Blige in an ad campaign for the new 2009 Traverse crossover. Blige will appear in TV, print and Internet advertising from now through the end of the year, notably in African American-oriented media outlets such as BET, Ebony and Essence magazines and AOLBlackVoices.com. Blige had previously appeared in an ad campaign for the Chevrolet Malibu and at high-profile GM events including the GM Style party before the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January.

The new campaign, “Many Marys,” shows Blige driving the Traverse while her 1992 hit “Real Love” plays in the background. The eight-passenger crossover gradually fills up with passengers, all of whom are versions of Blige at various stages in her life and career. At the end, she leaves the “baggage” of her earlier self, as well as her actual luggage, sitting on a curb and drives away.

Chevrolet says the campaign targets “African American viewers and female-oriented programming” with a focus on women’s magazines such as Sister-to-Sister and O magazines. Chevrolet advertising and sales promotion General Director Kim Kosak says those target audiences “connect emotionally with Mary’s authenticity, which is why she is such a great ambassador for Chevy.” The Traverse reaches Chevrolet dealers this month.

It’s available in three trim levels and in both front- and all-wheel-drive models, starting at $28,990 with the top-end LTZ priced at $41,810. What this means to you: Chevrolet goes with a proven pitchwoman to a desirable market segment for its new crossover.