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GM Powertrain Europe And AVL Announce New Ownership For Södertälje Powertrain

TROLLHATTAN – October 10, 2008: General Motors Powertrain Europe today announced the consolidation of its Swedish Powertrain Engineering operations in Trollhättan and the sale of its Södertälje Powertrain operation to AVL, a global engineering organization based in Graz, Austria.

The strategic move will allow GM Powertrain Sweden to fully support the development of the next generation of clean and efficient turbo-charged 4-cylinder engines for gasoline and alternative fuels. Co-locating all GM Powertrain Sweden operations with the GM Powertrain Engineering Center and Saab Automobile AB operations in Trollhättan will also strengthen the relationship between vehicle and powertrain engineering, the Turbo Center and better support the Saab brand.

“The sale of the Södertälje Powertrain organization also announced today includes the site, buildings and the transfer of the employees to AVL, as well as an Engineering Service Agreement for the first two years of AVL’s ownership,” said Kjell ac Bergstroem, Executive Director GM Powertrain Sweden.

"This is a very positive outcome for GM Powertrain Sweden, the Södertälje team and AVL. The service agreement secures GM Powertrain Sweden uninterrupted access to the expertise and services at Södertälje Powertrain Engineering AB (SPEAB).

"For the Södertälje employees the agreement also preserves their benefits and entitlements and offers them certainty and new opportunities under the ownership of AVL," Bergstroem underlined.

The Executive Advisor to the Chairman of AVL, Mr Robert Hofer said the purchase of the Södertälje Powertrain Engineering operation was an important part of the company's strategy. "The Södertälje operation helps AVL develop a greater local presence, will enable us to develop closer customer relations and expand our know-how network," Mr Hofer said.

SPEAB currently has 117 employees and an annual turnover of 150 MSEK. It will continue to deliver services such as Trionic Engine Management System development and calibration to the GM Group. As a member of the AVL Group, SPEAB will be able to undertake global engineering work for new customers in their proven areas of expertise, including alternative fuels, CO2 reduction technologies and optimization of electronics.