Inside the Company

GM Foundation, William J. Clinton Foundation to deliver 30 GMC trucks, supplies, to Haiti

DETROIT (Feb. 3, 2010) — The General Motors Foundation is donating 30 GMC trucks to the Haitian relief effort to assist victims and aid workers in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation, following President Bill Clinton’s recent public call for vehicles to support recovery efforts.Two of the trucks arrived in Miami on Feb. 3 and were present at the NFL Little Haiti Outreach Event held at the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center.

The GM Foundation’s total cash giving for Haitian Relief is $100,000. An additional $250,000 was raised on Jan. 23 by the auction of a limited-edition Chevrolet Corvette at the 39th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. Additional donations are being collected at U.S. auto shows. All monies for Haiti relief efforts will be presented to the American Red Cross.
» Read More
» Contribute now to relief efforts

GM Tests Show Vibe Brakes Can Stop Unintended Acceleration

DETROIT (Feb. 1, 2010) — General Motors has tested two Pontiac Vibe small SUVs and found the brakes stop the vehicle in case of unintended acceleration. The 2009-10 Pontiac Vibe, a sister vehicle of the Toyota Matrix, is included in two Toyota recalls related to unintended acceleration, one for sticking accelerator pedals and one for possible floor mat entrapment. The Vibe was designed and engineered by Toyota and manufactured through August 2009 at New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), a joint venture between Toyota and GM.

“We ran the Vibe wide open at 60 miles an hour and the brakes were able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop within 169 meters, consistent with our internal requirement for brake performance.” said Martin Hogan, GM director of brake systems.
»Read More

GM Reaches Agreement to Sell Saab to Spyker

DETROIT (Jan. 26, 2010) – General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB. "Today’s announcement is 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.

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.
» Read More

GM To Be First Major U.S. Automaker to Manufacture Electric Motors

WASHINGTON (Jan. 26, 2010) – GM will expand its in-house electric vehicle development capabilities by becoming the first major U.S. automaker to design and manufacture electric motors, a core technology for hybrids and electric vehicles. By doing so, GM will lower costs and improve performance, quality, reliability and manufacturability of electric motors by controlling design, materials selection and production processes. The first GM-designed and built electric motors are scheduled to debut in 2013 in next-generation, rear-wheel-drive Two-mode Hybrid technology.
» Read More

Ed Whitacre to Continue as GM CEO

DETROIT (Jan. 25, 2010) — Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., has agreed to continue as chairman and CEO of General Motors, it was announced today.

Speaking at a press conference at GM’s headquarters, Whitacre also expressed the GM board’s commitment that the company will pay back in full the U.S. Treasury and the Canadian and Ontario government loans by June.

Whitacre’s appointment reflects GM’s progress since the new company was formed last summer. “The board of directors asked if I would be willing to stay on at GM and help continue the company’s road back to success,” Whitacre said. “Having spent the past few months learning the business, meeting with our employees, customers and dealers, and working with the GM leadership team, I was both honored and pleased to accept this role. This is a great company with an even greater future, and I want to be part of it."

Speech by Mark Reuss, GM North America President, to Automotive News World Congress

DETROIT (Jan. 12, 2010) — “Fundamental excellence in product and service for the customer must be our overriding goal – and it is. Now, there was a time when GM did a great job being all things to all people. When we had a U.S. market share above 50 percent. When we made refrigerators and locomotives and aircraft engines. When we were the industry’s undisputed technology leader. When the U.S. government was concerned that we were taking over, instead of going under.

“Well, those days are gone. Frankly, that company is gone. Today, the core of our success will be satisfying our customers better than anyone else. One by one, person by person.”
» Read More

GM Builds First Lithium-ion Battery for Chevrolet Volt

BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Jan. 7, 2010) – Exactly three years since the day the Chevrolet Volt concept car debuted, GM today manufactured the first advanced lithium-ion battery for a mass-marketed electric vehicle at GM's Brownstown Battery Pack Assembly Plant. "This is an important milestone for GM – and a critical step in bringing the Chevrolet Volt to market," said GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre.
» Read More

Chris Liddell Named GM Vice Chairman and CFO

DETROIT (Dec. 21, 2009) – Chris Liddell has been appointed General Motors vice chairman and chief financial officer, it was announced today. Liddell was most recently CFO for Microsoft Corp., a post he held since May 2005.

"Chris brings a depth and experience to this job that were unmatched in our search for a new financial leader," said Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and CEO. "Chris will lead our financial and accounting operations on a global basis and will report directly to me. We're also looking to his experience and insights in corporate strategy as a member of the senior leadership team in helping our restructuring efforts."
» Read More