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Michelin Proxima RR Keeps Precept Rolling

12 January 2000

Michelin Proxima RR Keeps Precept Rolling

    DETROIT, Jan. 11 -- With the help of Michelin North America,
Inc., General Motors is introducing the GM Precept, a one-of-a-kind technology
demonstration vehicle which evolved as a result of GM's involvement in
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNVG), at the 2000 North
American International Auto Show (NAIAS).  In order to meet the stringent
emission and fuel efficiency requirements, GM utilized many unique
technologies including Michelin's Proxima RR tire.

    Benefits of the Proxima RR include:

    *  Significantly reduced rolling resistance through the use of Michelin's
       XSE technology.  The Proxima RR achieves a rolling resistance 10
       percent lower than the previous generation of Proxima tires on GM's
       EV1.  This allows the five-passenger Precept to reach 80 mpg.

    *  A unique tread design that improves handling and wet traction and
       maintains long treadwear.

    *  A special tire architecture that reduces noise emitted from a rolling
       tire.

    *  An advanced technology to significantly reduce mass.  A full set of
       four Precept wheels and tires weighs approximately 45 percent less than
       wheels and tires on today's average five-passenger vehicle.

    *  The Precept is equipped with a low-tire warning system that monitors
       wheel-speed sensors to alert drivers when inflation is required.  Also,
       the tire can be inflated through the on-board compressor that supplies
       the vehicle's air springs.

    *  The P175/60R16 85T EL (extra load) Michelin Proxima RR tire equips the
       Precept demonstration vehicle.  The 2000 NAIAS show vehicle, however,
       is equipped with the P175/55R18 Michelin hand-carved concept tire.