Continental ISAD System Chosen by GM for Hybrid Truck Project

      - Project signals move to 42-volt battery and electrical system -

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 28 Automotive systems supplier
Continental has been selected to provide an advanced crankshaft starter
alternator damper including the electric energy system for an upcoming
gasoline-electric hybrid version of the General Motors full size pickup truck.
Beginning with the 2004 model year, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks
will offer an optional hybrid propulsion package featuring Continental's
Integrated Starter Alternator Damper system, known as ISAD.  According to
General Motors, the ISAD system will help the trucks gain fuel economy
improvements of up to 15 percent.

    The ISAD system replaces the conventional starter, generator and flywheel
with one electronically controlled unit providing instant starts, high-
efficiency 42 volt electrical power and active damping of the powertrain
system.  A key feature in the GM truck installation will be the ability to
convert braking energy into electricity, a process known as regenerative
braking.  Also, the ISAD System will power 42V accessories in the vehicle such
as power steering.  This saves energy, weight and parts by eliminating
individual components and the traditional belt drive system.

    In the GM application, the ISAD system will help save fuel by allowing the
engine to shut down when the vehicle comes to a stop.  It supplies power to
accessories while the vehicle is stationary, restarting the engine immediately
when the driver presses on the accelerator.  The entire process is instant,
smooth and virtually transparent to the driver.

    A unique feature of the GM hybrid system will be a pair of 20 amp, 110/220
volt AC outlets, allowing the system to operate as a generator suitable for
uses such as running power tools and recreational equipment.

    According to General Motors, the ISAD system will allow the truck's 285-
horsepower hybrid V-8 to haul and tow just as much as its conventional
counterpart.  "Unlike our competitors who use the electric motor as a power
assist in a small powertrain but give up some utility, we will give you all
the acceleration, towing and hauling capability that you've come to expect
from a truck V-8 engine," said Tom Stephens, vice president of GM Vehicle
Integration.  "That means people can tow boats, haul a full load or climb
steep grades and still have improved fuel economy."

    "We believe hybrids are going to make the most sense in higher fuel
consumption vehicles, including pickup trucks," Stephens added.  "You can save
significantly more total fuel converting a 20 mpg vehicle into a hybrid that
you would converting a 30 mpg vehicle, especially if it's a vehicle that sells
in large volumes."

    The GM truck project is the first of many such installations envisioned by
Continental.  "As the GM truck project shows, ISAD provides immediate gains in
fuel efficiency and flexibility," said Dr. Ullrich Masberg, head of
Continental ISAD Business Unit.  "As the industry converts to 42 volt
electrical systems, ISAD will offer even more benefits due to its ability to
satisfy the higher power, multivoltage demands of the sophisticated electronic
systems being incorporated into future vehicle designs.  Systems such as
Continental's ABS brakes, traction control, Electronic Stability Program and
brake-by-wire systems rely on the kind of efficient and dependable power that
ISAD is designed to supply."