GM, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, BMW PREMIERE UNPRECEDENTED HYBRID TECHNOLOGY ON VIENNA ENGINE SYMPOSIA

Munich/Vienna. The state-of-the-art full hybrid system, whose components are
being co-developed by General Motors Corp., DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group
for production beginning next year, represents a major automotive industry
milestone due to the unprecedented fully integrated combination of electric
motors with a fixed-gear transmission.
As a result of its low- and high-speed electric continuously variable
transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the 2-mode
hybrid. However, the sophisticated fuel-saving system also incorporates four
fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities in a
broad variety of vehicle applications.

During the two ECVT modes and four fixed gear operations, the hybrid system can
use the electric motors for boosting and regenerative braking.
In summary, the four fixed gears overlay two ECVT modes for a total of six
operating functions:
•Input-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 1, operates from vehicle
launch through the second fixed gear ratio.
•Compound-split ECVT mode, or continuously variable Mode 2, operates after the
second fixed gear ratio.
•First fixed-gear ratio with both electric motors available to boost the
internal combustion engine or capture and store energy from regenerative
braking, deceleration and coasting.
•Second fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking,
•Third fixed-gear ratio with two electric motors available for boost/braking.
•Fourth fixed-gear ratio with one electric motor available for boost/braking.

The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel
economy, performance and load carrying capability.

The full hybrid system being co-developed by General Motors, DaimlerChrysler
and the BMW Group has an overall mechanical content and size similar to a
conventional automatic transmission, yet this full hybrid transmission can
operate in infinitely variable gear ratios or one of the four fixed-gear
ratios.
A sophisticated electronic control module constantly optimizes the entire
hybrid powertrain system to select the most efficient operation point for the
power level demanded by the driver.

Key Advantages.
When compared to conventional hybrid systems, this avant-garde hybrid
technology, relying on both the ECVT modes and the four fixed gear ratios,
provides advantages in combined (city and highway) fuel economy, dynamics and
towing capability.

Traditional hybrid systems typically have only one torque-splitting arrangement
and no fixed mechanical ratios. These systems are often called "one-mode"
hybrids. Due to their less capable mechanical content, one-mode hybrids need
to transmit a significant amount of power through an electrical path that is 20
percent less efficient than a mechanical path. This requires usually
substantial compromise in vehicle capability or reliance on larger electrical
motors, which can create cost, weight and packaging issues.

General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group conceive a full hybrid system
featuring four fixed mechanical ratios, within the two ECVT modes, to reduce
power transmission through the less efficient electrical path. Consequently,
the electric motors are more compact and less dependent on engine size.

This combination of two ECVT modes and four fixed gear ratios eliminates the
drawbacks of one-mode hybrid systems to allow for efficient operation
throughout a vehicle's operating range, at low and high speeds. It also allows
for application across a broader variety of vehicles. It is particularly
beneficial in demanding applications that require larger engines, such as
towing, hill climbing or carrying heavy loads.

Existing internal combustion engines can be used with relatively minimal
alteration because the full hybrid system imposes no significant limitation on
the size or type of engine. It enables the three automakers to package
internal combustion engines with the full hybrid transmissions more
cost-effectively and offer the fuel-saving technology across a wider range of
vehicles.

Initial applications are suitable for front-engine, rear- and four-wheel-drive
vehicle architectures, but the full hybrid system has the flexibility to be
used in front-engine, front-wheel-drive architectures in the future as well.

Global Hybrid Cooperation.
General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and the BMW Group have formed a cooperative
effort called the Global Hybrid Cooperation, which is actively developing this
next generation hybrid powertrain system. In an alliance of equals, all three
partners are pooling expertise and resources to jointly and efficiently develop
hybrid technology. Each company will individually integrate the full hybrid
system into the design and manufacturing of vehicles in accordance with their
brand specific requirements.

In Troy, Michigan, the "GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW Hybrid Development Center"
houses together engineers and specialists from all three companies to develop
the complete hybrid system and the individual components -- electric motors,
high-performance electronics, wiring, energy management, and hybrid system
control units. In addition, the "GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW Hybrid Development
Center" will be responsible for system integration and project management.

A key factor in ensuring optimum development is the focus on a flexible system
design that can be scaled to the size, mass and performance needs of the
various vehicle concepts and brands. The extensive sharing of components and
the collaborative relationship with suppliers will enable the alliance partners
to achieve economies of scale and associated cost advantages that will also
benefit customers. Currently full hybrid systems are under development for
front- and rear-wheel-drive passenger cars, and light-duty truck and SUV
applications.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the
global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs
about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM
manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM
cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick,
Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab,
Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies,
GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial
financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in
vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can
be found at www.gm.com.

DaimlerChrysler's product portfolio ranges from small cars to sports cars and
luxury sedans; and from versatile vans to heavy duty trucks or comfortable
coaches. DaimlerChrysler's passenger car brands include Maybach, Mercedes-Benz,
Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and smart. Commercial vehicle brands include
Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra, Mitsubishi Fuso,
Thomas Built Buses and Orion. DaimlerChrysler's strategy rests on four pillars:
Excellent products offering outstanding customer value, leading brands,
innovations and technology leadership and global presence and networking. With
382,724 employees, DaimlerChrysler achieved revenues of €149.8 billion in 2005.

The BMW Group covers the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. The BMW Group is the
only automobile company worldwide to operate with all its brands exclusively in
the premium segments of the automobile market, from the small car to the
absolute top segment. The BMW Group's vehicles provide outstanding product
substance in terms of aesthetic design, dynamic performance, cutting-edge
technology and quality, underlining the company's leadership in technology and
innovation. Today, with revenues of 46.7 billion euro, annual sales of 1.328
million automobiles (thereof 200,000 MINIs), 97,500 BMW motorcycles and with
almost 106,000 associates, the BMW Group is one of the world's ten largest
automobile manufacturers.