For Release May 30, 2006

Challenge X Hosts Media Ride and Drive at June Competition

General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy will host a media "ride and drive" event and announce which student engineering team will take first place at the second year competition of Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility.

Challenge X is a unique three-year engineering competition that is providing 17 university teams from across North America the opportunity to follow the GM global vehicle development process and develop advanced propulsion technology solutions that will increase energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact. The student teams are each re-engineering a Chevy Equinox with their technology solutions.

By participating in the Challenge X program, the students are gaining real-world engineering skills and hands-on learning that will lay the foundation for them to embark on a career in engineering with a competitive advantage.

When:

Thursday, June 8, 2006; 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Media registration begins at 12:00 p.m. The winning team will be announced at 1:00 p.m., and then media representatives are invited to experience the student vehicles first-hand on a designated course. Lunch will be provided beginning at 12:00 p.m., and various sponsors and technology displays will be on-site.

Where:

General Motors - Desert Proving Ground
133030 S. Ellsworth, Mesa, Ariz.
Enter through South Gate to gravel parking lot. Park and walk to Building 52 for registration. Map available upon request.

Who:

Ken Morris, Executive Director of Vehicle Performance, GM North America
Robert Kruse, Executive Director, GM North American Engineering
Dan Hancock, Vice President of Engineering Operations, General Motors Powertrain
Ed Wall, Program Manager, FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program, U.S. Department of Energy
Students and faculty from 17 Challenge X university teams
Dozens of automotive technology industry sponsors

Questions:

Susan Garavaglia, GM, (248) 857-4368
Jenny Rios, (202) 289-2001