PONTIAC SOLSTICE READY TO DEBUT IN "THE APPRENTICE"!

DETROIT – Pontiac tapped into the talents of hopeful executives on NBC’s The Apprentice to help kick off an early order program for the Solstice roadster, which will be available this summer. More than just a simple task on the show, the winning team’s work will be the centerpiece of a campaign to sell the first 1,000 vehicles when customer ordering begins tomorrow at Pontiac dealers nationwide.

“When people see the Solstice—whether it’s at an auto show or in an Apprentice task—it almost always evokes a passionate response,” says Mark-Hans Richer, Pontiac marketing director. “It’s a sexy, exciting car that you don’t have to be a billionaire to afford.”

The first 1,000 cars will have serial numbers one through 1,000, exclusive badging and a certificate of authenticity. They will be available on a first-come, first-served order basis only during this exclusive early order program at participating Pontiac dealers. Even when the first 1,000 Solstices are sold, additional orders can be placed through the normal dealer network.

To gain the opportunity to score one of the first 1,000 Solstices, customers must visit www.pontiac.com/apprentice to complete an online registration form that includes a unique identification number. Qualified buyers can bring their registration form to participating dealers nationwide at 2:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 15. If the first 1,000 units are already sold, the customer can choose to be placed on a waiting list, or simply place a regular Solstice order through their dealership. The early order program will conclude on Sunday, April 24.

“We’re in the middle of a product resurgence at Pontiac, and vehicles like the Solstice and G6 are key components,” said Richer. “The confidence we have in these new products allows us to make some bold moves, like our appearance on The Apprentice, which resulted in the development of the Solstice sales brochure customers will receive at dealerships beginning April 15.”

Solstice, described on The Apprentice as a “sexy, gorgeous two-seat roadster,” combines contemporary sheet metal and a rock-solid chassis with a rev-happy 2.4 liter, 177 horsepower four-cylinder engine that provide exhilarating acceleration, and spirited handling and braking for around $20,000. It is based on the enormously popular concept car of the same name launched at the 2002 North American International Auto Show.