ecomagination(sm) rolls forward; GE's NXT* Silanes Enhance Efficiency and Environmental Performance

WILTON, Conn.--April 27, 2006--GE has certified for official ecomagination status its NXT silane family of breakthrough coupling agents that are used in the production of silica tires to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce emissions.

NXT silanes met the environmental and operating performance criteria for GE's ecomagination initiative, in part, by demonstrating the ability to help tire companies streamline their manufacturing processes in ways that reduce material, equipment, labor and energy costs. In addition, NXT Low V* silanes make it possible to significantly reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in both the manufacturing and use of silica tires. Future generation NXT silanes are expected later this year.

"At GE - Advanced Materials, Silicones, we recognize that much of the potential for environmental and economic benefit is determined at the front end of the manufacturing processes," said Mike Stout, Global Marketing Manager-Tire. "The designation of NXT silanes as ecomagination products is a significant milestone and proof point in our strategy to develop advanced materials that help customers succeed economically while producing products that help society address environmental problems."

Introduced in the mid-1990s, tires with silica treads improve vehicle fuel economy, in addition to enhancing traction in a variety of weather conditions. Continuing the push for innovation, GE developed NXT silanes to help increase the efficiency of silica tire manufacturing by making it possible to eliminate several process steps that are required when standard silanes are used. Significant savings can be realized because of increased throughput and reduced energy consumption.

Switching from the use of standard silanes to NXT Low V silane, tire manufacturers can reduce by 70 percent the smog causing ethanol VOC emissions during manufacturing and, in the process, reduce their investment in emission abatement equipment.

NXT silanes make it easier to manufacture low rolling-resistance silica tires that can improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency. If half of all US vehicles reduced their fuel consumption by 5 percent by switching to silica tires made with NXT silane, annual greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by an amount equal to the greenhouse gases absorbed by 64 million acres of forest in a year, an area that could cover more than half the state of California.

Announced in May 20, 200605, ecomagination is GE's strategic initiative to address society's challenge such as the need for cleaner, more efficient sources of energy, reduced emissions and abundant sources of clean water in ways that enable both GE and its customers to be successful businesses. For a product to be certified in the ecomagination initiative it must significantly and measurably improve the customer's environmental and operating performance.

For more information about NXT silanes, visit us at www.gesilicones.com or give us a call at 800.295.2392 (outside the US, call +607.786.8131). To find out more about GE's ecomagination, visit www.ge.com/ecomagination.

*NXT and NXT LowV are trademarks of General Electric Company.

ecomagination is a service mark of General Electric Company.

About GE - Advanced Materials

The Advanced Materials business of General Electric Company is part of the Industrial business group and is headquartered in Wilton, Conn. Comprised of Silicones and Quartz, GE - Advanced Materials is a global leader in providing a range of high-technology materials solutions. The GE - Advanced Materials, Silicones' portfolio includes silicone-based products and technology platforms, silanes, sealants and adhesives. The Quartz portfolio includes high-purity fused quartz and ceramics materials. These materials solutions are used as springboards for innovation in hundreds of consumer and industrial applications ranging from car engines and integrated circuits to biomedical devices and cosmetics. Industries served include aerospace, agriculture, appliances, automotive, construction, electronics, furniture and furnishings, healthcare, home care, industrial, lighting, packaging, personal care, plastics, semiconductor, telecommunications, tire, transportation, and water purification. As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games, GE is the exclusive provider of a wide range of innovative products and services that are integral to a successful Games. Experience more at www.ge.com/advancedmaterials.