GE introduces solar charger for its Veriwise Asset Intelligence telematics system

ORLANDO, FL. (March 13, 2006) - GE has found a new use for solar energy.

GE's VeriWise Asset Intelligence telematics system, which enables carriers and shippers to monitor assets in transit, can now be equipped with a solar module that maintains the charge and substantially extends the life of the batteries that power the monitoring devices in untethered or dropped trailers. This enhancement of GE's breakthrough asset intelligence technology was introduced during the Truckload Carriers Association 68th annual convention held here this week.

The solar panel, manufactured by GE Energy, needs only two hours of direct sunlight each day to maintain the charge of the sealed lead acid (SLA) battery that powers new models of the VeriWise system. The optional solar energy module minimizes the need to re-tether the trailer every 120 days to recharge the battery.

More important, because the solar module doesn't permit the charge to drop below the "degradation threshold" where the battery loses recharging capability, the solar module can extend battery life well beyond the average four years and reduce maintenance costs and unproductive time off the road. Rated at 1.25 watts, with a rated voltage of 13.0 volts, the maintenance-free solar charging unit was specifically designed to match the device's SLA battery.

"As we worked with our customers to better understand their asset intelligence needs, it became apparent that, under certain operating conditions, having to recharge the battery of an untethered trailer after only 120 days presents an operational challenge," said Thomas Konditi, general manager, Asset Intelligence, GE Equipment Services. "Customers operating older tractors without a hot auxiliary pin on their seven-way connectors, or those sending a large number of event messages while the trailer is untethered, will find the solar energy module an ideal power option."

According to Konditi, one of several processors onboard the new VeriWise model is programmed to determine how and when to switch from the seven-way power to solar. The solar charging panel is durable, designed to deflect one-inch hailstones traveling at 50 miles an hour. The module is available initially as an option for internally installed devices, and will be standard on the externally mounted unit to be available later in 2006.

About GE Equipment Services

GE Equipment Services is a global provider of transport solutions for the world's supply chains. Offering a full range of equipment leasing and intelligence-based asset management and logistics services for manufacturers, retailers and shippers, Equipment Services enables the timely movement of raw materials and cargo for the global economy. Equipment Services includes Wayne, Pa.-based Trailer Fleet Services, a single-source provider for trailer leasing, renting, financial services, insurance, maintenance, remarketing and asset tracking, and GE's Asset Intelligence unit, based in Barrington, Illinois, which provides worldwide mobile-asset tracking and condition-monitoring products and services and supports (VeriWise)™ . Details and ordering information for VeriWise may be found at www.trailerservices.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS FOR MORE INFORMATION:

GE, Trailer Fleet Services, Wayne, PA
Patrick Brennan, Media Relations Manager
484-254-0127 or patrick.brennan@ge.com