Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Energy Management Award is highest a corporation can receive

DETROIT – General Motors earned the highest recognition a corporation can receive from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – its 2013 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence award for energy management.
“Our contributions to energy efficiency don’t end with the vehicles we produce,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “How we build them matters, too.”
In 2012, GM improved the energy efficiency of U.S. operations by 11 percent over 2011, and saved $20 million in energy costs. The 280,000 metric tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions is equivalent to annual emissions from 52,900 passenger vehicles. GM’s goal is to reduce energy intensity from all of its U.S. facilities by 20 percent by 2020.
“Everyone involved – from executives to the plant level – understands the importance of a solid energy efficiency strategy,” said Al Hildreth, GM energy manager. “With tactics for conserving energy built into our day-to-day operations, it has become a standard aspect of our manufacturing process.”
Since being recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2012, GM has worked to improve its energy performance. The number of plants that met the ENERGY STAR® Challenge for Industry jumped from 30 to 54; the company earned ENERGY STAR® certification for two assembly plants, four warehouses and an office building.
“GM leads the field with its commitment to energy efficiency and demonstrates how all Americans can save energy, save money, and create a healthier environment,” said Bob Perciasepe, acting administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Additional 2012 accomplishments included:
  • Tracking energy use on a real-time basis for U.S. manufacturing sites resulted in nearly 2.5 million points of energy data, which are monitored every minute to create real-time energy performance indicators.
  • Managing energy in its operations by retro-commissioning two assembly plants’ heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to save $5 million in 2012, and applying similar processes elsewhere in the United States to save $3 million.
For more information on GM’s environmental commitment, visit its sustainability report and environmental blog.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Chevrolet Teases 2014 Camaro SS

DETROIT – The redesigned 2014 Camaro SS will debut at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, March 27 at 12:45 p.m., EDT.

The 2014 model represents the most significant change for the fifth-generation Camaro, which has been the most popular sports car in America for three consecutive years. The new Camaro will be joined by the all-new Corvette Stingray and Chevrolet SS performance sedan, completing the line of new performance vehicles Chevrolet will offer for 2014.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

CHEVY ALMS AT SEBRING 12 HOUR: CORVETTE RACING OPENS 2013 WITH WIN AT SEBRING

SEBRING, Fla., (March 16, 2013) – Tommy Milner made a late pass for the lead and then held on for the final 15 minutes as the No. 4 GT Compuware Corvette C6.R won the American Le Mans Series GT class 61st Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway on Saturday.
The No. 4 Corvette C6.R – driven by 2012 Drivers’ champions Milner and Oliver Gavin, and Richard Westbrook – overcame an early electrical issue and two key penalties to win the 2013 ALMS opener. It is Gavin’s fifth victory at Sebring; Milner and Westbrook each recorded his first.
“What an incredible effort by Corvette Racing; these guys never gave up,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice-President for Performance Vehicles & Motorsports. “They came from behind multiple times. It was a focused team effort, with great driving and great calls in the pits, and great pits stops, and they delivered a big win. I’m proud of them.”
The No. 3 GT Compuware Corvette C6.R – driven by Antonio Garcia, Jan Magnussen and Jordan Taylor – retired with just over three hours remaining due to an overheated gearbox. The team, which also experienced an electrical issue early in the race, finished in 11th place in class, 120 laps off the pace in class.
Milner took over for Gavin with two hours to go and the No. 4 Corvette C6.R the No. 62 Ferrari F458 Italia by about one minute; when he pitted with an hour remaining, he was about a half minute behind.
“Those guys had an unreal pit stop at the end,” Milner said. “We were about a minute back and then 35 seconds at the next pit stop, and then we were 14 seconds back. And once I got to see him, I thought, ‘Here we go. I’ve got a chance here.’ Once I got close to him, he went wide in one and I knew he was pushing hard and he kept making mistakes, and that was it, that was the moment.”
“Really, it came down to when Tommy got on the back bumper of the leader, and that’s when I thought this is when we can really make this happen,” Gavin said. “Tommy was relentless – chasing him down, chasing him down, putting the pressure on. It was a spectacular victory for everybody at Corvette Racing. I’m really delighted.”
Gavin qualified second in the No. 4 Corvette C6.R, and on the very first lap gained the lead. The team was still out front in its class when, nearing the race’s third hour, Westbrook reported that smoke was coming from the dashboard.
“It was clear that we had a good car from the beginning, and then when I had that problem with the dashboard, which put us two laps down – it took a few yellows and some great stints by these two to get us back into position on the lead lap,” Westbrook said. “The pit stops and Tommy’s stint was just amazing at the end, and on balance I thought we deserved it, and we did it the hard way.”
Corvette Racing, which last year won the ALMS Manufacturers’ and Team championships, earned its ALMS-leading 78th all-time victory.
“You can’t start a better way,” Gavin said. “We had a very good year last year in the championship. We didn’t have a great Sebring last year, but this win just puts us up there straightaway, leading the championship off the bat. Tommy and I just sort of picked up where we left off last year, which is exactly what we wanted to do. Proud of all the guys at Corvette Racing today. They nailed every single stop. It was spectacular to watch.”
The No. 3 Corvette C6.R started fifth but experienced a couple of problems early. Garcia accidently ran into the back of a slower car which was in the middle of the track, and incurred a 60-second penalty, then he reported problems with downshifting. Starting on lap 20, the car three times came in for repairs – which included changing the gearbox, steering wheel and electronics.
The car is very, very good, it’s just a shame that we’re so far back,” Taylor said after his first stint. “We have a very competitive car.” The team used its remaining time on track as a test session before its night ended early.
GT Class, 61st Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring
1. #4 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R (Gavin/Milner/Westbrook), 333 laps
2. #62 Ferrari F458 Italia (Bruni/Beretta/Malucelli), 333 laps
3. #17 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (Henzler/Sellers/Tandy), -1 lap
4. #55 BMW Z4 GTE (Auberlin/Martín/J. Muller), -3 laps
5. #91 SRT Viper GTS-R (Dalziel/Farnbacher/Goossens), -4 laps
6. #48 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (Miller/Holzer/Lietz), -4 laps
7. #56 BMW Z4 GTE (D. Muller/Hand/Edwards), -12 laps
8. #97 Aston Martin Vantage V8 (Turner/Mucke/Senna), -15 laps
9. #007 Aston Martin Vantage V8 (Della Lana/Johnson/Lamy), -26 laps
10. #93 SRT Viper GTS-R (Bomarito/Kendall/Wittmer), -30 laps

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Team Chevy racing photos are available at: http://media.gm.com/product/public/us/en/gmracing/photos.html
About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Chevrolet Malibu Label Provides Ecologic Scorecard

DETROIT – Most Chevrolet Malibu customers say they want to know just how green their car is, regardless of its exterior color. Now they can find out what was done to reduce its environmental impact from an at-a-glance EcologicTM window label.
“We’ve seen an increase in customers looking specifically for fuel efficiency, but many people are intrigued by reading their vehicle also is made in a responsible way,” said Matt LaFontaine, general manager, LaFontaine Automotive Group in Dexter, Mich.
According to consumer research, 63 percent of Malibu customers cite “environmentally friendliness” as an “extremely” or “very important” reason for purchase. That number increases to 78 percent for Malibu Eco buyers.
The vehicle’s environmental credentials are built in at almost every step of production.
  • GM’s landfill-free Toledo, Ohio plant manufactures the highest-volume transmission for the Malibu. All waste from daily operations there is reused, recycled, or converted to energy. And the facility is powered 17 percent by renewable landfill gas and a 1.2MW rooftop solar array.
  • Malibu's highest-volume engine is produced at GM’s Tonawanda plant in New York, another landfill-free facility. An area Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Tonawanda for implementing and practicing a ‘green’ and sustainable business philosophy. Environmental efforts include wildlife habitat development and installing electric-vehicle charging stations in employee parking lots.
  • Most Malibu midsize cars are assembled at Fairfax Assembly, a 2012 Pollution Prevention Award-winning plant recognized by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for energy-reduction and recycling efforts. The facility recycles 91 percent of its everyday waste.
All three plants recently surpassed the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Challenge for Industry to cut energy intensity by more than 10 percent. Their collective CO2-equivalent reduction of 103,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases is comparable to the annual energy use of nearly 5,000 U.S. homes.
GM integrates recycled material into the making of the Malibu. Shredded tires from vehicle testing at GM’s Milford Providing Ground are combined with other post-consumer plastics to create baffles that deflect air and water under the hood. Eighty-five percent of the vehicle itself is recyclable, which conserves resources and reduces landfill deposits.
Scrap from the manufacturing process also helps benefit society. Leftover material from manufacturing the sound absorbers that help make the vehicle quiet is reprocessed to insulate coats that transform into sleeping bags for the homeless.
The Malibu's 2.5L model delivers customers an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway (37 mpg for the Eco model featuring eAssist), using various fuel-savings technologies – continuously variable valve timing, direct injection, an electronically controlled six-speed transmission, electric power steering and lightweight materials.
All 2013 Chevy vehicles sold in the U.S. feature Ecologic labels listing various environmental features and benefits audited by a third-party sustainability agency – a first for an automotive brand. For more environmental information, visit GMBeyondNow.com and Chevrolet's website.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

OnStar Empowers Everyday Citizens to Help Others

DETROIT – Have you ever noticed a stranded vehicle or witnessed a vehicle crash? How did you react – did you stop to help?
Every day, OnStar receives hundreds of calls from subscribers requesting emergency assistance on behalf of someone else in need of help. By simply pressing the red emergency button in the vehicle, subscribers are connected to a specially trained OnStar Emergency Advisor who can request emergency services and instruct on how to help before they arrive.
OnStar has begun a Good Samaritan recognition program to recognize motorists who go above and beyond to assist others. Today, in advance of National Good Samaritan Day on Wednesday, it named Tyler Andrews – a Dallas resident who took the time to “pay it forward” with a big-hearted act of kindness – its 2012 OnStar Good Samaritan of the Year.
As the victim of a serious hit-and-run accident in 2008, Andrews has firsthand experience of the life-saving abilities of OnStar, and recently used his OnStar service to help a family in need.
While driving onto the southbound entrance ramp of the Dallas North Toll Way in his GMC Sierra Denali last year, Andrews noticed a Ford Expedition stopped in the middle of the ramp. Andrews pulled alongside the vehicle and found an unresponsive man, along with his wife and three daughters.
“I pushed my OnStar button the second I came upon the scene,” said Andrews. “OnStar stayed with us the entire time, giving us instructions and helping us to remain calm.”
Two OnStar advisors spoke with Andrews. One obtained incident details and alerted emergency personnel. The second advisor provided pre-arrival medical instructions to Andrews so he could help revive the motorist.
Paramedics and the fire department arrived within minutes and provided additional medical assistance to the driver.
“Tyler Andrews exemplifies the essence of what the OnStar Good Samaritan recognition program is all about,” said OnStar Chief Operating Officer Terry Inch.
In 2012, OnStar subscribers used their service nearly 80,000 times to help others in need. Since OnStar began in 1996, it has received more than 655,000 Good Samaritan requests. “We want to recognize consumers who exhibit such unselfish acts of kindness,” said Inch.
“I’ve been in that family’s shoes,” said Andrews. “I honestly feel OnStar was my guardian angel on the night of my accident. I am grateful OnStar was there for me and that I could give the power of its service to someone else.”
About Good Samaritan Day
Good Samaritan Day dates to the March 13, 1964 murder of Catherine (“Kitty”) Genovese. Genovese was steps from her New York apartment when she was attacked. Despite her cries for help, no passersby came to her aid. The national outrage over her neighbors’ inaction and concern about the social state of America prompted March 13 to be declared Good Samaritan Involvement Day.
OnStar, LLC (OnStar) is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”). Along with its affiliate Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd (a joint venture involving OnStar, Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd (SGM) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)), OnStar serves more than 6.4 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China. OnStar is a provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology and is available on 39 GM branded 2013 model year vehicles. OnStar's key services include automatic crash response, stolen vehicle assistance, remote door unlock, turn-by-turn navigation, vehicle diagnostics and hands-free calling.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Chevrolet Grows GM Infotainment Team at SXSW®

AUSTIN, Texas – Chevrolet is doubling its investment in the General Motors Connected Customer Specialists team by adding 25 young, tech savvy technology experts, bringing to 50 the number of individuals working with dealers and customers across the United States.
The team helps train and certify dealership employees, who demonstrate infotainment and OnStar to customers before, during and after their purchase of a GM vehicle. Many of them will help owners understand how to get the most out of their Chevrolet MyLink system.
This investment builds on an industry first of coupling customer connectivity with highly skilled support. The specialists have equal parts technology smarts and customer skills to help everyone - from technology natives to newbies - get more from their systems.
“Our Connected Customer Specialists have backgrounds in consumer electronics and the service industry to better ensure our customers have a great ownership experience with their state-of-the-art technology,” said Jim Moloney, general director, Customer & Relationship Services. “This investment reflects our commitment to combining the world’s best vehicles with the highest levels of customer service in any industry.”
Technology Teams in Action
In support of today’s announcement, Chevrolet kicks off SXSW® with a behind-the-scenes look at its latest technology offerings and sustainability research projects that are helping the automaker Find New Roads. The “Texas Technology” day includes a look inside:
“Chevrolet’s current investment in technology not only provides our customers on-the-go access that safely keeps them in touch with their daily lives, but also acts as a sounding board for future advancements that will continue to enhance their overall experience with their vehicles,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing.
Technology That Takes Care of You
The GM Infotainment Center – dedicated to infotainment support – will provide an inside look at how the Connected Customer Specialists help consumers learn more about their in-vehicle technology, via training dealer representatives to become Certified Technology Experts in their own community.
The “Texas Technology” day offers a look at the latest Chevrolet Infotainment systems and how technology can help enhance consumers’ overall driving experience. Specialists and technology experts will answer questions and demonstrate the next-gen Chevrolet MyLink, Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking, and other smart phone app integrations like the OnStar RemoteLink.
The “Living Laboratory”
Pecan Street is a research and development organization based in Austin that has created a smart grid research community, where residents have agreed to be part of a “living laboratory” of smart grid technology for sustainable living. The community has the nation’s most residential electric vehicles in a concentrated area, about 85 percent of which are Chevrolet Volts.
Additionally, Pecan Street recently opened a new laboratory called the Pike Powers Lab, the nation’s first non-profit smart grid research lab.
The lab will give researchers, Chevrolet, and other partnering companies improved access to data while allowing them to test different real-world scenarios through home simulation. The partnership with Pecan Street currently allows researchers from both companies to study how the residents’ Volts interact with the smart grid on a daily basis and how charging habits differ based on variables.
Using OnStar, Chevrolet recently introduced a concept app called EcoHub, that allows Volt owners in the Mueller community to see exactly how much it costs them to charge their vehicle and compare that against their overall home energy use. The app also allows users to see the current impact of all Volts on the market, with a live ticker showing total miles driven, total EV miles driven and total gallons of fuel saved.
Join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/chevrolet and via Twitter @Chevrolet and #ChevySXSW.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About SXSW
The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals (March 8-17, 2013) offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery.
Year after year, the event is a launching pad for new creative content. New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning, business activity thrives at the Trade Shows and global networking opportunities abound. Intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders continues to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events’ conclusion.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Chevrolet Lifts Lid on 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible

GENEVA – Chevrolet revealed the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible today at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the car’s key fob. The top can also be opened or closed on the go, at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h).
“The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”
The Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible arrive in global markets in late 2013, with left-hand-drive models to be offered in Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Japan and Russia. Changes to Corvettes for export vary only in equipment required to accommodate a respective market’s regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers and outside mirrors.
“It's fitting to introduce the new Stingray convertible on the global stage at Geneva, because Corvette is the face of Chevrolet the world over,” said Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. “It is an icon that has long been recognized and admired even in countries where it’s never officially been offered.”
All of the performance technology and capabilities introduced on the Corvette Stingray coupe carry over to the convertible. The only structural changes are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. Central to the Corvette Stingray’s driving experience is an all-new, more rigid aluminum frame structure, which is 57-percent stiffer and 99 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the current steel frame.
All models are powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, with an estimated 450-hp (335 kW) and 450 lb-ft of torque (610 Nm). As no structural reinforcements are required for the convertible, both models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios.
The LT1 combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to support an advanced combustion system designed to balance power and efficiency. The new Corvette Stingray is expected to improve upon the current model’s fuel economy of 13.6L/100km (EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 26 mpg).
With the top up, the Corvette Stingray convertible is designed for a refined driving experience. A thick, three-ply fabric top, along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, contributes to a quiet cabin and premium appearance.
With the top down, the Corvette Stingray’s signature profile is further accentuated. Behind the seat backs, dual black accent panels enhance the character lines of the tonneau cover. Corvette Stingray’s signature “waterfall” design originates in the valley between the nacelles, bringing the exterior color into the interior.
Additional highlights of the all-new Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible include:
  • A sculpted exterior with advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
  • An interior that offers genuine carbon fiber and aluminum trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, and two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support
  • Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
  • Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood on all models and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
  • Track-capable Z51 Performance Package, including an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.
“We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the ‘Stingray’ name,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Because it was designed from the beginning as an open-top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience – no matter what configuration you choose.”
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.