GM Launches New Syndicated TV Series, 'Inside the Vault'

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Jan 31, 2011, 09:00 ET

DETROIT, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Unique Collaboration with Conde Nast, Source Interlink, Telepictures, Tribune, Starcom
Marks Next Step in GM's Content Marketing Strategy
Hosted by Cris Collinsworth, Emmy-Winning TV Personality and former NFL Star

General Motors is teaming up with a variety of media partners to create a new TV series aimed at entertaining and informing today's "classic" man.

"Inside the Vault," which begins airing on WGN America and 18 Tribune broadcast affiliates this Friday (Feb. 4), will showcase stories, insights and conversation, providing a variety of perspectives on how men live today.

"New times call for new approaches," said GM's Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. "'Inside the Vault' represents an exciting and different avenue for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac to connect with audiences and create an environment that is different from anything that's being done in TV today."

"Inside the Vault" will present a variety of topics relevant to men; episode themes will include gadgets, travel, fitness, food and sports. The series includes lifestyle segments from experts at Conde Nast, with automotive editorial provided by Source Interlink, the publisher behind Motor Trend magazine.

The 10-episode season is hosted by Cris Collinsworth, a former NFL wide receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals and an Emmy-winning television personality whose credits include NBC's "Sunday Night Football" and Showtime's "Inside the NFL," along with Alonzo Bodden of NBC's "Last Comic Standing" and Jill Wagner, who currently co-hosts ABC's "Wipeout."

Telepictures Productions, a division of Warner Brothers, is another partner in this effort, which is being led by GM's media agency of record, Starcom USA and content-creation agency LiquidThread.

"We want the audience to be able to watch 'Inside the Vault' anywhere and catch it at any time," Ewanick said. The series will appear online at www.insidethevault.tv, which launches on Thursday (Feb. 3). Content will extend across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo and Get Glue.

Syndicated television broadcasts will include commercials for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. The show will feature vehicles from these brands as part of its content, when relevant, but focuses on the viewer experience and omits "sponsored by" branding.

The 30-minute program will air on WGN America and on 18 Tribune affiliates including PIX11 New York; KTLA Los Angeles; WGN Chicago; WPHL Philadelphia; KDAF Dallas; WDCW Washington, D.C.; KIAH Houston; WKBD Detroit; KZJO Seattle; WSFL Miami; KTXL Sacramento; KRCW Portland; WXIN Indianapolis; KSWB San Diego; WTIC Hartford; WPMT Harrisburg; WXMI Grand Rapids, and WNOL New Orleans. Check local listings for airings of upcoming episodes.

About General Motors: General Motors, (NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.