Dubai, UAE - 26 July 2004 - In the last year alone, 25 per cent of all drivers killed in car accidents in Europe[1] and 15,935 traffic fatalities in the United States[2] were attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol.  To help alleviate this problem, Saab is developing a unique, miniature alcohol-sensing device, which will assist drivers in observing drink-driving laws.

The Saab 'Alcokey' concept includes a small mouthpiece in the car's key fob. A transponder communicates with the car's electronic control unit, keeping the engine immobilised if a breath sample from the driver is found to contain alcohol above the permitted level.

Such a device could be made available as an accessory through Saab dealers and is currently under evaluation and development in response to increasing concern about drunk-driving, particularly among companies and public services in Sweden responsible for operating large fleets of cars.

The 'Alcokey' concept is an elegant adaptation of existing anti-theft technology. When the driver presses the 'doors open' button on the car's remote control fob, the alcohol sensor is also switched on. The driver then blows into a small mouthpiece at the end of the fob to provide a breath sample which passes down a small internal tube containing a semi-conductor sensor the size of a pin-head. The sample is then analysed and a small green or red light on the fob is illuminated.

If the green light is shown, the key will transmit an 'all clear' signal to the car's electronic control unit. This is in addition to the usual signal the key always transmits to switch off the engine immobiliser. However, if a red light is shown, the 'all clear' signal will not be sent and the engine will, therefore, continue to be immobilised. The software instructing the engine immobiliser can be adjusted according to the alcohol limits in operation where the car is registered.

-Ends- 

Note to Editors
About Saab
Saab is a division of General Motors Corporation, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1937 in Sweden, the Saab brand was bought out in full by GM in 2000 and today markets and sells cars to more than 60 countries around the world.  Saab has long been a trusted manufacturer of vehicles that seamlessly combine high performance, first class safety, distinctive design and state-of-the art technology.

The models sold in the Middle East by Saab today - the Saab 9-3 sedan and convertible and the Saab 9-5 sedan and wagon - provide a very special driving experience, combining turbocharged power, total safety and sophisticated design.  Saab continues to expand its portfolio, developing state-of-the-art concept cars such as the no-compromise Saab 9-3x all-wheel drive sports car, the comprehensive Saab 9x and the progressive Saab 9-3 Sports Hatch, each providing a tantalising glimpse of the future of the Saab driving experience.

About GM
General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, was founded in 1908 and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today employs 342,000 people and has manufacturing operations in 32 countries.  Its vehicles are sold in more than 192 countries. In 2003, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is in Detroit.

GM has been operating in the Middle East since the early 1940's. GM's vehicle brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Opel and Saab supported by a unique set of customer focused services. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands.  The regional office in Dubai covers the company's operations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

In 2003, GM sold around 60,000 vehicles in the Middle East and the company continues to introduce pioneering programs in the region.

More information on GM and its products can be found on the company's consumer websites www.gm.com and www.gmarabia.com

For more information:
Saada Hammad                                                           Paul Venn    
Communications and PR Manager                                    Account Director
General Motors Middle East                                           Hill & Knowlton
Tel Dubai (009714) 3143350                                         Tel (009714) 3344930
e-mail saada.hammad@gm.com                                     paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com

[1] Statistics issued by the Swedish National Road Administration and EU European Commission.

[2] Statistics issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - United States Department of Transportation

© Press Release 2004