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January 31, 2007

Photo of the Day: Le Sabre

Pink flamingo restaurant/ lowrider c.c. spot

Today's photo comes from the albums of syndrom.

Be sure to look at all of syndrom 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 11:27 AM
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January 30, 2007

1930s: Chevrolet Advertisement

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's find from the GM Media Archive is an advertisement from the 1930s for Chevrolet.

Posted by Editor at 11:17 AM
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Photo of the Day: Blue Corvette Cruise

Today's photo from the Corvette Club of Ontario comes from the albums of Gr8 Big C.

Be sure to look at all of Gr8 Big C'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 10:59 AM
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January 29, 2007

Saturn Storms Park City During Film Festival

By Tom Folger
Manager, Saturn Truck Marketing

This was my first time at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and although I didn’t get to see any films, I did see a lot of Saturn vehicles on the city's streets. A fleet featuring the all-new Saturn OUTLOOK and VUE Green Line hybrid crossover utility vehicles provided convenient and efficient transportation service to festival VIP guests, including Antonio Banderas, John Cusack, Mandy Moore, Katherine Heigl, Teri Hatcher, Dennis Hopper, William Baldwin, Dhani Jones from the Philadelphia Eagles, DJ AM, and Jared Leto and his 30 Seconds to Mars bandmates, just to name a few.

In addition to vehicles, Saturn brought two cause-related initiatives to Park City that are near and dear to our heart. Olympic snowboarder and organ recipient Chris Klug returned to the site of his Olympic triumph to promote organ donation awareness on behalf of Saturn National Donor Day. Chris was in town to premiere his documentary “The Ride of Your Life,” which chronicles his journey from liver transplant recipient to Olympic medalist. The film was screened for the first time for the local donor community at the Saturn OUTLOOK tent on Jan. 24. In addition, Chris shared his snowboarding expertise with festival attendees, including actor Matthew St. Patrick from Six Feet Under.

Saturn also promoted its partnership with the National Education Association's “Read Across America” literacy program by inviting several celebrities to stop by the Saturn OUTLOOK tent at the Village at the Lift and read their favorite children’s books to local first and second graders. We were fortunate to have actors Christian Slater, Nick Cannon, Kristen Bell, Gwyneth Paltrow and Keri Russell as our celebrity readers.

To see footage from the event, take a look at the video.

Posted by Editor at 4:45 PM
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Photo of the Day: Chevy Colorado

On display at Place d'Orléans shopping centre in the eastern suburbs of Ottawa...

Today's photo comes from the albums of Steve Brandon.

Be sure to look at all of Steve Brandon'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 3:46 PM
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January 25, 2007

Working Together to Keep Electric Technology Alive

By Dave Barthmuss
Manager, Public Policy, Environment & Energy

With all the excitement generated by the recent unveiling of the Chevy Volt, it seemed like a good time to check back in with everyone at FYI about GM and the electric car.

A lot has happened since my last post on FYI, where I discussed at length my thoughts concerning the film, “Who Killed the Electric Car?,” in which I appeared.

After watching the movie and talking to what seems to be thousands of people about its unique point of view, I have to say two things. First, as you might suspect, I believe the points I made about the film in my original post still ring true. Second, I am even more convinced of the depth of commitment people still have for electric cars, especially given the issues we face today both as a nation and as a global community.

Two other important things have happened recently, too. First, GM announced its commitment to build a plug-in version of the Saturn Vue at the last Los Angeles Auto Show, and it unveiled the GM E-Flex system and Chevy Volt at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. More importantly, though, GM and advocates of electric vehicle technology in all forms — many of whom have been critical of GM’s efforts — are actually finding common ground. And I very much hope that this kind of improved relationship will allow all of us to move toward solutions together.

One of the reasons for this change, I believe, is that we learned from our experiences with the EV1 and used them in creating the Chevy Volt.

Chris Paine, the director of, and driving force behind, “Who Killed the Electric Car?,” recognizes GM’s efforts, telling Autoblog Green this about the Volt:

“From what I can see, GM is doing the right thing and I'm supporting them as long as they keep making good decisions and moving plug-in cars into production reality.”

And Paine told the Detroit Free Press of the Volt’s debut in Detroit that GM is “coming back to the table in a huge and impressive way,” and that, “it’s a very impressive engineering and design team at work on the project.”

What’s important here is not so much what Chris said, but the fact that GM has been able to have honest and open dialogue with people who are keenly interested in electric vehicles, even if they have criticized and disagreed with GM’s efforts on that front.

Clearly, we won’t always agree with our critics, but that should not stop us from talking, and recognizing the value different thoughts and opinions can bring to our work. When we find a way to put our differences aside and engage in open and honest dialogue, we can usually find collaborative solutions to the issues and challenges we all agree must ultimately be solved — even if at times we don’t agree on the best way to “build the watch.” I can only speak for GM here, but I sincerely hope we can continue the dialogue as we move forward with the E-Flex system and Chevy Volt.

And that includes the dialogue with you. So please stay tuned and keep the feedback coming.

Posted by Editor at 12:31 PM
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Photo of the Day: Racing Saab

Did i mention that this saab rules and is fast? It does and is.

Today's photo comes from the albums of don.exempli.

Be sure to look at all of don.exempli'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 12:16 PM
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January 24, 2007

Scoble’s New Ride

Blog guru Robert Scoble posted last Friday about adding a new car to his garage: the 2007 NAIAS Car of the Year, otherwise known as the Saturn Aura.

Scoble says that he likes the Aura better than his father’s new Toyota Camry, as well as the Honda Accord he recently took for a test drive. He also factored in the opinions of PodTech’s Matt Kelly, who was very impressed with the Aura at the NAIAS, and had a chance to interview Saturn’s very own Jill Lajdziak.

Thanks Robert. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Take a look below at his post to see what he had to say for himself. —Bill Betts, Manager, GM Blogs

Just bought car of the year

I just purchased a Saturn Aura. My dad bought a new Toyota Camry, but the Aura is nicer performing, quieter, and Patrick says it’s nicer (I think the backseat headphones convinced him). More later, gotta sign the paperwork.

One reason I came into Saturn? Someone from Saturn invited me into a dealership after reading my blog. That’s an interesting sales technique. Imagine a company that has a “invite a blogger” division that contacts bloggers. Oh, this isn’t a one-off, either. Saturn sponsored BlogHer last year. That sponsorship just turned into a sale. I do support businesses that support us.

Another factor? Matt Kelly, who works for PodTech, was at the Detroit Auto Show last week and said the Saturn was the best by a mile (here’s Matt’s reports on Saturn). It sure is better than the Honda Civic, which Maryam and I test drove lately too.

And I couldn’t be like Chris Pirillo and buy an Acura. Heheh.

Color? It’s black.

Technology? Not much, when compared to other cars, no nav system or anything like that. Why? I’m a cheap baaaahhhhssstttaaarrrddd.

UPDATE: Steve Powell, director of Colma Saturn, says my car actually has navigation built in through OnStar. Very cool.

For more on the new Saturn vehicles, make sure to check out FastLane for a report from Jill Lajdziak.

Posted by Editor at 5:13 PM
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Photo of the Day: Red Pontiac

Discovered (for sale) in a farmers field north of Edmonton, Alberta. After searching the interweb, I think I narrowed it down to a 1950 model.

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 11:41 AM
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January 23, 2007

1939

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's GM Media Archive find is a photo showing off the 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe Sedan, along with some very brave swimmers.

Posted by Editor at 4:55 PM
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Tuesday, Jan. 23

This '58 Chevy was spotted at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico on Route 66.

Today's photo comes from the albums of sidehike.

Be sure to look at all of sidehike'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 1:33 PM
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January 22, 2007

Start the New Year Off on the Right Foot

By Joel Bender, M.D., Ph.D.
GM Corporate Medical Director

As soon as the ball drops in Times Square, about 100 million Americans venture down a well-traveled path paved with bold New Year's resolutions. It’s a route covered with promises to exercise more, lose weight, reduce stress and eat a healthier diet.

Our GM employees, retirees and their families are generally no different than the population of the U.S. Our employees fight obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and stress at the same rates that the rest of the nation does. And many of our employees, like thousands of other Americans, start the New Year off with a commitment to change bad or unhealthy habits.

We know that physical activity is associated with good health. Science has confirmed that people who lead active lifestyles are less likely to experience major illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer.

Evidence shows that regular exercise can:

• Increase levels of HDL, or "good," cholesterol


• Lower high blood pressure


• Help improve body composition by burning fat


• Promote healthy blood sugar levels


• Promote bone density


• Boost the immune system


• Improve mood and reduce the chance of depression

Despite the strong case for staying active, many people find it difficult to begin a habit of regular exercise. Did you know that lack of regular exercise increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke by the same amount as smoking?

There is now strong scientific evidence that moderately intense activity most days of the week is enough to promote health and prevent illness. For an adult, moderately intense physical activity means using up about an extra 200 calories per day. This equates to about 30 minutes of activity, such as a two-mile brisk walk, that should make you feel warm and mildly out of breath. During moderately intense activities, you should still be able to talk without panting in-between your words.

If you have previously been inactive and 30 minutes of activity per day sounds like a tall order, the good news is that separate sessions of 10 minutes can count toward the total.

This regular activity can also improve the way you look and feel. In combination with a balanced diet, regular activity helps to maintain a healthy weight. It can even boost self-confidence and reduce the risk of depression.

If your plan for the New Year is to get in shape, know that you’re not alone. But, just signing up for the gym isn’t enough. Experts say finding a gym or fitness club where you feel comfortable and physically challenged and that allows you to attain your health goals is the key.

Enjoy it! Exercising releases chemicals in the brain that have a strong effect on your mood, helping reduce anxiety, stress and depression. So whenever you don’t feel like exercising, try to remind yourself how good you’ll feel afterwards. Happy New Year!

Posted by Editor at 11:58 AM
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Monday, Jan. 22

Today's photo of a 1999 Cadillac DeVille comes from the albums of hjalmerduenow.

Be sure to look at all of hjalmerduenow'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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January 19, 2007

Our Style Meets Theirs

By Nuttin But Stringz
Tourie and Damien Escobar

On Jan. 8, we were able to represent one of the greatest new cars in car show history: the Cadillac CTS. I mean this car is so defined and stylish, I didn't recognize it to be a Caddy. Cadillac is a car my grandfather drives home from church, not to the club... but Cadillac has stepped their game up once again.

If you don't know who's writing this, let us introduce ourselves. We are Nuttin But Stringz, a violin duo that bridges hip-hop with classical music, the same way Cadillac is bridging its classic style with today's hip-hop movement. For example, Cadillac Escalades come with 22-inch chrome rims out the factory. Are you kidding me? Are they for real?!! Now that is definitely the sort of swagga we are speaking about.

So, when they asked us if we would help represent their new movement, we felt honored to be a part of history. Of course the hottest part of our set was the playing, but it was also the acting that we got to do. If you don't know what happened, let us break it down. Cadillac had a quartet performing before us to represent their classic style. When their set was over, we acted as stage hands and had to remove stands, chairs and microphones… but our violins were already positioned on stage, set in stands… take a look below to see what happened next.

All in all, Nuttin But Stringz came out and did what we do best, and so did Cadillac. Until next time, keep it fresh and keep it Cadillac.

Posted by Editor at 2:47 PM
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A Front-Row Seat

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Having grown up in the Detroit area, as well as being a current resident, I'm no stranger to the North American International Auto Show. I've attended the show as a general public "spectator," and ever since I can remember, my dad has been a part of the production crew that helps make the show possible. But I've never had the chance to attend a vehicle reveal for the news media from any of the companies represented, let alone the world's largest automaker.

On the morning of Jan. 8, I found myself down in front of the GM presentation stage for the reveal of the brand-new Cadillac CTS during press days. I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw a group of GM employees, responsible on all different levels for the creation of the redesigned CTS, dressed in black off to the side. When a string quartet took the stage, my curiosity grew even more, and by the time Nuttin' But Stringz began playing, I knew I wouldn't be let down.

And I definitely wasn't.

N.B.S.' Damien and Tourie were simply amazing, and the personal accounts from the GM employees dressed in black on what it took to make the CTS possible gave not only the car but the entire reveal a very human feel. You weren't just seeing a well-polished presentation, you were seeing countless hours of hard work finally coming to fruition.

While the new-product reveals were reserved for press days, make sure to check out the CTS and all of the GM vehicles on display during the final days of the NAIAS if you're in the area this weekend. I promise you won't be let down.

RELATED
Chevy Volt at the Chicago Auto Show

Posted by Editor at 11:24 AM
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Friday, Jan. 19

Today's video of the Saturn Aura Green Line at the North American International Auto Show comes from lesslikeyou.

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 11:14 AM
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Friday, Jan. 19

abandoned in Brisbane, CA

Today's photo comes from the albums of webstr.

Be sure to look at all of webstr'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 10:07 AM
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January 18, 2007

Nuttin’ But Cadillac

One of the many unexpected things from GM at this year's North American International Auto show was a pair of hip-hop musicians at the debut of the 2008 Cadillac CTS. Even more surprising to those of us who had not heard these performers — they played hip-hop with violins! We asked the producers of the GM event to explain why such non-traditional performers were chosen. And, if you haven't seen it yet, take a look at the whole show. It's definitely not your "traditional" Cadillac product introduction. — Bill Betts, GM Blogs Manager

By Dave Silcox
Clear!Blue Communications

The presentation of the 2008 Cadillac CTS was an interesting creative challenge. The new CTS is a much bigger story than simply the latest incarnation of a great luxury vehicle — this car makes a statement about the future of a legendary brand.

With that in mind, we approached the reveal as a communications platform to deliver a powerful message about Cadillac … its people … its values … and what its future looks like.

We started the press conference by showing the audience exactly what they might expect from Cadillac: the sophisticated and timeless classical music of a string quartet, sounds we felt were ideally suited for the traditional Cadillac event. Then ... the Cadillac brand transformed in front of the media’s eyes with a little musical drama.

To accomplish this creative vision, Cadillac turned to the emerging talents of classically trained hip-hop violinists, Damien and Tourie Escobar of Nuttin’ But Stringz (N.B.S.).

We’ve been following the talented duo since the end of 2005 after catching their performances on programs such as NBC’s The Today Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. GM first worked with N.B.S. back in October 2006 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where they performed for a small contingent of media in support of Buick’s return to SEMA with 10 customized Lucernes. There, N.B.S. delivered another jaw-dropping performance — one that inspired members of GM’s communications team to suggest they be part of NAIAS this year.

At the time, we were in the early stages of developing the creative for the CTS event. N.B.S. was a natural fit to connect Cadillac’s past to its present and future by showcasing the actual Cadillac team members who were responsible for the creation of the new CTS.

Like the CTS, these guys are going places! Check them out over at their web site.

To see the Cadillac CTS reveal with N.B.S., take a look at this video over at FastLane.

Posted by Editor at 5:17 PM
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Thursday, Jan. 18

Ice storm that hit our Dealership in Springfield, MO

Today's photo comes from the albums of kiwimay.

Be sure to look at all of kiwimay'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 4:32 PM
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January 17, 2007

Wednesday, Jan. 17

3 exposure HDR, artizen & photoshop.

Today's photo of a Chevy truck comes from the albums of Marc Brassard.

Be sure to look at all of Marc Brassard'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 10:27 AM
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January 16, 2007

1933/1934

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's photo from the GM Media Archive is a 1933 "Pontiac Straight 8" ad with knee-action wheels, and shows "Father Time" and "New Year Baby."

Posted by Editor at 11:39 AM
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Tuesday, Jan. 16

World Debut - bad a** car!

Today's photo comes from the albums of ChrisFrez.

Be sure to look at all of ChrisFrez'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 11:36 AM
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January 12, 2007

Blog Outreach at the Detroit Auto Show

By Bill Betts
GM Blogs manager

This year in Detroit we added "blog relations" to our traditional media relations activities during press days at the North American International Auto Show. GM invited, and paid for, travel to the Motor City by some selected blog writers from mostly non-automotive blogs. They write about such things as trends, safety, energy, environment, design, and parenting. We exposed these writers to a major auto show — some for the first time in their lives — to learn what kind of influence they'll have with regard to GM and its products. Time, and the measurements we've undertaken, will give us some answers.

We didn't expect the invited bloggers to write only favorable things about us, and they didn't. There were no strings attached. They were free to attend our new vehicle unveilings, and we helped them get interviews with some GM executives. Two of them interviewed me and a couple of our host team members for podcasts. I did the same with one of them. Click the podcast below and listen to Matt Kelly, producer-reporter for PodTech News, as he talks on the noisy show floor about his experience in Detroit and subtly tries to sell me on the idea of involving his company in some new GM Internet offerings.

Listen to the podcast

Posted by Editor at 2:29 PM
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January 11, 2007

Working Toward our Goal…

…on the MLK National Memorial

By Gary Cowger
GM Group Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Labor Relations

As co-chair of the Executive Leadership Cabinet of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Project Foundation, I was extremely proud to be among the sponsors, supporters and executives of the project who rang the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) opening bell on Jan. 5 to kick off the inaugural year of construction of the Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial.

As many of you know, last November a ceremonial groundbreaking took place on the National Mall in Washington, where a memorial honoring Dr. King will be built. Much like the groundbreaking, which was attended by George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, the bell ringing was covered by national television and reached millions of viewers.

Among those joining me on the NYSE balcony were Harry Johnson, president and CEO of the MLK Foundation; Richard Fuld, Jr.president and CEO of Lehman Brothers; Rod Gillum, GM Vice President; and music mogul Russell Simmons.

These two events are having a very positive effect on our fund-raising efforts and we are all energized as we drive toward the goal of $100 million. As of the bell ringing event, the foundation has raised nearly $73 million toward the building of a lasting memorial to Dr. King's ideals of hope, democracy, and love. I will be giving you periodic updates on the foundation's progress and I hope you can join us in this effort.

To get more information on the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial
Project please visit the Build the Dream web site. Take a look at the video below to see the bell-ringing event.

Photos and video courtesy of the NYSE

Posted by Editor at 5:35 PM
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1940

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Jan. 11, 1940, marked a milestone event for GM as the 25 millionth vehicle, a 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Sport Sedan, rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Mich. The following GM leaders were present for the event: (L-R) M.E. Coyle, William S. Knudsen, Alfred P. Sloan and C. E. Wilson.

Posted by Editor at 5:18 PM
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January 10, 2007

Video: GM Interior Design Salon

Today's video highlights GM’s Interior Design Salon. Kathleen Zak, Global Design Director, and Jim Gasparotto, Creative Designer, give a unique look at what it takes to make the inside of a car comfortable, practical and innovative.

Read more about the Interior Design Salon over at the Cool Hunting blog.

-Alicia Dorset, blog editor

Posted by Editor at 3:28 PM
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January 9, 2007

Video: The 2008 Chevy Malibu

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Join John Mack, Director of Design for Small and Mid-Sized Car Interiors, and Tim Kozub, Malibu Exterior Design Manager, as they discuss what went into making the 2008 Chevy Malibu a car that will catch attention when it hits the road.

Posted by Editor at 9:09 AM
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January 8, 2007

Video: Take a Look at the CTS

Before the start of the North American International Auto Show, now taking place here in Detroit, we were able to talk to many of GM’s creative designers about the cars that are being introduced here.

The first video features the 2008 Cadillac CTS, launched today, and includes interviews with:

• Jim Taylor, Cadillac General Manager
• John Manoogian, Design Director, Cadillac CTS Exterior
• Eric Clough, Design Director, Cadillac CTS Interior

-Alicia Dorset, blog editor

Posted by Editor at 4:04 PM
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January 7, 2007

A Night of Stars and Cars

By Gayle Weiswasser
GM Consultant

Last night, GM kicked off the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in great fashion at the GM Style Event — a runway show featuring hot celebrities and even hotter cars, all under one tented roof along the Detroit River.

It was a fabulous night — especially for the celebrity-obsessed, like me. I was lucky enough to snare one of the highly-sought tickets and even luckier to be assigned a third row seat, close enough to see the stars and the cars up close.

The evening started with an introduction by Jimmy Kimmel, who had emceed the red carpet arrivals. The stars, each of whom had been dressed by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, then came out individually to strut their stuff on the runway, accompanied by some of GM’s hottest vehicles and concept cars.

Jay-Z came first, arriving in a concept GMC Yukon Denali painted “Jay-Z Blue” — the star’s signature color (a metallic, almost royal blue). His girlfriend, the radiant Beyonce Knowles (seated next to GM CEO Rick Wagoner), beamed at Jay-Z as he posed for the crowd before returning to the passenger seat and riding off the stage.

Next followed a parade of stars — Nick Lachey, Carmen Electra, Mario Lopez, Petra Nimcova, Christian Slater, Kristen Bell, Rosie Perez, Jennifer Hudson, and others — who each came out with a different, exciting GM vehicle.

Highlights, in my opinion:

• The ultra-cool Saab Aero-X concept vehicle, with a cockpit canopy and a sleek, aviation-inspired design, accompanied by Petra Nimcova in a flowing ivory Grecian gown that only emphasized the car’s jetlike qualities


• Nick Lachey, who was greeted with a huge reaction from the crowd and accompanied by the sleek Cadillac XLR roadster


• The Saturn Sky Redline, painted “Chili Pepper Red” and accompanied by CariDee, most recent winner of television's “America’s Next Top Model”


• Jennifer Hudson, all attitude and confidence, strutting down the runway in purple with the Cadillac Escalade to thunderous applause

But of course, the biggest moment of all came during the worldwide reveal of the Camaro Convertible Concept, which rolled down the runway last, unaccompanied by many celebrities. The car, painted Hugger Orange pearl with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes, brought the already enthusiastic crowd to its feet with wild cheering and applause. Television screens around the room offered close-ups of the car’s interior, while the vehicle itself was spun and lifted up from the runway stage.

The reveal of the Camaro Convertible Concept, along with the rest of the event, were definitely high points for GM design. The excitement in the room was infectious and undeniable — GM has clearly hit its stride in the design department.

One funny moment of the night: Jimmy Kimmel announcing that the prototype Camaro would be raffled off at the end of the night.

If you’d like to see video of the GM Style event, take a look at this video.

Posted by Editor at 8:27 AM
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January 5, 2007

Friday, Jan. 5

This week's video from the 2006 Detroit International Auto Show comes from colombobeat.

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 1:56 PM
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Friday, Jan. 5

There's a lot of chrome here, and had to get this angle becuase of it, plus the detail. (TheBubbleGumMan A&W Wed)

Today's Cadillac photo comes from the albums of buglugs.

Be sure to look at all of buglugs' 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 1:04 PM
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January 4, 2007

Dreamgirls and the “Cadillac Car”

By Nellie Lide
GM Consultant

I saw the movie Dreamgirls this past weekend — it was fun, moving, sad, joyful and full of music. And because I’m a GM consultant, I couldn’t help but notice that Jamie Foxx’s character, Curtis Taylor, Jr. owned a Detroit Cadillac dealership.

And then there’s Cadillac Car sung by Jimmy Early (played by Eddie Murphy):

I got me a Cadillac (Cadillac, Cadillac)
I got me a Cadillac car
Got me a Cadillac (Cadillac Cadillac)
Look at me mister, I’m a star…

That got me wondering how many other songs have been written about Cadillac over the years. And thanks to sites like Caddy Daddy, The (new) Cadillac Database, Webspawner.com, Art of the Mix (joey devivre) — I’m starting to understand. According to Larry Hirsch from Texas:

“The last time I counted, there were over 1,000 songs with Cadillac in the title licensed by BMI. I didn't check with ASCAP.”

There’s Cadillac Assembly Line, Cadillac Funeral, Cadillac Cowboy, Cadillac Boogie and Cadillac Pimpin’. And every color: Long White Cadillac, Big Black Cadillac, Blue Cadillac, Red Cadillac, Solid Gold Cadillac, Lavender Cadillac and of course my personal favorite, nine different versions of Bruce Springsteen’s Pink Cadillac:

…I love you for your pink Cadillac
Crushed velvet seats
Riding in the back
Oozing down the street
Waving to the girls
Feeling out of sight
Spending all my money
On a Saturday night...

Speaking of pink Cadillacs, don't forget Aretha Franklin singing about hers in Freeway of Love.

Hirsch’s total doesn’t count the Johnny Cash song about an assembly line worker building his own Cadillac with parts he smuggles out of the plant One Piece at a Time.

So Americans definitely love their Cadillacs. Now I wonder how many songs have been written about Toyota?

And now to come full circle back to Dreamgirls, the Detroit News Stylin’ Blog reports that:

"The buzz keeps building about Saturday night's swankiest invitation-only event. In a special pavilion just east of the General Motors Renaissance Center, GM Design gurus are hosting a glitzy show that features A-list celebrities walking or driving 17 new GM vehicles and concept cars down an oversized runway.


So far, the RSVP list is impressive. Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson will be there..."

I wish I could go. At least I can watch this star-studded event (and so can you.) It’s hosted by Jimmy Kimmel beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday. See it by clicking the link on gm.com. It’ll be there for replay any time if you miss the live action. (Don’t you love how I so cleverly worked in this plug for GM?)

I also wish I could sing. Oh well. I can always sing along with the Stray Cats and Look at that Cadillac:

"Well, wake up in the morning, brush my teeth and comb my hair
Well, I wake up in the morning, I brush my teeth and comb my hair
There's a big black Cadillac parked on the street over there"


Well it's the finest lookin' car that ever rolled of the line
Any other car would just be wasting your time
Ooh one fine day I'm gonna make a Cadillac mine…

Cadillac dealership photos courtesy of the GM Media Archive.

Posted by Editor at 5:55 PM
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January Calendar

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Here's the January 2007 Flickr calendar, featuring Bob Lutz, Ed Welburn and the 2008 Cadillac CTS. To download the calendar, head over to our Flickr account.

Posted by Editor at 1:39 PM
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Thursday, Dec. 4

Now I wish I could have found this car again, and gotten some more pics of it! There was someone driving both parts!!

Today's photo comes from the albums of sheogreflickr.

Be sure to look at all of sheogreflickr'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 11:49 AM
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January 3, 2007

Wednesday, Jan. 3

A friend's 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi. Minolta Maxxum 7000, Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 @ 28mm. I'd liked to have gotten more blur but couldn't because of the Fuji Superia 800 in the camera. :("

Today's photo comes from the albums of jerry.vo.

Be sure to look at all of jerry.vo'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 1:52 PM
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January 2, 2007

1973

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's photo from the GM Media Archive is of a 1973 Camaro Rally Sport and a 1973 Camaro Z-28.

Posted by Editor at 10:50 AM
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Tuesday, Jan. 2

Today's photo of a Cadillac 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 10:30 AM
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