CADILLAC TWIN-TURBO DEBUTS IN ALL-NEW 2014 CTS SEDAN

2014 3.6L V-6 VVT DI Twin Turbo (LF3) for Cadillac CTS

• 420 horsepower (313 kW) / 430 lb-ft of torque (583 Nm) – SAE certified
• Most power-dense six-cylinder in segment at 118 hp/liter
• Cadillac’s first twin-turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission

DETROIT – Cadillac has announced details of a new Twin-Turbo V-6 engine and eight-speed transmission – firsts for the brand and signature features of the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS midsize luxury sedan debuting next week at the New York Auto Show.

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New GMC Acadia evolves the original three-row crossover

2013 GMC Acadia Denali

• New exterior design highlighted by signature LED lighting
• Refined interior with soft-touch materials, accent stitching and ambient lighting
• Rear vision camera standard; industry-exclusive front center air bag available

CHICAGO : February 9, 2013 – GMC unveiled the new 2013 Acadia and Acadia Denali at the Chicago Auto Show, highlighting a new exterior and safety features including the industry’s first front center air bag.

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Chevrolet achieves best-ever global sales in 2011

DETROIT : January 20, 2012 – Chevrolet sold 4.76 million vehicles around the world in 2011, setting a global sales record and driving General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) global sales to more than 9 million vehicles, a 7.6 percent gain compared with 2010.

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World Premiere Geneva Motor Show 2010 The shape of things to come: Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E Concept

Opel/Vauxhaul Flextreme GT/E Concept

• Dramatic design meets environmental technology
• Alternative propulsion; shows versatility of Vauxhall’s E-REV technology

GENEVA/LUTON : February 18, 2010 – Vauxhall will unveil a dramatic concept car at this year’s Geneva Show that is set to boost its credentials as a leader in environmental vehicles. The Flextreme GT/E illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-sized vehicles, as well as compact cars, like the upcoming Ampera.


Vauxhall calls the strategy underpinning Flextreme GT/E, ‘e-mobility unlimited’, which will effectively adapt the highly efficient E-REV drive system to vehicles across all market segments. In other words, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to driving a car with zero C02 emissions.

Sleek and aerodynamic, the Flextreme GT/E achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 125mph-plus while conserving energy and extending the driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low, wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, ‘floating’ C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

Exterior design

The clean frontal styling features a low bonnet line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps, which are in turn carved into the front wings and across the bonnet line. The new trapezoidal grille is slim but bold, with the prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carrying a large Vauxhall emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Flextreme GT/E to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted bonnet, with a Vauxhall-signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular wings and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Flextreme GT/E is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasising the flowing lines of the side-body. Vauxhall’s signature blade motif is reinterpreted in a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front wing.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors to open when covered by the driver’s or passenger’s hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasise the Flextreme GT/E’s wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. And taking a leaf from the Insignia Sports Tourer’s book, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved boot access, enhanced by a convex deep glass screen to improve airflow.

The transparency of the fixed glass panel in the centre of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

Managing airflow and saving weight

Integral to the Flextreme GT/E’s dramatic looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimise airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and are fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tyres. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimise air turbulence.

The small front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Flextreme GT/E also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 30mph, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared with conventional materials, these offer a 40 per cent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.

Powertrain

The Flextreme GT/E concept also includes the groundbreaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Vauxhall Ampera. Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 125mph, the Flextreme GT/E is estimated to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 40 miles – with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions – and a total range of over 300 miles. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 175mpg, with CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km.

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 40 miles, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Flextreme GT/E eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small petrol engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery’s supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 300 miles, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 62mph acceleration in less than nine seconds.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a logical next step towards Vauxhall’s emerging strategy for the electrification of the car, which will in time include products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E concept Technical Data

Body style
Type	5-door coupé, 4-seat upper mid-size concept vehicle
Co-efficient of drag	0.22

Exterior dimensions
Overall length (mm)	4762
Height (mm)	1308
Width (mm)	1871
Wheelbase (mm)	2900
Front track (mm)	1600
Rear track (mm)	1600

Wheels/Tyres
Wheel size	21 inch
Tyres	195/45 R 21; extra low-rolling resistance

Powertrain
Type	Electric drive, front-wheel drive
Battery system:
Type	Advanced lithium-ion (manganese spinel)
Energy	16 kWh
Nominal voltage	350 volts
On-board charger	3.3 kW
100% recharge time (230V outlet)	< 3.0 hours
Electric drive unit:
Max. power	120 kW
Torque	370 Nm
Generator:
Power	53 kW peak output
Engine type	4-cyl. 1.4l gasoline-fueled combustion engine

Performance
Pure electric mode range	60 km
Full range, range extender engaged	> 500 km
CO2 emissions, combined cycle (est.)	< 40 g/km
0 – 100 km/h acceleration	< 9.0 seconds
Maximum speed	> 200 km/h

Images : Vauxhaul Flextreme GT/E Concept

[Source : GM via NEWSPRESS]

Spyker Pays $74 Million for Saab

SAAB plant in Trollhattan, Sweden

• Other new products in the pipeline are the 9-4X, which will be built by GM
• GM will also continue to produce powertrain components for other new Saab models
• Previous Chinese deal involves old technology/designs

AMSTERDAM - January 27, 2010 : Spyker reached a deal Tuesday night (GMT) with General Motors for the take over of Saab. Tuesday morning I spoke to Victor Muller, CEO of the Dutch sports car manufacturer, who by that time could only say that he was in Stockholm and that there was “no deal yet”. ”So much has happened after we last spoke each other at the LA Auto Show in December…”, Muller said


After the news broke, Muller later said in a telephone interview with a Dutch late night show that he was exhausted after five days negotiations and little sleep.

In a press release, Spyker says that the deal will probably be official next month. By that day, $50 million will be payable, the other $24 million will be paid by Spyker on July 15.

Part of the agreement is that Saab remains an independent car manufacturer and that the dismantling of Saab, that GM initiated in December, will be stopped immediately.

Spyker gets all shares of Saab Automobile A.B., as well as ownership of the Trollhättan plant. GM will get preferred shares for an amount of $326 million and provide technology to the new company. Nick Reilly, President of GM Europe said that GM always hoped to find a positive solution for the Swedish division: “GM will support Saab and SPyker Cars on their road ahead.”

The European Investment Bank EIB will provide a loan that is guaranteed by the Swedish government, who also agreed to this Monday afternoon. The European Committee has to approve the guarantee, and is expected to do so shortly.

Spyker intends to rename Spyker Cars N.V. into Saab Spyker Automobiles N.V.

We will talk to Muller in a later stage and get more background on this spectacular deal, so stay tuned.
[Source : Auto Channel]

GM reached agreement to sell Saab to Spyker

2010 SAAB 9-5

DETROIT : January 26, 2010 – General Motors and Spyker Cars NV confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB.


"The announcement was great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.

“General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we're all happy for the positive outcome,” Smith said.

As part of the agreement, Spyker intends to form a new company, Saab Spyker Automobiles, which will carry the Saab brand forward. The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale will be disclosed in due time.

The Swedish government is at present reviewing the transaction and the related request for guarantees of a Saab Automobile loan that has been requested from the European Investment Bank. Assuming quick action, the transaction is expected to close in mid-February, and previously announced wind down activities at Saab will be immediately suspended, pending the close of the transaction.

“Throughout the negotiations, GM has always had the hope to find a solution for Saab that would avoid a wind down of the brand,” added Nick Reilly, president, GM Europe. “We’ve worked with many parties over the past year, including governments and investors, and I’m very pleased that we could come to such a good conclusion, one that preserves jobs in Sweden and elsewhere. GM will continue to support Saab and Spyker on their way forward.”

[Source : GM]

Spyker to file final Saab bid by Thursday

Spyker CEO, Victor Muller will make a third bid for Saab on this Thursday

AMSTERDAM : January 4, 2010 - Spyker Cars NV will rebuild Saab around the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X models if it buys the Swedish brand from General Motors Co., Spyker CEO Victor Muller says. Plans for a Saab 9-1 entry-level car would be put on hold.


Muller said Saab would maintain its headquarters, engineering and production in Trollhattan, Sweden, under Spyker's ownership. Trollhattan would produce all Saab cars except the 9-4X, which would be produced in GM's assembly plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

Muller made the comments in an interview with AOL Autos.

He said Saab would press ahead with the launch of the new 9-5 sedan this spring.

The 9-4X crossover, which shares mechanicals with the Cadillac SRX, would be introduced late next year or early in 2011. A new 9-3 would go on sale in 2012.

GM would continue to produce engines for Saab, and Saab would use GM parts in vehicles such as the 9-4X and 9-5, Muller said.

Saab's relationship with GM “would last for years,” Muller told AOL Autos.

He said he has abandoned plans to trim Saab's U.S. network of dealerships from the current 218 stores down to 137 outlets.

Spyker could use Saab's all-wheel-drive technology, plus other components from Saab's parts bin, Muller said, adding that selected Saab dealerships could sell Spyker cars.

He declined to indicate whether Saab can break even on sales of 100,000 units by 2011 or 2012, as had been previously reported. Saab sold 93,295 units in 2008, and sales this year could fall as low as 60,000.

Spyker, which is backed by Russian and Arabic investors, lodged a renewed fast-track offer to buy Saab on Dec. 20. Money-losing Spyker made 43 luxury cars last year.

GM has extended a Dec. 31 deadline to sell or close Saab until Jan. 7, giving Spyker more time to come up with financing to buy the brand.

GM has said it is still in talks with potential bidders for its Swedish unit.

Merbanco Inc., a Wyoming-based investment group, has been named in the media as another Saab bidder.

Saab said it will restart some production lines after a holiday break on Jan. 11 for its new 9-5 model and cabrio.

"We have the orders and we have to deliver them as usual. We also have the orders for the 9-3 and others. The factory has to continue again," Saab spokesman Eric Geers said on Dec. 30.

[Source : Reuter via Automotive News Europe]

GM Sales in China Jump 66.9% in 2009 to All-Time High, Continue to Lead the Industry

2010 Buick Regal - Chinese Market Version

• 1,826,424 units sold in 2009, achieving year-end market share record of 13.4%
• Builds on forward-looking strategy of rolling out new products with improved fuel economy
• Ongoing expansion and investment position GM for long-term success

SHANGHAI : January 4, 2010 – GM and its joint ventures in China announced today that their domestic sales jumped 66.9 percent in 2009 to a record 1,826,424 units. Based on bullish sales of Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling vehicles, the GM China family achieved an estimated market share of 13.4 percent, another year-end record and an improvement of 1.3 percentage points from the end of 2008.


The strong year-end results were possible in part because of record December sales by GM’s Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling joint ventures and the addition of sales from its new FAW-GM joint venture.

Modern products

“We are proud of our performance in 2009,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “Chinese consumers responded enthusiastically to our lineup of modern, fuel-efficient and stylish products, validating our strategy of rolling out a steady cadence of great vehicles that are leaders in their respective segments. This is part of GM’s global strategy of focusing on designing, building and selling the world’s best products.”

In 2009, as part of GM’s aggressive product launch strategy, GM and its joint ventures in China introduced several new and upgraded models to keep up with strong industry demand, including the new Buick LaCROSSE and New Regal turbo series; the Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Cadillac SLS and SRX. In addition, GM continued to bring to China its latest technology such as the new 1.2-liter engine in the Chevrolet Spark and ECOTEC 1.6-liter DVVT engine in the Chevrolet Cruze. Both powertrains made the list of the 10 best engines in China for 2009.

Growing investment

GM and its joint ventures continued increasing their investment in China to help position themselves for long-term success. To provide better service to local customers, Shanghai OnStar initiated in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. It welcomed its first subscriber in China on December 20. In addition, the GM China Science Lab was launched and PATAC opened its new vehicle safety lab. Shanghai GM broke ground on China’s largest proving ground in Anhui province, SAIC-GM-Wuling opened a new engine plant in Qingdao, and GM China moved to new offices in Shanghai, sharing space with the GM International Operations headquarters and the Center for Advanced Research and Science.

To maintain its growth, the GM China family continued to expand. In the middle of the year, GM launched an important new partnership with FAW, FAW-GM, which has given GM a presence in the light commercial vehicle segment. In December, GM and SAIC Motor announced the establishment of a new 50-50 joint venture investment company, General Motors SAIC Investment Ltd., to capture business opportunities in Asia’s emerging markets.

The joint global automobile partners of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, GM and SAIC, built their corporate pavilion. GM and SAIC will be jointly showcasing their vision for the future of urban transportation called “Drive to 2030.” GM will highlight its advances and leadership in vehicle electrification and connectivity technology.

Record Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling sales

Domestic sales by Shanghai GM rose 63.3 percent to 727,620 units in 2009. The passenger car joint venture was once again led by its original brand, Buick, which experienced sales growth of 59.6 percent year on year to 447,011 units. The Excelle, which sold 241,109 units, remained the brand’s bestseller for the sixth consecutive year. Further contributing to the resurgence of Buick in China were the New Regal, which generated sales of 79,930 units, and the new LaCROSSE, which generated sales of 43,429 units in just six months on the market.

Chevrolet sales in China likewise experienced strong growth, with 332,774 units sold – an increase of 67.1 percent from 2008. The Cruze, GM’s new global compact car, enjoyed great success in China, with sales of 92,190 units despite being on the market only nine months. In addition, the Lova had sales of 118,935 units.

In 2009, SAIC-GM-Wuling became the first automaker in China to sell more than 1 million vehicles in a year, increasing its domestic sales by 63.9 percent to 1,061,213 units. With sales of 596,630 units, the Wuling Sunshine set a Chinese industry record for annual sales by a single model.

FAW-GM sold 34,510 light commercial vehicles in the four months after its establishment in August 2009 and began construction of a new assembly plant in Ha’erbin.

According to Wale, “As China asserts itself as the world’s largest vehicle market, our domestic operations will be counted on to deliver solid results. We will continue to introduce cutting-edge products that are leaders in their segments in fuel economy, quality and styling.”

Wale expressed optimism about the 2010 outlook. “Despite the sales records in 2009, it looks as if 2010 will be even stronger. The industry outlook is strong and we expect more growth, albeit on a somewhat slower pace. It is our intent to keep up with that growth and make sure we defend our leadership position. GM has all the tools in place to have another great year in China.”

[Source : GM]

GM Board Decides to Retain Opel

Adam Opel HQ - Photo: Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images

• New GM supports restructuring of Opel
  
• GM restructuring plan involves lower investment compared to investor proposals
  
• Discussions with stakeholders on restructuring to begin in earnest

DETROIT : November 3, 2009 – Given an improving business environment for GM over the past few months, and the importance of Opel//Vauxhall to GM’s global strategy, the GM Board of Directors has decided to retain Opel and will initiate a restructuring of its European operations in earnest.


“GM will soon present its restructuring plan to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favorable consideration,” said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO. “We understand the complexity and length of this issue has been draining for all involved. However, from the outset, our goal has been to secure the best long term solution for our customers, employee, suppliers, and dealers, which is reflected in the decision reached today. This was deemed to be the most stable and least costly approach for securing Opel/Vauxhall’s long-term future.”

On a preliminary basis, the GM plan entails total restructuring expenses of about € 3 billion, significantly lower than all bids submitted as part of the investor solicitation. GM will work with all European labor unions to develop a plan for meaningful contributions to Opel's restructuring. While Opel continues to outperform against its viability plan assumptions and immediate liquidity is stable, time is of the essence.

“While strained, the business environment in Europe has improved.” Henderson said. “At the same time, GM’s overall financial health and stability have improved significantly over the past few months, giving us confidence that the European business can be successfully restructured. We are grateful for the hard work of the German and other EU governments in navigating this difficult economic period. We’re also appreciative of the effort put forward by Magna and its partners in Russia in trying to reach an equitable agreement.”

Henderson added that GM also hopes to build on its already significant business in Russia and to resume work directly with GAZ to contribute to both the modernization of its operations and the joint development of the Russian vehicle market on a mutually attractive basis. More details on the next steps in the restructuring will be provided as the plans and developments warrant.

[Source : GM]

GM Receives $2.7M ARPA-E Award to Explore Thermomechanical Waste Heat Recovery Using SMA Heat Engine

Exhaust Capture Diagram

WARREN, Mich. : October 27, 2009 - The day is coming when the heat from your car’s engine exhaust is captured and converted to mechanical energy capable of powering your vehicle’s stereo, power seats and air conditioning.


General Motors R&D received a $2.7 million federal award Monday that will help build a prototype using Shape Memory Alloy, or SMA, that would generate electricity from the heat in automotive exhaust.

“When you heat up a stretched SMA wire, it shrinks back to its pre-stretched length, and when it cools back down it becomes less stiff and can revert to the original shape” said Jan Aase, director of GM’s Vehicle Development Research Laboratory. “A loop of this wire could be used to drive an electric generator to charge a battery.”

It is too soon to identify a vehicle where this technology could work, but hybrid or conventionally powered vehicles are possible applications.

“No one else anywhere in the world is doing this work as far as we know,” Aase said. “In a hybrid system, the electrical energy could be used to charge the battery. In a conventional engine, this could perhaps even replace the alternator without any load on the engine.”

The award from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Program Agency – Energy, or ARPA-E, was the only grant to an automaker among $151 million in distributed by the DOE. GM will work with HRL Laboratories; Dynalloy, Inc., a Tustin, CA manufacturer of shape memory alloys specially made to be used as actuators, and the Smart Materials Collaborative Research Lab at the University of Michigan.

"This award is significant for the gains in energy efficiency it could bring, and because it signifies how GM is doing business though collaboration and partnership,” said Alan Taub, GM vice president of global R&D.

“The days are gone when we would do this kind of groundbreaking work on our own. We need to continue to find ways to combine our deep technical knowledge with others who can help take our ideas from concept to commercialization,” he said.

The idea of an SMA heat engine “has been around for 30 years,” Aase said, but the few devices that have been built were too large and too inefficient to make it worthwhile.”

Even now, the technology is in the very early stages. Over the next two years, GM and its partners will work to create a working prototype.

“We’re taking advantage of a network of people that we’ve been working with for a number of years on shape memory alloys,” Aase said. “And we have some novel approaches to make this high-risk, high return project successful.”

[Source : GM]

Buick Avant - Buick Takes on Small Premium Vehicles

Buick Avant Concept - Buick Takes on Small Premium Vehicles

In this project, GM studied potential markets around the world, trying to understand how luxury is changing, and the aspirations of consumers and how they use vehicles in the context of their everyday lives. What GM found out is this — how people use their cars, where they drive, what they need and expect from premium products, and how these things are all changing in different parts of the world.


The world of luxury is changing. It isn’t all about bling. As luxury customers become more discerning, more conscientious, and more pressed for time, there is a way to improve their lives with a small premium car.

GM worked to translate these insights into useful and desirable vehicles; concepts that are about more than just styling. Yes, aesthetics are an important; they convey the owner’s tastes and values. But GM also developed a series of features that consumers would find both useful and delightful.

What is a Premium Buick experience about? Relaxation…anticipation of your needs…effortless travel.

How can this be translated in a Small vehicle that is relevant in the evolving global marketplace? Efficiency…guilt-free pleasure…aesthetic presence on a smaller scale.

Buick is an interesting brand. It has a long history and relevance in the U.S. and China. Its position in the world’s two largest automotive markets gives it a unique global presence among other premium vehicle marques. For designers around the GM world, Buick is an emotional brand. GM are interested in the possibilities for Buick.

Ultimately, GM wanted to create a dramatic expression of a new kind of Buick. GM designed six exterior themes and four interior concepts as proposals. Each utilized some of the features GM developed, and took the Buick aesthetic in a new direction.

This vehicle is intended to be a stunning object, something that fits into the consumer’s everyday life, yet elevates the everyday to a compelling experience.

Video : Buick Avant - Buick Takes on Small Premium Vehicles

Images : Buick Avant - Buick Takes on Small Premium Vehicles

[Source : GM Lab.]

GM to sell 55% stake in Opel to Magna and Sberbank

MUNICH : September 10, 2009 - General Motors said today it plans to sell a 55 percent stake in Opel to Magna International Inc. and its Russian banking partner Sberbank while continuing to work closely with the European unit.


“The hard work over the past two weeks to clarify open issues and resolve details in the German financial package brought GM and its board of directors to recommend Magna/Sberbank,” GM CEO Fritz Henderson said in a statement.

GM will “continue to closely collaborate with Opel and Vauxhall to develop and produce more great cars, such as the new Insignia and the new Astra,” Henderson said.

The Opel sale marks the latest move in the U.S.-ordered restructuring of GM after it spent 39 days under U.S. Bankruptcy Court protection this summer. GM also is shutting down the Pontiac brand, selling its Saab and Saturn units, and terminating about 2,000 U.S. dealerships.

Details of the Magna transaction were not immediately available and sources said there would be strings attached.

"It will be Magna, but under conditions," one source said earlier today.

A separate, German government source in Berlin said: "We won't know whether Magna can meet the conditions set by GM until after the German election," which takes place on September 27.

The trust supervising Opel announced that it would hold a news conference in Berlin today to announce a decision on a majority investor in Opel. GM's chief Opel negotiator John Smith and Fred Irwin, chairman of the Opel trust, will be at the news conference.

The trust was set up in May to keep Opel from being swept into GM's bankruptcy and has the final say on who buys the company. It comprises two representatives each from GM and Germany, as well as an independent chairman who is supposed to act as an arbiter between the two sides.

Closely watched

The decision is being closely watched in Germany, where Opel employs about half of its 50,000 European workers at four plants making everything from three-door Corsa subcompacts to Zafira minivans.

The carmaker has two factories in the U.K. that produce automobiles under the Vauxhall badge as well as major sites in Belgium, Poland and Spain.

A group led by Magna, North America's largest parts supplier, has a promise for the financial backing of the German government to take control of Opel. Belgium-based RHJ International made a rival bid that GM management has said would be easier to implement.

The German government and Opel's labor chiefs have expressed a clear preference for Magna's bid, which they believe will save more jobs in Germany and offer the carmaker a long-term future.

GM signed an initial agreement in May to sell a majority stake in Opel to a Russian-backed consortium led by Magna.

Since then senior GM executives had become increasing worried that Opel under Magna could transfer important technological expertise to the supplier's industrial partner GAZ, Russia's second-largest domestic automaker and a rival to GM's successful Chevrolet brand in Russia.

Opel's Russelsheim operations in Germany also have been the center for developing vehicles that are crucial to GM's vehicle line-up and its effort to deliver better sales of more fuel-efficient cars in the United States.

The Chevrolet Malibu and Buick LaCrosse mid-size sedans and Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan are built on Opel-developed platforms.

$6B to keep Opel

Financial adviser KPMG presented a report to GM's board that said the automaker's management had used "overly optimistic" assumptions when it prepared an earlier estimate of the cost of keeping Opel

KPMG said GM would need up to $6.1 billion in cash to keep Opel, more than the $4.65 billion it had estimated as late as June, according to a copy of the report presented to the board at the meeting in Detroit.

Opel's fate has become a hot-button political issue in Germany ahead of elections looming at the end of the month since some 25,000 jobs in Germany - about half of GM"s European workforce depend on the GM unit.

Analysts say GM faced a dilemma with Opel since any of the choices carried risks for an automaker struggling to turn itself around under the majority ownership of the U.S. government.

Selling to Magna, as urged by the German government, was seen by some GM executives as risking key small car technology and an edge in the fast-growing Russian auto market.

The Magna plan involves an equity stake in Opel for Russia's state lender Sberbank.

On the other hand, GM's European operations lost $2.8 billion in 2008 and the long-running debate over Opel's fate in Europe has cost the U.S. automaker goodwill with organized labor and other stakeholders, analysts said.

[Source : REUTER via Automotive News]

A New GM kicks into high gear at Product and Technology Event

Chevrolet TRAVERSE

DETROIT, Mich. : August 11, 2009 – A revitalized General Motors reintroduced itself today with an array of all-new cars, crossovers and trucks debuting now through 2011. GM also made a historic announcement: When the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle rolls off the assembly line late next year, it will be the first mass-production automobile to achieve triple-digit fuel economy, with an expected 230 mpg in the city, or 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles.


GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson also confirmed that Cadillac is developing an entry luxury sport sedan to capitalize on the growing market for smaller luxury sedans in the U.S. and globally. The rear- and optional all-wheel drive sedan will compete in the segment below the CTS, delivering outstanding performance and driving dynamics.

At GM’s Design Center and Milford Proving Ground, GM previewed six all-new 2010 vehicles and a glimpse of what is being introduced through the end of 2011:

• Chevrolet alone is introducing 10 new models, including the 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  
• Buick and GMC are adding 10 new entries, including a Buick plug-in hybrid compact crossover in 2011
  
• Cadillac is introducing five new models through 2011

Henderson also announced that as part of GM’s commitment to get closer to consumers, GM will use its FastLane blog to gather product research from both fans and critics. One pilot initiative, “The Lab,” will involve GM’s Advanced Design studio and allow users openly talk with designers about ideas and consumer-friendly technologies that were previously shared only in unbranded clinics.

In addition, Henderson said he and other executives plan to talk with consumers in other Web-based and in-person formats in the coming months. On Monday, the new GM executive committee, led by Henderson, showed off products and technologies to about 75 consumers at the GM Technical Center and the Milford Proving Ground.

“The key to restarting this company lies with GM’s customers, cars and culture,” Henderson said. “With four focused brands, we are committed to exceeding our current customers’ expectations and giving consumers plenty of reasons to choose a Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac car or truck.”

Chevrolet Volt fuel economy achieves triple digits

Using development testing based on a draft U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) procedure for plug-in electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Volt is expected to achieve 230 miles per gallon or better in city driving (25 kW hours per 100 miles). The Volt, scheduled to begin production late next year as a 2011 model, can travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and can extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex-fuel engine-generator.

The EPA test procedure for plug-in electric vehicles, which is still being finalized, assumes a single charge each day. According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, nearly eight of 10 Americans commute fewer than 40 miles a day.

“From the data we’ve seen, most drivers could operate purely on grid electricity in a Chevy Volt,” Henderson said. “A car that gets more than 100 miles per gallon is a significant step in the reinvention of the auto industry and GM is and will continue to be a leader in that reinvention."

Cadillac confirms entry luxury sedan

With the all-new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon coming to market this month, the brand plans to pursue an even bigger piece of the luxury sport sedan market. Cadillac is developing a sport sedan below the acclaimed CTS that will deliver on the price of entry in this highly competitive segment of the luxury market – driving dynamics. With high-tech engines, rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, the new sedan will take on the best in the segment.

“We are determined to repeat what CTS has already achieved in design, quality, driving dynamics, performance and fuel economy to grow our presence in this high-volume and highly competitive segment,” Henderson said.

Greater customer engagement

While GM has organized customer clinics and collected feedback for many years, the Web provides even greater opportunities to connect with consumers. Henderson said executives will use a combination of in-person meetings and online technology to better interact with them.

“Our customers are the reason we’re here. It’s critical to have their voices help shape our products, and their experience with them,” Henderson said. “Their feedback helps us learn and evolve so we can continuously improve our cars and trucks, and our customer relationships.”

In addition to “Tell Fritz,” a feature on www.gmreinvention.com, in which customers can provide feedback, GM will use its popular FastLane blog (fastlane.gmblogs.com) to launch “The Lab,” a microsite featuring future projects by GM’s Advanced Design team.

Interacting directly with designers, consumers can share input on designs and technologies being considered for future projects. Those who provide detailed demographic information may be invited to participate at a deeper level in future sessions.

2010 launch vehicles by Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC

GM’s four core brands are launching six all-new vehicles for 2010. Here’s a brand-by-brand look at what’s new:

Buick: The all-new Buick LaCrosse continues a brand renaissance begun by the Enclave luxury crossover. The LaCrosse is a completely redesigned luxury sedan that offers a sculpted exterior and luxurious cabin; advanced, intelligent personal technologies and safety features; and a choice of two fuel-saving, direct injected V-6 engines. A 2.4L four-cylinder engine joins the lineup later.

Last week, Buick announced it will introduce a compact crossover SUV next year expected to achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway, followed in 2011 by a plug-in hybrid.

Cadillac: GM’s luxury brand launches the SRX crossover and the CTS Sport Wagon into the luxury market, featuring Cadillac’s signature design and technology.

The new SRX is designed to make more inroads into the previously conservative luxury crossover category. A new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard, and a new, 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both feature greater fuel economy and lower emissions.

The CTS Sport Wagon is a progressive take on the classic wagon body style that delivers significant functionality and fuel efficiency, including an estimated 28 mpg highway. Essentially the same size as the acclaimed CTS sport sedan on the outside, it nearly doubles the cargo carrying capacity, with 25 cubic feet (720 liters) of space behind the rear seats and 53.4 cubic feet (1,523 liters) with the rear seat folded.

Chevrolet: The new Chevrolet Camaro returns after a seven-year hiatus. Its combination of efficient performance, which delivers up to 29 mpg highway and heritage-inspired design exemplify Chevrolet’s commitment to great design and fuel-efficiency.

The all-new Chevrolet Equinox blends distinctive design and outstanding roominess with class-leading efficiency. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient 2.4L engine – standard on all models – that delivers best-in-class EPA-rated 32 mpg highway (FWD models).

GMC: The all-new GMC Terrain crossover SUV offers outstanding fuel economy along with the capability, engineering excellence and refinement that have defined GMC for more than a century. Like other GMC vehicles, the Terrain’s design is characterized by elements that suggest muscularity, with a prominent front end and squared-off edges.

Images : 2010 GM Production Line up

[Source : GM]