General Motors Combines Allison Transmission Division With GM Powertrain

FOR RELEASE: February 12, 2003

General Motors Combines Allison Transmission Division With GM Powertrain

DETROIT - General Motors announced today that Allison Transmission Division is being combined with GM Powertrain effective immediately.

In making the announcement, GM Chairman John F. Smith Jr. pointed out this is an internal GM reporting structure change that should not have any impact on employees in their day-to-day jobs. Also, there is no impact on Allison customers, distributors, dealers or suppliers. The Allison name and brand continue.

Lawrence E. Dewey will continue as president of Allison and will report to Thomas G. Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain.

Smith noted that, "Allison Transmission has a long and proud history going back to 1915 when James A. Allison founded the Indianapolis Speedway Team Company - the forerunner of today's Allison Transmission. Over the years, Allison has grown to become the world leader in the design, manufacture and sales of automatic transmissions for trucks, buses, off-road and military vehicles. Allison has a rich legacy of technological innovation, product quality and employee dedication - qualities that have made the company a world leader throughout its history. Aligning Allison with GM Powertrain, a recognized leader in the industry and one of the world's largest powertrain producers, will enhance GM's performance and competitiveness."

According to Stephens, while GM Powertrain has existed as a corporate entity since 1991, the organization has its origins in the many automotive companies that combined forces in the early 1900s to form GM. Stephens pointed out that, "The GM Powertrain name has a rich legacy that fits together well with Allison. Our two organizations share similar missions and visions. At GM Powertrain, we are committed to building the world's best powertrains. Allison's vision is to be the world leader in commercial-duty transmissions, hybrid-propulsion systems, and related parts and services for on-highway vehicles, military vehicles and off-highway equipment. I am confident that going forward together, the highly talented men and women of both organizations, combined with our technological innovations in product design and manufacturing systems will keep us ahead of the competition. We will maintain Allison's strong brand recognition in the marketplace and continue to serve its diverse global customer base."

Dewey added that, "Allison has played a major role in the advances that marked the 20th century as a revolutionary period in transportation and mobility. Our transmission engineering and marketing pioneers have literally invented the products and the global markets we now serve. There are obvious synergies that will be realized because Allison and GM Powertrain are leaders in the transmission industry and involved in the development of hybrid technology. This alignment with GM Powertrain will enable GM to leverage and capitalize on our combined engineering and technical capabilities as well as the manufacturing and quality systems we have established, leading to reduced structural cost and improved competitiveness. As Tom said, we have a very talented workforce in our new organization, and I am also confident of our success going forward."

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 350,000 people around the world. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.