GM Supports AIDS Related Efforts

Johannesburg, South Africa - More South African children suffering from AIDS will have access to care and support, thanks to the donation of five new trucks by General Motors Corporation.

The vehicles were presented today to Sibongile Mkhabela, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, by Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president of Environment and Energy. GM is contributing these vehicles as a part of its participation at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) being held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

GM expressed that while it was important and worthwhile to attend the WSSD, they also wanted to contribute positively to the host country and help improve the lives of children in South Africa. "GM understands the connection between personal mobility and an improved quality of life," said Lowery. "We hope the donation of these vehicles to the Children's Fund will make it possible for more children to receive necessary support."

The vehicle donation includes three single cab 280 4x4 pickup trucks and two double cab versions of the vehicle. The Children's Fund will use the vehicles to provide assistance to HIV positive children, and support various other AIDS related efforts in the country.

"AIDS is currently one of the biggest crises facing South Africa," said Mkhabela. "This donation of off-road vehicles is especially important," she said, " because it will bring much needed support to orphanages and families situated in remote areas of the country often isolated from care."

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund was launched by the noted statesman in 1994 to aid the children of South Africa's nine provinces. To date, the fund has granted more than R98 million rand ($9 million U.S. dollars) to projects . Donations are used to fund programs that curb child abuse, develop entrepreneurial and employment skills among children and youth, encourage volunteerism, and integrate disabled children more fully into society.

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund is headquartered in South Africa, with branches in Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, Spain, the UK and USA.

GM is participating in the WSSD to discuss its long-term vision for sustainable mobility, and to discuss the role corporations can play in addressing global challenges relating to energy issues, biodiversity, and health.

General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM employs about 355,000 people around the world. More information on GM's environmental and corporate performance can be found at http://www.gmability.com.