Innovation in New Components Technologies is Focus of GE’s Participation in European Automotive Components Expo 2005

STUTTGART, GERMANY — May 31, 2005 — “Innovation in New Components Technologies” is the theme of the GE Advanced Materials exhibit (Hall 7, Stand 7057) at the European Automotive Components Expo (EACE) at the Messe Stuttgart here, from May 31 - June 2, 2005. GE will take part in the expo with a broad spectrum of raw materials, innovations, and solutions.

GE’s participation in the European Automotive Components Expo showcases the company’s new material innovations for components, delivered through leading technologies and featuring a full range of traditional applications such as mirror housings and spoilers, along with newer applications like roof racks, running boards, and wipers. The new material technologies being introduced are the latest grade of Noryl* BN9003G resin for blow-molding applications (i.e. spoilers); new Geloy* XTW resin for mirror housings, appliqués, trims, and grilles; Xenoy* X4000BM resin for running boards and step assists; Cycoloy* CP8930 resin, a chrome plating grade for exterior and interior door handles, running boards, wheel covers, grilles, roof racks, and trim components; as well as conductive Noryl GTX* resin for tank flaps allowing on-line electrostatic painting. GE’s Visualfx* special effects resin also helps automotive components stand out from the crowd with a designers’ paradise of over 34 different effects and over 33,000 dynamic color variants, loadings, and derivatives to contrast.

The newest grade of Noryl BN9003G resin can help manufacturers produce blow-molded spoilers with lower system costs by means of maximized efficiency in manufacturing via reduced sanding time. Thinner wall capability with equal performance along with higher heat performance, tensile and impact strength, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) vs. high heat acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) also help manufacturers with reducing their system costs. This new grade may also provide lower odor and improved chemical resistance to gasoline and diesel fuel that can potentially cause damage to spoiler surfaces.

The spotlight falls next on Geloy XTW resin, which is a key solution for paint elimination and part of the GE ecomagination series of products designed specifically to help customers meet environmental concerns. Geloy XTW resin offers best-in-class weathering, multiple color capability, high gloss and jetness to help OEMs reduce their dependence on paint solutions. Hence this GE grade can help OEMs achieve cost savings from the elimination of paint operations.

Visualfx resins add a new dimension to the design of both interior and exterior car components. Rich colors and special effects come straight from the mold, thereby eliminating the need for more costly painting and coating operations. Furthermore, unlimited opportunities for product differentiation help manufacturers to attract new customers and conquer niche markets. The constantly evolving Visualfx resins portfolio, featuring Lexan*, Cycoloy, Geloy, Xylex*, Xenoy, and Cycolac* resins, is regrouped into five families of colors and special effects. Whether it is metallic, warm yellow, down-to-earth brown, or dynamic red, automotive customers can rely on a consistent, high quality finish that can potentially replace paint applications.

Another new material is high-heat, conductive Noryl GTX resin, which enables on- and in-line painting, while eliminating the need for a conductive primer. It can also provide improved paint transfer efficiency (reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs)/sludge), cycle time reduction, and improved quality over comparable materials. Noryl GTX resin is an excellent choice for tank flaps, providing automotive manufacturers a cost-effective, on-line painting solution vs. off-line painting. It also offers low warpage, dimensional stability, reduced environmental impact, and higher overall quality compared to traditional materials.

Another GE introduction is the chrome-plating grade Cycoloy CP8930, which is poised to respond to new trends:

• Continuing growth in grilles and trim appl

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Helen Vandebovenkamp
helen.vandebovenkamp@ge.com

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

* Noryl, Geloy, Xenoy, Cycoloy, Noryl GTX, Visualfx, Lexan, Xylex, and Cycolac are trademarks of General Electric Company.