Technology

NASA and GM Create Cutting Edge Robotic Technology

WASHINGTON (Feb. 2, 2010) – NASA and General Motors are working together to accelerate development of the next generation of robots and related technologies for use in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Engineers and scientists from NASA and GM worked together through a Space Act Agreement at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston to build a new humanoid robot capable of working side by side with people. Using leading edge control, sensor and vision technologies, future robots could assist astronauts during hazardous space missions and help GM build safer cars and plants.
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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.
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GM Invests $246 Million in Electric Motors and Hybrid Components, Creating Jobs in Baltimore

BALTIMORE (Jan. 26, 2010) – General Motors will invest approximately $246 million in electric motor and electric drive manufacturing including construction of a high volume electric drive production facility at the Baltimore Transmission plant that will begin to manufacture in 2013 electric motors for GM’s Two-mode Hybrid system. The plant will be the first electric motor manufacturing facility in the U.S. operated by a major automaker.

By bringing this capability to the U.S., GM will create approximately 200 jobs. Local and state incentives, along with the Recovery Act funding announced in August 2009 by the U.S. Department of Energy, are helping to make this facility expansion and job creation possible.
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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.

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GM's OnStar Car Hero 'Games' Distracted Driving Solution for Teens

LOS ANGELES (November 30, 2009) — Safe driving is anything but a game, but making the task of driving play out like a hot video game could be just the way to teach future drivers the on road skills they will need.

General Motors Advanced Design entered the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge with the OnStar Car Hero, a blue sky design featuring a vehicle which integrates a gaming environment that fosters driver education and decreases distracted driving risks.  It's based on an autonomous vehicle control system (AVCS) which provides constant feedback and correction while challenging the driver to higher levels of vehicle control and awareness.
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One Year to Regular Production, Volt Racks up Test Results

DETROIT (November 20, 2009) — The Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle is unique for more than its advanced propulsion technology. No vehicle program in memory has seen as much of its development journey shared with the public. And the Volt is still a year away from the start of regular production in late 2010.
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Surviving the Advanced Tech "Valley of Death"

DETROIT (November 17, 2009) — One of the most difficult things about working with a new technology is helping people understand the “dollars and sense” associated with it. This is especially true when the technology is one that can be demonstrated, but is still a few years from commercial introduction. Take hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for example.

In 2007 GM deployed Project Driveway, a fleet of more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell electric vehicles. Project Driveway is still the largest and most experienced fleet of its kind anywhere in the world with more than one million miles of accumulated driving by real consumers. The vehicles were hand-built, making them very expensive, but the builds helped establish a new supplier community and resolved many technical challenges..
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Every Vote Counts: Finalists in Chevrolet Volt Color Contest Compete to be First to Test-Drive a Volt

DETROIT (November 17, 2009) — "Chargetruse," "Recharge Silver," and "Voltaic Platinum" are among the nearly 13,000 entries consumers submitted in Chevrolet Volt’s paint color name contest.  Chevrolet has named three finalists whom will compete for a chance to be the first consumer to test-drive a pre-production Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle.
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Shape Memory Alloy Could Turn Exhaust Heat to Energy

Captured Heat Could Power Hybrid Battery or Replace Car’s Alternator

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.
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Chevrolet Invites Public to Name Volt Paint Color

Winner to be among the first to drive a Chevy Volt pre-production car

DETROIT (October 22, 2009) — The initial production color of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) is a silver exterior with an emerald hue. That’s official. What’s not certain is what Chevrolet will name that distinctive exterior color, so the company is turning to the public to help make the decision.
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General Motors India and REVA form partnership to transform electric vehicle market

NEW DELHI (September 24, 2009) — General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company (REVA) have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. This unique partnership will bring together two companies, established in their own field to develop car platforms, electric vehicle technology and advanced control systems.
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Carbon Neutral House Showcases Car Of The Future

MCLEAN, Va. (September 16, 2009) — The Chevrolet Volt, the first mass-produced vehicle to achieve triple-digit fuel economy, will be part of the CharityWorks GreenHouse. The GreenHouse is the first carbon neutral designer show house on the East Coast. Located in McLean, Va., and open to the public beginning Oct. 10, the GreenHouse showcases eco-friendly construction; sustainable furnishings, fabrics and finishes; and how simple it is for homeowners to own an electric car.
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GM Begins Work at Michigan Facility Where Batteries for the Chevrolet Volt Will Be Manufactured

• Brownstown Township to be first high-volume U.S. automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing site
• Facility will create more than 100 new, advanced technology jobs
• Fritz Henderson Talking Points - GM Battery Plant Announcement
• Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant Announcement - Gary Cowger Remarks

BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich (August 13, 2009) — General Motors Company will invest $43 million in Brownstown Township, Mich. to manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt and other extended-range electric vehicles. It is the first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker, and demonstrates GM’s commitment to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers.
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