General Motors Europe and Iberdrola have signed an agreement to jointly perform a feasibility study which, ultimately, will analyze the technical requirements of a recharging infrastructure for the integrated marketing and viability of plug-in electric cars. The agreement has been signed by Javier Villalba, Director of Spain Network Business, and Jamal El-Hout, Vice President, Product Planning from General Motors Europe. (more…)
Tag: GM
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GM EUROPE And IBERDROLA Sign Agreement To Analyse The Recharging Infrastructure For Plug-In Electric Vehicles
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Rear-View Camera Makes Holden Sportwagon an Even Smarter Choice
GM Holden has introduced a rear-view camera option for all Sportwagon models, continuing to reinforce the popular Sportwagon as the smart new choice for families. A first for a locally built Holden, the significant safety feature helps eliminate blind spots when reversing and works in conjunction with rear park assist which is standard across the Sportwagon range. (more…)
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GM Holden Showcases Chevrolet Volt In Australia
The much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle has made one of its first global appearances at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.Volt, to be launched in the US in 2010, uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds in a significant advance from conventional hybrids. (more…)
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Chevrolet on Cruze control with vital new model
GM executives are calling their new four-door sedan “the most important car in our history.” But which four-door sedan do they mean? Not the electric Volt, for all the importance attached to its eco-friendly credentials. (more…) -
Chevrolet Volt
General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt – a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.
“Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century,” said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. “The Volt is symbolic of GM’s strong commitment to the future … just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today’s and tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges.”
Form follows function
The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt’s rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.
Working closely with GM aerodynamicists to shape the Volt, design and engineering teams developed one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM’s history. They spent hundreds of hours with the Volt in GM’s wind tunnel, testing and re-testing parts such as the front and rear quarter panels, rear spoiler, rockers and side mirrors. Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt’s target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions.
Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan, and it delivers them in a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options unlike any offered before on a Chevrolet sedan. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a touch-sensitive infotainment center with integrated shifter distinguish the Volt’s interior from other vehicles in the market.
Some of Volt’s interior technological features include:
- Driver-configurable, liquid crystal instrument display
- Standard seven-inch touch screen vehicle information display
- Touch screen-style climate and infotainment controls
- Optional navigation system with onboard hard drive for maps and music storage
- Standard Bluetooth for cellular phone and USB/Bluetooth for music streaming
New era in automotive transportation
The Chevrolet Volt is leading a new era of electrification of the automobile by creating a new class of vehicle known as the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or E-REV.
The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery’s energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt’s electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. This mode of operation extends the range of the Volt for several hundred additional miles, until the vehicle’s battery can be charged. Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Volt eliminates “range anxiety,” giving the confidence and peace of mind that the driver will not be stranded by a depleted battery.
The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. The vehicle’s intelligent charging technology enables the Volt’s battery to be charged in less than three hours on a 240v outlet or about eight hours on a 120v outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. At a cost of about 80 cents per day (10 cents per kWh) for a full charge that will deliver up to 40 miles of electric driving, GM estimates that the Volt will be less expensive to recharge than purchasing a cup of your favorite coffee. Charging the Volt about once daily will consume less electric energy annually than the average home’s refrigerator and freezer units.
Charge out of driving
The Chevrolet Volt offers spirited driving performance in a remarkably quiet interior. More than 220 lithium-ion cells contained within the Volt’s battery pack provide ample power. The Volt’s electric drive unit delivers the equivalent of 150 horsepower, 273 lb-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. The lack of engine noise, combined with special sound-deadening materials, make the Chevrolet Volt an extremely quiet vehicle to drive.GM estimates that the Volt will cost about two cents per mile to drive while under battery power compared to 12 cents per mile using gasoline priced at $3.60 per gallon. For an average driver who drives 40 miles per day (or 15,000 miles per year), this amounts to a cost savings of $1,500 annually. Using peak electric rates, GM estimates that an electrically driven mile in a Chevy Volt will be about one-sixth of the cost of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. The cost savings are even greater when charging during off-peak hours, when electric rates are cheaper.
The Chevrolet Volt is expected to be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility, subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives. Production is scheduled to begin late 2010 for models in the United States. Pricing has not been announced. Visit media.gm.com/volt for more information.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. 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.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: 2011 CHEVROLET VOLT
General
Vehicle type: 5-door, front-wheel-drive sedan Category: Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) E-REV competitors: none Chassis: independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering Seating capacity: four Manufacturing location: Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives) Performance
Top speed (mph): 100 EV range, city (miles): 40 (based on EPA city cycle) Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm): 105.7 / 2685 Length (in / mm): 177 / 4404 Width (in / mm): 70.8 / 1798 Height (in / mm): 56.3 / 1430 Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 10.6 / 301 Battery system
Type: lithium-ion Energy (kWh) 16 Electric drive unit
Power (kW / hp): 111 / 150 Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 273 / 370 Exterior
Tire and wheel size: specially developed low rolling-resistance tires on 17-inch forged aluminum wheel -
GM Daewoo Introduces New Veritas, Korea’s True Standard for Large Sedans
Seoul – GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) launched today its all new luxurious large sedan, the Veritas.
“Veritas” is Latin for “truth.” “The truth about the Veritas is it reflects GM Daewoo’s determination to take Korea’s large sedan segment to an entirely new level,” said GM Daewoo President and CEO Michael Grimaldi. “This luxurious rear-wheel-drive sedan offers excellent driving performance while ensuring unmatched interior comfort, spaciousness and safety.” (more…) -
GM DAEWOO Introduces 2009 Model Year Winstorm SUV
GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) has introduced the 2009 model year Winstorm. The latest version of its popular SUV, which includes additional convenience and safety features, goes on sale nationwide beginning August 25.
Among the new features that come standard on all models are a roof rail, self levelizer and rear parking.
Reflecting the opinion of customers, GM Daewoo also has expanded the number of standard and optional features on each of the Winstorm’s trim levels. Based on the model, they may include a larger driver’s sunshade, leather gear knobs, a sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, curtain airbags and the ISOFIX child safety seat system. Despite this feature expansion, the vehicle prices remain unchanged, making the 2009 Winstorm purchases even more attractive.
In addition, the most popular trim level, the Winstorm Xtreme now comes with an optional package for the LT Deluxe and LT Supreme that accentuates the SUV’s sporty, dynamic looks. It includes a red-stitched black and red leather interior, a chrome bumper grille, chrome-ringed fog lamps, rear clear chrome lamps and large dual mufflers.
Rick LaBelle, GM Daewoo Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, said: “The 2009 model year Winstorm maximizes customer value in the SUV segment. We expect that its introduction will boost SUV sales in the domestic market.”
In connection with the introduction of the 2009 model year Winstorm, GM Daewoo is launching a new advertising campaign entitled “Refreshed and Out of Routine,” which features a Winstorm floating on a raft. It gets its inspiration from famous poet Eun Ko, who wrote: “Go where you are a stranger.” This reflects the Winstorm spirit. The advertisement will begin airing on August 25.
Since its launch in July 2006, the Winstorm has been well received in the global market. The SUV got the spotlight in Spain with the nomination as the best SUV in the ‘2007 Best Car of the Year’ award selected by 53 auto industry experts and journalists. On top of the honorable moment, in the same year, the Winstorm recorded not only the third-biggest market share in the mid-sized SUV market in Australia, but also the segment-leader in sales in Vietnam. In June 2008, GM DAEWOO launched the Winstorm MAXX, premium compact SUV to enhance it’s SUV lineup.
The 2009 Winstorm comes in three trim levels – LS, LT and LTX – and is priced as follows:
* Five-Seater: 2WD LS: KRW 20,830,000
2WD LT: KRW 22,400,000~26,930,000
4WD LT: KRW 24,050,000~28,750,000
4WD LTX: KRW 30,390,000
(LT Supreme and LTX trims only come with an automatic transmission)* Seven-Seater: 2WD LS: KRW 21,330,000
2WD LT: KRW 22,900,000~27,430,000
4WD LT: KRW 24,550,000~29,250,000
4WD LTX: KRW 30,890,000
(LT Supreme and LTX trims only come with an automatic transmission) -
60 Years And Seven Million Vehicles: GM Holden Sets Another Automotive Record
GM Holden’s seven millionth vehicle rolled off the production line today creating a record manufacturing achievement in Australia’s automotive history. (more…) -
2009 Cadillac CTS – OVERVIEW
The all-new 2009 Cadillac CTS luxury saloon arrives in UK showrooms from 1 September 2008. With a dramatic coupe-like profile, the new right-hand drive CTS has a lavish specification as standard. Prices will start at £26,995 for the 211 ps 2.8 V6 model and at £32,995 for the 311 ps 3.6 V6 model. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. An advanced 2.9 litre V6 diesel engine will join the new CTS line-up in 2009. (more…) -
Pontiac G8 Hits the Streets of Canada
Four months after the Pontiac G8 went on sale in the United States, GM Holden has expanded its G8 exports to Canada, the first time that the company has undertaken a major export program to the country. (more…) -
GM Prepares to Export Buick Enclaves to China
Discerning vehicle buyers in China are another step closer to experiencing what their U.S. counterparts have been raving about for the past year: the hot-selling Buick Enclave luxury crossover. Chinese officials visited the Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant Thursday and Friday to observe operations in preparation for the manufacture of U.S.-built Enclaves crossovers for export to China. Pending approval, China-bound Enclaves could begin rolling off the assembly line as early as next month. (more…) -
GM readies Volt unveiling to shift focus from crisis
General Motors is rushing to finish the production version of its Chevy Volt and plans to unveil a showroom-ready model of the heavily touted electric car in September, people familiar with the project say.
Battered by a deepening slump in sales and concerns about whether it can ride out the downturn, GM is counting on the Volt to break its costly association with high-mpg vehicles at a time when truck sales are tumbling and gas prices are near record levels.
GM is likely to complete the production version of the Volt by early August and plans to show it off in September, just when the embattled automaker celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding, people familiar with the plans said.
A GM spokesman declined to comment on the timeline for its next announcements on the Volt, which will include naming a supplier for the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery pack, the single most expensive element of the vehicle and the component seen as critical to its success.
“Everyone is waiting for the next steps,” Rob Peterson, spokesman for GM’s electric vehicle program, told Reuters. GM designers and engineers are “getting very close” to a production-ready version of the Volt, he said.
GM showed off a concept version of the Volt in January 2007 but has retooled the look of the vehicle significantly since then, in part in order to improve its aerodynamics, representatives of the automaker have said.
GM has already shown a near-production version of the Volt to a Los Angeles-area focus group of consumers as it pushes toward production of the vehicle by late 2010 under a development plan the GM board approved in June.
By unveiling the final version of the Volt at a centennial observation in September, GM will be looking to shift the focus for investors and consumers from its current sales slump toward the more fuel-efficient vehicles it has in development.
The automaker, which saw its stock hit a 54-year low last week, is expected to use the circuit of major auto shows that begins with Paris in October to unveil a series of upcoming vehicles that will underscore its effort to move away from a reliance on light trucks.
Those include the production version of the Chevy Beat, a replacement for the Aveo hatchback, and a replacement for the Chevy Cobalt, a small sedan.
VOLT: READY FOR ITS HOLLYWOOD CLOSE-UP
In a further bid to create buzz, the Volt is one of several GM cars set to make an appearance in the action movie “Transformers 2,” scheduled for release next summer, a person familiar with the matter said.
GM was heavily involved in the production of the first Michael Bay-directed “Transformers” film, released last summer, and provided a concept version of its 2009 Camaro for a central turn in the movie.
GM is designing the Volt to run for 40 miles (64 km) on a lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged at a standard electric outlet. The Volt will also capture energy from braking, like a traditional hybrid, and feature an on-board engine that will be used to send power to the battery on longer trips.
GM is racing Toyota Motor Corp. to bring the first plug-in car to the marketplace and has already featured the Volt in its advertising, part of a bid to improve the public image of the fuel efficiency of its car line-up.
Just as the Detroit-based automakers once rolled out limited-edition performance cars to create a buzz around their brands, the Volt has emerged as a kind of environmentally friendly “halo car” that GM hopes will have as much impact as the Prius hybrid has had for Toyota.
