New Delhi: Chevrolet, an all American automotive legend, is celebrating the first anniversary of its blooming love affair with India in style with a stunning display of the cutting-edge automotive technology and brilliant styling of the all the time favourite American sports car the Chevrolet Corvette.

Since its India introduction last year, Chevrolet has taken the country by storm with its two vehicles Forester and Optra getting launched in February and August. Besides notching up sizeable volumes in both the segments, they have won seven major automobile awards in one year, including the prestigious BBC World "Wheels" Car of the Year for Chevrolet Optra.

Among the other awards bagged by these two vehicles are - BBC World 'Wheels' Viewers Choice, Best car in its segment for the Optra; CNBC Autocar - Viewers Choice & Best Value for Money, Forester: CNBC Autocar-Best Drivers car & BS Motoring - Import Car of the Year.

The success story writ by Chevrolet's Optra and the Forester models in India in a short span of time yet again demonstrates why Chevrolet is the preferred choice of Heads of State, Hollywood divas and rock stars, and still sells over 3.5 million cars a year worldwide.

The month long 'Chevrolet Celebrations' in Mumbai would witness series of exciting activities. These include a number of customer interaction activities across India such as the Chevy Corners at Chevrolet dealerships, Corvette displays at auto events, Special Chevrolet auto rallies, exciting contest and launch of Chevrolet Magazine detailing the history of Chevrolet etc. etc. over the next two months.

As a special treat for automobile connoisseurs, joining the first anniversary celebrations of the brand from the stable of General Motors that goes with the tag line "For a special journey called life" would one of the fastest cars on the planet: the legendary Chevrolet Corvette.

Imported from Japan, a special 2004 commemorative edition celebrating 50 glorious years of the Corvette, would be on display in GM showrooms in Mumbai in February, Delhi in March and other cities subsequently.

Noting that Chevrolet cars were well designed, fun to ride and years ahead of competition in terms of technology, Aditya Vij, President and Managing Director General Motors India said, "Looking at the success of the Chevrolet in India, I am confident it will substantiate GMs impetus to consolidate its presence in the Indian market and the Asian region. True to GM's vision, we intend to make Chevrolet the most admired and preferred automotive brand in India."

GM India plans to launch an exciting range of vehicles specifically designed for the Indian market under the umbrella of the renowned Chevrolet brand, one of the world's most famous brands and the bestseller in North America.

Chevrolet anniversary celebrations in India are kicked off in Mumbai with the display of the 2004 Commemorative Edition of Chevrolet Corvette. Corvette will also be displayed at the drag race event being organised by Autocar magazine in Mumbai later this month. Delhi will play host to a Chevrolet Rally displaying a range of new and heritage Chevrolet cars driven by proud Chevy owners.

A special book on Chevrolet is being designed and printed which will be launched in March 2004. The book will talk about the origin of the Chevrolet brand, its history, popular models internationally, and its presence in India. It will be distributed along with a leading Auto magazine and will also be merchandised at leading bookstores.

GM India will be running a 'Chevrolet Celebrations Contest' at the dealerships where the Chevrolet Corvette will be on display. The contest is also being advertised through Spots on Radio Mirchi and GM Website www.gm.co.in.

The contest prizes include a Home Theatre System, Chevrolet Corvette Miniature models, Chevrolet Jackets, Chevrolet Wall Calendars, and "I Love my Chevy" T shirts, coffee mugs and stickers.

A special 40 feet trailer has been designed which will be transporting the Corvette. The trailer has Chevrolet Celebrations branding and will provide good visibility whether it's on display or in transit.

To create an ambience of the world of Chevrolet a special "Chevy Corner" at dealerships will feature branding and collaterals which will symbolize Chevrolets history, heritage, international and Indian presence. This corner will also retail Chevy Merchandise and tell prospective buyers all about Chevrolet.

The Chevy saga began in 1909 when William Durant, the founder of General Motors and Louis Chevrolet, a leading racecar driver joined hands to form the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. On November 3rd 1911 the very first Chevy rolled off the assembly line. And since then on, the story of the bow tie logo reads like the archetypal American dream. It has the distinction of being one of the world's most famous brands and the best seller in North America.

Chevrolet complements GM's brand portfolio in India by offering superior value that would exceed the expectations of the customers in terms of product performance, styling and quality.

Chevrolet Optra, a gracefully proportioned vehicle with a distinctive European flair, was penned by world-renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. Manufactured domestically by GM India at its Gujarat facility, the four-door notchback luxury sedan is available in 1.6 and 1.8 variants

Chevrolet Forester is designed and built by Japanese all-wheel-drive specialist Fuji Heavy Industries, an alliance partner of General Motors Corporation. Since its debut in the Indian market, it has proved a very attractive alternative to D-Segment cars and for those on the lookout for a vehicle with performance oriented SUV traits.

GM India is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation. Besides the Chevrolet Optra, GM India also manufactures the Opel Corsa, Corsa Sail and Swing at its state-of-the art facility in Halol, Gujarat. In addition, GM India sells the imported Opel Vectra and Chevrolet Forester.