General Motors Shanghai Auto Show Roundup – Mary Barra

April 29, 2013

Last year, China’s vehicle market, the world’s largest, reached a record 19.4 million units. Analysts expect China sales to grow another 7-8 percent in 2013, and to continue growing strongly for many years to come.

At GM, we and our joint-venture partners are capitalizing on this growth by introducing 60 new models or major upgrades in China between 2011 and 2015, including 17 this year alone.

At the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, which runs through the end of April, we’re showcasing our strong product pipeline by displaying a record 53 production and concept vehicles under six brands: Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Opel, Baojun and Jiefang. Products range from small cars to luxury passenger vehicles to light-duty trucks.

One of the products on display is the new Buick Riviera concept vehicle, which is making its global debut at the Shanghai show. Designed jointly by GM’s Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint ventures, the Riviera concept offers a preview of Buick’s future design trends and a range of advanced technologies, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion.

Among the vehicles making their debut for sale in China are the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback and Cadillac Escalade ESV.

The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback complements the Cruze sedan, which is one of the most popular Chevrolet models we offer in China. The hatchback is a great example of how we’re using our assets as a global company to serve customers in multiple markets.

The Cadillac Escalade ESV is one of 10 Cadillac models on display in Shanghai. Also on display are the new locally produced XTS featuring the revolutionary Cadillac User Experience, as well as the refreshed SRX luxury SUV, which is Cadillac’s best-selling model in China. Our plans are to bring Cadillac’s entire global portfolio to China, adding one locally produced model per year through 2016.

We’re also showcasing three new Opel models that are coming to China this year: the Zafira Tourer, Astra GTC and the newly launched Insignia Sports Tourer, which will go on sale nationwide early next month. Opel is also displaying its most popular model in the China market, the Antara SUV.

Opel Antara

From the Baojun passenger car brand, we’re showcasing the new 2013 Baojun 630, featuring dynamic design, a spacious interior and great performance, as well as the Lechi, a high-performance mini-car that joined the brand’s lineup in 2012.

Baojun 630

Finally, the Jiefang brand is displaying two new additions to its growing light-duty truck family: the new Jiefang S230 and Jiefang F330. Both models go on sale in China later this year.

Going forward, we are focusing on two of the fastest-growing mainstream segments in China, luxury vehicles and SUVs. GM currently offers five SUVs in China: the Buick Encore and Enclave, Cadillac SRX and Escalade, and Chevrolet Captiva. We plan to introduce another nine new or refreshed SUVs in China within the next five years.

GM has been the sales leader among global automakers in China for the past eight consecutive years. Coincidentally, we sold our millionth vehicle in China during the Shanghai Show. Last year, we reached the one-million milestone on May 7. This year, we hit it two weeks earlier and the fastest in our history.

GM and its joint-venture partners have enjoyed remarkable success in China in recent years. At Auto Shanghai 2013, we’ve made it clear that we intend to continue our journey and remain a leader in China for years to come.

Mary Barra was named Senior Vice President, Global Product Development effective February 1, 2011, responsible for the design, engineering, program management and quality for General Motors’ vehicles around the world. She is a member of the Executive Operations Committee and serves on the Adam Opel AG Supervisory Board.

New Chevrolet and GMC Trucks Continue to Impress

February 6, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ

The all-new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 are at the top of the class. The two trucks were revealed at the North American International Auto Show in December and have been making fierce impressions on truck enthusiasts ever since.

2014 GMC Sierra

By far, the biggest asset of the trucks is the EcoTec3 engines where engineers worked to find a perfect combination of three technologies—direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing. These technologies allow for maximum torque while maintaining fuel economy. Both the Silverado and Sierra 1500 come in a 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8.

2014 4.3L V-6 EcoTec3 AFM VVT DI (LV3) for Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra

“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every one of our EcoTec3 engines, for every one of our customers,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager. “It is not an extra cost feature. You get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”

Not only did GM engineers take careful consideration while designing, but put the trucks through a series of rigorous durability testing to ensure the Silverado and Sierra 1500 are equipped and ready for any off road driving or heavy towing needs. At the same time, engineers ensured the passenger is comfortable by producing a quiet and smooth ride unlike any other truck.

2014 GMC Sierra Interior

“If the exterior and running gear didn’t sell you on the all-new 2014 GM trucks, the interior just might. These trucks look like a truck but ride like a luxury automobile. The interior is loaded with features to provide a quieter ride, like triple door seals, use of sound-absorbing materials and on the 6.2L V-8 active noise cancellation technology,” said Mark Polk, owner of RV Education 101® and RV Consumer, after checking out the new trucks at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. “The door pillars were moved forward to allow for more leg room in the back seating area and the truck is quieter, roomier and more comfortable than ever before.”

Behind the scenes, safety was something the engineers took very seriously. The Silverado and Sierra 1500 have a variety of advanced safety features.

“We have late departure warnings, forward collision protection and active seat awareness,” Maria Rohrer, Director of marketing for Chevrolet trucks, in an interview with Mark Polk.

With all of these new features, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 will be able to fit the needs of many consumers, and will be available for purchase this summer.

Keeping You in the Loop for the 2013 North American International Auto Show

January 11, 2013

The North American International Auto Show is right around the corner and many exciting announcements are expected to be made in the Motor City. Perhaps leading all of the commotion is the reveal of Chevrolet’s C7 Next Gen Corvette taking place on Sunday night. The next day Cadillac introduces its first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, the 2014 ELR.

To keep in the loop on these activities and more, we compiled a list of links for you to follow.

Live Video

Be a part of the thrill and watch the reveal of the 7th generation Corvette LIVE! Check back on Sunday, January 13th at 7:00 p.m. to watch it here.

If you would like to share the video with your friends and family or watch it live on YouTube, here is the link: youtu.be/zsQGcD0TJvw

Social Media

If you’re active on Twitter and would like to see things as they happen, stay in the loop by following @GM and the #NAIASGM hashtag. Also be sure to follow the GM Brand handles including @Buick, @Cadillac, @Chevrolet and @ThisIsGMC.For a full list of important handles to follow, view the GM NAIAS 2013 Twitter list by clicking here.

If you have a Facebook account, “like” or comment on the NAIAS page. The page will provide important information during the show and will allow you to participate in trivia questions for a chance to win tickets to the show.

You can also “Like” the GM, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC Facebook pages to talk with fans and see more coverage of the show.

If you are with the media or just want to see the news and information we share with them, head to General Motor’s media siteto click through press releases and photographs. Also GM’s Google+ newsroom will be posting images from the show and other news.

With the show just days away, think about how you can feed the “mouse” some cheese sit back, relax and click your way through NAIAS news and excitement.

GM Uses Concepts to Tap into Next-Gen Buying

December 6, 2012

Chevrolet CODE 130RS Concept

Concept cars have been integral in gauging potential customer interest of new designs and technology. Harley Earl, a GM engineer, is said to be the pioneer of the concept car back in 1938, when he lead the design of the Buick Y-Job (see pic below). Concept cars typically don’t go into production, but many of the technological innovations have ended up in production vehicles. General Motors has produced more concept cars than any other car manufacturer and designed two popular concept cars, the Chevrolet Code 130R and Tru 140S LAAS, aimed at the upcoming generation Y.

The 1938 Buick Y-Job Concept Car

Chevrolet first introduced the Code 130R and Tru 140S LAAS Concept Cars at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, engaging and inspiring next-generation buyers for their input in the future car market. By conversing with young consumers across the United States, Chevrolet is able to explore the style and functionality of the future new buyers by focusing on personalization and interior connectivity. With the vast buying power that young American consumers hold over the auto market, it only makes sense to include their input into future models. On the Code 130r and Tru140s, engineers combined technologies found in luxury cars with a possible production price range in the low $20,000s – making it an ideal vehicle for the next-gen consumers.

Chevrolet Tru140S Concept

Since the two concept cars’ introduction at the 2012 NAIA, they have made their way to many national and international auto shows, and most recently, at the L.A. auto show where they were they were on display in two new colors: grey and yellow. With the 2013 North American International Auto Show kicking off the 2013 auto show season in a few weeks, make sure you stay tuned to see what new vehicles GM will be releasing!

Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

For more information on the more than 85 years of GM Design history, see the video below.

Chevrolet and General Motors Announce Exciting New MyLink Updates at the LA Auto Show

December 3, 2012

Chevrolet has announced some exciting additions to the MyLink Infotainment systems in upcoming models including a number of firsts for the company, voice recognition, and industry firsts like bringing an intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking.

Not only will the next versions of MyLink come with more features and improved usability, General Motors is taking customer service a step further to ensure that owners understand how to get the most out of their infotainment systems.

Chevrolet Impala’s MyLink offers industry first technologies

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala will be the first vehicle equipped with Chevrolet’s next-generation MyLink infotainment system. The new MyLink is designed to be easy to use, highly customizable and capable of linking up to 10 devices.

The system represents Chevrolet’s first use of natural language voice recognition that allows customers to safely place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do. There are no key phrases to remember and no need to look at a screen.

Another first for Chevrolet is that the system can store up to 60 favorites including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations, music and other media, making it convenient for those who travel to the same destination regularly to save their favorite places.

In addition to voice activated technology and other technical features the MyLink system in the Impala will allow owners to get personal and customize the system to fit one of four distinct personalities, depending on who’s behind the wheel – Contemporary, Edge, Velocity and Main Street. Owners can also change their home screen icons for easy access to features they use the most.

“There is such a high level of attention, consistency and level of detail in the graphics on the cluster and center stack displays that they’ve become nearly as important to the overall interior look and feel as color and trim,” said Fuligni. “We can’t design a custom Impala interior for every customer, but we can give them the next best thing.”

The next generation MyLink system will be also be available on other 2014 model year vehicles including full-size trucks, SUVs and the Corvette.

Siri comes to Spark and Sonic

In early 2013, the Chevrolet Spark (1LT, 2LT) and Sonic LTZ and RS will be the first vehicles in the industry to integrate the Apple intelligent assistant, Siri into their MyLink infotainment systems.

Siri will complement MyLink’s existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience. Owners with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. To further minimize distraction, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with an Eyes Free mode that enables users to interact with their iPhone using just their voice.

Owners can use Siri in Eyes Free mode to:

Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
Play songs in the iTunes library, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
Listen to, and compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
Access Calendar and add appointments
Minimize distraction even more by keeping the screen of the iPhone from lighting up, even when Siri answers simple questions such as game scores or the dates of national holidays

GM’s Connected Customer Specialists help users understand systems

To enhance the ownership experience, General Motors has hired 25 young, tech-savvy Connected Customer Specialists and sent them to dealers across America to help owners fully understand their Chevrolet MyLink, Cadillac CUE and Buick and GMC IntelliLink infotainment systems.

“While our infotainment systems are designed to be intuitive and easy to operate, we’re taking a proactive approach to ensure customers receive the expert support they may need,” said Alicia Boler-Davis, vice president of Global Product Quality and Customer Experience. “This is one of many ways we are taking care of our customers after they’ve made their purchase.”