By Gary L. Cowger
GM Vice President, Manufacturing and Labor Relations
Solar power. Landfill gas. Jatropha plants for biodiesel fuel.
Not exactly words one would expect to be part of the culture at an auto company, particularly General Motors.
But they are and I am proud to admit they form the basis for some far-reaching environmental initiatives.
As the person […]
In today’s installment of our “The Case for GM” video series, Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner explains the importance that Congress provide loans to automakers in order to meet more-stringent fuel economy mandates. Please let us know your thoughts and keep checking in as we continue to respond to your comments. For a transcript of […]
To kick off our “The Case for GM” video series, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner discusses some of our specific challenges and some of the reasons he’s optimistic about what’s happening at GM. We’ve had a lot of insightful comments from readers already; please keep them coming and watch for responses from executives and […]
We’ve seen some comments on appearances by GM CEO Rick Wagoner and Vice Chairman Bob Lutz the Charlie Rose’s PBS interview program earlier this week.
In case you missed the shows, here’s a chance to download Rick’s and Bob’s interviews. Take a look to get a very interesting perspective and to hear a frank, open dialogue […]
By Larry Burns
GM Vice President, Research & Development
Volatile oil prices have been dominating the news lately, underscoring growing unease about the automobile’s heavy dependence on petroleum. As these concerns reverberate from Main Street to Wall Street, General Motors is working toward new solutions that will answer the growing demand for personal transportation in an affordable […]
Don’t go getting too excited, it probably won’t mean a crate version of the S65 or N54 for Roundel fans. Running an automaker is expensive, especially a manufacturer that leans more toward niche status than casting a wide net. BMW is looking at all options for future revenue, and one of the thoughts that’s occured to the well-respected manufacturer of cars with chutzpah is to bank on its engineering chops and sell engines to other carmakers. Lotus has pimped themselves out for years to other automakers, and the Porsche name has ended up on things like hard drives, so BMW selling their award-winning engines to gain an extra stream of return on their investment is a far less radical move. Hey, if selling their more mundane powerplants to emerging markets like India and China keeps the coffers full and awesome performers rolling our way, we’re all for it.
[Source: Motor Authority]
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By Tom Stephens
GM Group Vice President, Global Powertrain and Global Quality
This morning we announced great news in Seattle: King County has ordered up to 500 new GM hybrid-powered city buses over the next five years. With the 214 buses that have already been operating there since 2004, that could give the county a fleet of 714 GM hybrid-articulated buses, the largest in the world.
Compared to conventional diesel buses, we estimate a hybrid bus fleet that big will save more than 1.1 million gallons of fuel each year and prevent more than 11,300 metric tons of CO2 emissions – and that’s just in King County.
What We Believe Will Make a Difference
By Beth Lowery
Vice President, GM Environment and Energy
Rollercoaster-like gas prices, regional conflicts and global climate change have put energy security and environmental issues front and center of the national debate. Reducing gasoline consumption as well as our collective impact on the earth’s climate should be national priorities. These, too, are our priorities at GM and we recently told Congress what we’re doing to lessen our dependence on petroleum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Last week, Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO, testified before the US House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. He was not alone. Other key leaders of the world’s larger auto manufacturers and from the UAW also provided testimony ranging from product plans centered on advanced technology, biofuels, and the effectiveness of the three-decade old Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE).
A Progress Report on GM’s Turnaround By Steve Harris Vice President GM Global Communications A big part of a accomplishing a corporate turnaround is changing people’s perception. It wasn’t long ago when it was tough to find a story about…
By Steve Harris
Vice President, GM Global Communications
I know from your comments that a lot of you would like to hear our side of what’s going on behind all the media reports suggesting there could be a link-up of GM and the Chrysler Division of DCX.
The announcement by Daimler-Chrysler on February 14 that “all options are on the table” regarding the future of the Chrysler Division certainly set off a firestorm of stories, studies and speculation by media, analysts and bloggers.
Commenting on hot news events and speculating about the future is the lifeblood of most blogs. In this case, GM has good reasons for declining to comment or speculate on any discussions we might be having with DCX about Chrysler.
The reason is simple: GM and other car makers frequently discuss issues of mutual interest. In most cases, these discussions don’t lead anywhere. So as a matter of policy, the company doesn’t confirm or comment publicly on these types of discussions unless and until it’s determined that disclosure is appropriate.
I love a good online discussion as much as anyone. But, as a spokesman for GM, I must do what is best for the company. And in this case, it means continuing to decline comment on this issue.
By Brian McVeigh
General Manager, Fleet and Commercial Operations
I’m out in Las Vegas at the annual conference of the National Automobile Dealers Association — some of the most important people in our business. It’s always great to be with our dealer partners, because they aren’t shy about sharing their opinions with auto manufacturers. Plus they get direct input from car buyers. Today, General Motors North American President, Troy Clarke, was able to deliver some great news to them that will help improve car buyers’ opinions of GM vehicles.
By Ed Peper
General Manager, Chevrolet
You can now go behind the scenes of the “Chevy Super Bowl College Ad Challenge,” in which more than 820 college teams registered for the opportunity to have their ad concept made into one of Chevrolet’s 2007 Super Bowl commercials. Check out the five finalists on webisodes as they travel from their hometowns to Detroit to make “the pitch.”
By Steve Harris
GM VP, Global Communications
For nearly a century, GM has played a big role in the lives of millions worldwide by providing personal transportation. We’ve also played a significant role in sponsoring some of the biggest sports, entertainment and pop-culture events in the world. Most people have only experienced these events through the media, and only a select few have ever been “backstage.”
So today, we’re launching a new consumer-driven web experience called igotshotgun. It takes people behind the scenes for an inside look at cars, culture and entertainment through the eyes of everyday consumers and a few special celebrity guests.
Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, Legislation and Policy
The environment has lept into the spotlight over the last year in a way we haven’t seen before. Global warming and green house gas emissions have moved beyond a theory to be a call to arms for governments, business and individuals alike. As we all know, transport has a huge impact on green house gas emissions like carbon dioxide. In the United Kingdom, a number of new polices have recently been introduced to tax transport and encourage the use of more fuel efficient means to move around. A major report has proposed the implementation of a road pricing scheme to ease congestion and cut emissions while the U.K. government has announced plans to double taxes on air travel, increase petroleum fuel taxes and simultaneously lower biodiesel fuel taxes.
This is but one example of governments around the world moving to offer tax breaks and subsidies to promote the far more carbon-neutral biofuels of ethanol and biodiesel. Under the United Kingdom’s Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation, five percent of transport fuel sold by 2010 must come from renewable sources. This relatively small percentage is expected to cut carbon emissions by an amazing 1m tonnes, equivalent to taking 1m cars off the road.
Businesses are getting behind emissions reductions schemes as well, for example, the giant Tesco supermarket chain is currently trailing a system developed by Clean Air Power, which enables its truck fleet to run on a mixture of natural gas and diesel. Not only does this allow Tesco to meet local emissions regulations, but they will save considerably on their fuel bill as well. The chance to improve the bottom line will always get a company’s attention, but often its individual employees that bring such opportunities into focus for business. If you’re working for a company, make sure you take a look around for a chance to save them money, and your environment as well.
Related:
[Source: The Guardian]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
By Steve Shannon
General Manager, Buick
It’s great to read all your comments about Buick and its rich heritage for styling and innovation. It’s funny, I was writing about just one aspect of Buick’s business — China — and it appears that many are not that familiar with what is going on in the U.S.
Since 2004, we have been steadily rebuilding the Buick brand, brick by brick, with vastly improved products that signal a renewal of Buick in the U.S.
Last month, Buick introduced the most significant product in recent memory — the 2008 Enclave luxury crossover SUV. The Enclave is Buick’s first luxury crossover and it is the perfect vehicle for the times. It has all the versatility, functionality, and roominess of a sport utility and the ride dynamics of a high-end luxury car. Then we add what I call the ‘Buickness’. The Enclave is library quiet, has a level of interior comfort and craftsmanship not witnessed in the segment, offers luxury-like features like a rear back-up camera and HID headlights that turn with the wheel, and technologies that are relevant and easy to use such as OnStar and XM Radio. This is all shrink-wrapped in a gorgeous exterior that’s romantic and timeless. We hear you on styling! Check out the Enclave!
The Lucerne has also been a key to this renaissance of Buick we are enjoying now. The Lucerne is selling strongly, and its beautiful lines are attracting some interesting tuners and customizers, like this one from Rick Bottom. We had eleven different tuners go at the Lucerne at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas and the results were nothing short of amazing. Even for me.
We know we cannot let up, and we won’t. It is good to know that there are others out there who understand and appreciate what Buick stands for. Thanks for your comments. Please keep them coming.
Take a look at FYI for an article by Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press automotive critic, on GM and the EV1, and introduction by GM’s Brian Akre. -Alicia Dorset…
Filed under: Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai
Hyundai and Chrysler already share their 2.4 liter “world engine” (along with Mitsubishi), and they may share much more in the future. Rumors are trickling in from all quarters about potential suitors for Chrysler, should DCX decide to cut loose its American vessel, and Hyundai is the latest one to grab headlines. The main value in purchasing Chrysler, which is suffering from crippling pension and healthcare costs, geriatric factories and indifferent product, is the dealer network.
Hyundai is making an aggressive effort in the US. The oldest thing in their fleet is the Tiburon (though it is newly-facelifted), and quality is way up. Hyundai and Kia vehicles represent good value for the money, and the instant sales organization they’d gain from a potential purchase of Chrysler would give Hyundai a further toe-hold. We’re not sure how the brand change might play in Peoria, but we very seriously doubt that the rest of the Chrysler brand would be discarded just to acquire the sales organization.
There’s a lot of value in Auburn Hills besides sales mooks. The Caravan and Voyager vans have been redone and are back in the game, and the LX cars still carry cachet, if not sales volume. Were the arranged marriage to occur, there would be some redundant products - such as the aforementioned vans. We’re not sure how that would shake out. We bet that it costs Chrysler more to build a car than Hyundai spends, but we’d hope that the better car would win out in the corporate joust. A Sonata wearing a Chrysler badge (with some restyling, of course) wouldn’t be such a terrible thing, would it?
Thanks to tipster Avinash!
[Source: timesonline]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time