GM, Toyota agree to extend advanced technology collaboration and focus on safety-related technologies

DETROIT March 2, 2006; General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. have agreed to extend their advanced technology collaboration agreement two more years with a focus on safety and congestion-related technologies, and industry codes and standards.

The agreement covers information exchange and collaborative research in areas such as well-to-wheels energy usage and emissions, intelligent transportation systems and connected vehicle (vehicle infrastructure integration and vehicle-to-vehicle communications). The agreement also allows for research projects in other areas the companies identify as mutually beneficial.

The GM-Toyota collaboration, which began in 1999 and would have expired at the end of this month, will be extended to March 31, 2008.