In anticipation of the premier of the new Transformers movie that’s due out July 4th, Pontiac has already begun its promotion of the Solstice GXP roadster which appears in the movie. Aside from everything that’s going on now, the promotion is also holding a campaign through Maxim, a magazine geared towards men. By visiting the Maxim website, visitors can enter contests whose prizes include a Solstice GXP and a chance to accompany Transformers star Megan Fox to the movie’s premier.

And everyone seems to want to have their share of the Transformers craze too as the Piaggio — maker of the Vespa scooter — also has a new promotion running branding the Vespa as a “Transportation Transformer.”

Customers who will test drive a Vespa at a participating dealer during the Vespa National Open House on June 14-24 can get lucky and get a free movie ticket to see Transformers – which also happens to feature a cameo by Vespa. All customers need to do is to simply sign-up for Vespa updates online, print the confirmation email and coupon, then go to a participating dealer during the open house dates to test drive a Vespa and receive your Transformers movie ticket. Dealer hours and test vehicles vary, please contact your participating dealer for details.

Earlier this year, General Motors has introduced the four new movie stars – “Bumblebee,” “Autobot Jazz,” “Autobot Ratchet” and “Ironhide” as it hosted its sixth annual “ten” pre-Oscar fashion event at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood.

All starring in the much awaited DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures (in association with Hasbro) production, GM’s movie stars “Bumblebee” changes from the classic Chevrolet Camaro, and is a central character in the saga of aliens who take mechanical forms when on Earth “Autobot Jazz” converts from a Pontiac Solstice in a hardtop format. A Hummer H2, modified as a rescue vehicle, changes into “Autobot Ratchet” and “Ironhide” changes from a GMC TopKick medium-duty truck.

“Transformers is a compelling project and offers us a global platform for marketing GM products and building our brands,” said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, marketing and advertising. “It represents the perfect intersection of entertainment, marketing and design.”

Buzz about the roles that these vehicles play in the movie has been afire since the new Camaro was spotted in the film’s first Transformers trailer, which began appearing in theaters on Dec. 20, 2006.

“The first time I saw the new Camaro, while touring the GM Design Center, I knew immediately that it would be the perfect ‘Bumblebee,’” said Michael Bay, the film’s Director. He continued, “It’s got beautiful lines and a classic, timeless look. There were no other cars that came even close. I have had a great working relationship with GM for many years and am psyched to be working with them on Transformers.”

GM, maker of quality GMC lift kit, is now rolling a fully integrated marketing and promotional effort around the film, including a major Chevrolet promotion.

Images, scenes and clips – all things Transformers – may be found at the official Web site: www.transfomersmovie.com. Images of the four GM vehicles as they appear in Transformers are available online at media.gm.com.

About Transformers:

Our world will be transformed on July 4 when aliens make Earth their final battleground. As the forces of evil seek the key to ultimate power, our last chance for survival rests in the hands of young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf). DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy production of a Michael Bay Film, Transformers, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, Megan Fox, with John Turturro and Jon Voight. Directed by Michael Bay from a story by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and John Rogers and a screenplay by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman, the film is based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures.