies. MTE processes more than 18,000 trucks per year. Please visit www.monroetruck.com for more information.