DETROIT – The 2007 Chevy HHR Panel, designed for commercial and private uses, adds a new dimension of functionality to the HHR lineup. The HHR Panel features windowless side panels and rear cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. A flat load floor provides more than 57 cubic feet (1,614 L) of cargo space, along with approximately 5 cubic feet (141 L) of additional covered, under-floor storage. HHR Panel production is expected to start late in first quarter 2007. It will be offered in LS and LT trims, with 2.2L and 2.4L engines — both of which help the HHR deliver 30 mpg in highway driving. HHR’s styling draws upon inspiration from the original 1949 Chevy Suburban, which was built on a platform that also offered panel models — vehicles that became essential tools for urban and small businesses. Over the years, vintage panel vehicles have become prized by collectors and street rodders. The body of the HHR Panel features steel inserts in place of side windows and cargo doors in place of conventional rear doors. Cargo doors open wide to enable cargo access from both sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear liftgate. The cargo doors don’t have external handles; they are opened via a dashboard release button. The continuous “canvas” created by the windowless cargo doors and rear panels provide a large area for business logos, advertising, or personalization. An auxiliary power outlet is available in the rear of the cargo area, with available 40-amp service for a variety of specialty equipment needs. This also answers the call of upfitters, who asked for an additional power source to suit their specialty vehicles. Inside, the HHR Panel has seating for two and a large, flat cargo floor. Tie-down points are located strategically on the floor and the available floor mats enable easier movement of cargo. Two large storage compartments, with a lockable option, are located under the cargo floor — in the approximate place of the rear seats of passenger models. The compartments are secure and large enough to hold small computer equipment, flashlights, service manuals, and other valuable equipment that is more secure when hidden. The LS model comes with a fuel-efficient 2.2L engine rated at 149 horsepower (111 kW). The LT model is equipped with a 2.4L engine rated at 175 horsepower (130 kW). With either engine, the HHR is rated at 30 mph in highway driving and can provide up to 450 miles of cruising range on a tank of gas. Since its launch, HHR has received five-star crash ratings – the highest rating awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program. The five-star ratings were awarded for the driver and right-front passenger in a frontal crash, as well as five-star side-impact crash ratings for front seat and rear seat passengers. The HHR also was the highest-rated SUV for the 2006-model year in NHTSA rollover testing.