General Motors Introduces GM Global Aid.

Program to Aid in Global Disaster Relief

DETROIT, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ --

Today General Motors (NYSE: GM) and the GM Foundation announced a revolutionary way in which GM employees and the American public can contribute to disaster relief efforts. GM introduced GM Global Aid, a virtual storehouse of giving opportunities. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, GM employees -- as well as private citizens -- can log on to www.gm.com (click on "The Company," and then "Beliefs and Policies") and make monetary contributions to disaster relief organizations. The mission of GM Global Aid is to provide immediate assistance when disaster strikes any place in the world.

"By implementing GM Global Aid, GM increases its ability to reach out to communities across the globe. While GM is one of the world's leading corporate citizens in tranquil times, we realize that in times of crises, the physical and emotional needs of individuals are piqued," said GM Foundation Chairman Rod Gillum, who also serves as Vice President for Corporate Relations and Diversity.

By harnessing the power of the Internet, GM supports its employees who extend their personal resources to others in times of crisis. In addition to Internet access, GM employees will also be able to access GM Global Aid through GM's internal Web site. GM's dynamic e-business group, e-GM, designed this unique, full-service site to provide "up to the minute" news and information on disasters worldwide. The GM Foundation will also provide matching employee contributions under certain conditions.

"At General Motors, our goal is to leverage the power of the Internet to support our communities in times of their greatest need. This will inherently increase the amount of financial and in-kind contributions that we, the GM family, can give to those individuals who need it most," said Gillum.

Donations are securely taken, processed and distributed through some of the leading charitable organizations in the world, including the International Red Cross, United Way International, CARE and others. When disaster strikes, GM Global Aid will determine the international or local relief organization to enlist, based upon immediate crisis needs and the ability of the organization to respond in the particular part of the world.

GM Global Aid will mobilize the resources of the entire GM organization, particularly the low-interest financing capabilities of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and the regional vehicle distribution expertise of the Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing organization (VSSM). These resources will be of particular importance in areas where shelter and transportation are needed as a direct result of the disaster.

General Motors has a long-standing history of reaching out to communities in times of disaster. Since the inception of the General Motors Foundation in 1976, GM has always joined with organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army and Focus:HOPE in times of crisis.

The following is a list of some of the relief efforts GM has been involved in over the past two years:

AUGUST 1998

General Motors China and its employees donated RMB 1 million to help people affected by the devastating floods that plagued southern China. Included in GM China's donation were the personal contributions from its employees in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenyang.

FEBRUARY 1999

The General Motors Foundation, GM Colmotores, GM do Brasil, GMAC and GM's joint venture partners Isuzu and Suzuki delivered 34 cars and trucks to Colombia President Andres Pastrana and Nora Pastrana, first lady of Colombia, to assist in that country's earthquake relief effort. The vehicles, worth $800,000, were used to deliver medical supplies, food and other relief materials to the areas devastated by the earthquake. In addition to the donations from the companies, GM Colmotores employees donated $15,000 of their own money to the disaster relief effort.

MAY 1999

General Motors Corporation raised $710,250 through a vehicle sales program designed to benefit the Oklahoma and Kansas communities struck by tornadoes. GMAC assisted residents of designated counties in purchasing GM vehicles by offering a Deferred Payment Program, along with a special finance rate program on eligible new and used vehicles.

AUGUST 1999

The General Motors Foundation donated $50,000 to the International Red Cross to be used in Turkey for earthquake relief.

SEPTEMBER 1999

The Southeast Region of General Motors Corporation in cooperation with the American Red Cross announced a relief initiative to provide transportation aid in the form of 60 vehicles to victims affected by Hurricane Floyd in North Carolina.

NOVEMBER 1999

The General Motors Foundation, GMAC and GMAC Mortgage contributed $25,000 for the rebuilding of HAVEN's safe house and main counseling center in Pontiac, Michigan. The facility was damaged by fire. HAVEN is a center for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

The General Motors Foundation contributed $10,000 to the local disaster relief fund of the Genesee-Lapeer Chapter of the American Red Cross. The donation was used for the victims of the Clara Barton Convalescent Home disaster. The facility was destroyed in an explosion. The Red Cross used the disaster relief funds to provide basic needs, such as eyeglasses, dentures, clothing and medication, for victims of the explosion.

Gillum adds, "GM employees have consistently responded to requests for donations and volunteer time when disaster strikes or when there is a need for help. In addition, the Foundation has responded to disasters that affect the GM family worldwide, whether it is relief from hurricane or flood damage in the United States or earthquake damage around the world. We are proud to be able to provide some measure of assistance."