Press Release

ACDelco Announces independent Test Results on Batteries

11/08/96

Independent Testing Shows ACDelco is Longest Lasting Automotive Battery


LAS VEGAS, Nov. 6 -- When consumers want to know which
battery lasts the longest, the answer is easy -- ACDelco.

Douglas J. Herberger, general director of ACDelco Aftermarket,
announced the results of an independent study by JBI Corporation
(Genoa, Ohio), which corroborates the long-standing results of
internal tests which show that ACDelco automotive batteries last
longer than the major competitive brands.

"According to the independent study, the average life of ACDelco
automotive batteries is 30 percent longer than the average life of
competitor automotive batteries," said Herberger. The ACDelco
batteries tested were manufactured by Delphi Energy & Engine
Management Systems and marketed by ACDelco.

According to Herberger, the JBI longevity study covered almost 4,600
batteries collected for recycling at retail centers, wholesale
distributors, and battery distribution centers in Boston, Tampa,
Indianapolis, Phoenix, and Seattle. The sample included automotive
batteries from numerous manufacturers, including Delphi. To ensure a
truly comparable sample, all batteries were taken from similar
geographic areas.

Herberger said the procedure used was non-biased and conducted using
randomly selected sample populations. JBI Corporation conducted the
study in such a fashion as to make it statistically correct, according
to Joseph P. Badger, vice president of JBI Corporation.

The batteries in the sample were tallied by age and manufacturer and
average battery life was calculated, by manufacturer, for each region.
Average battery life varied from region to region -- an obvious
function of regional temperature differences -- but the ACDelco
batteries made by Delphi had an average life 30 percent greater than
the average life of competitors' batteries.

"Another interesting sidelight to the study is that, although Delphi
has several battery plants, their manufacturing methods are consistent
and no significant plant-to-plant variation in battery life was
identified in the study," noted Herberger.

Herberger said the independent study results were no surprise because
Delphi under-hood analyses and customer satisfaction surveys, covering
more than 41,000 GM and non-GM vehicles, have shown similar findings.

"Delphi has found that ACDelco Freedom batteries have the lowest
replacement rates in the industry. In their under-hood analyses, the
hoods of some 10,000 cars in seven different markets in all regions of
the country are 'popped' to see if the original equipment battery is
still in place and functioning. Vehicles ranging in age from one to
five years are surveyed.

"To continually improve ACDelco batteries, Delphi engineers
investigate the causes of battery failure and work to minimize those
factors on future battery designs," explained Herberger. "They liken
their progress to medical science's study of the human body and
efforts made to eliminate factors that impede long life. In the last
few decades, Delphi has made more than 125 evolutionary changes to
ACDelco batteries to improve quality and life expectancy.

"With independent test results supporting what Delphi's testing has
been telling us, we're confident that Delphi-manufactured automotive
batteries are the longest lasting of the major competitors in the
industry," added Herberger. "Our distribution partners and consumers
can continue to be confident that an investment in an ACDelco battery
improves with age."

ACDelco is part of General Motors Service Parts Operations (SPO),
which is headquartered in Flint, Mich. SPO markets automotive
replacement parts and accessories worldwide under the GM and ACDelco
brand names. For more information, visit the ACDelco "On The Edge" web
site at http://www.acdelco.com and the GM Goodwrench Service
"Cyberbay" at http://www.gmgoodwrench.com. SPO has exhibits at BIG
I/APAA in Booth Number 4038 and SEMA in Booth Number 6650.

Delphi Energy & Engine Management Systems, also headquartered in
Flint, develops, manufactures, and markets integrated systems and
components to control electrical energy storage and conversion, the
flow of air and fuel into an engine, the combustion process, and
conversion of exhaust emissions.