For Release: May 23, 2002

CONTACTS:

Angele Shaw, General Motors
Phone: 586.986.3808
e-mail: angele.shaw@gm.com

Kristen Collins, Technology Review
Phone: 617.795.0800
e-mail: Kristen@kmcpartners.com

Cambridge, MA - A General Motors Corp. researcher specializing in ways to shape aluminum cost effectively, has been selected as one of the world's 100 Top Young Innovators by Massachusetts Institute of Technology's technical magazine.

Paul Krajewski, staff research scientist and lab group manager, was the recipient of the TR100, chosen annually by Technology Review. TR100 is given to 100 young innovators whose work in business and technology has a profound impact on today's world. Nominees are recognized for their contribution in transforming the nature of technology in industries such as biotechnology, computing, energy, medicine, manufacturing, nanotechnology, telecommunications and transportation. Krajewski is being honored today at MIT.

Krajewski is a leading innovator in the area of Materials at General Motors where he develops new alloys and forming methods for aluminum materials. Since joining General Motors in 1994, he has six patents under his belt, all for techniques that make it easier to work with aluminum. He recently invented a flash-heating technique that improves the bending of aluminum on the assembly line and makes it a viable alternative for steel. The use of aluminum is important toward reducing overall vehicle weight, since aluminum is 40 percent lighter than steel. Formability of aluminum on the assembly line has posed challenges. Using this new breakthrough technology, aluminum can be used on a broader range of GM vehicles - not just pricey sports cars. "Now, we can build vehicles with more "creases and curves," anything that would excite the eyes of the customer," Krajewski says, "and keep them happier at the gas pump too."

Technology Review is the world's oldest technology magazine. The magazine, as well as its signature events and Internet businesses, delivers essential information on emerging technologies on the verge of commercialization.

General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. In 2001, GM earned $1.5 billion on sales of $177.3 billion, excluding special items. It employs about 362,000 people globally. More information on General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.