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December 29, 2006

Friday, Dec. 29

Today's video, "The Saab Musical," comes from crowdog87.

What did you think of this clip? Make sure to let us know with a comment.

If you'd like to see your YouTube clip featured on FYI, tag it "gmfyi" and we'll find it. Who knows, your video might be our Video of the Week.

Posted by Editor at 10:33 AM
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December 28, 2006

A Good Year for GM Blogs in 2006...

By Bill Betts
Manager, GMBlogs.com

...For 2007, what can we do better?

As 2006 nears its end, I want to thank all of you who have engaged in FastLane and FYI conversations. Clearly, Bob Lutz is everyone’s favorite GM blogger. We get the most comments when he posts his thoughts. We love reading your lively, passionate, and thoughtful remarks, and we're listening to what you have to say.

We're proud at GM Blogs to bring you stories about the GM turnaround — achievements in design, awards for quality and advances in technology and innovation. It’s not all wine and roses, but we do know we stand toe-to-toe with the competition on these fronts. We just want your open-minded consideration — of our new vehicles, our investments in alternative fuels, our commitment to safety, and on and on. Rick Wagoner has pushed all of us, across all GM divisions, to deliver products that exceed your expectations. That's exactly what's happening. That's our focus. And we’re thrilled to know that we have more good stories to tell in the year to come. In the short term, for example, be sure to watch this space during Detroit's North American International Auto Show next month for several exciting GM announcements.

Beginning in April this year, we gave more voice to goings-on at GM that are not necessarily product-related through the FYI Blog. It’s been a great channel for us to talk about the pride we have about where we’re going as a company, and to share some behind-the-scenes activities that help put a human face to GM. The blog also helps build a sense of community where we've invited people to express what GM means to them through their photos, videos or guest posts.

While it's been a good start, there's always room for improvement. For example, the volume of comments on FYI has not been high. We’d love to hear your ideas about how to make the blog more engaging and what topics you’d like to see covered. Send me a note with your thoughts, and let’s make the conversations on FastLane and FYI even more engaging in 2007.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year,
Bill

Posted by Editor at 11:36 AM
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December 26, 2006

GM Alumni — The Grassroots Difference

By Susan Waun
Manager, Retiree Communications

After a recent dinner meeting with some GM retirees, a couple of my young and hip colleagues exclaimed with bright smiling faces — almost in disbelief — that they had no idea what a blast our retirees are. I threw my hands up in the air and said “I know! I know!” Instead of rushing home that night, we lingered and shared the stories, GM history and facts we had eagerly learned from our GM alumni that evening.

I fear my colleagues are not alone in not knowing our retirees. So, let me introduce you to our very own slice of Americana.

At about 465,000 strong, there are more than three times as many GM retirees as there are active employees. Amazingly, we have retirees in nearly every major Zip code in the U.S. From coast to coast, they are truly our support network on a grassroots level. They come from small towns, big cities and foreign countries and represent a wide variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Many can speak another language or two, either based on their heritage or as a skill they picked up along the way on an international assignment. They are dedicated volunteers, adventurers and thrill seekers.

And they care about GM.

When I visit retiree clubs with colleagues from Healthcare, Benefits and GM Family First, I often hear very positive comments about how great it was to work for GM and how it was like a family. We are more often greeted with a warm hug than with a handshake. Forget the standard GM safety protocol spiel that we employees hear before every meeting — formal retiree club meetings more often start with the Pledge of Allegiance.

While meetings are often held at nice restaurants or sunny golf clubs, there was one meeting this year took me back in time. At this particular meeting, the tables surrounded a dance floor and live organ music bounced out traditional polkas. Even though it made me think of Lawrence Welk and bubble machines, I have to admit I wanted to join the crowd having fun on that dance floor. Maybe next year.

But make no mistake — our retirees are sharp! One must study up before presenting on any GM-related topic to this group, as they just might know more than you do, and they will call you on it.

I want my fellow employees to know that our retirees continue to play a key role in the GM story. Not only do they faithfully buy our cars and trucks, but they are out there coast to coast influencing their friends and family to do the same - and it makes a difference.

Bottom line — our retirees would be the envy of any university alumni director, bar none.

I hope my introduction will encourage our retirees to participate in this blog and share their memories, stories and adventures, or perhaps write about a notable fellow GM retiree. When my colleagues see how dedicated and remarkable our retirees are, I’ll keep throwing my hands up in the air saying “I know, I know!”

Posted by Editor at 11:51 AM
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December 25, 2006

Happy Holidays

1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Sport Sedan

Happy holidays from GM Blogs.

-Alicia Dorset, blog editor

Posted by Editor at 7:21 AM
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December 22, 2006

Camaros for Christmas

By Stephen Skojec
GM Consultant

For many Camaro fans, Christmas came early when they first heard the announcement that the new Camaro was a go. For all who say, “I wish I could have one now!” your dream can come true. Now, lovers of car collectibles and automotive-related toys can purchase a shiny new Camaro concept scale model from Jada Toys. It’s one of the hottest selling vehicles finding its way under Christmas trees this year.

There’s a reason we’re talking about this, and it’s not so we can create more demand for the Camaro toy cars — there’s plenty of that already. We’re just thrilled that the new Camaro is so popular even before one has been produced for market. It’s a sign that we’ve hit the sweet spot with a car that’s attractive and appealing to more than just enthusiasts.

The new Camaro concept toy comes in several forms including 1/18 scale die-cast model, popular with adult collectors and available primarily through online hobby outlets. In case you’re wondering — silver is outselling red.

If you’re itching to get behind the wheel of the Camaro and can’t wait for the real thing, two remote controlled versions of the Concept are available from retailers. The two versions, the radio-controlled 1/24 scale model and the radio-controlled 1/16 scale model are available in more than 6,000 stores in North America this holiday season.

We’re really excited that this car that has been a labor of love for GM is affecting Camaro fans the same way. We’re also thankful to have a partner like Jada Toys that is committed to producing high quality scale models of this phenomenal car. We can only hope that the kids who grow up playing with these toys today will be designing and building the Camaros of tomorrow.

Posted by Editor at 2:59 PM
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Friday, Dec. 22

Today's photo of Santa's "other ride" comes from the albums of sleighboy.

Be sure to look at all of sleighboy's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 1:19 PM
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Friday, Dec. 22

Today's video comes from Dogger747.

If you'd like to see your YouTube clip featured as our Video of the Week, tag it "gmfyi" on YouTube and we'll find it.

Posted by Editor at 11:18 AM
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December 21, 2006

MARK PHELAN: Electric car killer?

By Brian Akre
GM Corporate Communications

The following article by Mark Phelan, auto critic with the Detroit Free Press, appeared on the newspaper's front page Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006. Because it deals with the recent film that we believe mischaracterized GM and its investment in the EV1 electric car, we thought we'd share it with you. (Reprinted with permission.)

MARK PHELAN: Electric car killer? Don't blame GM, Toyota exec says
December 20, 2006
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST

"Who Killed the Electric Car?" caused a furor when it was released this year. The movie hammers away at GM and its EV1 electric car. (Sony Classic Pictures)

It's the kind of thing you hear over dinner every week in Detroit, but it comes as a surprise when a top executive with Toyota leans across the table to make the point.

"The movie 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' was terribly one-sided," Ernest Bastien, Toyota Motor Sales vice president for vehicle operations, said intensely. "It was not balanced at all."

We were talking in Charlotte, N.C., a couple of weeks ago. I was there to drive Toyota's new 2007 Tundra pickup, and the change in topic was completely unexpected.

If it's not surprising enough to hear Toyota defending GM, try this on for size: The film's director pretty much agrees.

"We let Toyota off the hook for how they subverted the program" to sell electric cars because GM had a higher profile, director Chris Paine told me over the phone Sunday.

The automakers, of course, don't think they subverted anything.

GM's Saturn EV1 electric car and Toyota's RAV4-EV electric SUV failed for the same reason — customers didn't want them — said Bastien, who was point man for Toyota's short-lived effort to sell the RAV4-EV in California.

GM delivered about 800 EV1s to customers from 1996 through 2000, while Toyota delivered 342 RAV4-EVs in 2002-03.

The film, which suggested GM sabotaged a promising technology that could reduce fuel consumption and pollution, caused a furor when it was released earlier this year.

The movie also intentionally ignored Toyota's experience to make its case, Bastien said.

"We shared all our experience with the RAV4-EV," but the filmmakers intentionally omitted it, he said.

He said the movie's suggestion that GM "chose not to make money on a car people wanted to buy in California" is ridiculous.

"They spent a huge amount of money advertising that car in California," Bastien said. "People wouldn't buy them."

Toyota did everything it could to attract buyers to the RAV4-EV, too. It subsidized the price, so customers paid $279 a month — the same price as the company's hit Prius hybrid. The price included an expensive home charging station.

Toyota used the same savvy Internet-intensive marketing model that fueled the Prius craze. It even gave its dealers a sweetheart deal so they could make twice as much selling a RAV4-EV as a Prius.

To no avail. Toyota sold about 300 RAV4-EVs in 2002, compared with 20,119 Priuses. Buyers waited in line for the hybrid. They avoided the electric car like it was a downed power line and Toyota, like GM, pulled the plug on the project.

"Customers are not willing to compromise on things they need," Bastien said. "They need cruising range. They don't want to worry about running out of fuel, and they don't want to wait five hours to recharge. The movie didn't give any consideration to that fact."

Filmmaker Paine bought a RAV4-EV, but he's not buying Toyota's explanation.

"I don't agree that they made a good-faith effort to sell the car," he said. "Their priority was the Prius. The EV1 and RAV4-EV were never properly marketed.

"Toyota was no better than GM."

Which brings us back to the original question: Why was the movie so much harder on GM?

It made a better target.

"GM handled it so poorly," Paine said.

His crew filmed protesters outside Toyota's offices, but the company's security guards came out and gave them bottled water and Toyota key chains.

GM, Paine said, turned the water sprinklers on protesters. GM insists they were timed sprinklers, and the protesters just happened to be there at the wrong moment.

Whatever the case, the GM footage was more dramatic, entertaining video. It made it into the movie. Toyota wound up on the cutting-room floor."I don't want to say that we picked on GM," Paine said. "The EV1 was the iconic electric vehicle. That's why we focused on GM."

Let me translate that: GM ended up in the crosshairs because it invested the most time and effort into its electric vehicle. The futuristic EV1 was designed from the start to be a revolution. It was the poster child for electric vehicles. The sedate RAV4-EV looked like just another small SUV.

GM declined to comment.

The nail that sticks up will be hammered down, as they say. GM was the nail. "Who Killed the Electric Car?" was the hammer.

And Ernest Bastien deserves credit for sticking up for the truth, regardless of hammers.

Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.

Original FYI column by Dave Barthmuss on the EV1.

Posted by Editor at 8:29 AM
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December 19, 2006

Update: Over on FastLane

Take a look at FastLane for an update on Peter Gilbert, a Saab owner who recently celbrated 1 million miles with his vehicle.

-Alicia Dorset

Posted by Editor at 4:33 PM
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1972

By Alicia Dorset

Blog editor

Today's photo from the GM Media Archive is of a 1972 Camaro RS 350.

Do you have a favorite Camaro memory? Make sure to send us your thoughts on our archive finds.

Posted by Editor at 11:10 AM
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Tuesday, Dec. 19

Discovered (for sale) in a farmers field north of Edmonton, Alberta.

Today's photo comes from the albums of Stickflickr.

Be sure to look at all of Stickflickr's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 11:04 AM
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December 18, 2006

Monday, Dec. 18

Today's photo of Hollywood from 1957 comes from the albums of Roadsidepictures.

Be sure to look at all of Roadsidepictures' photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 2:32 PM
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December 15, 2006

Friday, Dec. 15

Today's video comes from ceshoupe.

If you'd like to see your YouTube clip featured on FYI, tag it "gmfyi" and we'll find it. Who knows, your video might be our Video of the Week.

Posted by Editor at 2:52 PM
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Friday, Dec. 15

Today's photo comes from the albums of jacdupree.

Be sure to look at all of jacdupree's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 11:21 AM
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Powering the Community

By J. Warchuck
Plant Manager, Rancho Cucamonga

We depend on energy to power our lives. Every day we flip on lights, power up computers and warm up lunches. But how often do you stop to think about where that energy comes from?

At our facility, we know exactly where energy comes from — our roof. As plant manager of the Rancho Cucamonga GM Service Parts Operations Parts Distribution Center in Rancho Cucamonga, I have the satisfaction of knowing the solar panels lining our roof help us keep costs down and reduce our environmental impact.

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., solar panels power our Service Parts Distribution Warehouse where 215 employees ship nearly 76,000 customer orders to GM car dealerships across California and Arizona. Our facility will save $33,000 a year by using solar panels to power 50 percent of our operations. The energy we don’t use goes right into the California power grid, helping thousands of Californians power their own homes. For example, this past September we were able to power our plant and give back enough energy to power 210 homes within our community.

Community involvement is important to the Rancho Cucamonga team. You can see it when you walk in our building. The solar panels give us a surge of pride because we know we are helping our community move closer to energy independence and a greener future.

To see our plant in action, take a look at this video:

Posted by Editor at 10:52 AM
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December 14, 2006

Thursday, Dec. 14

Today's photo comes from the albums of Tuuur.

Be sure to look at all of Tuur's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 1:02 PM
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December 13, 2006

And the Winners Are...

By Ryndee Carney
Manager, Advertising and Marketing Communications

Back in August, we posted about the second annual Women in Film (WIF)/GM “Acceleration Grant for Emerging Filmmakers,” which is designed to support talented filmmakers from under-represented communities. GM’s participation in this alliance is an extension of the company’s commitment to women’s initiatives and to arts and cultural institutions. Applicants for the grants entered film submissions, which were judged by film industry representatives to determine the ultimate recipients.

GM is happy to announce that seven women filmmakers were selected as winners. They were hosted by the WIF/GM Alliance from Nov. 1-6, in Santa Monica, Calif. Awardees attended individual and group meetings with film industry to discuss national and international aspects of finance, marketing, distribution and legal issues. Additionally, they met as a group with a panel of studio executives and distributors in film and television to discuss the trends and criteria shaping the industry.

The 2006 winners are Narumol Sriyanond Bartone, Los Angeles, Calif.; Margaret Brown, Austin, Texas; Shelley Niro, Brantford, Ontario, Canada; Pamela K. Johnson, Long Beach, Calif.; Sandra Pfeifer, Simpson, Ill.; Marie Francoise Theodore, North Hollywood, Calif.; and Sue Vicory, Stilwell, Kan.

Over the next few weeks, some of the winners will be talking about their experiences as filmmakers, and what the
Acceleration Grant means to them, here on FYI. They will also be sharing some clips of the videos they entered into the contest, such as this entry from Sue Vicory below.

Take a look at these links to read more about Women in Film and about the WIF/GM alliance.

Sue Vicory, Heartland Films, Inc.

I am a filmmaker residing in Kansas City and a member of the Kansas City chapter of Women in Film. As executive producer of the film “Homelessness and the Power of One,” (which is attached), I have worked tirelessly to bring the mission of this film to the masses with the intent of educating and raising awareness about our nation’s homeless. Upon hearing that I had won the 2006 WIF/GM emerging filmmaker award, I knew that the contacts and resources were about to change the direction of my path. Spending time in Los Angeles immersed in the business of the film industry was clearly a dream come true.

Judith James was our mentor. Her depth of film industry experience and her regard for mentoring women was a gift beyond belief. We were flown in, housed in a fabulous gated apartment complex in Marino del Ray, and chauffeured to all meetings by Judith’s assistant Erin Condron.

The first weekend we attended the WIF entertainment Forum at LeMeridien Hotel in Beverly Hills. We attended panels during the day and an awards ceremony in the evening. We were introduced as a group of emerging filmmakers at the awards ceremony by Judith. She also arranged lunches with some of her peers so that we could have private meetings and visit one-on-one. Her generosity was extraordinary.

The second half of our visit was connected to the American Film Market. Between getting acquainted with the film market we had coffee, lunch and dinner with a Who’s Who of Hollywood, and we had complete access to their knowledge and expertise. We screened films, toured the suites at the AFM, networked and bonded with Hollywood and the film industry. It was a very surreal experience.

Earning this award has given clout to my work. The recognition has elevated the profile of the ‘Power of One’ project. The knowledge that I accumulated will take me to a higher level of professionalism. It will forever be a highlight in my career as a filmmaker. I am grateful for this honor and hope that I can pay it forward within my community of filmmakers.

Watch Homelessness and the Power of One

Posted by Editor at 5:25 PM
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Wednesday, Dec. 13

Today's photo of an Oldsmobile comes from the albums of Pam I Am.

Be sure to look at all of Pam I Am's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 1:45 PM
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December 12, 2006

Who at GM has the Spirit of Leadership?

By Jody DeVere
Guest blogger
President, WAAI, AskPatty.com

At GM's Saturn group, someone who possesses the true spirit of leadership is Jill Lajdziak, a woman who has taken on the tough times at GM and pushed her division and company ahead in the process.

The Women’s Automotive Association International will honor Jill Lajdziak with a ‘Spirit of Leadership’ award on Feb. 3, 2007, during the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention 2007, for her inspiring role model to those women reaching for positions in the top ranks of the automotive industry.

As women professionals, we are leaders, we are visible, we are accountable, and we are determined. People inside - and outside - of the automotive industry observe under a microscope what women executives say and do.

Jill strives each day to meet the expectations of family, employers, suppliers and employees. Through the quality of her leadership, words, objectives, and her commitment, she continually maintains the respect and trust of those around her. Her service and support to charity programs and the communities surrounding Saturn dealerships is remarkable.

Jill said: “It's all about giving back to the community, and at the end of the day doing what is right." She adds, "It's a part of being a Saturn retailer. We want to give back to the community. It's certainly about selling cars, servicing cars, and taking care of owners through their lifetime experience with their Saturn vehicles, but it's also giving back to the community and Saturn retailers do that in many ways."

Jill has sparkle, a winning smile, enthusiasm and a presence that lights up a room. She has the power to make you “feel” what the Saturn brand is all about. She keeps close to the pulse beat of Saturn customers by communicating personally with Saturn customers every day. Her refreshing customer-centric style is revitalizing the Saturn brand, especially with women consumers. The refinements to the Saturn 2007 vehicle line up of classy, comfortable, enjoyable, yet affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles speaks volumes to women consumers and her ability to listen and deliver what women want.

Congratulations, Jill, on this well-deserved tribute to your accomplishments. You have my total admiration and respect.

Posted by Editor at 6:46 PM
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Tuesday, Dec. 12

Saab meeting in Germany.

Today's photo comes from the albums of MOK24.

Be sure to look at all of MOK24's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 11:45 AM
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1973

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's find from the GM Media Archive shows a Chevy Vega and a K-5 Blazer from 1973.

Posted by Editor at 11:34 AM
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December 11, 2006

Driving Perception and Performance for Cobalt and Ecotec

Editor’s note: Jason Whitfield’s goal is simple: Push his Chevy Cobalt to be the fastest FWD 4 cylinder in the world. The owner of Whitfield Racing, and "Knight Rider" enthusiast, talks about his relationship with GM and his enthusiasm for Cobalt and Ecotec. Jason has been building a Cobalt now for about 11 months, and has made quite an impact in the Tuner scene. He recently had a chance to talk with GM Tunersource; here's some of what he had to say:

GM: Jason, how does it feel to be the new kid around here?

Jason: I love it! I love the new things that I am learning. I have had such a great time working on the Cobalt and Ecotec motor. This has been a new challenge for me, but one that both my crew and I have tackled with a lot of excitement. I have been so busy that I didn’t really think about me being the new kid on the block.

GM Give us some background on yourself. Where have you been during the last few years?

Jason: Well, I have been in the tuner scene now for over 12 years or more. We were doing this long before they called it Tuner, Sport Compact, and even Import cars. I have always had a love for cars and racing, and back then the weapon of choice was a front wheel drive Honda with some kind of Honda motor that we had built a turbo kit for. I also own a shop called Whitfield Racing, formerly Rage Performance. We also have a Rage Racing product line of headers, cam gears and other cool stuff. The shop has been around for 10 years, which is a milestone for shops in the Tuner Market. We have a full service shop, with an in ground Dyno Jet for tuning, we also have a full fab shop etc. We have been known for our big HP Hondas that we have built over the years.

GM: So jumping over to a Cobalt must have been a big change?

Jason Well, it’s pretty simple, actually. I love to go fast. I have been watching the Cobalt race cars for a few years now, and I have been seeing how fast they have been going, and not only that, but how fast they have gone just about each time they line up to go down the track. It just shows a consistency level that I wanted to experience. Not to mention that I wanted a new challenge, and felt that I could create a Cobalt that would be much different than most people are used to. That’s just the flair that we bring to a project.

GM So what have your friends, customers and/or fans said about you running a Cobalt now, instead of the Hondas you have been so well known for?

Jason: At first there were a lot of people asking a lot of questions. Then as the build progressed and we worked with www.tunerzine.com on the build up, people started to get really involved with it, and very interested.

Now, I have customers that are more than willing to try out the Cobalt, which is saying a ton out here in SoCal where Honda has reigned supreme in the street-car category. I think people are looking for something new, an alternative to what we have been running over the years. They are seeing what I’m able to do to my Cobalt, which has opened their eyes a lot.

I have also been getting a lot of calls at the shop regarding parts for the Cobalt and Ecotec motors. This is great to see. It shows growth and a turn in a predominantly import-owned market. The thing that I love about all of this is that people are talking about the Ecotec motor like they do a Honda motor. They know what a Honda motor can do etc, and they are now getting really involved with what the Ecotec is capable of. It’s funny how far we have come in just less than a year over here in SoCal.

GM: We heard that you had a great debut at your first show at Hot Import Nights in Los Angeles. How did that go for you?

Jason: That show is always strong. All the top builders and cars come out for that show. Its L.A. What do you expect? I was just happy to get my car there to show it, because it does mean a lot to show it there. We had the car looking amazing at the show. It sat in the GM Tuner Tour display, which was a dream come true for me. In the end, I took home three trophies at the show. It was amazing. I won for Best GM vehicle, Best Performance Vehicle and won a trophy for the Mild 2 door class.

This was proof that we are on the right track. I built this Cobalt to be the ultimate street car. Not to be just drag only, or show only, I wanted a car that could campaign for the fastest fwd 4cyl street car title, as well as go to one of the strongest venues like Hot Import Nights, and win top honors at a car show. We definitely sent out a statement that night for sure!

GM: Tell us about racing the Cobalt. How have you done so far, and do you like it?

Jason: Oh man, you have me smiling here. First off, we have done some great testing on my Dyno at the shop, and we’re blown away by the power numbers with little to no effort. With small boost levels etc, this motor just gives up the HP. We have done really well in the Cobalt. My best time so far is 9.74 at 149.83 in the quarter mile.

GM: What’s next for you?

Jason: That’s easy, I am going to campaign my Cobalt at shows and events across the nation. I am going to compete to be the fastest fwd four cylinder in the world, and to continue to push the envelope with that.

You can stay up to date with the Cobalt and other Ecotec plans by going to www.ecotecrage.com.

Posted by Editor at 1:37 PM
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Monday, Dec. 11

This car started the backfire craze! If only his Dad knew!!!

Today's photo comes from the albums of 427SS65.

Be sure to look at all of 427SS65's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 11:56 AM
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December 8, 2006

Friday, Dec. 8

Today's photo comes from the albums of JPhilipson.

Be sure to look at all of JPhilipson's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 11:08 AM
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Friday, Dec. 8

Today's video comes from Neal Herwig.

If you'd like to see your YouTube clip featured as our Video of the Week, tag it "gmfyi" on YouTube and we'll find it.

Posted by Editor at 11:00 AM
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December 7, 2006

My Spin in the HydroGen3

By Stephen Skojec
GM Consultant

Editor’s note: Stephen is a consultant for GM who recently had a chance to try out the HydroGen3. Here’s what he had to say.

Let me get something out of the way: I’m a geek. I love technology, I’m a huge sci-fi fan, and I always love being ahead of the curve on my gadget knowledge. I’m no engineer, but I understand the technology I use at a functional level. For me, it’s about the cool factor. So when I found out about an opportunity to sign up for a hydrogen fuel cell ride-and-drive event right here in Arlington, Va., there was no way I was going to let the opportunity pass me by.

On an unusually warm November morning, GM’s HydroGen3 fuel cell vehicle – a heavily modified Opel Zafira minivan – showed up literally at my office doorstep. When my turn arrived to take it for a spin, I headed downstairs and met with Sergio Ramos, a passionate project engineer for GM’s Hydrogen fleet. Sergio introduced himself and immediately got down to business, popping the HydroGen3’s hood.

“As you can see,” he began, “there’s no engine. No transmission.” Sergio went over the pieces and parts, pointing to the fuel cell stack, describing the process of hydrogen ionization, showing me the injectors that recycle the fuel until it’s completely consumed, and all the while, he never missed a beat. As I said, I’m a geek but not a gearhead, and it wasn’t long before I was getting behind. I caught enough to realize that I was looking at something I had never seen before, and that was good enough for me.

“So,” Sergio said with a smile, “you want to take it for a drive?”

“Let’s do it.” I replied.

This was the part where I found myself realizing that in a very small way, I was becoming a part of history (Ok, so I may have a penchant for being dramatic, but, hey, this is pretty revolutionary) – being among a number of civilians to first drive an advanced propulsion prototype in a real world environment. And this was a technology that too many skeptics think is still decades away. But here I was, staring it square in the instrument panel, getting behind the wheel. Sergio told me to turn the key and wait several seconds. I did so, and the car came to life with a whine.

“That sound you hear is the compressor.” Sergio said. “In our newest hydrogen vehicles, we’ve made it much quieter. So quiet that people are complaining they don’t even know the car is on.” He smiled. Clearly this was the kind of problem he liked to have. A car can always be made less quiet. He pointed to a high-resolution display screen on the dashboard and explained the animated diagram of the hydrogen electrolysis process. In the bottom left corner was a visual representation of the drive train. My wheels weren’t moving, a fact I wanted to remedy if I could only figure out how to get the thing into gear. Sergio motioned a couple of buttons on the center console.

“There’s no transmission,” he repeated. “It’s all electronic.” I punched the button to put it into reverse and took my foot off of the brake. Nothing happened. Of course, I thought. With an electric motor, there was no torque from just putting it into gear. I actually had to hit the accelerator pedal (note to self: don’t call it “gas pedal”) to get it to move, a tricky thing considering I had no idea how touchy it was and it was parallel parked. I managed it, however, and once I nosed out into the busy street, it became a normal car. Soon, I was driving it like I would my own minivan, if a bit more cautiously; prototypes aren’t cheap, after all. I cruised down a couple of blocks and turned around in the parking lot behind my favorite coffee shop.

“You like espresso, Sergio? Because this place has the best coffee in D.C.” We chatted about our love for the nectar of the caffeine god while Sergio punched up a different display screen, showing me my torque. I asked if I ever had to worry about RPMs in a car like this as I sped up down a straightaway and the pitch of the compressor whine grew higher. Sergio told me I didn’t since HydroGen3 has no transmission; it’s like shifting gears in an automatic car. The car does it for you. (When I later e-mailed Sergio for additional clarification, he sent me a mathematical explanation of torque-speed ratios. Way over my head. I’m glad the future of the automobile is resting on capable minds like his.)

We breezed through a shopping district, garnering attention at stoplights with the information about our propulsion system emblazoned on the outside. When I returned to the curb in front of my office, I was impressed. If anything, the driving experience was a little underwhelming – it was like driving any four-cylinder small minivan. There was very little about the feel of the car to tell me that I was driving a vehicle powered by technology that’s still several years away from the mass market.

But it was real, and I drove it. Just an average guy, taking a space-age vehicle through its paces down the streets of Arlington. This will be one story to tell to the kids and grandkids, who will be so used to hydrogen fuel cells by the time I do that they’ll laugh at me and tell me I might as well be pining about the early days of the “horseless carriage.”

That’s fine with me. At least I can say I was there when it happened.

Posted by Editor at 4:55 PM
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Thursday, Dec. 7

Like a frozen prehistoric woolly mammoth buried beneath the 7 inches of snow and ice... on the hood of my car.

Today's photo comes from the albums of s-Vs-S.

Be sure to look at all of s-Vs-S' photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 11:53 AM
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December Flickr Calendar

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Don't forget to check out our Flickr albums for this month's calendar. December features a photo of the GM Design Center and a 1966 Camaro from the GM Media Archive.

Posted by Editor at 11:46 AM
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December 6, 2006

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Seen at Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC. For my Lady.

Today's photo comes from the albums of paracuda.

Be sure to look at all of paracuda's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 11:15 AM
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December 5, 2006

Bras for a Cause

By Nick Daniels
GM Communications

One out of eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. According to the National Breast Cancer Association, more than 211,000 women are diagnosed with the cancer and 43,000 will die from the cancer each year.

Since breast cancer has touched so many lives, either personally or through a circle of friends and family, a small group of GM employees/contractors and GM vehicle owners decided to create Team GM entries for the Show-Your-Support Bra Contest held recently at the American Sewing Expo at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Mich.

They each chose their favorite GM vehicle and created the “front fascia” using a bra as the design base. They also came up with a creative name for the bra, such as Peggy Kelly’s bra version of the GMC Yukon Denali called “Bustin’ the Road.”

“I was impressed with the quality of the entries, the creativeness displayed and the sheer number of entries (more than 200) was just outstanding,” Kelly said. “I can’t wait to try my hand at it again next year.”

The Show-Your-Support Bra Contest was sponsored by Sew News Magazine, and the rules were to completely cover a bra using any theme to support breast cancer awareness.

"We wanted to join the many people in GM that are spreading the good word about GM's products and services and also add to GM's cancer awareness efforts,” said Susan Light, who is a customer consultant for GM and designed a Saturn Sky bra, titled “Sky Bra.” “The Bra Contest for Breast Cancer Awareness was another avenue to get GM's name out there. It was fun, and created some interesting conversation when talking with friends and co-workers about it.”

Another GM contestant, Carol Seavitt, a breast cancer survivor since 1998 and the designer of the Hummer H2 bra titled, “Humdinger,” said, “Years ago women were ashamed to mention they had breast cancer for fear of losing their job or not having the ability to be promoted. We now can celebrate our survival with such an event as this great bra contest and promote GM vehicles in the process... only in America — what a great country.”

Contest organizers were pleased with the event’s success in promoting breast cancer awareness. Team GM members have already started thinking about next year’s contest — with a goal of tripling the Team GM entries.

Posted by Editor at 5:32 PM
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Tuesday, Dec. 5

Today's photo of the Renaissance Center comes from the albums of DetroitBikeBlog.

Be sure to look at all of DetroitBikeBlog's photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 12:49 PM
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1938

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's find from the GM Media Archive is an old advertisement for a winter-themed LaSalle.

Posted by Editor at 10:49 AM
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December 4, 2006

If Cars Could Talk

By Larry Burns
Vice President, Research & Development and Planning

If cars could talk, what would they say? Sure, we’ve seen the Hollywood fantasies like Cars or Transformers, where cars take on a human persona and interact with the world in personal ways. But in the real world, what if cars had a “sixth sense” so they would know what’s going on around them and could communicate it to their drivers in a realistic way? What are the three most important things they could tell us?

First, the car could communicate its operating condition, so we know that things are running right. Second, it would be good to know if the car needs maintenance — when and what kind. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it would be tremendous if a car could tell us if we were in danger, and could help us to avoid a collision.

We’ve already solved the first two challenges with OnStar Diagnostics, which monitors the condition and maintenance needs of your vehicle in real-time. And now we’re working on giving drivers a sixth sense — teaching your vehicle how to know when you’re in danger so it can let you know before an accident happens. It’s like having an automated driving instructor with a second pair of brakes in the car, always watching out for the other guy.

Sound far-fetched? Not really.

This new technology is called vehicle-to-vehicle communication. By equipping vehicles with sensors that can detect other vehicles up to a 1/4 mile away, and using OnStar’s GPS capability, a V2V-enabled car can identify other vehicles, anticipate their direction and locations based on observations like current speed and heading, and then can notify the driver of danger with audible tones, lights and seat vibrations — all within milliseconds. In a case of a forward collision, if the driver doesn’t respond, the vehicle will step right in and bring the vehicle to a safe stop.

The system works equally well sensing parked or moving vehicles. From avoiding a car stopped on a narrow shoulder to one traveling alongside in a blind spot, the ability to sense danger and alert the driver will save lives. It’s like having a 9-1-1 phone for emergencies — it’s not expensive. Mass implementation of V2V is still a few years away, but the technology exists today and we’re looking at new and exciting possibilities. For more information, check out our web site, or see what the media has to say. Let us know your thoughts.

Posted by Editor at 12:49 PM
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Monday, Dec. 4

"Henrietta MacDougal" the 1953 Chevrolet 3800 1-Ton Canopy Express Atlanta, Georgia

Today's photo comes from the albums of TW Collins.

Be sure to look at all of TW Collins' photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with "gmfyi."

Posted by Editor at 12:05 PM
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