Chevrolet Raise Funds for Autism Research

Chevrolet will donate up to $1 million to Autism Speaks when consumers take virtual test drives of the all-new Chevy Malibu during Autism Awareness Month

Autism Speaks and Chevrolet today announced a month-long promotion to help generate up to $1 million for the non-profit organization and create greater awareness of autism, a disorder that is now diagnosed in one in every 150 children.

During April – Autism Awareness Month – people who go to the Autism Speaks website (www.autismspeaks.org), can click on the “Help Chevy Help Autism” icon and take a free virtual test drive of the 2008 North American Car of the Year – the all-new Chevy Malibu. Chevrolet has committed to a minimum contribution of $500,000, but e very virtual test drive taken gets Chevrolet closer to its goal of donating up to $1 million to Autism Speaks to support its mission of increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research. Those who participate in the virtual test drive will be offered a free 30-day online trial of XM Satellite Radio.

“Chevrolet is making a remarkable commitment to helping the millions of families across America affected by autism,” said Mark Roithmayr, Autism Speaks president. “The money raised during this campaign will fund important research focused on finding the answers our families desperately seek. In addition, by bringing our message of autism awareness to a new and expanded audience, Chevrolet and General Motors are contributing to a greater sense of understanding and compassion about this disorder.”

Autism, a complex neurobiological disorder that is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined, impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike in boys than girls. A new case of autism is diagnosed every 20 minutes.

“The Chevrolet and General Motors families have a long history of giving back to the communities in which we live and work,” said Mark LaNeve, North America vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing. “We are proud to join with Autism Speaks, the largest national organization dedicated to awareness, advocacy and finding effective treatments for autism. This is a great opportunity for us to provide consumers the opportunity to engage in the Chevy Malibu, and at the same time, help Chevy help autism.”