GM Announces Sponsorship of the "FutureTruck 2000 and 2001"

GM announces that it will join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a primary sponsor of "FutureTruck" for the years 2000 and 2001. Michael Grimaldi, GM vice president and vehicle line executive of full-size trucks, made the announcement at the concluding ceremonies of the "1999 FutureCar Challenge" in Washington D.C. The FutureCar Challenge gives college students the opportunity to use their creativity and innovation to solve 'real-life' engineering and business problems. Participating colleges and universities re-engineer passenger cars to operate on advanced, alternative fuel technology. The vehicles are evaluated on performance, fuel economy, emissions, and consumer features.

GM has been a co-sponsor of FutureCar since 1996 and a major sponsor -- with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources Canada -- of the 1998 and 1999 Ethanol Vehicle Challenges. GM of Canada will sponsor the 2000 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge. GM also co-sponsors the International EcoCar 2000 with the Society of Automotive Engineers. In November, GM will donate 15 all-new, 2000 model year Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicles to the universities chosen to participate in "FutureTruck 2000."