For Release: January 9, 2001

Contact:

Charles Licari
810-986-0077
e-mail: charles.licari@gm.com

WARREN, Mich. - A leading industry technologist is joining General Motors to head its scientific research activities.

Dr. Alan I. Taub has been named Executive Director -Science for GM Research and Development, it was announced today by Dr. Lawrence D. Burns, GM vice president of R&D and Planning. His appointment is effective immediately.

"Alan has both a deep scientific background, and extensive automotive industry research and engineering leadership experience," said Burns. "He is uniquely qualified to provide the scientific leadership GM requires, given the complex challenges our industry faces; from environmental and regulatory issues, to new materials, vehicle electronics and new propulsion systems. We are delighted that he is joining our team."

In his new role, Taub will be responsible for GM's science laboratories in Warren, Michigan. These labs focus on a wide range of technical opportunities. Examples include: advanced powertrain technologies; computer-based design and analysis systems for vehicle engineering; electronics- and information-based vehicle systems; new materials and fabrication processes; new, more environmentally friendly fuels and lubricants; and more efficient emission control systems. Taub takes over from Dr. Larry J. Howell, who retired on January 1.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity and responsibility to lead the science labs at GM," said Dr. Taub. "GM has been a leader in global automotive research and development; and together with what I believe is a skilled and dedicated team of scientists and research engineers, I promise that R&D will continue to play an increasingly important role in establishing GM as the industry leader in product, technology and design innovation."

Taub spent nearly 15 years in research and development with General Electric. For nine years, he conducted research on the mechanical and electrical properties of materials, relevant to driving GE innovation. He earned most of his 26 patents during this period. Later he led a superconducting materials team that pioneered technology breakthroughs for commercial adoption by GE's medical group. He ultimately managed the materials properties and processes laboratory, continuing to drive innovation and change.

In 1993, Taub joined Ford Motor Company, managing the Materials Science Department where he was responsible for advanced automotive body, chassis and powertrain materials. Later, he was manager of Vehicle Crash Safety responsible for delivering crash performance of the entire North American fleet from initial design through final certification. Most recently, he was in product development as manager of vehicle engineering for the Lincoln brand.

"Technological innovation is an essential differentiator in what has become an incredibly competitive global automotive marketplace." Taub said. "Today, consumers worldwide have a large variety of vehicle brands from which to choose. Automakers that can quickly deliver innovation to these discriminating buyers will be the winners."

Taub added, "I certainly believe GM has the organization, plan and resources in place to speed innovation to market, and I'm happy to be part of this endeavor."

Taub received a bachelors of science degree in materials engineering in 1976 from Brown University. He earned a masters degree and Ph.D. in applied physics from Harvard in 1977 and 1979 respectively.

Taub became a senior lecturer at MIT in 1998 and continues to co-teach a course there in automotive materials.

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