GM do Brasil Earns ISO 14001 Environmental Certification for All Facilities in Record 14 Months

FOR RELEASE: November 30, 2001

GM do Brasil Earns ISO 14001 Environmental Certification for All Facilities in Record 14 Months

São Paulo, Brazil - GM do Brasil operations have earned the ISO 14001 certification in a record fourteen months. GM facilities in Gravataí, Indaiatuba, Mogi das Cruzes, São Caetano do Sul, São Jose dos Campos, São Paulo and Sorocaba, as well as the Allison Transmission unit and GM's joint-venture operations with Fiat were certified after a an intensive series of audits of its environmental management processes. This achievement underscores the company's leadership in environmental affairs and pioneering efforts that go as far back as 1951 when it became the first automaker to construct a water treatment plant in the country.

Among the actions which led to the latest round of ISO 14001 certifications are the broad use of water treatment plants, materials recycling programs and water/air quality monitoring systems. The implementation of environmental technologies and programs are headed by GMB?s department of environmental affairs created in 1976.

"For our team, environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with building the best cars and trucks. The 230 team members who were involved in the ISO 14001 certification process are proud of the positive impact that our work continues to have within our industrial and business community," said Luiz Carlos Nora, manager of enviromental systems at GM do Brasil. Just recently, GM?s environmental efforts have been commended by the Federation of Industries in the State of Sao Paulo (FIESP) and Meio Ambiente Industrial magazine.

In addition to implementing environmental technologies and systems, GM do Brasil's program entails conservation projects such as the protection of natural reserves at GM facilities such as the Cruz Alta Proving Ground, Gravatai, Mogi das Cruzes and Sao Jose dos Campos, where protected species coexist with automotive technology in a total of about 800 acres. In conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, General Motors sponsors a major conservation project of Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse areas of the world.

GM do Brasil , established in 1925, is comprised of manufacturing complexes at São Caetano do Sul, São Jose dos Campos, Mogi das Cruzes and Gravataí: two parts distribution centers at Sorocaba and Mogi das Cruces; a Proving Ground at Indaiatuba, administrative offices at several locations and Banco General Motors in São Paolo. The company markets vehicles under the Chevrolet and GMC brands.