GM DAEWOO COMES BACK TO LIFE

By Glen Brooks, AutomotiveWorld.com - With the recent ending of a long period of uncertainty defined by major cash flow concerns and falling vehicle sales in its home market, GM Daewoo (GMDAT) is beginning to look like a sustainable business again.

One year ago GMDAT was in limbo, having waited over four months for an answer to its urgent request for Won 1tr in refinancing from the Korea Development Bank. Twelve months on, an early repayment of Won 250bn for a revolving credit facility has just been made, GMDAT president and chief executive Mike Arcamone attributing this to cost cutting and improved vehicle sales.

Sales may well be on the rise, but Daewoo all but missed an incentives-led boom in the latter half of 2009. While the South Korean market enjoyed a year-on-year rise of 21% last year, GMDAT managed only a 0.6% improvement. Moreover, none of its cars made the top-ten best sellers list.

In 2009, the Daewoo brand not only lost its traditional third place in Korea behind Hyundai and Kia, but Samsung, with total sales of 133,630 units, outsold Daewoo by some 27,000 vehicles. By contrast, GMDAT has ended 2008 almost 4,000 vehicles ahead of its Renault-controlled rival.

Matiz sales were up by 225% in March: More recently, things have improved somewhat. While it took until March for a Daewoo to reappear in the Korean market top ten list, the model in question, the Matiz, suddenly surged into seventh position. The little car's remarkable 225% year-on-year rise was thanks to keen pricing and promotional campaigns.

Occasional stellar performances by low-priced models aside, the Daewoo brand will always be squeezed by Hyundai-Kia (HMC) in the home market. Its improvement to an 8% market share in Q1 is put firmly into perspective by the combined 71% commanded by its giant rivals. So GMDAT is starting to investigate new strategies to improve things, with some of these learned from HMC.

At the Busan motor show this week, GMDAT not only revealed a new sedan, but its name, Alpheon, is also the vehicle's brand. As Hyundai has had huge success with its Genesis luxury line, this is a smart move. The car itself, due for launch later in 2010, is a rebadged Buick LaCrosse (Allure) and will likely be sourced from the Shanghai GM joint venture in China.

A surge in production and exports looks imminent: The next 6-12 months should see much new model activity for Daewoo, provided of course that is has the cash in place to fund these scheduled model launches: Orlando minivan, second generation Tosca sedan, five-door hatchback and wagon variants of the Lacetti Premiere, new Gentra and Gentra X, plus facelifts for the Winstorm SUV and Veritas luxury sedan.

With the exception of the GM Holden-supplied Veritas, all of these cars will be rebadged as Chevrolets, meaning a surge in production and exports for GMDAT looks imminent.

Over the longer term, General Motors, though it insists otherwise, might also begin to phase out the Daewoo brand. Already, plans have been announced to launch Chevrolet in Korea in 2011. GMDAT president Arcamone, announcing the news at the Busan show, said this will mean "a brand co-existence ... not a brand replacement."

GM insists that the Daewoo name is not going away: While Daewoo remains a relatively small player in even its home market, it's easy to imagine cost-conscious General Motors management in Detroit wanting the Chevrolet name to gradually take over from Daewoo.

For the moment, GM insists that the Daewoo name is not going away. If sales continue on their upward trajectory, especially with so much new product coming soon, we should probably believe that statement.

GM INVESTING $890 MILLION FOR CLEANER, FUEL-EFFICIENT ENGINES

By Americanmachinist.com - General Motors is proceeding with an $890-million investment program for new engine block casting component manufacturing technologies at five plants. While creating or retaining 1,600 positions at those plants, GM says the goal of the investment is to produce cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines.

It's the second major announcement this year concerning GM's investment plans for its new engine products. In February, the automaker said it is undertaking a $494-million capital program to expand capacity to produce a new series of its Ecotec engines. That figure covers facility renovations, new machinery, equipment and special tooling at GM Powertrain plants in Tonawanda, NY, Defiance, OH and Bay City, MI, plants.

The Ecotec series was introduced in 2007, and the current 2.0-, 2.2- and 2.4-liter displacements feature direct injection, variable valve timing and turbocharging.

The bulk of that investment, $425 million, is to take place at GM's Tonawanda engine plant, where it will build 370,000 of the new engines annually.

The plants covered by the new announcement are the GM Powertrain foundries at Defiance, OH, and Bedford, IN, as well as engine manufacturing plants at Tonawanda, Bay City, and St. Catharines, ON.

GM says its new family of aluminum engines will have "unprecedented fuel efficiency" through direct injection and a new, advanced combustion system design.

Also, the engine will be E85 ethanol capable, built to meet emissions standards expected throughout the decade.

At Defiance and Bedford, investments include expansion of semi-permanent mold and precision sand casting technologies that will result in "a high degree of dimensional accuracy and material strength properties needed to support the newer, more efficient engines."

Plant renovations and installation of new, flexible engine machining and assembly equipment, as well as special tooling designed for manufacturing efficiency and engine quality will be part of the investment.

Specific details about the new engine's capabilities as well as product applications will be announced at a later date, according to GM.

"GM is investing in our plants, restoring and creating jobs, and making progress toward our vision of designing, building, and selling the world's best vehicles," said president of GM North America, Mark Reuss. "These latest investments show our commitment to improving fuel economy for buyers of every GM car, truck, and crossover, and giving them the best possible driving and ownership experience."

GM PAYS BACK GOVERNMENT LOANS IN FULL, ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN FAIRFAX, DETROIT HAMTRAMCK

By General Motors Corp - General Motors Company Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre today announced that GM has made its final payment of $5.8 billion to the U.S. Treasury and Export Development Canada, paying back its government loans in full, ahead of schedule.

The announcement came at a ceremony here to announce investment of $257 million at GM's Fairfax, Kansas, and Detroit Hamtramck assembly centers. The investment will prepare Fairfax to build the next generation of Chevrolet's award-winning Malibu, and make Detroit Hamtramck a second source for Malibu, ensuring that Chevrolet can meet market demand for this popular mid-size sedan.

"GM is able to repay the taxpayers in full, with interest, ahead of schedule, because more customers are buying vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse (Allure) we build here in Fairfax," said Whitacre. "We are now building some of the best cars, trucks and crossovers we have ever built, and customers are taking note. Our dealers are increasing their sales, we are investing in our plants, and we are restoring and creating jobs."

The U.S., Canadian and Ontario governments, as part of the launch of the new GM, provided loans of $8.4 billion and took equity stakes in the new company. Today's payment of $5.8 billion ($4.7 billion to the U.S. Treasury and $C1.1 billion to Export Development Canada) completes the payback of these loans.

"GM's ability to pay back the loans ahead of schedule is a sign that our plan is working, and that we are on the right track. It is also an important first step toward allowing our stockholders to reduce their equity investments in GM," said Whitacre. "We still have much hard work ahead of us, but we are making progress toward our vision of designing, building, and selling the world's best vehicles.

"We appreciate the support the taxpayers have given GM, and our great new products are tangible results of that support."

Strong sales support manufacturing, jobs: Strong sales of new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products are fueling a steady increase in production as GM works to meet growing customer demand.

Sales for GM's four brands are up 36 percent through March versus the same period in 2009, and many newly introduced cars and crossovers - including Chevy Equinox, Camaro and Traverse; GMC Terrain and Acadia; Buick LaCrosse (Allure); and Cadillac SRX - remain short supply at GM dealers.

The Fairfax plant currently builds two of GM's strongest selling cars, the Chevy Malibu and Buick LaCrosse (Allure). For the first three months of this year, GM's U.S. dealers delivered more than 49,000 Malibus and 14,000 LaCrosses (Allures), representing a 58 percent increase over the same period last year. In response to this strong demand, Fairfax in February added a third shift of approximately 1,050 jobs, bringing total employment at the plant to approximately 3,800.

Fairfax will become the primary source for the next generation of the Malibu. Detroit Hamtramck, which builds the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS, will be equipped to build the Malibu as well, ensuring that Chevrolet can meet market demand.

Detroit Hamtramck will also build the Chevy Volt electric vehicle with extended range, which launches this year. On March 31, the plant celebrated a major milestone, the building of the first pre-production Volt on the regular assembly line.

The Malibu-related investments of $136 million in Fairfax and $121 million in Detroit Hamtramck will include facilities, machinery and equipment, and tools.

Since the launch of the new GM last July, the company has announced investments of more than $1.5 billion at 20 facilities in the U.S. and Canada. These investments restored or created more than 7,500 jobs, and they demonstrate a strong commitment to GM's future and to the United States and Canada.

NEXT GENERATION SMALL BLOCK ENGINE PRODUCTION CONFIRMED FOR ST. CATHARINES POWERTRAIN

By General Motors of Canada - GM Canada today announced a $235 million investment in its St. Catharines Powertrain facility to build GM's next generation of highly fuel-efficient engines, securing up to 400 jobs at the plant.

"This marks another positive step forward in our strategy to deliver powertrain technologies that improve fuel-efficiency while meeting the needs of our customers," said Kevin Williams, president, GM Canada. "The new engine allocation at St. Catharines is the latest in a series of investments in our Canadian facilities - great news for employees, the CAW, dealers, suppliers and the communities affected."

The next generation small block engine family will deliver impressive fuel efficiency through the use of direct injection and an all-new advanced combustion system design. The new engine family will rely exclusively on aluminum engine blocks, which are lighter and contribute to the improved fuel efficiency. In addition to being E85 ethanol capable, these engines are being designed with the capability to meet increasingly stringent criteria emissions standards expected throughout this decade.

Other recent investment announcements at Canadian facilities include:

Oshawa Assembly: Addition of a third shift in October to support production of the Chevrolet Equinox resulting in the recall of 600 employees. Addition of a second shift in Q4 this year on the flexible manufacturing line to support Buick Regal and Chevrolet Camaro convertible production resulting in the recall of some 700 employees.

CAMI Automotive: The recent addition of a third shift resulting in the recall of 350 employees. A $96 million capacity expansion investment currently underway resulting in the recall of 230 employees and the hiring of approximately 70 new employees.

GET YOUR RIDE READY FOR SPRING ROAD TRIPS

A few simple maintenance tips

can prepare your cr for the spring

and summer road trip season.

By EMC Lifestyle - With spring just around the corner, that familiar anticipation of warmer weather and long Sunday drives with the windows down has returned. After a long winter of cold temperatures and likely snowfall, getting outside and driving in the warm sun is a luxury drivers across the country have earned.

But as enjoyable as that first Sunday drive can be, it can also prove disastrous for vehicle owners who don't prepare their cars or trucks before hitting the open road. Amsoil Inc., the industry leder in motor oil, offers the following tips to drivers about to ready their ride for that first warm weather road trip of the season.

Give your car a fresh start. Many men, women and children feel rejuvenated once the warm air of spring finally arrives. Vehicle owners can give their cars and trucks a similar fresh start with a few simple changes to their vehicle maintenance routine.

Routinely check tire pressure. Poorly inflated tires are often a silent assassin. While nearly everyone can hear a clunky engine or notice smoke coming out from underneath a vehicle's hood, few people ever recognize that their tires are poorly inflated. That's unfortunate, as poorly inflated tires force the engine to work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency and taxing the engine as a result. But keeping tires properly inflated is a snap. Simply consult your vehicle manual for recommended tire pressure, and keep the tires at the recommended level. Though it might not seem like much, drivers will instantly notice a difference in their vehicle's performance, particularly when they hit the open road and put the pedal to the metal.

Stick to your maintenance schedule. Drivers tend to drive more once the weather starts warming up. With no snow on the ground and warm air to fill up the car, a road trip is far more attractive in the warmer months than it is when winter is rearing its ugly head.

Sticking to the maintenance schedule can also make those Sunday drives more enjoyable. For example, synthetic motor oils can greatly improve a vehicle's performance by reducing friction and wear, making a vehicle more fun to drive while increasing its engine's life expectancy at the same time.

Over the course of a typical winter, salt, slush, dirt and grime tend to buildup the more a vehicle navigates its way through snow-or ice-covered roads. A thorough car wash can remove these unwanted deposits, while also clearing away brake dust that can erode wheel surface. Removing these uninvited guests can also help a car run more smoothly, improving fuel efficiency and saving drivers money along the way.

DESIGNED TO PROTECT: CHEVROLET CRUZE PROVIDES CONSUMERS WITH THE MOST STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES IN ITS SEGMENT

By General Motors - The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze's class-leading safety features and structural strength were demonstrated today in a blunt manner - engineers crashed it. It was a planned test that highlighted the active and passive safety features, as well as the technology, of Chevrolet's new, fuel-efficient sedan.

Cruze enters the market in the third quarter of this year with more standard features than any vehicle in its class, each contributing to Chevrolet's goal of protecting passengers before, during and after a crash.

Highlights include:

• Ten standard air bags - the most in the segment - including frontal, head curtain side air bags, front and outboard rear-seat side-impact air bags and new knee air bags
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes
• Collapsible pedal system, which allows the pedals to detach during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries

The Cruze's safety development included testing at GM's rollover test facility. It is the only manufacturer-owned rollover test facility in North America.

"We are very confident of the safety performance of the Cruze and believe it will prove to be one of the safest vehicles in the segment," said Chuck Russell, vehicle line director. "To benefit our customers, we went way beyond requirements to exceed government safety mandates."

The comprehensive list of standard safety features on all models includes:

• Dual-stage frontal air bags
• Roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags that help protect the front and outboard rear seating positions
• Seat-mounted side-impact air bags (front and rear)
• Front knee air bags
• Front passenger seat occupant sensing system
• Rollover sensing and protection system
• Collapsible pedal assembly
• Three-pooint safety belts in all five seating positions
• Safety belt retractor pretensioners and lap pretensioners in the driver and front-passenger positions
• Safety belt load limiters (with pretensioners) in the front safety belt retractors
• Child seat latching system in the rear seat

Along with the standard safety features on all models - including daytime running lamps and automatic headlamps - LT and LTZ models include four-wheel disc brakes and offer rear-parking assist. Available safety equipment on all trim levels but standard on 2LT and LTZ models, include a tire pressure monitoring system and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response.

A strong foundation: The cruze has a strong, unitized body structure that incorporates high-strength steel (HSS) in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection. It is used to help prevent intrusion into passenger compartment. The Cruze also features underbody main rails that extend from the front of the structure all the way to the rear, further enhancing the body's strength and stiffness. A cross-structure beam behind the instrument panel anchors some vehicle features, while supporting the body during side-impact crashes.

Cruze's safety has been recognized in markets around the globe where it is already sold. For example, it earned the top rating of five stars in European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) testing. According to EuroNCAP, the Cruze scored 79 points out of 100, making it one of the safest models in the passenger car class. The Cruze achieved 96 percent in adult occupant protection, making it the runner-up this year and beating all tested premium brands. The Cruze received a maximum 16 points in the frontal offset collision test and a maximum eight points in the side-impact crash test against a moving deformable barrier. The Cruze is the first passenger car to receive maximum scores in both tests since EuroNCAP began providing crash test ratings in 1997.

OnStar with Automatic Crash Response: OnStar is standard and includes Automatic Crash Response and its latest enhancement, Injury Severity Prediction. This feature helps OnStar advisors alert first responders when a vehicle crash is likely to have caused serious injury to the occupants.

With Automatic Crash Response, OnStar uses data from a collection of built-in vehicle sensors that can signal an advisor for help if the vehicle is involved in a moderate to severe frontal, rear or side-impact crash, regardless of whether an air bag deploys.

Injury Severity Prediction uses an algorithm based on critical crash details, such as severity and direction of impact force, air bag deployments and whether there were multiple impacts or a vehicle rollover, to inform an OnStar advisor if there is a high probability of severe injury to vehicle occupants. Advisors can then relay this to the 9-1-1 operator, helping first responders prepare for what they may likely encounter at the crash scene and provide faster, more tailored help for the injured.

With more than 14 years experience, OnStar has provided assistance in nearly 140,000 Automatic Crash Responses and received more than 1 million emergency calls for help.

About Chevrolet: Chevrolet is one of Canada's best-selling automotive brands, thanks to compelling designs and modern innovations. Chevrolet offers Canadians vehicles with outstanding safety and fuel efficiency. With fuel solutions that range from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevrolet has seven models that offer 7 litres per 100 km or better on the highway.

NASA TO LAUNCH GM CO-DEVELOPED ROBOT TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

Technology to drive advancements in vehicle and manufacturing safety

By GM Canada - NASA will launch the first human-like robot to space later this year to become a permanent resident of the International Space Station. Robonaut 2, or R2, was developed jointly by NASA and General Motors under a cooperative agreement to develop a robotic assistant that can work alongside humans, whether they be astronauts in space or workers at GM manufacturing plants on Earth.

The 300-pound R2 consists of a head and a torso with two arms and two hands and will launch on space shuttle Discovery as part of the STS-133 mission planned for September. Once aboard the station, engineers will monitor how the robot operates in weightlessness. R2 joins another station robot, known as Dextre. That robot, built by the Canadian Space Agency, consists of two, long arms to perform tasks that normally require spacewalking astronauts to complete.

While Dextre is located on the station's exterior, R2 will be confined to operations in the station's Destiny laboratory. However, future enhancements could allow it to move more freely around the station's interior, and it could one day be modified to operate outside the complex.

"The use of R2 on the space station is just the beginning of a quickening pace between human and robotic exploration of space," said John Olson, director of NASA's Exploration Systems Integraqtion Office. "The partnership of humans and robots will be critical to opening up the solar system and will allow us to go farther and achieve more than we can probably even imagine today."

The dexterous humanoid robot not only looks like a human, it is designed to work like one. With human-like hands and arms, R2 is able to use the same tools that station crew members use. In the future, the greatest benefit of humanoid robots in space may be as an assistant or stand-in for astronauts during spacewalks or for tasks too difficult or dangerous for humans. For now, R2 is still a prototype and lacks adequate protection needed to exist outside the space station in the extreme temperatures of space.

Testing the robot inside the station will provide an important intermediate environment. R2 will be tested in zero gravity, as well as being subjected to the station's radiation and electromagnetic interference environments. The interior operations will provide performance data on how a robot may work side-by-side with astronauts. As development activities progress on the ground, station crews may be provided hardware and software to update R2 to allow it to do new tasks.

R2 is undergoing extensive testing in preparation for its flight. Vibration, vacuum and radiation testing along with other procedures being conducted on R2 also benefit the team at GM. The automaker plans to use technologies from R2 in future advanced vehicle safety systems and manufacturing plant applications.

"The extreme levels of testing R2 has undergone as it prepares to venture to the International Space Station are on par with the validation our vehicles and components go through on the path to production," said Alan Taub, vice president of GM's global research and development. "The work done by GM and NASA engineers also will help us validate manufacturing technologies that will improve the health and safety of our GM team members at our manufacturing plants throughout the world."

"Partnerships between organizations such as GM and NASA help ensure space explorations, road travel and manufacturing can become even safer in the future," Taub said.

GM's manufacturing engineering team is already working to identify potential applications for R2's array of vision, motion and sensor technologies that will assist workers in manufacturing operations.

"Our strategy is to develop technologies that can fundamentally change the way we manufacture cars and trucks," said Kenneth D. Knight, executive director GM Manufacturing Assembly & Automation Center. "This includes a focus on developing ways to further support our operators."

GM DOUBLING SIZE OF TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY LAB

• Bolsters GM's leadership in automotive battery technology and electrically driven vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Volt
• $8-million expansion doubles size of Global Battery Systems Lab on the GM Technical Center campus in Warren, Mich., to 63,000 sq ft
• Improves on-site safety, charging, engineering and manufacturing testing capabilities for all current and new battery cell, module and pack technologies

By GM Canada - General Motors is doubling the size of its technologically advanced automotive battery lab to expedite the development of electrically driven vehicles for consumers.

The $8-million investment will improve on-site testing of all current and new battery cell, module and pack technologies by enlarging the Global Battery Systems Lab on the GM Technical Center campus by 30,000 sq ft to 63,000 sq ft. The addition will be located adjacent to the existing lab inside the Alternative Energy Center facility. Areas previously used for engine testing will be renovated for battery development, with construction beginning this month and scheduled for completion in the summer.

"GM is building on its commitment to lead the development of electric vehicle technology - from battery cell design to the charging infrastructure - and today's investment furthers our work in this area," said Micky Bly, GM executive director, global electrical systems, hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries. "This addition will benefit consumers by helping us put cleaner, more efficient vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range, on the road more quickly and affordably."

GM's Global Battery Systems Lab began operations in January 2009 and became fully operational in May 2009.

It is used by GM's growing team of more than 1,000 engineers working on advanced batteries and electrically driven vehicles. More than half of the current lab is dedicated to testing the electrochemical battery cells and their enclosures, known as modules. The lab's remaining floor space is committed to evaluating completed battery packs.

The expansion will add capability in six areas, including:

• Safety and Abuse Tolerance. Powertrain test cells previously used for engine altitude testing will be retrofitted for crush, penetration, water immersion, overcharge, discharge and short circuit tests
• Buildup and Teardown. Reuse storage areas to prepare batteries before tests and provide secured rooms for supplier evaluation
• Manufacturing Engineering. Reuse space previously occupied by engine dynamometers to improve manufacturing processes, such as laser welding and cell stacking
• Charger Development and Integration
• Thermal Development. Radiant heat, thermal stability and thermal shock testing
• Battery Storage

"We've made the commitment to design, develop, validate and manufacture automotive battery technology in-house," said Bly. "Consolidating these testing capabilities at the Global Battery Systems Lab will reduce costs, provide a competitive advantage, quicken the pace of development and ensure we will design, build and sell the world's best vehicles."

The Global Battery Systems Lab equipment and test automation systems are being integrated with GM's global network of battery labs, including Mainz Kastel, Germany and Shanghai, China, to facilitate seamless data exchange and work sharing.

The Global Battery Systems Lab recently received world-class accreditation from the ISO-certified American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), a nonprofit, public service group that evaluates the competency and capability of labs across all fields of testing. Auditors from the A2LA reviewed testing procedures and results, equipment calibration, operations documentation, personnel competency and the lab's quality policy. The benefits of being an ISO-certified lab include: ensuring that data is accurate and avoiding expensive retesting from unreliable results.

The lab is equipped with 176 test channels and 49 thermal chambers duplicating extreme real-world driving patterns, hot and cold temperatures and calendar life.

This lab includes many environmentally conscious features such as a center hallway with high-efficiency LED lighting and a floor made from recycled tires. Approximately 90 percent of the electricity used for battery testing can be returned to the local energy grid for use by homeowners and businesses. The Global Battery Systems Lab received an honorable mention for Green Project of the Year by the Construction Association of Michigan.

Additional benefits offered by the Global Battery Systems Lab include a thermal shaker table for testing the structural integrity of the battery and electronic controls; a battery teardown area for failure analysis and competitor benchmarking; an integrated test automation system and improved Design of Experiments methodology - an information-gathering exercise that allows GM to perform more thorough battery tests more quickly.

In addition to battery labs in Warren, Mainz-Kastel and Shanghai, GM also has facilities dedicated to vehicle electrification in Honeoye Falls, N.Y., and the GM Technical Center's Research Chemical Engineering facility.

GM's battery lab network is part of a corporate battery research and development strategy that includes:

• Ramping-up "in-house" battery development capability by increasing the staff of GM's global electric vehicle and advanced battery organization
• Becoming the first major automaker to manufacture an advanced lithium-ion battery pack in the U.S. January
• Joining with the University of Michigan to create a new automotive advanced battery lab in Ann Arbor, Mich., and a specialized curriculum within U of M's College of Engineering to develop automotive battery engineers
• Growing and establishing a robust lineup of battery suppliers and universities for cell development and manufacturing and battery integration expertise, including companies LG Chem, A123 Systems, Hitachi Ltd. and Compact Power Inc.
• Collaborating with government organizations and industry consortia, such as the U.S. Department of Energy, United States Council for Automotive Research, the United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC and Electric Power Research Institute to advance the development of plug-ins and electric vehicles, and the necessary electric infrastructure to support these vehicles

Energy alternatives and advanced technologies that reduce dependence on petroleum, improve fuel economy and reduce emissions are keys to developing sustainable transportation. GM is pursuing several options to best meet the varied needs of customers around the world - from advanced gasoline, diesel and biofuel technology to electrically assisted vehicles and, ultimately, electrically driven extended-range, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. GM believes that electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation.

Facts: Global Battery Systems Lab

Location: Alternative Energy Center, GM Technical Center, Warren, Mich

Timing:

• Battery system test area opened January 2009
• Cell and module test area opened May 2009
• Phase Two scheduled to open summer 2010
  

Size: Total floor space: 63,000 sq ft

• Pack testing and development - 14,400 sq ft
• Cell and module development - 17,400 sq ft
• Technical support - 2,000 sq ft
• Phase Two - 30,000 sq ft

Benefits:

• Pack testing:
• 40 cyclers (serve as treadmills for batteries)
• 80 test channels (available for individual battery tests
• 33 thermal chambers (duplicates extreme temperature conditions)
• Cell and module testing:
• 32 cyclers
• 96 test channels
• 16 small thermal chambers
• Environmental control capability to allow for test correlation and repeatability:
• New humidity-controlled walk-in chambers
• New airflow benches to provide specific temperatures and levels of humidity to test air-cooled battery packs
• New coolant chillers to cool or heat liquid-cooled battery packs
• Phase Two
• Safety and abuse tolerance testing:
• Walk-in test cells for battery pack, module and cell crush, penetration, water immersion, overcharge, discharge and short circuit tests
• Manufacturing engineering:
• Laser-welding and cell-stacking development tests to improve manufacturing processes
• Charger development and integration
• Thermal development tests for radiant heat, thermal stability and thermal shock

EXCITING UPDATES FOR 2011 CAMARO CUSTOMERS

By GM Canada - The 2010 model year proved to be a very successful and exciting year for the segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro. For the 2011 model year, Chevrolet looks to expand the car's popularity among consumers with the introduction of additional features.

"The first year of production for the Oshawa-built Camaro has been incredibly successful," said Marc Comeau, Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing in Canada. "We plan on continuing this momentum by increasing performance capabilities and offering additional features to consumers."

Horsepower increase for V6 engine

The 2011 Camaro V-6 engine completed SAE certification testing and is now officially rated at 312 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 5100 rpm. This rating is eight horsepower higher than the previous year and also marks an increase in torque from the 2010 rating of 273 lb-ft.

"The 304 horsepower in the 2010 Camaro was actually a conservative rating on our end," said Tom Sutter, GM V-6 chief engineer. "But we knew already that this award-winning engine produced at least the amount of power we stated, but now we've gone the extra step in certifying the engine for this application and have verified an additional 8 horsepower."

The 3.6-litre V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct injection employs four independent cam phasers to change the timing of valve operation as operating conditions such as rpm and engine load vary. The result is linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (maximum horsepower per liter of displacement) supporting overall engine response and drivability. When combined, direct-injection and VVT enable an unmatched combination of power, efficiency and low-emissions in gasoline V-6 engines.

SAE certification is a voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufcturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. Chevrolet was the vehicle brand to begin using the procedure.

Synergy color to be made available across the lineup

Earlier this year, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro Synergy Special Edition which is based off the concept displayed at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The Synergy Special Edition is limited to a 1LT model, but the Synergy Green exterior colour will be made available on all trim levels for a limited run during the 2011 model year.

Head-Up Display

Already available on the Chevrolet Corvette, the 2011 Camaro will become the second Chevrolet vehicle to offer the popular Head-Up Display.

Camaro's Head-Up Display will include:

• Vehicle spee
• Tachometer
• Compass
• Outside air temperature
• Manual Paddle Shift Gear Indicator (if equipped)
• OnStar Turn-by-Turn
• Audio functions
• Phone information
• Selected gear
• Turn signal indicators
• High-beam indicator signal
• Vehicle messages

Production of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro begins June, 2010.

CHEVROLET TO OFFER A LIMITED NUMBER OF 2010 CAMARO INDY 500 PACE CAR REPLICAS

By GM Canada - For the first time since 1993, Chevrolet will build and sell a replica of a Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car.

The Chevrolet Camaro has a longstanding connection to motorsports, including legendary races like the Indianapolis 500. We wanted to build a vehicle that would honour this historic partnership and appeal to the true motorsport enthusiast," said Marc Comeau, Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing in Canada. "We believe we've done just that with the Oshawa-built Chevy Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Limited Edition."

This limited edition replica includes all the features found on a top-of-the-line regular production Camaro SS, but adds some additional features unique to the actual pace car to be driven by Robin Roberts, anchor of "Good Morning America", during this year's Indianapolis 500.

Based on a Camaro 2SS model with an RS appearance package, the replica includes the following content:

• 20-inch polished aluminum wheels
• Full body White Pearl decal rally stripes
• Inferno Orange heritage front grille
• Inferno Orange engine cover
• Premium floor mats with accent colors
• 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo decal on both doors and embroidered on driver and passenger headrests
• 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo badges on front fenders

Up to 45 pace car replicas will be made available in Canada through the top-selling Camaro dealers based on 2009 retail sales. The manufacturer suggested retail price of the replica package is $7,065.

The 2010 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica Limited Edition marks the fourth time Chevrolet has offered a Camaro pace car replica. Chevrolet also offered replicas of the pace cars in 1969, 1982 and 1993.

CHEVROLET CAMARO DECLARED 2010 WORLD CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR

By GM Canada - At a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show, Bridgestone Corporation, and BASF SE at the Jacob Javits Centre in Manhattan, New York, the Chevrolet Camaro was declared the 2010 World Car Design of the Year.

The 2010 World Car Design of the Year award is presented by BASF SE who announced their exclusive title sponsorship earlier this year.

"BASF is extremely honored to present the World Car Design of the Year award to General Motors for its magnificent Chevrolet Camaro design," said Robin Rotenberg, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Chief Communications Officer, BASF Corporation. "Presenting this award to General Motors is extra special for us because the Camaro gets its color and shine from BASF."

The World Car Design of the Year category, and the corresponding award, is meant to highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries. Cars eligible for this award are taken from the list of thirty (30) World Car candidates nominated by fifty-nine (59) World Car jurors from twenty-five (25) countries across the globe.

A design panel consisting of five highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors. The design experts were:

Masatsugu Arimoto: chairman of the Japan Auto Colour Award program, juror on Japan's governmental "Good Desigtn Award" committee, and Car Styling's "Car Design Awards"; Silvia Baruffaldi: Managing Editor of Auto & Design magazine; Gernot Bracht: former designer at Renault, now teaches at Pforzheim design school in Germany; Sam Livingstone: an Associate Editor of Car Design News and since 2001 has lectured at the Royal College of Art where he is now Senior Tutor in Vehicle Design; and Tom Matano: currently the Executive Director, School of Industrial Design, at Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Previously, Matano managed the Mazda Chief Designers group that created the entire Mazda car line designs.

The experts observed that, "The new Camaro leans on its heritage but does so in an artful, modern fashion, argue our design experts. "Although it borrows some of its styling cues from the first generation Camar, they all contribute to a simple, pure and modern appearance. It is the most dynamic Camaro ever," says Masatugu Arimoto. Sam Livingstone appreciates the "innately seductive exterior and interior. It's well resolved and I'd argue evidence that General Motors strikes a better balance than Ford and Chrysler do in their pony cars."

The fifty-nine (59) World Car Awards jurors then voted on the expert's recommendations in February 2010 and their ballots were tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG.

"In recreating this modern sports car, we have proven that people are just as passionate about Chevy as ever," said Michael Simcoe, Chevrolet Design Director. "We have been delighted about the strong reaction to the Camaro -- even in markets that are new to Chevy, it has been creating an emotional appeal for the brand."

The top three contenders for 2010 World Car Design of the Year were, in alphabetical order, the Chevrolet Camaro, the Citroen C3 Picasso, and the Kia Soul.

Previous winners of the World Car Design of the Year award were the Fiat 500 in 2009, the Audi R8 in 2008, the Audi TT in 2007 and the Citroen C4 in 2006.

Prime Research International, a global leader in strategic communication research and consultancy, has joined forces with the World Car Awards to form a unique research partnership that will provide strategic reports in 2010, analyzing global automotive media coverage.

Now in their seventh year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world's most prestigious, credible and significant programs of its kind.

The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. Peter Lyon (Japan) and Matt Davis (Italy / USA) are the co-chairs; John McCormick (USA), Jens Meiners (Germany) and Gerry Malloy (Canada) are the directors. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

By GM Canada Goodwrench - Here are some quick references to help you make your driving experience more enjoyable.

How do I know when I really need new tires?

You can't always tell by looking at the tread depth. Sometimes a tire that appears to have significant tread remaining needs to be replaced. So check the treadwear indicators - bald spots that appear at various intervals on the tread. If you see them in three or more places, you need a new tire.

Also, you need a new tire if:

• You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire's rubber
• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric
• The tire has a bump, bulge or split
• The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that can's be repaired because of the size or location of the damage

Why can't I just use water in my radiator?

Your vehicle's coolant system is set for the proper coolant mix. With plain water, or the wrong mix, your engine could get too hot, but you wouldn't get the "overheated" warning. Your engine could be badly damaged and might even catch fire. Also, too much water in the mix can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Damage resulting from using plain water or the wrong mixture would not be covered by your warranty. See your Owner's Manual for more specific information.

A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant will:

• Give freezing protection down to -37C (-34F)
• Give boiling protection up to 129C (256F)
• Protect against rust and corrosion
• Help maintain the proper engine temperature
• Let the warning lights and gauges work as they should

Why do I have to keep changing the oil if I'm not burning any?

Oil helps protect your vehicle's engine from premature wear by suspending moisture, abrasive dirt, and contaminants until they're broken down by detergents and traped by the oil filter. But over time, even the best oil loses its ability to do the job. That's why regular oil changes are so important. Even if you don't drive many miles, stop-and-go driving and repeated short trips can increase your vehicle's need for an oil change.

What's the best grade of oil?

Oils recommended for your GM vehicle (gasoline engine only) can be identified by looking for the "starburst" symbol, indicating that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil that does not carry this symbol. Check your Owner's Manual for the porper viscosity grade. Diesel engines have a different API symbol.

What is octane?

The octane number or octane rating is a measure of the anti-knock properties of gasoline - a higher number indicates a smaller likelihood of knocking. Using a higher-octane fuel than your Owner's Manual calls for is a waste of money. It doesn't produce more power, performance or fuel savings. Follow the Owner's Manual recommendations regarding fuel octane for your vehicle. The only time that higher octane fuels might be necessary is if your vehicle suffers audible engine knock at highway speeds.

I don't smoke, so what's the film buildup on the inside of my windshield?

The film build-up occurs primarily as a result of harmless agents called plasticizers, which are released from the plastic interior parts and condense on glass surfaces. You can celan them off with GM Glass Cleaner, part number 992727.

When I'm just waiting in my car with the engine running, how long of a wait justifies turning the engine off?

Restarting your vehicle's engine uses about as much gas as 30 seconds worth of idling. Therefore, shutting off your vehicle's engine when you'll be at a standstill for more than half a minute will improve your gas mileage and put fewer emissions in the air.

How come they never lubricate the lug nuts on my wheels? Wouldn't that make them easier to take off when I change a tire?

Lug nuts or studs should never be lubricated. While it may make them easier to remove, they could come off while you're driving. If you can't remove them with the equipment in your vehicle, call the GM Roadside Assistance line provided in your Owner's Manual.

SAFE DRIVING

By GM Canada Goodwrench

Buckle up: The most important tip to keep your family safe while driving is to always use safety belts and proper child restraints. Children are safer when placed in the rear seat in the appropriate infant, child booster seat, or safety belt - appropriate for the size and age. Never place a rear facing infact restraint in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with an active air bag.

Both Hands on the Wheel: The first car safety tip is to always drive with both hands on the wheel. The best place for your hands are at the nine and three o'clock positions, which help provide greater control when steering.

Lights On, Please: With your safety in mind, all new GM vehicles come equipped with daytime running lamps. To help with safe driving, turn on your lights in rainy or snowy weather to make sure that your headlamps, taillamps and other exterior lamps are on. Even if your visibility is good, other drivers will have a better view of your vehicle.

Snow on the Roof: Don't let snow pile up on top of your car or truck. Peaks of snow increase drag and decrease gas mileage. And snow piled in your pickup's bed can obstruct both your view and the view of other drivers.

Quick Manoeuvring: If you need to veer suddenly to avoid hitting an object in your vehicle's path, before turning, make sure you look in the direction you'd like to head towards to make sure the path is clear.

Alcohol is a Factor in Many Traffic Fatalities: These visual signs may help you spot an impaired driver.

• Stopping problems (too far, too short, or too jerky)
• Straddling a lane line
• Swerving or drifting
• Weaving across lane lines
• Accelerating or decelerating for no apparent reason
• Slow response to traffic signals
• Turning with a wide radius
• Driving without headlights at night
• Varying speed
• Stopping in a lane for no apparent reason
• Failure to signal or signal inconsistent with action

Let An Expert Inspect: Making sure your vehicle is in peak condition is another excellent way to help you drive safely. Stop by Jim Tubman Chevrolet and let a Goodwrench technician give your GM vehicle a Goodwrench Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection. Our technicians check many areas (27 points in all) that can assist in safe driving - including wiper blades, windshield cracks, tire wear, brakes, steering, suspension and taillamps - and offer expert Goodwrench services if you need them.

PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR WARMER WEATHER

By GM Canada Goodwrench - As temperatures increase, so do the demands made on your vehicle. So make sure your vehicle is up to summer's challenge.

What You Can Do

• Check tire tread depth for excessive and uneven wear.
• In extreme summer temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your owner's manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle's engine.
• Check the cooling system - both hoses and radiator - for leaks. Check the coolant recovery reservoir under the hood when the engine is cold. Add the coolant recommended in your Owner's Manual, if required. Replace conventional coolant every two years or 60,000 miles (every five years/150,000 miles DEX-COOL)

What Goodwrench Can Do To Help

Check the air conditioning system: After a winter of coughing and sneezing, combined with allergens, bacteria, mold and other microscopic interlopers, you might need to replace your cabin air filter and thoroughly clean or vacuum interior surfaces.

Winter can take a bigger toll on your vehicle than you think.

WARD RELEASES 2010 AUTO INTERIOR AWARD WINNERS

By Jeremy Korzeniewski, autoblog.com - Do you own a Lamborghini Miura? If not, we're going to presume that you spend way more time looking at the interior of your car than the exterior. If you do happen to have a Miura parked in your garage, we suggest you stop reading immediately and go gaze upon its sensuous exterior lines for a few hours.

Still here? Great, that means you don't own a Miura and the interior of your car is extremely important consideration. Which begs the question: What car has the best interior in any given class? Attempting to answer that query is none other than Wards Auto, which has just released its annual Auto Interior of the Year Awards for 2010 after analyzing the innards of 40 vehicles that are either brand new for 2010 or at least significantly updated.

Somewhat surprisingly, the only automaker to take home more than one trophy was Chevrolet. The new Equinox won for popular-priced truck under $39,999 and the Camaro took top honors in the sportscar category. Other winners include the Subaru Outback in the popular-priced car under $29,999 category and the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo for "Design Versatility."

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE FOR WARMER WEATHER

By GM Goodwrench - As temperatures increase, so do the demands made on your vehicle. So make sure your vehicle is up to summer's challenge.

What You Can Do

• Check tire tread depth for excessive and uneven wear.


• In extreme summer temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your owner's manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle's engine.


• Check the cooling system - both hoses and radiator - for leaks. Check the coolant recovery reservoir under the hood when the engine is cold. Add the coolant recommended in your Owner's Manual, if required. Replace conventional coolant every two years or 60,000 miles (every five years/150,000 miles DEX-COOL).

What Goodwrench Can Do to Help

Check the air conditioning system. After a winter of coughing and sneezing, combined with allergens, bacteria, mold and other microscopic interlop

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DRIVING IN THE RAIN

By GM Goodwrench - Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire to road traction isn't as good as on dry roads. If your tires don't have much tread left, you'll get even less traction.

That portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. It is distinguished by the design of its ribs and grooves.

It's always wise to go slower and be cautious if it starts to rain while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people walking. Road spray can often be worse for vision than rain, especially if it comes from a dirty road.

So it is wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled. Keep your windows clean inside. This will make them less likely to fog up. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

Driving too fast through large water puddles, or even going through some car washes, can cause problems too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles, but if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.

Hydroplaning: Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that your vehicle can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.

You might not be aware of hydroplaning. You could drive along for some time without realizing your tires aren't in constant contact with the road. You could find out the hard way; when you have to slow, turn, move out to pass - or if you get hit by a gust of wind. You could suddenly find yourself out of control.

Hydroplaning doesn't happen often. But it can if your tires haven't much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles and raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens on higher speed roads. There just isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.

The best advise is to slow down when it starts raining and be careful.

Some other rainy weather tips

• Turn on your headlights - not just your parking lights - to help make you more visible to others.
• Look for hard-to-see vehicles coming from behind. What you see through the rearview mirrors may be distorted by raindrops on the outside mirror and rear window. You may want to use your headlights even in daytime if it's raining hard.
• Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. If the road spray is so heavy you are actually blinded, drop back. Don't pass until conditions improve. Going more slowly is better than having an accident.
• Use your defogger if it helps.
• Have good tires with proper tire depth.
  

BEST AUTOMOTIVE "MACGYVER" STORIES

From solsticeforum.com

I had a high-mileage Miata and one day, away from home, the left-rear caliper locked up. Couldn't unstick it, so I unbolted it from the carrier and left the brake line connected. I hung it high back in the wheelwell, out of the way with a coat hanger, jammed a block of wood between the pads and mashed the brake to insure that all was secure. Then I finished driving home, carefully, slowly and leaving lots of space, on three brakes. Posted by stevebad

Once had to put my wife into the trunk of a Wolseley 6/99 with a wrench with instructions to give the fuel pump a little whack every time it stopped clicking (or if I yelled at her to do it). Worked very well, got us home so I could change out the pump points, but the most amusing event was when we stopped for a rest and I let her out of the trunk. Two old ladies were standing nearby watching when I let her our and I said "OK, had enough yet?" Posted by wspohn

Back in Michigan, I got stuck in my parents unplowed, iced-over, rutted dirt driveway in my mid-70s Camaro during a Christmas visit. The ruts were more like deep swales, running cross-wise to the driveway. I got out the jack, jacked up the rear bumper a bit, then pushed the car backward off the jack. I think I did that a couple of times, to get up past the bottom of the swale and get traction. (After that, I started carrying a big bag of water softener salt in the trunk. It added weight over the axle, plus I could use the salt to get traction.) The next day, my dad insisted I drive his huge old Ford station wagon instead, he claimed it was "safer". The tires were so bald (my dad is notorious for not maintaining his cars), that I slid into a ditch. Luckily a snow plow driver was passing by, and pulled the Ford out of the ditch. Posted by gz9gjg

This may not be "McGyver" enough but I once had the starter fuse blow out leaving me stranded and unable to start my car, so I simply removed the fuse from the one being used for the car's horn and used it until I got home. It wasn't the correct voltage, but was a good temporary fix.

Another time, and a different car I had was stuck in a whole of mud. Tires just kept spinning. Easy way to get the car tire moving forward is to just find a tree branch or a good 2x4 and place it underneath the tire. Works well if you're stuck in snow too. Just repeat the process until you are cleared. Posted by Silver Ghost

We had a Healey 100 with a hot 327 in it. It used Stromberg 97s and the throttle linkage was hit and miss. We had it fall off once and got it back to the garage using a piece of string we had found at the side of the road. Only problem was that every time I (the throttle man) pulled on the string, the car accelerated, I slid backward off the toolbox that was serving as a passenger seat and pulled even harder. Very exciting as that thing had enough poke to actually get the front weels off the pavement. Posted by Bill in BC

GENERAL MOTORS INTRODUCES THE EN-V

By General Motors Corporation - Shanghai: By 2030, urban areas will be home to more than 60 percent of the world's 8 billion people. This will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.

General Motors and its strategic partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC), share a common vision for addressing the need for personal mobility through a radical change in personal urban transportation. They are exploring several solutions for tomorrow's drivers. Among the most promising is a new vehicle form called EN-V.

A Promising Solution: EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities.

Three EN-V models were unveiled April 6, 2010 in Shanghai. They represent three different characteristics that emphasize the enjoyable nature of future transportation: Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh). The concepts will be showcased from May 1 through October 31 at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. Shanghai is expected to become one of the epicenters for the establishment of personal mobility solutions for the future.

"EN-V reinvents the automobile by creating a new vehicle DNA through the convergence of electrification and connectivity. It provides an ideal solution for urban mobility that enables future driving to be free from petroleum and emissions, free from congestion and accidents, and more fun and fashionable than ever before," said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group.

Breakthrough Technology: EN-V's platform has evolved from the platform of the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (P.U.M.A.) prototype that was developed by Segway and debuted in April 2009. Segway has worked collaboratively with GM to develop and deliver multiple copies of the drivetrain platform that seamlessly connect to and power the various EN-Vs.

EN-V is propelled by electric motors in each of its two driving-mode wheels. Dynamic stabilization technology empowers EN-V, giving it the unique ability to carry two passengers and light cargo in a footprint that's about a third of a traditional vehicle. It can literally "turn on a dime" within its own operating envelope. In addition, everything in EN-V is drive-by-wire, supporting its ability to operate autonomously or under manual control. The motors not only provide power for acceleration, but also bring the vehicle to a stop.

Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single charge. EN-V can also improve the efficiency of the public electric infrastructure since the vehicle can communicate with the electric grid to determine the best time to recharge based on overall usage.

By combining the Global Positioning System (GPS) with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing technologies, the EN-V concept can be driven both manually and autonomously.

Its autonomous operating capability offers the promise of reducing traffic congestion by allowing EN-V to automatically select the fastest route based on real-time traffic information. The concept also leverages wireless communications to enable a "social network" that can be used by drivers and occupants to communicate with friends or business associates while on the go.

This combination of sensing technology, wireless communication and GPS-based navigation establishes a technology foundation, pieces of which could migrate from the EN-V concept and potentially lead the way to future advanced vehicle safety systems.

The ability to communicate with other vehicles and with the infrastructure could dramatically reduce the number of vehicle accidents. Using vehicle-based sensor and camera systems, EN-V can "sense" what's around it, allowing the vehicle to react quickly to obstacles or changes in driving conditions. For example, if a pedestrian steps out in front of the vehicle, EN-V will decelerate to a slower and safer speed and stop sooner than today's vehicles.

GM has been a leader in developing autonomous vehicle technology, having worked alongside students and faculty at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This collaboration created "The Boss" Chevrolet Tahoe, which brought autonomous vehicle operation to life in 2007. EN-V takes the lessons learned in "The Boss" and offers mobility to people who could not otherwise operate a vehicle.

"The EN-V concept represents a major breakthrough in the research that GM has been doing to bring vehicle autonomy to life," said Alan Taub, Global Vice President of GM Research and Development. "The building blocks that enable the autonomous capabilities found on the EN-V concept such as lane departure warning, blind zone detection and adaptive cruise control are being used in some GM vehicles on the road today."

EN-V has been designed for the speed and range of today's urban drivers. It weighs less than 500 kilograms and is about 1.5 meters in length. By comparison, today's typical automobile weighs more than 1,500 kilograms and is three times as long. In addition, today's automobiles require more than 10 square meters of parking space and are parked more than 90 percent of the time. EN-V's smaller size and greater maneuverability mean the same parking lot can accommodate five times as many EN-Vs as typical automobiles.

Smaller, Smarter Design: While EN-V leads the way in terms of efficiency and technology, it also sets a new benchmark for vehicle design. For its debut, GM had design teams around the world provide their vision of what future mobility will look like. Xiao (Laugh) was designed by GM Holden's design team in Australia, while the look of Jiao (Pride) was penned by designers at GM Europe and Miao (Magic) was designed at the General Motors Advanced Design Studio in the U.S. state of California.

Each EN-V has a unique design theme to showcase the flexibility of the propulsion platform. The design gives each EN-V its own personality, with a unique opening, elegant interior and innovative color, lighting and seat technology. Xiao offers a more lighthearted appeal, with its "gumball blue" paint and nautical-inspired design. Miao takes most of its design cues from the consumer electronics industry, as evidenced by its sleek, masculine looks. Designers also used Miao to display innovative lighting solutions, including extensive use of LED accent lighting. With its clean lines and bright paintwork, Jiao takes its design influence from bullet trains and Chinese opera masks.

"EN-V incorporates significant technology and material innovation, which has given the design team a whole new world to explore," said Clay Dean, Director of Advanced Design for GM North America. "Because of the lightweight structures, materials and integrated controls, we created unique surface forms not traditionally found in automotive applications."

The body and canopy of EN-V are constructed from carbon fiber, custom-tinted Lexan and acrylic, materials that are more commonly used in race cars, military airplanes and spacecraft because of their strength and lightweight characteristics. The ability to work with such innovative materials provided a learning opportunity for GM's design teams to study the feasibility of future traditional automotive applications.

EN-V's compact size makes it ideal for use in densely populated cities thanks to its use of advanced safety and propulsion technologies. But good things come in small packages, as witnessed by EN-V's innovative interior design, which provides maximum visibility to the world outside. A simple interface for activating Wi-Fi-based technologies keeps occupants connected to the outside world.

"The future of how we move around in urban areas like Shanghai can combine the best of personal mobility and public transit. There is a better solution and it is called EN-V. It demonstrates that we have both the knowledge and the ability right now to create a way to move people that not only ensures a 'better city' but also offers people a 'better life,'" said Taub.

GM WILL ADD BRAKE-OVERRIDE SYSTEMS BY 2012

By Chrissie Thompson, Automotive News - General Motors Co. said it will add more vehicle brake-override systems by the end of 2012, in the latest reaction to Toyota Motor Corp.'s unintended-acceleration problems.

GM said today it will add the systems to all cars worldwide that have automatic transmissions and electronic throttle controls.

Similarly, after the recent recall involving 8.5 million vehicles, many because of unintended acceleration, Toyota is installing brake-override systems on seven current models. The Japanese automaker also has said it plans to introduce the system on all U.S. models by 2011. About 20 percent of Toyota's U.S. vehicles now have the system.

GM has said its vehicles either have brake overrides or have brakes strong enough to stop vehicles within 554 feet when vehicles are traveling at 60 mph. The override systems already are on the Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro V8, Malibu L4, Colorado V8, Cobalt and HHR; GMC Canyon V8 and Cadillac CTS-V and STS-V, GM spokesman Alan Adler said.

Adding the overrides to more GM vehicles involves activating a GM-developed algorithm already in each vehicle's brake system, Adler said.

In a statement, GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens said installing the technology will give consumers extra reassurance.

The brake-override plan will better prepare GM for any regulatory changes prompted by the Toyota crisis. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said last month his agency is considering a proposal to require brake-override systems on all new vehicles.

At that time, GM and Honda Motor Co. were the only major automakers without the systems in most vehicles or without firm plans to install the systems on a widespread basis.

2010 SHANGHAI WORLD'S FAIR CONCEPTS

By Automobile Magazine - World's Fair events traditionally offered exciting idealistic takes on what the future may hold. So far, it looks like Expo 2010, which opens in Shanghai this summer, will carry on that tradition with a theme of "Better City, Better Life." According to GM, this trio of new urban mobility concepts that will be shown at the Expo 2010 in Shanghai this summer is one part of the equation. The first public debut of these EN-V concepts will be at the Beijing auto show next month.

GM and Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) are again projecting 20 years into the future, when it is believed that urban areas will accommodate more than 60 percent of the world's 8 billion people. This will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services. If living standards are to continue rising and the denizens of this crowded future still hope to enjoy personal mobility (predictions put the vehicle fleet at 1.2 billion cars), the paradigm has to shift. Radically.

The three concepts making their official debut in a few weeks at the Shanghai Auto Show represent further development of the Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility (PUMA) concept unveiled at last year's New York Auto Show. They are collectively referred to as EN-V, for Electric Networked Vehicles. Each is a different GM Design studio's take on styling a minimalist carbon fiber and polycarbonate cocoon over what is essentially a two-seat, two-wheel, electric Segway chassis. Their English names translate to Pride, Laugh, and Magic, which enjoy a rhyming affinity in Chinese (Jiao, Xiao, and Miao resprectively). Chinese mega-city commuters currently expend 30 percent of their fuel looking for parking, in part because today's cars require almost 280 square feet of parking space per car (including aisles) and spend 90 percent of their time parked. But these highly maneuverable EN-V triplets can turn around in just 5.7 feet so they require just 47 square feet of parking (that's about six EN-Vs) to one "normal" car). Because most urban trips are one to three miles in length and are covered at low speeds, these urban mobility vehicles don't need 300-mile range and 100-mph capability, so the lithium-iron phosphate battery pack is limited to a 25-mile range and the combined 12-hp of the two DC motors top out 25 mph.

Measuring 59.0-60.5 inches long and 55.0-56.0 inches wide, they take up about the same space as six pedestrians, and at about 900 pounds plus occupants, they weigh about what six pedestrians would, meaning that elevated lanes dedicated to such personal mobility devices would only have to meet pedestrian/bike lane standards of structural strength. Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications will coordinate with GPS navigation, onboard ultrasonic sensors and camera vision systems to enable the drive-by-wire system to autonomously park and retrieve the car as well as offer auto-pilot commuting while occupants video-conference with friends.

Seated occupants can't control the EN-V the way a standing Segway operator does, so control is via a video-game-like rectangular steering yoke controller that you turn to steer, while pivoting the hand grips forward to accelerate or back to decelerate. Dynamic stabilization keeps the vehicle balanced on its two wheels by sliding the seating platform, battery pack, and bodywork forward and aft relative to the chassis. Parking the EN-V cars lowers the front into contact with the ground, facilitating easy egress out of the single front door, which opens upward.

There is no suspension, per-se, beyond the give in the 120/70-17 series Avon RoadRider tires, and Segway and GM officials wouldn't say how steep a grade the vehicles can negotiate without bottoming or tipping over. These issues would be problematic if these things were to suddenly take to the mean streets and parking structures of New York City, but this system really imagines a from-scratch urban design approach that would involve dedicated infrastructure for pedestrial/bike/EN-V type vehicles, and we're to trust that the bold new future world will maintain these lanes meticulously (and with no heavy traffic that should be easier).

GM claims that operating costs for the typical Chinese urban dweller, given reduced toll and parking costs, and today's electricity pricing would be less than one-quarter that of operating and parking a Chevy Malibu in a megacity, with electricity costs amounting to just $123 for 15,000 miles. To get a look at the bold future of urban living, join the 70 million people who are expected to visit Expo 2010, the Shanghai World's Fair during its six-month run, which opens May 1.