Solutia Automotive Adds Color to GM Concept Vehicles at 2003 NAIAS

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2003; Solutia Automotive played an important role in the visual impact of General Motors' concept vehicles at the North American International Auto Show's recent media preview days. Five GM concept vehicles featured Solutia's Vanceva(TM) Color product. "General Motors consistently makes news with concepts that are both cutting edge and practical in that they can be quickly developed as production models, should they choose to do so," said Mitch Pulwer, Worldwide Marketing Director. "This is encouraging regarding the future of advanced automotive interlayers like our Vanceva(TM) Color product, which provide both aesthetic and practical benefits to consumers."

The five concept vehicles are:

The Cadillac Sixteen, one of the hits of the show, features one of the largest expanses of laminated glass on display this year. The roof and windows all feature Vanceva(TM) Color advanced interlayer, using a classic gray to accent the look of this premium luxury vehicle. The glass using the interlayer was created by Foxfire. The Buick Centieme, a crossover vehicle named to celebrate Buick's centennial anniversary, uses Vanceva(TM) Color in all window positions. The glass was manufactured by Solcar. Pontiac, with its history of producing vehicles with a more sporty flair, doesn't disappoint. The brand's G6 sport sedan adds a purple/gray interlayer to enhance the appearance of the vehicle. The glass and lamination was done by Foxfire. Chevrolet keeps performance alive with the introduction of its SS, a sedan featuring engine performance as well as stunning design features, which includes the Vanceva(TM) Color product. Finally, Chevrolet introduced the Cheyenne pickup truck. The Cheyenne features a double sunroof containing the Vanceva(TM) Color interlayer. Solutia's Vanceva(TM) brand of advanced interlayers have seen increasing use in concept vehicles for several years, and have been adopted by several OEMs for use on production vehicles. In addition to providing aesthetic attributes, the Vanceva(TM) brand also provides benefits inherent to use of an interlayer in Enhanced Protective Glass (EPG) -- the category of laminated glass used in side, rear and roof windows.

Laminated glass, the use of which has been required for windshields for approximately 60 years, has seen renewed interest for its sound, solar and security benefits. Used for its NVH properties, EPG can reduce interior noise by up to six decibels. In solar applications, EPG blocks 95 percent of harmful UV rays, protecting both vehicle interiors and occupants. From a security perspective, EPG provides 10 times the intrusion resistance versus tempered glass. The best news is that, no matter the reason chosen, EPG provides all the benefits mentioned in one product. And Solutia Automotive has taken the next step in the evolution of EPG by adding its Vanceva(TM) brand of advanced interlayers, which includes a color offering, an enhanced NVH product, and a metallic product.

Solutia Inc., an independent, publicly owned enterprise headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, has a major presence in both national and international markets. Solutia produces Saflex® and Vanceva(TM) brand polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers, that are used to manufacture the laminated glass used in automotive, architectural and residential applications throughout the world, and is the sole supplier of PVB for aircraft -- the most demanding application. The company's other businesses include synthetic fibers, resins, aviation hydraulic fluids, high-performance specialty chemicals and other performance products.

Information about Solutia Inc. may be found at www.solutia.com .