Over the next five years, GM will introduce more than 60 new models and major product upgrades. Its two mainstream brands, Buick and Chevrolet, will account for nearly half.
Buick will introduce about 12 new and upgraded products. From Chevrolet will come 15 new models and upgrades, which will range from affordable small cars to midsize sedans. Chevrolet will also bring to the market a new lineup of SUVs and performance vehicles.
Electrification has become the overriding trend of the global automotive industry for reducing its century-long dependence on petroleum, according to Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of GM China. Later this year, GM China will offer the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. Wale announced that this week the Volt and Electric Networked-Vehicle (EN-V) showcased at World Expo 2010 will participate in a ride and drive program organized by the Shanghai Municipal Government’s New Energy Promotion Office. The program will be held in Jiading, an international EV pilot site.
In December 2010, Shanghai GM introduced the Sail battery-electric concept vehicle, which was developed by Shanghai GM and PATAC. A drivable version will be introduced following Auto Shanghai 2011.
Wale said that GM will be introducing the new Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, which offers a fuel economy improvement of 25%, and sharing its plug-in hybrid technology, which is being demonstrated in the Buick Envision SUV concept vehicle that is making its debut at Auto Shanghai 2011.
GM also plans to cooperate with its strategic partner SAIC to co-develop a next-generation electric vehicle architecture relevant for and is establishing a battery lab at the new GM Advanced Technical Center in to explore battery technologies. It will work with the domestic supply base as well to develop a strong local capability for the provision of high-quality components essential to support the industry’s move to electrification.
On 17 April, GM signed an MOU with the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co. Ltd. (SSTEC). GM will introduce a next generation of the EN-V, which was a centerpiece of its display at Expo 2010, for testing in a real-world environment. As part of the agreement, GM will initiate a feasibility study to incorporate the mobility Internet into the transportation infrastructure for vehicles of tomorrow to operate.
Wale divulged that GM has reached a preliminary agreement to conduct joint research to address urban congestion challenges as part of its effort to directly address the concerns being expressed in major cities.