FastLane

GM Vice President Environment and Energy Beth Lowery and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Steve Johnson listen to Chevrolet Volt Chief Engineer Nick Zielinski explain the inner workings of the Volt at the NAIAS earlier this year.

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

The introduction of our Chevrolet Volt concept car and E-Flex electric propulsion system at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last month created quite a stir, garnering twice the media coverage as the runner up for us, our Chevrolet Camaro convertible.

The Volt came on the heels of our announcement at the Los Angeles show that we’ve begun work on a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, and puts a face on our efforts to diversify the energy sources we use to power automobiles.

However, some cynics accused us of pulling a PR stunt, saying the Volt is simply an attempt by GM to “greenwash” the public and would never be a real vehicle. The truth is just the opposite – we are treating Volt just like any other vehicle we do, giving it a dedicated development team and designating resources for it. With that in mind, I thought I’d take a moment to update you on the program so far.

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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 Bill Betts
Manager, GM Blogs

Recently PodTech.net’s Matt Kelly had a chance to chat with Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak on the unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra at the Chicago Auto Show. Jill gives Matt a tour of the car and discusses how the Astra is the “capstone” on Saturn’s revitalization.

By Bill Betts
GM Blogs Manager

The Chevrolet Volt “…is not hype…we’re going to get there…,” says Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper at the Chicago Auto Show. Peper talks optimistically about plans to develop the Volt concept vehicle into a production vehicle during an interview with Matt Kelly of Podtech.net. Peper also explains why he thinks customers are going to be surprised by the affordability of the stylish next generation Chevrolet Camaro. Check out his site to listen in.

By Randy Schwarz
Vehicle Line Executive, Global Luxury RWD

In case you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, the Cadillac Drivers’ Log is a new blog in which some of our best engineers share a bit of what they do with other auto enthusiasts. (These are the people who are developing the all-new 2008 CTS that premiered at the Detroit show.) The Drivers’ Log shows real images and stories of the incredible lengths they go to as they develop and test a car, from the Nurburgring to a quiet road down the block. If you’re curious to see a bit of what real car testing consists of, you’ll want to give it a look.

By Brian McVeigh
General Manager, Fleet and Commercial Operations

Preliminary reports from our dealers indicate that customer interest has been encouraging regarding last week’s announcement that General Motors will provide a fully transferable 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible on 2002-2006 model GM Certified Used Vehicles.

You should note that there are no exceptions to eligibility for this powertrain limited warranty, which is standard only on 2002-2006 model year GM Certified Used Vehicles purchased on or after March 5, 2007. However, you may want to consider the many GM Protection Plan offerings, as they can be tailored to include only the powertrain components or broader coverage, based on your needs.

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The 2008 Saturn Astra

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

Before the week ends I wanted to say just a couple of quick things about the Chicago Auto Show, which was, in a word, excellent. For GM, that is.

I arrived just as Jill Lajdziak was introducing the new Saturn Astra. When the press conference ended, the car was mobbed. And the reaction seemed to be overwhelmingly positive, for both the three-door and five-door models. It was great to see.

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The 2008 Pontiac G8 GT Show Car

By John Larson
General Manager, Buick, Pontiac, GMC

I think that most auto enthusiasts agree that it takes three basic characteristics to make a great performance car: great power, great handling and great looks. It’s a timeless formula and, looking back through our history, one that the very best Pontiac cars have followed.

It’s also the essential DNA that we strive for with modern Pontiacs. The Solstice GXP is a great example of how to blend power, performance and design into a vehicle that stirs the passion of drivers and spectators alike.

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Take a look at the reveal of the Pontiac G8 at the Chicago Auto Show.

-Alicia Dorset, blog editor

Take a look at today’s introduction of the Saturn Astra at the Chicago Auto Show.

-Alicia Dorset, blog editor