GM Selects Freescale Semiconductor Microcontrollers For Electronic Engine Control Systems

Global standardization reduces cost, shortens development time, simplifies design and enables new features

DETROIT, Oct. 19 -- Convergence 2004 -- General Motors and Freescale Semiconductor have reached a landmark agreement in which GM will use Freescale's 32-bit MPC5500 family microcontrollers (MCUs) in future GM Powertrain engine control systems around the world.

Beyond the MCU selection agreement, GM and Freescale intend to work closely together to tailor the microcontrollers used in GM engine control systems. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"This agreement represents a new level of cooperation between an auto manufacturer and a semiconductor company -- working together to ensure optimum control solutions for new vehicles," said Dennis Bogden, director of powertrain electronics engineering, General Motors. "Working directly with Freescale is just another example of the innovative steps GM is taking to extend its powertrain controls industry leadership."

Today's microcontrollers control a wide range of functions for engine management applications, from fuel and spark control to emissions and vehicle diagnostics. The MPC5500 microcontrollers offer exceptional performance and integration, enabling numerous advanced powertrain technologies.

Standardizing control module components, such as this microcontroller, can ultimately reduce costs, shorten development time and simplify design of future GM powertrain control modules.

"Freescale microcontrollers act as the brains behind automotive electronic systems from remote keyless entry and infotainment to antilock braking and powertrain control," said Alex Pepe, vice president and general manager of Freescale's 32-bit Embedded Controller Division. "The global adoption of our MPC5500 family by the world's largest vehicle manufacturer validates the industry's acceptance of our automotive portfolio and continues our 30-year industry leadership."

Freescale technology has been a part of GM electronic control systems since 1979, when a Freescale microcontroller was first used in GM's closed- loop carburetor controller.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. . The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale Semiconductor's 2003 sales were $4.9 billion (US). For more information: http://www.freescale.com/ .

About General Motors

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. More information on GM can be found at http://www.gm.com/ .

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