General Motors (GM) is to install Continental's ISAD system (Integrated Starter Alternator Damper) in two of its new pickup models. A hybrid drive system incorporating ISAD will be offered optionally starting with the year 2004 versions of the Chevy Silverado and the MC Sierra. Thanks to these systems, fuel consumption for these vehicles will drop by as much as 10 percent.

ISAD is an energy management platform uniting the functions of the starter, the generator, and the damper to minimize engine vibrations, in one single electric device which is built into the powertrain between the engine and transmission to save space. Conventionally designed starters and generators thus become superfluous.

With ISAD, says GM, the 285-horsepower hybrid 8-valve system will be able to carry as much, and accelerate with the same power, as conventional vehicles of that category. Dr. Ullrich Masberg, who heads the ISAD division, said "the GM project is an impressive demonstration of how ISAD substantially reduces fuel consumption, while, at the same time, enhancing the functionality of the vehicle." A new element of the GM hybrid system will be two 20 amp sockets with 110/220 volts: this will enable the ISAD system to work as an on-board generator supplying power to electric tools and recreational devices, for example.