OPEL Tops off 2005 Zafira Compact Van with Unique Modular Roof Featuring GE’s High-Gloss Lexan* SLX Film

GARCHING, GERMANY — June 29, 2005 — When the new 2005 OPEL Zafira compact van arrives in showrooms this summer, customers will be dazzled by the high gloss and rich color of its unique roof. To achieve exceptional aesthetics and durability, OPEL selected GE’s Lexan* SLX film for this complex part as a superior alternative to a traditional painted component. As part of GE’s ecomagination* initiative to help customers solve tough environmental challenges, Lexan SLX film could help avoid harmful volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, associated with conventional paint, to lessen the impact on the environment.

“To make the Zafira roof design concept a reality, while helping to reduce VOCs for environmental compliance, we needed a fresh, new approach, and Lexan SLX film delivered,” said Hans-Dieter Langer, exterior director, Plastics Engineering at OPEL. “We’re delighted with its many advantages over conventional painting, including an exceptional gloss level that matches the overall look of the roof. The Zafira is OPEL’s first experience with this GE technology and we are confident that customers will be impressed with the look and performance of this roof module solution.”

Paint Avoidance for VOC Reduction

The Zafira roof module, which is developed and manufactured by Webasto AG, is back-molded using a polyurethane LFI substrate and pre-formed Lexan SLX film. The multi-layer structure is infused with pigment, avoiding the requirement for priming or painting. In comparison with a traditional painted system, which OPEL decided against, Lexan SLX film can help reduce VOC emissions. VOCs, which have been shown to have a negative impact on air quality, are strictly regulated in Germany where OPEL is headquartered.

In addition to helping reduce VOC’s, replacing painted exterior components with lighter-weight Lexan SLX film could potentially result in the production of more fuel-efficient vehicles. As an example, body panels made of GE Advanced Materials resin, including Lexan SLX films, could be up to 40 percent lighter, compared to similar components made from painted metal. Another potential benefit is water conservation from the elimination of waterborne paints.

High Performance and Eye-Catching Appearance

Coupled with its potential environmental benefits, Lexan SLX film provides outstanding performance in demanding automotive applications. It is exceptionally weatherable with good scratch and chemical resistance, extremely strong, and tested to withstand prolonged outdoor exposure.

But what customers will notice is the high-gloss finish and rich color. For the roof module, with its extensive use of glass insets, OPEL wanted a finish that would be highly polished. With a gloss rating of 110 – far exceeding that of painted steel, for example – Lexan SLX film gives paint a run for its money.

“As a centerpiece of the GE ecomagination initiative, Lexan SLX film can offer tremendous potential to manufacturers who are looking for a new solution to boost environmental compliance,” said Kurt Schuering, executive director, GE Advanced Materials, Automotive. “We have worked closely with OPEL and Webasto to validate the performance of this unique technology. A solution like Lexan SLX film not only addresses environmental challenges but also delivers top performance and shows that GE innovation is stronger than ever – and growing.”

GE offers other innovative materials with paint avoidance potential, including Xenoy*, Geloy*, and Valox* resins that can be used in place of conventional paint systems.

Reader enquiries

GE Plastics
Plasticslaan 1
4600 AC Bergen op Zoom
Netherlands

Helen Vandebovenkamp
helen.vandebovenkamp@ge.com

Tel: +31 164 29 20 97
Fax: +31 164 29 10 66
Netherlands
+31 164 29 20 97
helen.vandebovenkamp@​ge.com
www.geplastics.com

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Notes for editors

About GE Advanced Materials

GE Advanced Materials (www.geadvancedmaterials.com) is a world leader in providing high-technology material solutions. Headquartered in Pittsfield, Mass., its businesses include Plastics, Silicones, Quartz, Automotive, Specialty Film & Sheet, Polymershapes, and Sealants and Adhesives.

GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work – a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

About OPEL

Since its inception in 1862, OPEL has set out to make technology affordable and widely available to a large segment of society. This vision has remained constant from its roots and today remains at the heart of all automotive product development.

In 2004, some 1.6 million OPEL and Vauxhall cars, commercial vehicles, and component sets were produced in nine production and assembly operations in six countries in Western and Central Europe.

OPEL has a strong brand profile which rests on these three cornerstones:

- Versatility and interior flexibility

- Driving dynamics

- Contemporary, distinctive design

In Europe, OPEL is investing 10 billion Euro in the period 2002 through 2006 for a new model offensive. GM Europe Engineering with its headquarters in Rüsselsheim, OPELs International Technical Development Center, has the responsibility for the global compact car development as well as for global midsize car development within the entire GM corporation. The new GME Design Center will also be located in Rüsselsheim and demonstrates the clear long-term vision for a successful design and development base.

For more information go to www.opel.com

* Lexan, ecomagination, Xenoy, Geloy and Valox are trademarks of General Electric Company.