General Motors Corp. will introduce 14 new or significantly revised powertrains in the 2008 model year – including five 1.0L to 2.0L small-displacement engine variants – with a focus on saving fuel and improving performance in GM’s cars and trucks.
For 2008, GM’s powertrain lineup includes hybrids, clean diesels and fuel-saving technologies such as Active Fuel Management, direct injection, variable valve timing, six-speed transmissions and flexfuel options for consumers.
“We’re leveraging our global capability to build powertrains that do more with less fuel,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president for GM Powertrain and Quality. “Our 2008 powertrain lineup demonstrates how we’re using advanced technologies to provide customers with many fuel-saving options.”
More hybrid models for 2008
* New for 2008 is the industry’s first 2-Mode hybrid system, which makes its debut with a new 6.0L V-8 in GM’s full-size sport-utility vehicles. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids will deliver up to a 40-percent improvement in city fuel economy over non-hybrid versions and up to a 25-percent improvement overall. GM will expand this application to the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado crew cabs in 2008. The 6.0-liter V-8 is GM’s first use of the legendary small-block V-8 in a hybrid package. The engine features an aluminum block, Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology, cam-in block VVT, late-intake valve closing and a higher 10.8 compression ratio. It delivers 332 hp (248 kW) and 367 lb.-ft. (497 Nm) of towing-friendly torque.
* GM will offer three hybrid models for ’08 equipped with the GM Hybrid system, including the Saturn Vue Green Line compact SUV, and the Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu hybrid sedans. These affordable hybrid vehicles reduce fuel consumption via sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission.
* Also in 2008, Saturn will unveil the 2009 model year Saturn Vue Green Line that uses GM’s new front-wheel-drive 2-Mode hybrid system, expected to achieve up to a 45-percent improvement in composite fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Vue.
* GM also has future plans to produce a Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid, and is working hard with suppliers to make the necessary battery technology available. This vehicle has the potential to achieve up to double the fuel economy of any current SUV.
Diesels
* For 2008, GM offers 17 diesel engine variants available in 45 vehicle lines around the world, including a new 1.9L four-cylinder diesel engine for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS in Europe. The Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8, offered in the U.S. for GM’s heavy duty pickups, medium duty trucks and full-size vans, continues to offer customers industry-leading horsepower and torque, while meeting stringent emissions requirements. GM first introduced the Duramax diesel in the U.S. in the 2001 model year. Since then, customer enthusiasm for this heavy duty diesel has been outstanding. In fact, GM’s heavy duty pickup truck market share has jumped nearly tenfold in the six years that Duramax engines have been offered.
Small-displacement engines
GM is launching five new 1.0L to 2.0L engines for Europe, Asia and Latin America in 2008:
* 1.1L dual-overhead cam gasoline engine used in SAIC-GM Wuling Hongtu and Sunshine commercial vehicles.
* 1.2L dual-overhead cam 84-hp (63 kW) engine for FWD Chevrolet Aveo/GM Daewoo Gentra in Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.
* 1.6L turbocharged engine for the Opel/Chevrolet/Vauxhall Astra and Opel Vauxhall Meriva. In the Opel Astra, this engine (132 kW/180 hp) replaces a 2.0L turbo (125 kW/170 hp) and improves fuel consumption and reduces C02 emissions by 14 percent.
* 1.9L diesel for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS. The engine has a two-stage, intercooled turbocharger with common-rail direct injection and delivers 132kW (180 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque. A diesel particulate filter is also used.
* 2.0L Ecotec with E85. This turbocharged, intercooled, E85 engine for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS is the first E85 application in the Ecotec family. Running on E85 (85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline), the engine delivers 14-percent higher maximum power (149 kW/200 hp vs. 131 kW/175 hp) and 13-percent higher torque (300 Nm/221 lb.-ft. vs. 265 Nm/196 lb.-ft.).
Direct injection
* For 2008, GM has three engine variants with gasoline direct-injection fuel-saving technology in 17 models.
* A new 3.6L V-6 with direct injection for the Cadillac STS and CTS sedans delivers improved fuel economy and performance. In the all-new Cadillac STS, fuel economy improves by 1 mpg in city and 3 mpg on the highway. That’s an increase of up to 13 percent in highway fuel economy. Furthermore, the new engine delivers an increase of 47 hp (35 kW), an 18-percent improvement (302 hp/225 kW and 272 lb.-ft./369 Nm) over last year. In the CTS, the new engine delivers a 1-mpg improvement in both city and highway fuel economy and an increase of 49 hp, or a 19-percent improvement (304 hp/227 kW and 273 lb.-ft./370 Nm for 2008).
Renewable biofuels
* In 2008, GM has more than 22 vehicle lines globally with FlexFuel capability and 12 models in North America. GM is increasing production by 25 percent to more than 400,000 units annually and supplementing more than 2.4 million GM-built FlexFuel vehicles already on the road in all 50 states.
* Along with the 2.0L Ecotec with E85 for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS in Europe, GM is also offering new for 2008, the 5.3L V-8 with E85 for the Chevy Express and GMC Savana full-size vans in the U.S.
Six-speed transmissions
For 2008, GM has nine new six-speed transmissions globally in front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive variants that provide up to a 4-percent improvement in fuel savings and a 7-percent improvement in performance. New six-speed models in the 2008 model year include the 6T40 and 6T45. These models will launch in products for Korea and Europe and later in the model year, in the Chevrolet Malibu for North America. These new six-speed automatics will deliver a strong balance between fuel efficiency and performance. The six forward gears will offer optimized efficiency throughout the entire operating range as well as reduced rpm at highway cruising speeds.
With the introduction of the 6T40 and 6T45, GM has introduced nine of the 10 six-speed models it said it would launch by 2010. The 10th model will be introduced in late 2009.
Additional new 2008 MY GM North America powertrains
* The new 3.9L V-6 on the Chevrolet Impala will provide its broad range of customers with a 2-mpg highway fuel economy improvement. For the first time, the new engine combines three of GM’s advanced technologies into one powerplant – Active Fuel Management, cam-in block VVT and E85 FlexFuel capability. This combo makes for one efficient yet powerful engine, delivering increased fuel economy and lower emissions.
* The new 5.3L V-8 is optional in the HUMMER H3 sport-utility and features an aluminum block. It delivers 300 hp (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm), and is SAE certified. It is partnered with a four-speed automatic transmission and enables a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) – an increase of more than 33 percent over current H3 models.
* The more powerful 6.2L V-8 in the Chevrolet Corvette delivers an increase of 30 horsepower (22 kW) and 24 lb.-ft. (33 Nm) of torque while maintaining this sports car’s fuel economy ratings of 15 city / 25 highway (automatic transmission) and 16 city / 26 highway (manual transmission). At 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm), the LS3 is Corvette’s most powerful standard engine ever. But the performance potential doesn’t end there. Customers can increase output an additional six horsepower with an optional active exhaust system that takes the car to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). As a result, the standard Corvette is capable of 190 mph. And, when mated with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic it becomes the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.
“We are moving quickly to transform the auto industry by introducing propulsion and fuel alternatives that will allow us to displace petroleum and diversify our energy sources,” said Stephens.
###
Source: GM Powertrain Communications
For 2008, GM’s powertrain lineup includes hybrids, clean diesels and fuel-saving technologies such as Active Fuel Management, direct injection, variable valve timing, six-speed transmissions and flexfuel options for consumers.
“We’re leveraging our global capability to build powertrains that do more with less fuel,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president for GM Powertrain and Quality. “Our 2008 powertrain lineup demonstrates how we’re using advanced technologies to provide customers with many fuel-saving options.”
More hybrid models for 2008
* New for 2008 is the industry’s first 2-Mode hybrid system, which makes its debut with a new 6.0L V-8 in GM’s full-size sport-utility vehicles. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids will deliver up to a 40-percent improvement in city fuel economy over non-hybrid versions and up to a 25-percent improvement overall. GM will expand this application to the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado crew cabs in 2008. The 6.0-liter V-8 is GM’s first use of the legendary small-block V-8 in a hybrid package. The engine features an aluminum block, Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology, cam-in block VVT, late-intake valve closing and a higher 10.8 compression ratio. It delivers 332 hp (248 kW) and 367 lb.-ft. (497 Nm) of towing-friendly torque.
* GM will offer three hybrid models for ’08 equipped with the GM Hybrid system, including the Saturn Vue Green Line compact SUV, and the Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu hybrid sedans. These affordable hybrid vehicles reduce fuel consumption via sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission.
* Also in 2008, Saturn will unveil the 2009 model year Saturn Vue Green Line that uses GM’s new front-wheel-drive 2-Mode hybrid system, expected to achieve up to a 45-percent improvement in composite fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Vue.
* GM also has future plans to produce a Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid, and is working hard with suppliers to make the necessary battery technology available. This vehicle has the potential to achieve up to double the fuel economy of any current SUV.
Diesels
* For 2008, GM offers 17 diesel engine variants available in 45 vehicle lines around the world, including a new 1.9L four-cylinder diesel engine for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS in Europe. The Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8, offered in the U.S. for GM’s heavy duty pickups, medium duty trucks and full-size vans, continues to offer customers industry-leading horsepower and torque, while meeting stringent emissions requirements. GM first introduced the Duramax diesel in the U.S. in the 2001 model year. Since then, customer enthusiasm for this heavy duty diesel has been outstanding. In fact, GM’s heavy duty pickup truck market share has jumped nearly tenfold in the six years that Duramax engines have been offered.
Small-displacement engines
GM is launching five new 1.0L to 2.0L engines for Europe, Asia and Latin America in 2008:
* 1.1L dual-overhead cam gasoline engine used in SAIC-GM Wuling Hongtu and Sunshine commercial vehicles.
* 1.2L dual-overhead cam 84-hp (63 kW) engine for FWD Chevrolet Aveo/GM Daewoo Gentra in Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.
* 1.6L turbocharged engine for the Opel/Chevrolet/Vauxhall Astra and Opel Vauxhall Meriva. In the Opel Astra, this engine (132 kW/180 hp) replaces a 2.0L turbo (125 kW/170 hp) and improves fuel consumption and reduces C02 emissions by 14 percent.
* 1.9L diesel for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS. The engine has a two-stage, intercooled turbocharger with common-rail direct injection and delivers 132kW (180 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque. A diesel particulate filter is also used.
* 2.0L Ecotec with E85. This turbocharged, intercooled, E85 engine for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS is the first E85 application in the Ecotec family. Running on E85 (85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline), the engine delivers 14-percent higher maximum power (149 kW/200 hp vs. 131 kW/175 hp) and 13-percent higher torque (300 Nm/221 lb.-ft. vs. 265 Nm/196 lb.-ft.).
Direct injection
* For 2008, GM has three engine variants with gasoline direct-injection fuel-saving technology in 17 models.
* A new 3.6L V-6 with direct injection for the Cadillac STS and CTS sedans delivers improved fuel economy and performance. In the all-new Cadillac STS, fuel economy improves by 1 mpg in city and 3 mpg on the highway. That’s an increase of up to 13 percent in highway fuel economy. Furthermore, the new engine delivers an increase of 47 hp (35 kW), an 18-percent improvement (302 hp/225 kW and 272 lb.-ft./369 Nm) over last year. In the CTS, the new engine delivers a 1-mpg improvement in both city and highway fuel economy and an increase of 49 hp, or a 19-percent improvement (304 hp/227 kW and 273 lb.-ft./370 Nm for 2008).
Renewable biofuels
* In 2008, GM has more than 22 vehicle lines globally with FlexFuel capability and 12 models in North America. GM is increasing production by 25 percent to more than 400,000 units annually and supplementing more than 2.4 million GM-built FlexFuel vehicles already on the road in all 50 states.
* Along with the 2.0L Ecotec with E85 for the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS in Europe, GM is also offering new for 2008, the 5.3L V-8 with E85 for the Chevy Express and GMC Savana full-size vans in the U.S.
Six-speed transmissions
For 2008, GM has nine new six-speed transmissions globally in front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive variants that provide up to a 4-percent improvement in fuel savings and a 7-percent improvement in performance. New six-speed models in the 2008 model year include the 6T40 and 6T45. These models will launch in products for Korea and Europe and later in the model year, in the Chevrolet Malibu for North America. These new six-speed automatics will deliver a strong balance between fuel efficiency and performance. The six forward gears will offer optimized efficiency throughout the entire operating range as well as reduced rpm at highway cruising speeds.
With the introduction of the 6T40 and 6T45, GM has introduced nine of the 10 six-speed models it said it would launch by 2010. The 10th model will be introduced in late 2009.
Additional new 2008 MY GM North America powertrains
* The new 3.9L V-6 on the Chevrolet Impala will provide its broad range of customers with a 2-mpg highway fuel economy improvement. For the first time, the new engine combines three of GM’s advanced technologies into one powerplant – Active Fuel Management, cam-in block VVT and E85 FlexFuel capability. This combo makes for one efficient yet powerful engine, delivering increased fuel economy and lower emissions.
* The new 5.3L V-8 is optional in the HUMMER H3 sport-utility and features an aluminum block. It delivers 300 hp (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm), and is SAE certified. It is partnered with a four-speed automatic transmission and enables a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) – an increase of more than 33 percent over current H3 models.
* The more powerful 6.2L V-8 in the Chevrolet Corvette delivers an increase of 30 horsepower (22 kW) and 24 lb.-ft. (33 Nm) of torque while maintaining this sports car’s fuel economy ratings of 15 city / 25 highway (automatic transmission) and 16 city / 26 highway (manual transmission). At 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm), the LS3 is Corvette’s most powerful standard engine ever. But the performance potential doesn’t end there. Customers can increase output an additional six horsepower with an optional active exhaust system that takes the car to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). As a result, the standard Corvette is capable of 190 mph. And, when mated with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic it becomes the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.
“We are moving quickly to transform the auto industry by introducing propulsion and fuel alternatives that will allow us to displace petroleum and diversify our energy sources,” said Stephens.
###
Source: GM Powertrain Communications
Agreement Speeds Up Development of Chevy Volt's Innovative Propulsion System
General Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc. will co-develop cells with A123System's nanophosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM’s electric drive E-Flex system. The agreement is expected to expedite the development of the batteries for both electric plug-in vehicles and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture.
"Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win. That’s what is so important about this deal,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development. “Whether you’re talking about the Chevy Volt, a fuel cell or even a plug-in hybrid such as our planned Saturn Vue, we need to understand the fundamental battery cell performance.”
The contract calls for A123Systems, of Watertown, Mass., to develop battery cells to meet the specific requirements of GM’s E-Flex system. A123Systems is considered a forerunner in the development of nanophosphate-based cell technology, which, compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery.
The E-Flex electric vehicle architecture was first shown in the Chevy Volt concept car revealed earlier this year. For average commuters driving 40 miles, the Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions and could nearly eliminate going to the gas station altogether.
"The Chevy Volt will lead the automotive industry in a new direction,” Lutz said. “We see a future where vehicles run on electricity and are equipped with clever ways of making electricity on board, making us less dependent on gasoline. It's the next great paradigm shift in our industry, an opportunity largely due to the rapid advancement in battery cell technology by companies such as A123Systems and LG Chem.”
Earlier this year, GM awarded two contracts for advanced development of battery packs, which require the integration of multiple battery cells, to Compact Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem, based in Troy, Mich.; and Frankfurt, Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G., a tier one automotive supplier. Under these agreements, one contract was awarded to CPI, which will use battery cells developed by parent company LG Chem. A separate contract was issued to Continental, which will use the cells being co-developed by GM and A123Systems.
"A123Systems and LG Chem are both top-tier battery suppliers, with proven technologies,” said Denise Gray, director of GM's Energy Storage Devices and Strategies. "We’re confident one, or possibly both of these companies’ solutions will meet our battery requirements for the E-Flex system.”
Dave Vieau, A123System's chief executive officer, said this type of battery will be advantageous in other transportation industries as well.
“We’re talking today about the Volt and implications that it will have on the electrification of passenger vehicles, but the technology goes a lot further than that,” Vieau said. “The weight, size, safety and performance of these batteries have implications on all transportation, including hybrid buses, trucks and aircraft.”
A123Systems currently manufactures over ten million cells annually making it the world’s largest producer of batteries with nanophosphate chemistry. Most of these cells are used in rechargeable power tools.
The co-development of this battery technology is the latest step in GM’s efforts to diversify the transportation away from petroleum with a range of alternatives. These include:
A diverse lineup of hybrid models is now in production, the GM diesel hybrid electric system for large city buses, the Saturn Vue and Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid models and the all-new Chevy Malibu hybrid. Coming this fall, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs feature the world’s first 2-Mode hybrid system in an SUV, providing up to a 40-percent improvement in city driving fuel economy to what is already the industry’s most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs. Due next year is a front-wheel-drive 2-Mode hybrid Saturn Vue Green Line, with plans to make a plug-in version of the Vue that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current GM SUV.
GM is also a leading producer of E-85 capable bio-fuel vehicles, with more than two million on the road. Additionally, GM provides more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg highway than any other manufacturer in the U.S. market. GM is also the first automotive member to join the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of global companies and non-governmental organizations formed to support an economy-wide, market-driven approach to reducing carbon emissions.
# # #
About General Motors
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com
About A123Systems
A123Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries. The company’s patent pending Nanophosphate™ technology enables its batteries to deliver previously unattainable levels of power, safety and life. Applicable to a wide range of industries, A123Systems’ products remove many traditional technology constraints to provide OEMs expanded flexibility in system design. With the largest lithium ion R&D team in North America, world-class expertise and management, and global manufacturing operations, A123Systems’ Automotive Class Lithium Ion™ batteries are leading the automotive movement towards platform electrification. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Massachusetts, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A123Systems' wholly owned subsidiary T/J Technologies ( Ann Arbor, Michigan) is nationally recognized for new materials development and cutting-edge research.
For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com
Source: GM Powertrain Communications / GM E-Flex Communications
General Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc. will co-develop cells with A123System's nanophosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM’s electric drive E-Flex system. The agreement is expected to expedite the development of the batteries for both electric plug-in vehicles and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture.
"Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win. That’s what is so important about this deal,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development. “Whether you’re talking about the Chevy Volt, a fuel cell or even a plug-in hybrid such as our planned Saturn Vue, we need to understand the fundamental battery cell performance.”
The contract calls for A123Systems, of Watertown, Mass., to develop battery cells to meet the specific requirements of GM’s E-Flex system. A123Systems is considered a forerunner in the development of nanophosphate-based cell technology, which, compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery.
The E-Flex electric vehicle architecture was first shown in the Chevy Volt concept car revealed earlier this year. For average commuters driving 40 miles, the Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions and could nearly eliminate going to the gas station altogether.
"The Chevy Volt will lead the automotive industry in a new direction,” Lutz said. “We see a future where vehicles run on electricity and are equipped with clever ways of making electricity on board, making us less dependent on gasoline. It's the next great paradigm shift in our industry, an opportunity largely due to the rapid advancement in battery cell technology by companies such as A123Systems and LG Chem.”
Earlier this year, GM awarded two contracts for advanced development of battery packs, which require the integration of multiple battery cells, to Compact Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem, based in Troy, Mich.; and Frankfurt, Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G., a tier one automotive supplier. Under these agreements, one contract was awarded to CPI, which will use battery cells developed by parent company LG Chem. A separate contract was issued to Continental, which will use the cells being co-developed by GM and A123Systems.
"A123Systems and LG Chem are both top-tier battery suppliers, with proven technologies,” said Denise Gray, director of GM's Energy Storage Devices and Strategies. "We’re confident one, or possibly both of these companies’ solutions will meet our battery requirements for the E-Flex system.”
Dave Vieau, A123System's chief executive officer, said this type of battery will be advantageous in other transportation industries as well.
“We’re talking today about the Volt and implications that it will have on the electrification of passenger vehicles, but the technology goes a lot further than that,” Vieau said. “The weight, size, safety and performance of these batteries have implications on all transportation, including hybrid buses, trucks and aircraft.”
A123Systems currently manufactures over ten million cells annually making it the world’s largest producer of batteries with nanophosphate chemistry. Most of these cells are used in rechargeable power tools.
The co-development of this battery technology is the latest step in GM’s efforts to diversify the transportation away from petroleum with a range of alternatives. These include:
A diverse lineup of hybrid models is now in production, the GM diesel hybrid electric system for large city buses, the Saturn Vue and Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid models and the all-new Chevy Malibu hybrid. Coming this fall, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs feature the world’s first 2-Mode hybrid system in an SUV, providing up to a 40-percent improvement in city driving fuel economy to what is already the industry’s most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs. Due next year is a front-wheel-drive 2-Mode hybrid Saturn Vue Green Line, with plans to make a plug-in version of the Vue that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current GM SUV.
GM is also a leading producer of E-85 capable bio-fuel vehicles, with more than two million on the road. Additionally, GM provides more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg highway than any other manufacturer in the U.S. market. GM is also the first automotive member to join the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of global companies and non-governmental organizations formed to support an economy-wide, market-driven approach to reducing carbon emissions.
# # #
About General Motors
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.
More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com
About A123Systems
A123Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-power lithium ion batteries. The company’s patent pending Nanophosphate™ technology enables its batteries to deliver previously unattainable levels of power, safety and life. Applicable to a wide range of industries, A123Systems’ products remove many traditional technology constraints to provide OEMs expanded flexibility in system design. With the largest lithium ion R&D team in North America, world-class expertise and management, and global manufacturing operations, A123Systems’ Automotive Class Lithium Ion™ batteries are leading the automotive movement towards platform electrification. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Massachusetts, A123Systems’ proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A123Systems' wholly owned subsidiary T/J Technologies ( Ann Arbor, Michigan) is nationally recognized for new materials development and cutting-edge research.
For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com
Source: GM Powertrain Communications / GM E-Flex Communications
General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced today that the company will invest $500 million in its operations in Argentina and Brazil for the development of a new generation of small vehicles for Latin America and other emerging markets. The investment also includes the expansion of GM's Brazilian product development center.
The investment includes two major elements:
* Development of a new family of small vehicles that will be built in Argentina and Brazil. This will include upgrades to GM's plants in Rosario, Argentina and Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil. It also includes product development work to be done at the GM Brazil product development center in Sao Caetano do Sul.
* Expansion of GM's product development center in Brazil, including a new engineering building in Sao Caetano do Sul and new equipment and infrastructure to support the growing role of GM Brazil in the company's global product development process.
"With the improved economic environment in Argentina and Brazil, we are proceeding with our next phase of investments to support our continued growth in Latin America and around the world," Wagoner said.
"GM has a rich history in the Mercosul region, and we look forward to continuing our growth for many years to come."
This investment supports the important role GM Brazil is playing in the company's global product development process - - especially focused on the growing emerging markets.
"We have been growing our engineering resources in key emerging markets like Brazil, China and India - not only for development of vehicles for their own markets, but for other emerging markets as well," Wagoner said. "This investment will enable us to take full advantage of the expertise we have in Brazil and support our planned local and global sales growth."
GM sales have been very strong in Latin America. Through the first two quarters of 2007, GM sales in Brazil and Argentina are up 18 and 16 percent respectively versus the same period in 2006. Both GM Argentina (75,000) and GM Brazil (410,000) set all-time sales records in 2006.
The investment includes two major elements:
* Development of a new family of small vehicles that will be built in Argentina and Brazil. This will include upgrades to GM's plants in Rosario, Argentina and Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil. It also includes product development work to be done at the GM Brazil product development center in Sao Caetano do Sul.
* Expansion of GM's product development center in Brazil, including a new engineering building in Sao Caetano do Sul and new equipment and infrastructure to support the growing role of GM Brazil in the company's global product development process.
"With the improved economic environment in Argentina and Brazil, we are proceeding with our next phase of investments to support our continued growth in Latin America and around the world," Wagoner said.
"GM has a rich history in the Mercosul region, and we look forward to continuing our growth for many years to come."
This investment supports the important role GM Brazil is playing in the company's global product development process - - especially focused on the growing emerging markets.
"We have been growing our engineering resources in key emerging markets like Brazil, China and India - not only for development of vehicles for their own markets, but for other emerging markets as well," Wagoner said. "This investment will enable us to take full advantage of the expertise we have in Brazil and support our planned local and global sales growth."
GM sales have been very strong in Latin America. Through the first two quarters of 2007, GM sales in Brazil and Argentina are up 18 and 16 percent respectively versus the same period in 2006. Both GM Argentina (75,000) and GM Brazil (410,000) set all-time sales records in 2006.
