2001 TOYOTA FLEET INCENTIVES

TORRANCE, CA, May 18, 2000 - Toyota Motor Sales USA announced its 2001-model year fleet incentives today. When vehicles are factory-ordered, the following amounts will be reduced from the factory invoice:

GENERAL MOTORS

2001 MODEL YEAR "FLEET" FREE FLOW OPTIONS

May 19, 2000

SATURN UNVEILS SIDE IMPACT "HEAD CURTAIN" AIR BAG TECHNOLOGY FOR 2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES

DETROIT - May 15, 2000 - Saturn Corporation has announced its new air bag technology designed to decrease the severity of head and neck injuries in side-impact collisions. Saturn’s new "head curtain" air bags will be available as an option on its 2001 model year L-Series sedan and wagon and S-Series sedan, wagon and coupe. "This new technology is a dramatic step in Saturn’s continued efforts to be a safety leader among automobile manufacturers," said Jim Ulrich, vice president of engineering for Saturn Corporation. "We’re very proud that this technology was developed by our engineers for Saturn vehicles and will be shared among other General Motors brands." The head curtain air bag system is stored along the vehicle’s body side upper roof rail behind the headliner and garnish trim. The air bag deploys based on feedback from electronic sensors located along the sides of the vehicle. The air bag drops fromthe roof rail and unfolds as it inflates, providing a cushion to help protect the head and neck regions.

Side impacts are second only to frontal impacts as a source of injuries and fatalities to passenger car occupants. Side impact crashes account for approximately 30 percent of crashes in small and mid-size cars. About half of the harm from serious injury in side impact crashes is associated with head and neck injuries. Side impact head curtain air bags are intended to help cushion the head and neck in many of these types of crashes and are expected to significantly reduce these injuries. Of course, no restraint system is capable of preventing injury in every circumstance and air bags are most effective when used with safety belts.

Head curtain air bags also are engineered to minimize the risk of harm to out-of-position adults and children. Extensive testing and development were conducted to evaluate out-of-position performance.

NEW AIR-BAG TECHNOLOGY KNOWS WHO’S IN THE SEAT

Continuing to set the safety pace among minivans, Windstar will soon feature Ford’s Personal Safety System.

For the first time, new passenger seat-weight sensing technology (available mid-model year ‘01) can de-activate the air bag if a child under 45 pounds is improperly seated in the passenger seat. The new technology adds to a system first introduced by Ford on the 2000 Taurus.

More than a dozen technologies work together to generate data for the restraints’ Control Module - the ‘brains’ of the system. The module takes into account the driver’s seating position, driver and front-seat occupant’s safety belt usage and accident severity before deploying appropriate safety technologies during frontal collisions.

SIDE-MIRROR STROBE WARNS DRIVER OF OPEN SLIDING DOOR

Many of Windstar’s new safety features are unseen by the customer.

That’s not the case for the industry-first sliding-door warning strobe. This clever new technology uses Windstar’s side-mirror turn signals to warn oncoming traffic if the minivan’s sliding doors are open.

The signals flash, or strobe, faster than the turn signals to warn of an open door.

WINDSTAR GETS STABILITY CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, A MINIVAN-FIRST

Introduced on luxury sedans and sports coupes, Interactive Vehicle Dynamic (IVD) technology goes beyond even the most advanced traction control systems to help a driver maintain control of a vehicle that is beginning to slide or plow through a turn. The 2001 Windstar will be the first North American minivan to receive IVD when the system is rolled out mid-model year. Ford Motor Company’s AdvanceTrac™ system is designed to enhance stability in extreme driving conditions when drivers misjudge speed or road conditions.

The system uses a combination of braking to the offside rear wheel and engine torque reduction to help counter the vehicle’s momentum as monitored by steering angle and dynamics sensors. IVD is currently available on all European Focus models and Lincoln LS models with automatic transmissions. The system soon will be available on Ford Focus in North America.

OLDSMOBILE 2001 SILHOUETTE ENHANCES PASSENGER COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE WITH NEW FEATURES

NEW YORK, April 19, 2000 - Oldsmobile Silhouette, the minivan that brought the industry’s first integrated video entertainment system in the Premiere, continues to improve comfort and convenience for all passengers with new features and technology for 2001. The 2001 Silhouette includes front dual zone HVAC that allows front passengers of this refined family vehicle to have personalized temperature control. The eight-way power seats with metaphoric controls further meet the individual needs of front passengers. An exclusive acoustics package provides a quieter interior environment. All Silhouette models now have second row captain’s chairs standard. A third row stowable seat with a rear convenience center is standard on the GLS and Premiere, with new third row captain’s chairs as an option. For easier entry and exit for rear passengers, a power sliding left-hand door will be available mid-year.

On the outside, the 2001 Silhouette features new 16" wheels and distinctive front and rear facias complimenting Silhouette’s refined, sophisticated style.

As part of General Motors continuing commitment to safety, all Silhouette models are equipped with head and thorax side impact airbags and for 2001, OnStar’s three-button system is standard with no additional charge for the first year of service.

"The Silhouette displays the refined, confident performance consistent in the Oldsmobile lineup," continued Langenhorst. "The 2001 Silhouette is so conscientiously outfitted that it meets the needs of the driver as well as each individual passenger."

LINCOLN FIRST AMERICAN LUXURY BRAND TO PROVIDE COMPLIMENTARY MAINTENANCE

IRVINE, Calif., May 22, 2000 - Adding substance to its positioning as the premier American Luxury automotive brand, Lincoln today became the first domestic luxury manufacturer to announce complimentary maintenance on all its vehicles.

The complimentary service will be standard on all 2001 model-year Lincolns. It covers all routine maintenance–from oil changes to wipers to shocks–for the first three years or 36,000 miles. In addition, the basic Lincoln warranty of four years/50,000 miles remains in place.

"Being a top-tier luxury brand means ensuring absolute customer satisfaction and a carefree ownership experience," said Jim O’Sullivan, Lincoln Group Brand Manager. "Our complimentary maintenance program is only one step toward reaching that point, and will help build long-term brand loyalty among Lincoln owners, not to mention improved residual and resale values."

Lincoln, which celebrates its 80-year anniversary this summer, is the first domestic luxury marque to offer this type of comprehensive complimentary maintenance program as a standard feature. "Our promise to consumers is to deliver American Luxury in all we do - in the vehicles we make, at the dealerships where they are sold and through the ownership experience," added O’Sullivan.

Lincoln’s 2001 models will begin appearing in dealerships in September 2000. Based in Irvine, Calif., Lincoln markets the award-winning LS luxury sports sedan, the powerful Navigator sport utility vehicle and the luxurious Town Car and Continental. More information is available at www.lincolnvehicles.com.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER JOINS "CALIFORNIA FUEL CELL PARTNERSHIP

With goal of bringing Fuel Cell technology to production SACRAMENTO, CA., April 20, 2000 — DaimlerChrysler announced it will test five fuel cell vehicles in California by 2001 as part of a unique public/private partnership to demonstrate the viability of fuel cell cars as an alternative drive solution. DaimlerChrysler, along with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Energy Commission, Ballard Power Systems, Ford Motor Company, ARCO, Shell and Texaco have created the "California Fuel Cell Partnership" to advance automotive fuel cell technology.

"For the first time ever, fuel companies are joining with automobile companies to demonstrate fuel cell vehicles under real day-to-day driving conditions," said DaimlerChrysler Chairman Robert Eaton. "When we unveiled our fifth fuel cell car, NECAR 4, in Washington, D.C. last month, we said cost and development of a fuel infrastructure were key challenges. Today, three major fuel companies are exploring the possibility of providing the fueling infrastructure needed for the introduction of consumer fuel cell vehicles."

The California Fuel Cell Partnership plans to place about 50 fuel cell passenger cars and electric buses on the road between 2000 and 2003. DaimlerChrysler’s goal is to demonstrate 15 passenger vehicles in California by 2003 as part of the project. The exact vehicle models have yet to be determined.

In addition to testing the fuel cell under typical driving conditions, the partners will identify fuel infrastructure issues and begin preparing the California market for the new technology. The energy providers will supply a variety of fuels for the demonstration project, including hydrogen, methanol and potentially a cleaner type of gasoline. DaimlerChrysler is pursuing fuel cell technology in all those fuels and was the first company to show derivable fuel cell cars running on hydrogen and methanol.

DaimlerChrysler’s NECAR 4 is a zero-emission vehicle, which uses fuel cell technology to generate electricity. NECAR 4, a concept based on the Mercedes-Benz A-class compact car, can go up to 90 mph and travel nearly 280 miles before refueling, making NECAR 4’s driving range greater than any other zero emission vehicle. In addition, engineers have been able to mount the complete fuel cell system in the vehicle floor for the first time allowing room for up to five passengers with plenty of cargo space.

2001 TOYOTA RAV4 SUV PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 19, 2000 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., today unveiled the all-new second-generation 2001 RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) at a press conference at the New York Auto Show. "The arrival of the RAV4 in 1996 marked the debut of a whole new concept, and fueled an industry-wide rush to develop passenger-car-based sport utility vehicles, said Don Esmond, group vice-president and general manager, Toyota Division. "For many buyers entering the segment for the first time, the move into a traditional truck-based SUV is a big leap. Often, it involves more trade-offs than they are willing to make. Which is why the industry has whole-heartedly adopted the core concept of the RAV4. And it is why Toyota will launch its second-generation car-based SUV before most manufacturers are able to launch their first."

The 2001 RAV4 is longer, wider and taller, inside and out, and its passenger compartment is more comfortable and convenient than the previous generation. The new seating design and configuration is more versatile and the interior is roomier for both passengers and cargo.

Its exterior has a bolder, more rugged look, which is a subtle hint of the unibody's improved strength, crash worthiness and reduced overall NVH. The significant improvement in body rigidity allowed engineers to improve overall suspension flexibility by more than 100 percent, resulting in improved ride comfort and better control.

The RAV4 will be powered by an all-new VVT-i 2.0-liter engine that is lightweight, powerful, low-emission and more fuel-efficient. The all-aluminum engine weighs 50 pounds less than the current engine, yet will produce 21 more horsepower, and 10 more pounds of torque, while delivering exceptional fuel economy.

RAV4's engine also will be certified as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) and will be powerful enough to shave more than a full second off the current generation's zero-to-60 acceleration performance.

The RAV4 will be offered in two- and four-wheel drive models, with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. It will have enhanced traction for light off-roading and inclement weather.

"For all of its improvements, the 2001 RAV4 remains a vehicle aimed squarely at the entry-level SUV buyer looking to satisfy both emotional and practical priorities, " concluded Esmond. "The RAV4 is a purchase that is as much about image as practicality."

The all-new RAV4 will have an aggressive sales target of 75,000 units per year when it goes on sale this October.

FORD INTRODUCES PROPANE-POWERED SUPER DUTY F-SERIES

DEARBORN, Mich., May 8, 2000 - Ford Motor Company introduced the propane-powered, bi-fuel Super Duty F-Series chassis cab for the 2000 model year. Ford has already begun taking orders for the vehicle and hopes to sell approximately 1,300 units this year. The propane-powered chassis cab expands the Ford propane-powered vehicle line-up and is available in several different models and fuel tank configurations. The result is greater flexibility for the customer. Ford now has a propane-powered vehicle option for nearly every commercial truck application.

"There’s been a lot of demand — especially from the propane industry — for a propane-powered truck that is flexible enough to be used for multiple applications," said Dave Tarrant, Ford commercial truck and alternative fuel vehicle manager. "We are now able to give them that flexibility by offering the truck in several models with several tank configurations."

The propane-powered chassis cab is available as an F-350 (11,200 gvw), F-450 (15,000 gvw) or F-550 (17,500 gvw/19,000 gvw) with a regular cab or crew cab. Vehicles can be ordered with aleft-hand frame mount or aft-of-axle propane fuel tank configuration or both, providing greater flexibility to customer needs. Additionally, the Super Duty chassis cab can accommodate many kinds of second bodies including van, stake, dump, service/utility, bulk and others.

The versatile chassis cab runs on either propane or unleaded gasoline, which gives customers the choice of operating on clean-burning, cost effective propane with the convenience and security of refueling on gasoline.

Equipped with a 6.8L, V-10 gaseous fuel prep engine with hardened valves, the performance of the propane-powered chassis cab is comparable to the gasoline-powered version — except with lower emissions.

The propane-powered chassis cab meets the ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standard and will be cleaner than most vehicles, even passenger cars, on the road today. It can help fleet managers meet alternative fuel vehicle requirements under both the Clean Fuel Fleet Program and the Energy Policy Act mandates.

Ford is offering a $1,500 incentive on both the F-150 pick-up and the Super Duty chassis cab powered by propane. All Ford propane-powered vehicles have the same three-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage as gasoline products and are sold through all Ford dealers in the U.S. Interested Canadian buyers may purchase the propane-powered F-150 from their local dealers as well.

Ford first began offering propane-powered trucks in 1964 and was the first auto maker to offer its propane trucks with the same limited warranty as gasoline-powered versions. F-Series

SATURN TO GROW BRAND WITH $1.5 BILLION CAPITAL INVESTMENT, EPXANDED PRODUCT LINE-UP

Spring Hill, Tenn. site awarded production of GM’s third global four-cylinder engine module

Troy, Mich.- April 25, 2000 - Saturn Corporation, the company that revolutionized automotive retailing when it introduced its innovative small cars in 1990, is announcing a series of strategic moves to aggressively grow the brand for its second decade of operation.

With over $1.5 billion capital investment by General Motors and the opportunity to leverage worldwide component relationships, Saturn will bring an expanded portfolio of larger, innovative vehicles to market faster. Saturn’s plan calls for the potential of four new products over the next four years, with more expressive styling and customer-attentive vehicle flexibility.

"Saturn has established tremendous equity in its first ten years, and General Motors recognizes our ability to attract and satisfy new customers," said Cynthia Trudell, Saturn chairman and president. "Four out of five S-Series buyers and 68 percent of L-Series buyers tell us they would have bought or leased a non-GM vehicle had Saturn not been available.

The strategic moves announced today include:

• GM has approved Saturn’s sport utility vehicle (SUV), which will go into production later next year at Saturn’s Spring Hill, Tenn. facility. The all-new SUV will join Saturn’s redesigned small cars and the new mid-size L-Series sedan and wagon at Saturn retailers as a 2002 model.

• GM is making a $1 billion capital investment in Saturn’s Spring Hill manufacturing facility through 2002. The investment lays the foundation for potential additional products to come on stream.

• Saturn’s SUV and next generation small cars will include GM’s new global four-cylinder engine. Spring Hill will be awarded GM’s third production module for this engine, including strategic machining and assembly. The SUV also will be available with a GM V6 engine.

• One of Saturn’s yet undisclosed future models will include a high-tech V6 engine from GM’s recent agreement with Honda.

• Saturn’s future products will include a combination of technically-advanced transmissions, such as an Aisin/Warner transmission and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), among other options.

Saturn’s Sales, Service and Marketing (SSM) organization will align more closely with GM’s North American Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing (VSSM) team. This will allow both organizations to explore synergies to reduce structural cost and enable Saturn’s new product investment.

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