General Motors and Government of Dubai to Bring Hybrids to the Middle East

Agreement could lead to one of the largest hybrid fleets in the world

Dubai, UAE - General Motors and Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced today an agreement for an evaluation program that will bring hybrid vehicles to the Middle East. The agreement, which includes a comprehensive local market evaluation of GM’s all-new Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid and the all-new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, could eventually lead to one of the largest fleets of hybrid vehicles in the world.



The accord is groundbreaking because it demonstrates the common goal of General Motors, Dubai RTA and the Government of Dubai to reduce their impact on the environment - even in a region that is rich in oil-resources.



The agreement was signed by His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTA and Terry Johnsson, President of General Motors Middle East Operations, in the presence of Engineer Essa Al-Dosary, CEO Public Transportation Agency, Engineer Abdul Aziz Malik, CEO Dubai Taxi, and a number of department directors and officials from RTA and General Motors.



Maureen Kempston Darkes, GM Group Vice President and President of GM Latin America, Africa and the Middle East said, “We are honored that Dubai RTA selected the all-new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Malibu Hybrid for this program. This is further evidence that our environmental strategy goes to markets all around the world - and is truly a global effort to reduce emissions and develop sustainable transportation. These advanced technology vehicles are leaders in their automotive segments and selecting them is testimony to the visionary leadership of the Government of Dubai.”



His Excellency Matar Al Tayer said that this initiative comes in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to seek a safe, clean and attractive and sustainable environment that lives up to the reputation and prestige of the Emirate. It also comes in the framework of RTA’s commitment to protect life and property, preserve the environment and natural resources, improve standards of occupational health and public safety, and implement all the necessary technologies to reduce noise levels caused by means of transportation.

The GM-RTA agreement calls for the provision of a small fleet of Chevrolet Tahoe and Malibu hybrids that will be used as limousines and taxis by RTA on the roads in Dubai. The program will last one year, beginning in January 2008. General Motors will provide technical training on safety and other aspects for 15 RTA technicians, along with training for 40 drivers of Dubai Taxi. During the program, GM and the RTA will work together to validate the vehicles for use and serviceability. The intent is for the Dubai RTA to consider the Chevrolet hybrids for its fleet plans scheduled for early 2009.



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General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.



GM has been operating in the Middle East since the 1920s. GM’s vehicle brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Opel and Saab supported by a unique set of customer-focused services. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands. The regional office in Dubai covers the company’s operations in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen.



In 2006, GM sold 140,509 vehicles in the Middle East, representing a 24 percent increase over figures recorded in 2005, and the company continues to introduce pioneering programmes in the region. One example is GMs’ unique Nationalisation programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has been officially recognised by the Saudi government as a benchmark for training young nationals.



More information on GM and its products can be found on the company’s consumer websites www.gm.com and www.gmarabia.com.

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CONTACT(S):
Saada Hammad
Communications and Public Relations Manager
General Motors Middle East
Tel (+9714) 3143350
E-mail saada.hammad@gm.com

Patrick Morrissey
General Director, Communications
General Motors Latin America, Africa and Middle East
Tel (954) 471-8104
E-mail patrick.e.morrissey@gm.com

Contact Information

Richard James

Manager, Product Communications

General Motors Latin America, Africa and Middle East

Contact via E-mail