A Refrigerator That Actually Saves Time and Energy Available to Consumers Mid-April; GE Appliances Launches Innovative New Profile Arctica Refrigerator.

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LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2001

From the company that introduced the first hermetically sealed refrigerator in 1911, and who first delivered ice and water through the door in 1969, GE Appliances introduces the next generation of refrigeration.

The GE Profile(TM) Arctica(TM) side-by-side refrigerator, the highlight of the most comprehensive refrigeration system GE has ever offered, will be available to consumers April 16. New GE 2001 exclusive refrigeration technology translates into timesaving benefits consumers will appreciate.

"The new line of 2001 GE refrigerators was the result of the most extensive consumer research GE Appliances has ever undertaken," said Larry Johnston, president and CEO of GE Appliances. "Over and over again we heard the same issue - people want to save time. GE has answered the `need for speed' with our exclusive refrigeration technology."

Imagine a refrigerator that chills wine in minutes, not hours, thaws meat in half the time and makes ice up to 40 percent faster than a regular cycle. GE refrigerators have not simply been updated, they've been revolutionized!

GE Arctica(TM) features include:

-- For spontaneous entertaining and unexpected guests, the CustomCool(TM)
ExpressChill(TM) setting cools foods and beverages in minutes, not hours.

-- For hurry-up menus, an ExpressThaw(TM) setting on the CustomCool bin thaws
meats and other freezer items in hours, not days.

-- In the freezer compartment, the Quick Ice(TM) feature accelerates ice
production (up to 40 percent faster than a regular cycle) for those special
occasions and spontaneous get-togethers.

GE 2001 side-by-side refrigerators have been reengineered to provide exceptional temperature management with a spectrum of cooling capabilities. Using an inventive temperature control system, the new Arctica side-by-side refrigerator distributes cool air evenly within the fresh food compartment through a multiflow air tower. Multiple electronic sensors monitor interior temperatures, keeping coolness consistent regardless of where food is placed.

Up front, right where you can see and set them, illuminated electronic temperature controls keep temperatures precise. In the freezer compartment electronic sensors make sure defrosting occurs only when necessary, a FrostGuard(TM) process that helps reduce freezer burn. And that's an advantage that you can really taste.

Inside and out, what you see is what you'll like on GE 2001 refrigerators. The Arctica side-by-side models have gently contoured doors for a high fashion look. Softly textured, full-length handles feel pleasing to the touch. Set into the freezer door front, the GE LightTouch! dispenser fills all your tall orders. Newly redesigned, the dispenser accommodates large containers such as sport bottles, pitchers, and even blenders.

Other highlights of the GE Profile Arctica side-by-side refrigerator include:

-- GE's new tri-level lighting system provides multiple light

sources that cast a bright glow throughout the interior.

-- A GE SmartWater(TM) filter, built right into the refrigeration

system, for cleaner, better tasting, healthy ice and water.

-- Quiet operation. Reengineered for better noise insulation,

these refrigerators are our quietest ever!

-- Easy maintenance with the Never Clean(TM) condenser. It never

needs cleaning in normal operating environments.

New GE Profile Arctica refrigerators comply with 2001 energy standards, and most meet with 2003 clean air requirements. These refrigerators offer substantial environmental benefits and valuable energy savings. The GE Arctica side-by-side 25 cubic foot dispenser models use about 40 percent less energy than previous 25 cubic foot dispenser models, and have earned an ENERGY STAR(R) designation. They only use the same energy as two 40-Watt light bulbs burning continuously!

GE Profile Arctica side-by-side refrigerators estimated retail price ranges from $1,699 to $2,799.

General Electric (NYSE:GE) has been bringing good things to life for more than a century, and sells products under the Monogram(R), Profile(TM), GE(R), Hotpoint(R), and SmartWater(TM) brands. For more information about GE Appliances, consumers can call the GE Answer Center(R) at 800/626-2000 or visit the company's web site at www.GEAppliances.com.

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