11-14-2007: GM Makes Chevrolet its Worldwide Fuel Solutions Leader at Los Angeles Auto Show

It's All About Choice: High-volume Global Brand Makes Commitment to Fuel-Savings Leadership by Offering Customers Many Solutions; Announces Partnership with Walt Disney Company

LOS ANGELES – General Motors announced today that Chevrolet will lead the corporation’s effort to reinvent the industry with a global portfolio of cars and trucks ranging from gas-friendly to gas-free.

The press event featured the world premiere of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2-Mode Hybrid full-size pickup and the first auto show reveal of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid sedan, as well as the North American debut of the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 subcompact hatchback. GM also announced a partnership with the Walt Disney Company in which 10 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles will be deployed as shuttles on Disney properties in California.

“We’ve said time and time again that we intend to be part of the solution to society’s energy issues for reasons that involve energy efficiency, energy security and environmental responsibility,” said GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz in making today’s announcement. “Because there is no single solution for every consumer in every part of the world, we believe we can make the biggest impact through the broad portfolio of Chevrolet, our largest brand and a global force in the industry.”

Just as Chevrolet’s portfolio includes cars and trucks designed for every purpose and budget, Chevrolet’s Fuel Solutions (www.chevrolet.com/fuelsolutions) comprises a variety of technologies including conventional high-mpg gas-powered vehicles; biofuels such as E85 ethanol; advanced gas-electric hybrids; fuel cells; and extended-range electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt, powered by GM’s E-Flex System.

“Fuel economy is a vital part of the DNA of Chevrolet and we have an excellent story to tell today and a solid vision for the future,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Customers can go to a Chevrolet dealership today and find a range of Fuel Solutions vehicles, and they’ll be able to buy many others in the near future.

“In fact, right now, with Project Driveway, we have families right here in Southern California driving our latest-generation fuel cell technology in Chevrolet Equinox crossovers.”

For global markets, GM announced it will build the Chevrolet Beat mini-car concept first shown at the New York Auto Show. Beat was the top finisher among 1.8 million people worldwide who cast their votes online, and Lutz hinted that GM also might build the runner-up concept, the Chevrolet Groove.

Efficiency throughout GM’s portfolio
Fuel economy will not be the exclusive domain of Chevrolet however. The GM exhibit in L.A. also includes the new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, just introduced at the Miami Auto Show; and the first public showing of the all-new, fuel-efficient 2009 Pontiac Vibe compact crossover.

The Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by GM’s innovative, patented 2-Mode Hybrid system, the 2WD model of the Escalade Hybrid will deliver a significant improvement in fuel economy in city driving over its gasoline-only sibling – all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade a cultural symbol from hip-hop clubs to country clubs, from Los Angeles to Dubai to Shanghai.

Also in L.A. fresh from its Miami debut is the 2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum, a special edition that takes Cadillac’s dramatic design, elegance and technology to its fullest expression. Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements. Escalade Platinum will be the world’s first SUV to be equipped with Cadillac’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology, the industry’s fastest-reacting suspension system.

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is a modern re-mix of a classic hit, infusing the functionality of a compact crossover with a bolder attitude of muscular styling, increased performance and tight handling. With the base model’s 1.8L engine and the standard manual transmission, fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway; with the automatic, fuel economy is estimated at 25 in the city and 31 on the highway.

GM goes for three wins at Design Challenge
GM’s West Coast Advanced Design Studio hopes for a three-peat at this year’s Design Los Angeles Design Challenge with its futuristic insect/robot-inspired GM-OnStar ANT. The theme for this fourth annual competition, a crowd favorite because it kicks all conventional design thinking to the curb, is Robocar 2057.

Much like the self-regulating traffic system found in nature’s most determined commuter, the ant, OnStar-enabled vehicle-to-vehicle communication and embedded intelligence allow GM’s ANT to communicate with other vehicles to identify traffic jams miles away, therefore improving traffic flow on the freeways of 2057. Quantum computing power also allows each ANT to virtually re-create a highly personalized space for any occasion or personal need.

Omni-directional propulsion, provided by three independent “nanorb” wheel systems, operate as independent robots and can arrange themselves in different configurations, turning virtually anything into a mobile device. Layered, environmentally friendly, single-walled, carbon-polymer nanocomposites form the flat surface panels, which incorporate the carbon nanotube battery.

All body panels are connected with electro-active polymer actuators (like artificial muscles), allowing the easy and silent reconfiguration of body panels, depending on their optimal street use.

The GM team won the 2007 Design Challenge with the Hummer O2, which transformed the future of driving into an environmental experience; and in 2006 with the GMC Pad, a mobile urban loft featuring a diesel-electric hybrid system and infotainment-laden surroundings.