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Chevrolet Invests in Clean Energy Projects in Communities Across America

Goal to reduce 8 million tonnes of carbon over next few years through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects

2010-11-18

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DETROIT – Today Chevrolet announced that it will invest $40 million in various clean energy projects throughout America with a goal to reduce 8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The initiative is based on projects that promote energy savings, renewable energy, responsible use of natural resources and conservation in communities across the United States.

Chevrolet's clean energy investments may include projects such as:

• Providing energy efficient technology such as smart energy sensors and solar panels to schools and other community-based facilities in need of upgrades to decrease carbon dioxide emissions and reduce heating bills.
• Supporting wind farms and solar projects that deliver renewable energy to the grid and also help family farms increase their revenues per acre.
• Capturing flammable methane from community landfills that delivers clean energy to the grid and improves local air quality and safety.
• Contributing to forestry projects throughout America.

"GM has made great progress in reducing our environmental impact, but we know we can do more," said Dan Akerson, General Motors CEO. "Chevrolet's investment is an extension of the environmental initiatives we've been undertaking for years, because the solution to global environmental challenges goes beyond just vehicles. It's an opportunity to connect with Chevy customers through clean energy projects that directly impact them."

Since 1990, GM has decreased its manufacturing emissions by 60 percent. GM also has invested millions of dollars to build efficient vehicles such as the 42 mpg Chevrolet Cruze Eco and develop the first-of-its-kind electric propulsion technology in the Chevy Volt. Additional initiatives include reducing water use by nearly 35 percent between 2005 and 2009 at worldwide manufacturing facilities; decreasing fossil fuel at GM plants by using landfill gas, hydro and solar power; recycling 90 percent of the waste the company generates; and operating 75 landfill-free facilities, which constitutes more than half of its manufacturing plants globally.

GM estimates its new carbon-reduction goal equates to the emissions in 2011 from driving the 1.9 million vehicles Chevrolet is expected to sell in the United States over the next year. According to www.epa.gov, 8 million tons equals the CO2 emissions of one year of electricity use in 970,874 homes or the annual carbon reduction from 1.7 million acres of pine forest. Projects will be implemented during the next three to five years.

Chevy will be making investments through credible third-party organizations such as Bonneville Environmental Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Ore. To define project criteria and the program's investment portfolio, GM has engaged environmental experts, non-government organizations and academics through the Climate Neutral Business Network. Advisors include:

• Bob Sheppard, vice president of corporate programs at Clean Air-Cool Planet
• Mark Kenber, deputy CEO at The Climate Group
• Derik Broekhoff, vice president of policy at Climate Action Reserve
• Janet Peace, vice president at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change
• Eban Goodstein, director of the Center for Environmental Policy, Bard College

"Chevy is an iconic emblem of America and it is a big deal that it is stepping forward to address one of our greatest challenges – moving us toward a low carbon future," said Eileen Claussen, President of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. "Chevy's Volt and its clean energy investment both exemplify the bold leadership businesses can take today to address our changing climate. Its commitment to community-focused clean energy and energy efficiency investments will drive change and increase awareness across the country. Chevy is clearly demonstrating that companies can act now and help propel clean energy solutions."

For more information about Chevrolet's clean energy investment initiatives, visit www.chevy.com.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet Europe delivers attractive, distinctive design, practical, economical cars and outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2009, Chevrolet held its market share in Europe at 2.3 percent, selling 426,000 cars. Chevrolet has a network of 2,900 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the all-new Spark city car, the small Aveo, compact Cruze sedan, Captiva SUV, mid-size Epica and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet will launch the Orlando, an all-new family van, the Camaro coupe and convertible, the new Aveo and the Cruze hatchback as well as re-launching the Captiva SUV with four new engines. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, France, Spain and the U.K. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is preparing to celebrate its centenary with the launch of the ground-breaking Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. More information on Chevrolet can be found at http://www.chevroleteurope.com or http://media.chevroleteurope.com.