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May 22, 2006

Podcast: Team Corvette Is Ready for LeMans

GM Road Racing Group Manager Steve Wesoloski tells FastLane Radio that Corvette is sending two champion race-tested C6.Rs to France for the 24-hours of LeMans on June 17, 2006. The Corvette C6.R is the most technically advanced sports car ever developed by GM. This year's cars finished numbers 1 and 2 in the most recent American LeMans series race. Competition is tough, but hopes are high that Corvette will continue its winning record at LeMans this year. Wesoloski speaks from experience because he's a key member of the pit crew in addition to his engineering and administrative duties.

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Posted by Editor at 5:29 PM
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May 19, 2006

Allow Me To Comment

By Larry Burns
Vice President, Research & Development and Planning

I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiastic responses we received to my post this week about GM’s progress on the road to hydrogen. It’s good to know that people are passionate about the promise of fuel-cell vehicles and are rooting for GM to succeed.

One “Anonymous” writer, however, questioned whether this vision would ever become reality. So allow me to comment on some of the mystery writer’s observations:

• Infrastructure: The writer declared that there was “no hydrogen gas distribution network…” and that building one would be “…slow and very expensive.” But a global hydrogen infrastructure already exists today that produces 50 million tons of hydrogen per year. That’s enough to fuel 200 million fuel-cell vehicles! And GM has calculated that it would cost between $10-15 billion to build an initial infrastructure of 12,000 hydrogen stations. Now, that’s real money, but it’s a fraction of what the global oil industry spends each year on the petroleum infrastructure, and we could build it over time. This initial infrastructure would place a hydrogen-fueling pump within two miles of 70 percent of the U.S. population and every 25 miles along the interstate highways connecting the nation’s 100 largest cities.

• Storage: Storage: Anonymous is also concerned about safely storing hydrogen gas under high pressure in tanks on cars. We share his concern. But we have achieved improvements in range and packaging in three different storage methods -- liquid, compressed-gas, and solid-state storage technologies. Our compressed-gas system is the first 700-bar (10,000 psi) hydrogen storage system, and we are now demonstrating its ability to achieve a driving range of 300 miles in Sequel.

There’s no doubt that there are many miles to travel on the road to hydrogen. But as I mentioned earlier this week, every day we see new progress being made, both here at GM and with researchers and other companies around the world.

We welcome your questions and feedback — it’s why we created this blog. We also share your passion for this subject — it’s what fuels our efforts to make our vision reality. So thanks for your interest, and please stay tuned as we share more news about our progress throughout the year.

Posted by Editor at 4:26 PM
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May 15, 2006

Making Our Vision Reality

By Larry Burns
Vice President, Research & Development and Planning

People usually talk about the “golden days” of the past, but in the automotive industry, the golden days are now -– and in the future. For carmakers, this is an exciting time with tremendous opportunities for new technologies, new vehicles and growth potential. Consider the numbers.

By the year 2020, if present growth rates continue, there could be nearly 1.1 billion automobiles on the world’s roadways. That’s more than enough vehicles to circle the earth 125 times -– and a huge growth opportunity for our industry! But with this growth will come the challenge of sustainability. Simply put, we must find alternative energy sources for our products in addition to petroleum.

At General Motors, we are committed to reinventing the automobile, for today and for the future; to minimize its impact on the environment; to promote energy independence; and to create a better, safer, more responsive driving experience for consumers around the world.

To make this vision a reality, we are executing a multifaceted advanced technology strategy that includes advanced engines, hybrids and alternative fuels, like ethanol, today and hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles in the long term.

GM has placed a very high priority on fuel cells and hydrogen as the best long-term option for automotive propulsion. Here are a few reasons why:

• Unlike petroleum, hydrogen is an almost ideal fuel because it can be produced from numerous and diverse energy pathways – many of them renewable. These include biomass and geothermal, solar, and wind energy.
  
• Even the most efficient engines and hybrid systems emit carbon dioxide. Moving to hydrogen propulsion means we can eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions from our vehicles, since fuel cells emit only pure water.
  
• A transition to hydrogen will allow nations to reduce their petroleum import dependence because they can create hydrogen from the best local sources available, be it geothermal energy in Iceland, wind in Denmark, or solar energy and biomass in the United States.

Many believe that the hydrogen economy is a pipedream, something too complicated or expensive to accomplish. But every day and around the world, we see tremendous progress being made in the areas of hydrogen production, infrastructure and storage.

Which is why, starting this month, we will be traveling around the world to meet with governments, researchers and companies to share information on the many pathways to hydrogen production that will help shape our world for generations to come.

This month, we will make our first trip, to Iceland, where we will join with the Ministry of Industry, the University of Iceland, and Icelandic New Energy to witness how the country is using geothermal energy and hydroelectric power to produce clean electricity. These same energy resources can be utilized to generate hydrogen for fuel-cell vehicles, and Iceland is making tremendous progress today toward development of a hydrogen infrastructure for this purpose.

Later in the year, we will hold similar events across the country and Europe, examining what other researchers and companies, including GM, are doing to develop hydrogen fuel from other energy sources, such as wind, solar, biomass and nuclear sources. Before and after each stop, we will post updates both here on Fast Lane and on GM’s new blog. We also will be providing Guest Voices columns from our Pathways Partners. I encourage you to check back regularly to learn what GM and others are doing in this exciting field of research.

General Motors is committed to making the hydrogen economy happen, and we have made tremendous progress in our fuel-cell vehicle program, most notably with the Sequel, the first fuel-cell vehicle capable of achieving a real-world driving range of 300 miles. Our goal is to design and validate an automotive-competitive fuel cell propulsion system by 2010. By automotive competitive, we mean a system that has the performance, durability, and cost at scale volumes of today’s internal combustion engines. GM has the enabling technologies well in hand and we are increasingly confident that we will be able to achieve this goal.

But we can’t make this vision a reality without the participation of partners worldwide. To fully realize the vision of a hydrogen economy, we will continue to work in partnership with energy companies, government, other key stakeholders, and the automotive industry to address issues like hydrogen infrastructure, storage and production. Because the more closely we work together, the sooner we will build the hydrogen economy.

So, pack your sweaters and get ready for Iceland. We look forward to updating you on our visit.

Video: GM's Hy-wire was the first drivable vehicle to combine a hydrogen fuel cell with by-wire technology.

Posted by Editor at 10:55 AM
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May 12, 2006

Christening a New Design Center

By Bob Lutz
Vice Chairman

Today I’d like to share a few thoughts about what I did yesterday, which was attend the dedication of the new General Motors Europe Design Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

I’m proud of the evolution of our design staff, and indeed our entire global product development organization. And now, as we run the business on a global basis, having all of our GME Design teams — Opel, Vauxhall, Saab and Advanced Design – together in one facility, is a great step forward.

The timing is good for this move, as Opel, Vauxhall and Saab are experiencing growth in the marketplace and are significantly advancing their future design language. Opel/Vauxhall has significantly raised its design profile with products like the Astra GTC, Meriva and Zafira. We’ll continue to create more innovative concepts and adventurous designs in upcoming vehicles like the Antara and the new Corsa.

Saab, obviously, is a very different brand with a completely different customer base. Its Scandinavian origin and aircraft heritage is very important, and we’ll continue to draw upon those for inspiration. The next generation of Saab models will be striking … with the Aero X concept leading the way and providing a good sense of Saab’s future design language.

Visiting the new facility in Rüsselsheim was especially interesting for me, because I was there in the 1960s when Opel was doing groundbreaking designs like the original Opel GT, and the so-called 1720 Opel Commodore.

These were high points in Opel’s design history, and we look forward to creating more of them in the new center… Only this time they won’t be purely for Opel, but for all of General Motors.

The designers that work in our new facility will contribute to all of GM’s brands. In fact, the cross-pollination is already under way. GME designers have visited North America to demonstrate the interior precision that has become an Opel hallmark. And GMNA designers have shown their European counterparts how to dial in more sizzle and glamour into their own interiors. That’s the way the whole company should and will work.

Posted by Lutz at 11:56 AM
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May 11, 2006

Drifting Champ’s Hot New Ride? The Pontiac Solstice GXP

By Chris Ayotte
Marketing Manager
Pontiac Solstice

Drifting -– the art of defying a car’s traction into a controlled slide sideways around corners at breakneck speeds -– is still below the radar for a lot of Americans, but the sport continues to grow nonetheless. Sound confusing? Take a look at this.

Tracing its origins back to underground races on Japan’s winding mountain roads in the 1960s, drifting was a full-fledged and heavily funded motorsport in Japan by the 1980s. It arrived in the United States in the late 1990s, and has been gaining in popularity ever since, boosted by the cult following of the Japanese Manga/Anime series Initial D. This summer, American movie-going audiences will get hit with a full dose of the drifting phenomenon with the third installment of The Fast and The Furious trilogy, subtitled Tokyo Drift.

But to Rhys Millen, a New Zealand-born American, it’s more than just a pop-culture fascination. Millen shifted from the top of the rally car racing circuit to drifting and now has two wins in the United States drifting series, known as Formula D. In last year’s Formula Drift Championship, Millen muscled his way to first place in his drift car, a modified 2004 Pontiac GTO. When it was time for a new ride to slam through the corners, Pontiac had just the answer:

The Red Bull Turbocharged 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP Drift.

This rear-wheel-drive beauty is powered by a race-modified version of the GXP’s 4-cylinder ECOtec 2.0L direct-injection engine, boosted up to provide 500 bhp for every drift and slide. Millen took second to 2004 Champ Samuel Hubinette’s Dodge Viper SRT10 after a disqualifying spinout in Round 1 of this year’s Formula D series. Millen will look to take the advantage with his new Solstice GXP over Hubinette’s latest drifter, a Dodge Charger SRT8.

The two Formula D champions are set to square off again at the Round 2 event at Road Atlanta on May 12th and 13th. The new car will debut at Round 3 in Chicago on June 10th. We can’t wait to see Millen and the Solstice GXP Drift in action. We’re pretty excited to have the American champ driving his second Pontiac in a sport formerly dominated by imports. And by the way –- the Solstice GXP Drift is powered by home-grown E85.

Posted by Editor at 10:59 AM
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May 9, 2006

How We Reach Out and Listen to Women

By Cynthia Price
Manage, Diversity Sales & Marketing, Women

Last week, the Wonderbranding blog took GM to task for not effectively marketing to women and not producing cars that women want

We have a different view.

Women are an important and influential group to GM. We very deliberately design, develop and produce cars with the quality, safety, technology and fuel efficiency women want and need for their daily lives, their careers, their families and their communities.

Specifically, GM’s female designers have been instrumental in configuring vehicles with features that appeal to women. DuPont Automotive awarded the 2005 Cadillac STS and 2006 Hummer H3 the “Interior of the Year” at their 12th Annual Interiors Show. In those vehicles, movable storage modules and removable rear cargo center as well as third-row 50-50 split-stowable bench seats that fold flat provide easy-to-use cargo space that women desire. The Multi-Flex track gives the rear seat forward and backward mobility so that small children can be pulled up close to the driver. Child seat anchors on all three second-row seats provide additional safety for larger families. Finally, small touches like power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals provide more comfortable, safer vehicle operation for shorter drivers.

GM is also building the highest quality and most dependable vehicles that consumers – and particularly women – desire and expect. In an Initial Quality Study, J.D. Power and Associates praised the Buick LeSabre, Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, and Chevrolet Suburban. In its Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power also recognized the Buick LeSabre, Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Malibu, and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL.

We are also marketing to women in ways that are important and unique to them. We started by educating our divisions about the women’s market, and we’ve influenced everything from product development, marketing, and dealership environments.

We reach out to women – where they are – with information they need. Women increasingly use the Internet for car shopping, so we created gm.com/women and filled the site with valuable information. The gm.com/women site is an extension of our “Women with Drive” printed guides; both are valuable tools that help women feel comfortable with vehicle purchases, maintenance, service, and safety.

Acknowledging that women trust other women more than any other source of information, we have our key female GM executives talk about their roles in ensuring GM vehicle safety through print and broadcast media. We have also focused our message on features and benefits that solved problems in the daily lives of women rather than on torque and horsepower.

And finally, time-starved women are hungry for a chance to get away from it all – so our dealerships are hosting “ladies night out” events to create a relationship that goes beyond our products. Recently we’ve had dealers host a Bunco party and a Girl Scout Girl Power Clinic; we’ve also hosted many ATHENA events locally with our dealers.

Of course this isn’t the end of the list, rather a glimpse of what’s yet to come as we continue to talk with women, listen to what they want and give them what they need.

Posted by Editor at 12:28 PM
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May 8, 2006

World Keeps Getting Bigger for Chevrolet

By Dee Allen
Staff Director
Global Product & Brand Communications Integration

Say “Chevrolet” in the United States, and people think of everything from a turquoise and white 1957 Bel Air to a 2006 Corvette Z06; from a heavy duty Silverado to an Aveo. What most people don’t think of is Chevrolet’s global expansion: in China (up 180 percent in first-quarter 2006), Venezuela (up 57 percent), Italy (up 33 percent) and Brazil (up 26.8 percent).

How is Chevrolet doing it? With great cars and trucks designed and manufactured around the world – in Canada, Brazil, Thailand, Russia, Mexico, the United States and elsewhere. An especially big boost has come from Chevrolets manufactured in South Korea at GM Daewoo. There, Chevrolets such as the Aveo, Matiz and Epica have made GM Daewoo the second-largest Korean auto manufacturer in April and contributed to a 27 percent increase in production in 2005.

We’re looking forward to continuing this positive trend with new or redesigned Chevrolets, including the new Spark, the new Captiva (pictured here) and the updated Aveo – all scheduled to be introduced in a variety of markets this year.

Chevrolet has stood for expressive value since the 1912 model year, when some 2,999 (couldn’t they have sold just one more?) were sold in the U.S. Today, a Chevrolet is sold every 7.5 seconds somewhere in the world, and every three days Chevrolet wins another award. Oh, and they also race to victory lane from NASCAR in Daytona to the 24 Hours of LeMans.

America’s brand has gone global. Who woulda thunk it just a few years ago?

Posted by Editor at 2:33 PM
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May 5, 2006

A Quick Response

By Bob Lutz
Vice Chairman

Steve G asked several frank questions about my post yesterday (see the third comment here.) First of all, thanks for your candid feedback. That's what this blog is all about. And it also gives me a chance to respond when I see something off base, which I'm going to do right now!

I'm not going to reply to each of your questions, as that would require me to give away the details on our future product plan, but I would like to make a few important points:

• The success of our recent launch products speak for themselves. The media, analysts and customers are recognizing every aspect of our improved product execution -- the exterior styling, refined interiors and the improvements in driving characteristics. Take a look at the recent reviews on the Buick Lucerne, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade -- or look at the sales numbers on the HHR or Impala. The facts speak for themselves.

• On the points you make about transmissions, we do have plans to significantly increase the number of vehicles equipped with six-speed transmissions -- and we're doing it now! We will continue to aggressively introduce our six-speed over the next few years - and will have over 3 million vehicles equipped with this transmission by 2010.

• The pushrods now... Do we plan to increase the number of DOHC V6's in our portfolio? Absolutely, and significantly so. Will we replace all pushrods? Probably not a good idea. What about the Corvette and full-size trucks, for example? And with increased pressure to improve fuel economy, our pushrods do pretty well, especially with DOD, or Active Fuel Management as we call it now. Just look at the way our new full-size SUVs obliterate the competition (domestic and Japanese!). The newest versions of our pushrod V6s, mated to the new 6-speed transmissions that are on the way, will be silky smooth and virtually indistinguishable from any DOHC V6.

I could go on. I wish I could share pictures and details on what is in the pipeline and close to market, but I won't. I just hope you will continue to watch what happens with as much interest for detail as you obviously are doing, and that you'll be surprised at how much GM is at war -- and not with itself anymore!

Posted by Lutz at 4:22 PM
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May 4, 2006

Some Good News

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

You’ve all heard me complain about quotes -- from analysts, industry experts and media -- whenever I believe these are based on conventional wisdom, or simply not in line with the new reality at GM, and I will continue to do that whenever I believe it is warranted. But … to give credit where credit is due, I have nothing to complain about when it comes to our recent product reviews.

Our new products are receiving very good to excellent reviews pretty much across the board, and I believe GM has started regaining credibility on the product front. And since 30% of our sales are now newly launched products, the news is starting to spread.

One recent piece of coverage I’d like to point out is this review of the Corvette Z06 from Autoextremist.com. As usual, it is a provocative piece of writing, but what about this quote: “The Corvette Z06 is simply the most seductive combination of power, speed, drivability, value and overall efficiency that exists in the world today. A high-performance super car for the real world, it is a milestone achievement that deserves recognition as much for its capabilities, as for the people behind it.”

In addition to the stellar reviews, our sales are beginning to reflect that car buyers may be getting the message and seeing the results of our efforts. Despite the recent rise in fuel prices and against industry trends, GM had an encouraging story for April with our increase in truck sales. This was driven by the strong performance of the all-new full-size sport utility vehicles and our full-size pickups.

Chevy Tahoe sales were up 35 percent in April, GMC Yukon posted a 36 percent sales gain, and Cadillac Escalade, one of our hottest new products in the market, improved dramatically, with a 127 percent improvement over last year. GM’s newest entries in the crossover category also contributed to the improvement in overall truck sales. Chevrolet HHR, Equinox and Pontiac Torrent all posted solid results. HHR had its best-ever sales month, with Equinox showing record April sales.

HUMMER set yet another sales record in April, with total sales up 236 percent. H3 continues to drive the brand’s record-setting pace and leads the entry luxury utility segment by a wide margin. Saturn posted a year-over-year sales gain of 14 percent with retail sales up 3 percent. Saturn Vue continued its sales momentum with its 11th consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases up 33 percent. And by the way, the new Saturn Sky sold its first 612 units in April. Demand for the all-new two-seat Sky roadster continues to outpace supply, with vehicles remaining on dealers’ lots an average of only 10 days.

The message that GM has more and more great looking products is starting to get through. The message that we lead in fuel economy in many segments is starting to be understood. The message that GM always has been and continues to be a leader in the development of life-saving technologies (think OnStar), comfort and convenience (think XM), and advanced technology (E85, 2-mode hybrids, fuel cell) is gaining traction.

Rest assured -- we know there’s plenty of road still to cover, and we won’t let up on our efforts. Believe me: it only gets better from here! More and better executed cars and trucks, with expressive design and super interiors, developed with a segment-winning mindset, and each with a strong and singular brand mission.

Posted by Lutz at 2:53 PM
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May 3, 2006

More on Our Saturn Family

By Jill Lajdziak
General Manager, Saturn

It was great to read all your comments on our new Saturn lineup. I was thrilled to see so many positive responses to the Outlook, Aura, Sky Red Line, Vue Green Line and PreVue concept. Now that the New York International Auto Show has ended, I have a chance to catch up with some of the comments and questions on my last post.

If these are import fighters, why won't there be a manual transmission in the Aura?
For those wanting a manual transmission experience, the all-new 6-speed transmission with the 3.6L V6 does feature clutchless tap-shifting. That allows the driver to get performance and fuel economy similar to what he or she would achieve with a manual. However, we do not plan to offer a manual transmission at this time.

Why isn't the Aura production vehicle exactly the same as the concept shown in Detroit last year?
When you compare the two vehicles, you'll notice that they are, in fact, very similar. I would say that the production vehicle has a bit more refined look on the exterior, with the premium-look 14-spoke wheels on the XR model and a bit cleaner front end. The interior is almost exactly like the concept. For those who want different wheels, there are several designs available. And, if wood trim isn't your cup of tea, you can skip checking that box. It is optional and can be replaced with a brushed metallic look. Finally, listen to what Autoextremist, often one of our harsher critics, said about the Aura: "If you're looking for a sedan that has more character in one wheel than most other sedans have in total, the new Saturn Aura has mainstream ‘hit’ written all over it.”

Will the Outlook and Aura use polymer panels?
Let me start by saying that polymer is a product feature, not an indelible part of the Saturn brand. Saturn has always been about providing a great retail and ownership experience, and we will not lose sight of that commitment to the customer. Future Saturn models like the Sky, Aura and Outlook do not feature polymer panels. We continue to offer them on Ion and Vue for the current bodystyles.

The reasons for the switch are twofold: First, to get these important new vehicles for our portfolio, we are tapping into the strength of the GM engineering and manufacturing community. These will share some development, and will be built on the same line as other GM models. Simply put, vehicles coming off of the same line must be the same body composition (metal with metal, polymer with polymer). Though it has been a sucessful product feature for Saturn for our 15+ years in the marketplace, we feel that it is important to expand the portfolio with new vehicles. This leads me to point #2: These new Saturns will showcase high levels of refinement and quality. Using sheet metal for the vehicle exteriors allows us to tighten the gaps that, on polymer vehicles, were required for expansion in warm weather. Shrinking gaps will increase our performance with perceived quality, and should attract more individuals into the stores to enjoy the Saturn purchase experience.

Can a tall person fit into a car with the Kappa architecture?
Several of the people who worked on the development of the Sky and Solstice are taller than 6', and have been able to drive the car with little to no trouble. However, as is the case with all small roadsters, you should always drive a car to determine you comfort behind the wheel.

What's the difference between Saturn and Chevrolet these days?
Saturn and Chevrolet remain very different brands. Chevrolet is GM's hallmark volume brand. They have, and will continue to have, a comprehensive vehicle portfolio targeting competitors with similar lineups like Toyota, Ford and Dodge. Although we are expanding our offerings, our lineup will not come close to matching the number of segments that Chevy plays in. Also, Saturn does attract very different buyers than Chevy, and the demographics of the brand bear that out. Saturn continues to draw in people whose second choice is not a GM-branded vehicle. So, even though Chevy continues to make progress with non-GM intenders, both brands still play a very important role for the Corporation.

Again, thanks for your responses. Look for these cars at a Saturn retailer later this year.

Posted by Editor at 10:05 AM
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