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May 31, 2007

Harbour Consulting Releases Annual Report on Productivity

Harbour Consulting released their Annual Report on Productivity this morning. To learn more about GM's performance and listen to podcasts with senior GM manufacturing leaders, and Harbour President Ron Harbour, visit gmmanufacturing.info.

GM was ranked tops in three of four award categories — the first time ever that an automotive manufacturer has placed first in three or more Harbour award categories. -Alicia Dorset, blog editor

Posted by Editor at 4:07 PM
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May 30, 2007

Imagining a Great Experience

By Amber Lindblom
Guest Blogger

Editor’s note: Last week GM's Bob Boniface posted about this year’s Imagine Fashion Show at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Take a look at what winner Amber Lindblom had to say about her experience.

It was a fabulous experience working with the GM designers and representatives on the IADT 2007 Imagine Fashion Show. From the beginning of the competition, I was regarded with the utmost respect and consideration. From viewing the cars for the first time as a contestant, submitting the design sketch, being selected and eventually presenting my work at the show, my horizons were stretched and vision widened.

What a great opportunity to showcase my talents nationally. I loved the challenge of combining technology and fashion into a beautiful presentation on my lovely model, Oxana Voinarevitch. The 2008 Cadillac CTS was a natural inspiration, as it pulls from the same aesthetics that I guide my personal designs by. This car exudes an air of power and intellect, which is why my design takes on a level of sophistication with its versatile tailored jacket. The adapted “V-shaped” waistband and jacket front opening follows a repeating design at the car’s seats, hood, and trunk. Combined with the bias-cut dress and paired with mock French cuffs, this ensemble captures the edgy trend-setting elegance of an aggressive entrepreneur.

Thanks to all those who were a part of this design challenge. It was an honor to be a part of General Motors’ continuing commitment to cutting-edge design and investment in the future of fashion.

To see more of Amber’s winning design, take a look at this video, as well as our photo set on Flickr.

Posted by Editor at 12:05 PM
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Photo of the Day: 55 Pontiac

Today's photo comes from the albums of Mikes Big 429.

Be sure to look at all of Mikes Big 429'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 11:59 AM
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May 29, 2007

From the Archive: 1965

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's find from the GM Media Archive is a photo of a 1965 Buick Skylark think pillar coupe.

Posted by Editor at 5:22 PM
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May 28, 2007

Happy Memorial Day

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Happy Memorial Day from all of us here at GM Blogs.

Posted by Editor at 8:06 AM
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May 25, 2007

Photo of the Day: Parked Suburban

I saw three of these today in Morioka; two white and one black. I don't recall ever seeing one before but suddenly they're all over! This one appears to belong to an American Air Force officer.

Today's photo comes from the albums of IWateBuddy.

Be sure to look at all of IWateBuddy'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 12:29 PM
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Off the Road...

This week's video comes from JSF122386

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 12:25 PM
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May 23, 2007

Photo of the Day: Yellow Taxi

Today's photo comes from the albums of tysonwilliams.com

Be sure to look at all of tysonwilliams.com'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 2:10 PM
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May 22, 2007

One year and 678 photos later

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

This spring has been pretty busy for FYI. Not only did we pass the one-year mark for FastLane’s sister blog, but today marks the one-year anniversary of our Flickr account. While it might not seem like a big deal to some, we’re pretty proud of it.

Since we uploaded our first photos of Trish Hidock, manager, market analysis and business operations, we’ve added more than 670 photos, made more than 100 contacts, created 81 photo sets, and had tens of thousands of people looking at our photos.

Phew.

We enjoy adding our photos to Flickr since it gives us a chance to meet other car lovers who might not be aware of FYI or even FastLane. But it’s more than us looking at our own photos. We love looking at the photos people send us for our Photo of the Day, whether it’s a shot of your grandfather’s handed-down DeVille or an artistic, Photoshopped illustration of a Corvette grille.

With all of the photos we’ve sent to Flickr, which ones have been our most popular? It’s probably not a big shock… The Camaro Concept! Here's Rick Wagoner driving the Camaro up Woodward Avenue in metro Detroit during last year's Woodward Dream Cruise.

But gaining speed on the Camaro is the Volt…

With one year under our belts, we’re looking forward to more … more photos from us and more photos from you. So keep ‘em coming. Let us know what you’d like to see on Flickr, whether it’s recent product shots or the featured photo in our monthly calendars.

Thanks for a great first birthday.

Posted by Editor at 1:29 PM
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From the Archive

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Here's this week's find from the GM Media Archive.

Posted by Editor at 1:24 PM
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Photo of the Day: "Hot Bird"

A late-1970's "Bandit"-style Pontiac Firebird parked on Queen Street in downtown Ottawa near the C.D. Howe Building and the Holt Renfrew department store.

Today's photo comes from the albums of SteveBrandon.Be sure to look at all of SteveBrandon'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 12:57 PM
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May 21, 2007

Winning Design on the Runway and the Highway

By Bob Boniface
Director, Advanced Vehicles

With our passion for design, it’s no surprise that GM’s collaboration with the International Academy of Design and Technology is such a natural fit. GM was back again to sponsor this fashion show for the fifth year in a row. The relationship is an expression of the interconnected worlds of fashion and automobiles.

As an auto designer, I turn to fashion design, furniture, architecture and even nature for inspiration. Automobile design is most successful when created as fashion design. I’m fond of saying you wear your car. What you wear and what you drive says a lot about your personality and who you are, just like a carefully selected outfit that’s just the right color, size, fit and style.

So why not have a competition where fashion designers draw their inspiration from cars and trucks?

At the Chicago Auto Show this year, GM kicked-off this competition by asking the students to design original fashion garments inspired by one of five of GM’s hottest vehicles: Chevrolet Volt concept, Chevrolet Camaro convertible, the 2007 Saturn Aura GreenLine, the 2008 Buick Enclave, and the 2008 Cadillac CTS.

Having worked on the two concept vehicles (the Camaro and the Volt), it was exciting to see how the winning garment designs captured the vibrancy and enthusiasm that we strive for every day as car designers.

We received nearly 100 entries and picked five winning designs. Before the show, I presented each winning designer with a $500 check from GM.

The looks on their faces said it all. It was the first time their designs were able to come to life on the runway. They are chasing their dreams and I understand how it feels to do something that’s always been your dream.

To see more of the designs, check out our Flickr set. If you'd like to see more from the show, take a look at this video.

Posted by Editor at 5:16 PM
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Photo of the Day: Ethel

Guess who finally showed up today?

Today's photo comes from the albums of nahasopetalon.

Be sure to look at all of nahasopetalon'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 11:01 AM
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May 18, 2007

Checking in on a Camaro Classic

This week, PodTech's Matt Kelly visits the GM Concept Ride & Drive at California's Willow Springs International Raceway. Matt talks to Dr. Jamie Meyer, Product Integration Manager for GM Performance Parts, about Reggie Jackson's classic 1969 Camaro. Dr. Meyer discusses what went into creating Reggie's car, and how some of those features can be found on the new Camaro concept. Check out the link below to see the car for yourself. -Christopher Barger, Director, GM Global Communications Technology

The Reggie Jackson Camaro

RELATED
SEMA 2006 in Pictures
SEMA 2006 on Flickr

Posted by Editor at 3:58 PM
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Chevy Volt at the Chicago Auto Show

This week's video comes from 2video.

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 1:06 PM
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Photo of the Day: Abandoned Station

abandoned gas/service station just outside of Eugene, looking at the car from inside the garage

Today's photo comes from the albums of silverxraven.

Be sure to look at all of silverxraven'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 12:45 PM
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May 17, 2007

Out and About at California Car Shows

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Some of GM's most exciting concept cars - the Camaro convertible, Jay Leno's EcoJet, and even the Holden EFIJY - have been rather busy lately; the trio have been making their way around car shows out in California. Take a look at the cars during last week's regular Friday night car show at the iconic Bob's Big Boy in Burbank.

Camaro convertible concept

Holden EFIJY

Jay Leno's EcoJect

Bob's Big Boy wasn't the only home for car shows. Make sure to check out our Flickr account to see the trio of concept cars at the Donut Derelicts car meet in Huntington Beach. And make sure to let us know which one is your favorite!

Posted by Editor at 4:07 PM
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May 16, 2007

Photo of the Day: Chevrolet Badge

Cruising the back roads of Kitakami I found this 1959 Chevy Impala at a customizing shop.

Today's photo comes from the albums of IWateBuddy.

Be sure to look at all of IWateBuddy'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 4:38 PM
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May 15, 2007

Pay Attention to the Little Things

By John Bradburn
Senior Environmental Project Engineer, Worldwide Facilities Group

Editor’s Note: John Bradburn has been reporting to FYI recently with useful tips to help you make a “green” difference in your environment. Today, John has some ideas to continue getting your co-workers involved, like starting updates in company newsletters, and taking a look at the little things around you, such as lighting and temperature controls, that can help make a big difference.

Communications. Use your office’s current newsletter to communicate any energy-saving initiatives you’re hoping to start by giving energy “tips of the day/week.” You could also profile individuals who are trying to help keep their environments green, too.

Study the lighting levels in your area. Based on levels being used, adjust them (if possible) to help reduce the amount of your energy your office might be using. Try using the Society of Illuminating Engineers (SIE) or other guidelines for suggestions on efficient usage levels.

Power losses. Make sure to pay close attention to computer and other communication systems to ensure data are not lost due to loss of power.

Here are a few other ideas to keep in mind when it comes to other efficient lighting, energy, and temperature controls inside your office environment:

• Seal unused doors around you with foam (if you can)
  
• If your area uses motion-sensor light or door-heater initiation, keep an eye on them to make sure they’re working properly
  
• If TVs are running in break areas for 24 hours a day, make sure to turn them off at the end of the day
  
• Does it feel like your office is too cool during the summer months? Make sure the thermostat is set at a reasonable level to keep you comfortable while saving energy

RELATED
Is Your Office Green? Part One
Is Your Office Green? Part Two

Posted by Editor at 11:32 AM
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From the Archive: 1962

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's find from the GM Media Archive is a photo of a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville convertible getting one last "check."

Posted by Editor at 11:23 AM
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Photo of the Day: Chrome Addict

Today's photo comes from the albums of GodMadeMeFunky.

Be sure to look at all of GodMadeMeFunky'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 11:14 AM
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May 14, 2007

Providing a Needed Lift

By Walt Fricke
CEO/Founder, Veterans Airlift Command

The Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) provides air transportation for medical and other compassionate purposes to wounded warriors, veterans, and their families through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

One of the “holes” in the seamless “get ‘em home” mission of the VAC has been ground transportation from the Walter Reed Medical Center or other military hospitals to the nearest general aviation airport.

Walter Reed is a frequent destination for these soldiers and their families, and today marked the inauguration of a new “ground transportation” solution. Thanks to General Motors, John Kriesel, a bilateral amputee, was flown home to Minnesota by the VAC for his very first convalescent leave, as well as being the guest of honor at the John Kriesel “life is good” benefit held on behalf of his family. More than 3,000 tickets were sold at $20 each in advance of the party to raise funds for a “user-friendly” home for John, a Minnesota National Guard soldier who lost both legs in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion last fall in Iraq. On his return to Walter Reed to continue his therapy, John and his wife will ride back from the airport in a HUMMER H3 donated by GM through one of its dealers in the Washington area.

This vehicle is decorated in a very nice patriotic paint theme that not only honors its passengers but also promotes the work of the VAC in the D.C. area, especially among the patients and families at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital.

On a practical level, the families transported by the HUMMER and its volunteer drivers will be spared having to pay up to $60 each way to ride commercial taxis to airports like Dulles or Gaithersburg, or on occasion even as far as Baltimore/Washington International, where most of the VAC flights arrive. This takes away the potential for adding insult to injury and, in fact, provides honor born out of duty by those of us who have been the beneficiaries of the service and sacrifices of these fine young men and women and their families.

We can think of no better way to reflect our gratitude to them.

Thank you General Motors and HUMMER for your generous contribution to this work!

RELATED
Aurora Soldier Flies Back Home
New Program Helps Veterans Visit Home

Posted by Editor at 12:00 PM
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Photo of the Day: Big Body

Today's photo comes from the albums of subjective_reality.

Be sure to look at all of subjective_reality'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 10:58 AM
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May 11, 2007

Video of the Week: 1996 Firebird

This week's video comes from Schrag10.

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 2:43 PM
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Photo of the Day: Cadillac Coupe

Düsseldorf, 27.04.2007 - On tour with GMMF

Today's photo comes from the albums of Ozan™

Be sure to look at all of Ozan™'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 2:36 PM
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May 10, 2007

Photo of the Day: Red Impala

Today's photo comes from the albums of e.dward.

Be sure to look at all of e.dward'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 8:27 AM
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May 9, 2007

Checkin’ In on Livin’ Large

By Ed Peper
General Manager, Chevrolet

You might remember the seven college teams that spent a week living in a 2007 Chevy Aveo last year during the “Livin’ Large in Aveo” challenge. Dolce Wang and Anna Grigoryan, of the University of Southern California competed against the teams and won the challenge after all the votes were counted. This time around, former challengers, and University of Florida graduates, Eric Schackne and Filup Molina are on the road for a post-graduation trip from Gainesville, Fla., to Los Angeles in a final week-long adventure in a brand-new Aveo.

While Eric and Filup didn’t win the challenge, they’re no strangers to competition. The two are hoping to break into the comedy business, so they’ll be stopping along the way at various clubs and events to put their jokes to the test. Along the way, the two will perform stand-up and improv for audiences big and small. They’ll sharpen their act for the week’s crowning moment — a chance to meet Jay Leno at the famed Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach.

Check out the Livin’ Large web site to see the latest updates from Eric and Filup as they make their way to L.A. There’s a map that shows where they’re headed, as well as blog updates, too.

Posted by Editor at 4:40 PM
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May 8, 2007

A Commitment to Improving the Environment: GM Becomes First Automotive Company to Join USCAP

By Beth Lowery

Energy Diversity what does it really mean? It means broadening our energy sources in as many ways as possible. GM is committed to making that easier for you. We have more truck and car models that run on E85 biofuels than any other company in the world. We have several brands of hybrids on the road. We are committed to the development of the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid that could mean you will never buy gas again. And we plan to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology that is viable and affordable.

We strongly believe in demonstrating our commitment to energy diversity. For example, GM, along with Ford and DaimlerChrylser, has committed to make half of our annual vehicle production bio-fuel capable by 2012, provided there is continued growth in the infrastructure to support these production volumes. If all of the E-85 capable vehicles on the road today—including those that GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler have already committed to produce over the next 10 years—were to run on E-85, we could displace 22 billion gallons of gasoline annually. And, if all manufacturers made the same commitment, we could increase the savings to 37 billion gallons of gasoline annually. That’s more than quadruple the savings that some current CAFE increase proposals by the Administration and Congress would achieve—and enough to actually reduce America’s oil consumption by more than 10 percent versus today’s levels, and CO2 emissions, as well.

In addition to our technology investments, we are addressing other ways to be part of the solution. Today, we are taking a bold step toward that goal by becoming the first automaker to join the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP). USCAP is a group of environmental and business groups that are asking the federal government to pass laws requiring a reduction in greenhouse gases. Our group wants a comprehensive reduction in carbon output from all of the major emitting sectors of the economy. The solutions can vary between industries, with an emphasis on advanced technology. The key is, the more contributors there are, the more dramatic the impact.

Critics may respond by charging that GM is simply trying to make this someone else’s problem. Quite the opposite. We are saying, the old approach of isolating one industry is ineffective and short sighted. Innovative, broad-based solutions are called for if we want to proactively make a difference. USCAP moves in that direction – all for one, one for all.

This partnership - with such groups as Environmental Defense and the Natural Resources Defense Council - may come as a surprise to some. But it shouldn’t.

GM has long been on the cutting edge of technology, and we see this coalition as a triple win. First, we work to bring technology forward and reinvent the car’s DNA – how it is powered, controlled and driven. That leads to breakthroughs, which ultimately reduces greenhouse gases through energy diversity. Better technology, better cars, better environment. We are committed on all fronts.

Posted by Editor at 11:43 AM
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Continuing the Saab Tradition

By Peter G. Gilbert
Guest Blogger/Saab Owner

Editor’s Note: In March, Saab Automobile USA honored Peter Gilbert’s one-million mile commitment to his 17-year-old Saab 900 SPG by presenting him with an all-new Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi. (The same offer applies to any U.S. citizen who equals Peter’s achievement with a Saab before Dec 31, 2007.) Peter has shared his experiences with FYI before.

Almost two months have flown by since I received my new 9-5 Aero SportCombi from former Saab General Manager Jay Spenchian, who came especially to my hometown in Milwaukee, Wisc., to do the honors. That was perfect, especially as Jay was in the car with me when my 1989 SPG crossed the millionth mile. What a wonderful event, hosted by local Saab dealer Concours Motors, and I just want to thank everyone at Saab and GM as well as the dealership for making this event possible.

Going to the Detroit Auto Show, where my million-mile SPG was on display, was a very rewarding and exciting day. I felt that GM was real family. Ever since I’ve been driving my new 9-5 Aero SportCombi, I feel the loyalty to the GM family of cars more than ever. With 8,800 miles so far, this flagship of the Saab fleet has behaved flawlessly. It was with great pride that I filled out the J.D. Powers survey in two minutes. They just wanted to know what was wrong, and I enjoyed disappointing them!

This SportCombi is my sixth brand-new Saab since 1967 and is my best car yet. However, my second car is a 2001 9-3 Viggen. How does one compare these two similar cars that have different roles? Being a WWII airplane buff, it’s like comparing a Spitfire to a Mosquito! After having driven my million-mile SPG for 17 years, I just had to have the SportCombi because of the wonderful utility of the cargo space. A trunk is not the same as a hatch, and this is so important to me, as I have to carry supplies for my sales route. This sports car, which feels solid as it cruises down the highway, hugging the curves like a high-speed European train, is averaging 27.5 mpg city and highway. Every one of my Saabs has attained or exceeded the EPA ratings, which speaks volumes about the engineers who design the engine management systems.

There is an abundance of room, which is noticeable when compared to the 9-3.
Saab seats are about the best in the world - after the 2.5 million miles I’ve driven in the last 40 years, my back is still free from chiropractic visits. I also know how strong these seats can be in a collision, as I was once rear-ended at 60mph, and survived a 55mph head-on. The heating and ventilation is especially pleasant as I have control over my choices, far more than the Viggen.

I could write forever, but I have a great deal of preparations to do, as I am going on my pilgrimage to Trollhättan, Sweden, for The Diamond Jubilee festivities in June. I have already reserved a SportCombi for the drive between Stockholm and the celebrations. Then I have the Aero Academy in July, preceding the 60th anniversary in Detroit.

This is my 40th anniversary driving Saabs, so this could not be a better year for all this to come to fruition

Posted by Editor at 6:13 AM
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Photo of the Day: Olds in the Garage

Today's photo comes from the albums of jan.sedlacek.

Be sure to look at all of jan.sedlacek'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 5:18 AM
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May 7, 2007

Behind The Scenes at NYAS

By Kelly C.
Guest Blogger

Editor’s note: Kelly C., a sixth-grader from George J. Ryan Middle School in Flushing, N.Y., had the chance to serve as a student journalist during the New York Auto Show. Kelly was selected by HUMMER and the After-School All-Stars to spend the day at the show and report back as an “automotive journalist.” The students met with Alan Taylor, of "Car and Driver," took a tour of the “Regis and Kelly” set, and visited publisher Hachette Filipacchi USA. Take a look at what Kelly had to say about her experience.

On April 11, 2007, The New York International Auto show was taking place. I had the chance to go visit it at the Javits Center.

First we went to the ABC (Channel 7) building. There we took a tour of the newsroom. We saw news live. Then we went outside to see “Regis and Kelly.” Instead of Regis, there was Pat Sajak. We had gotten their autographs and pictures.

Next, we went to Hachette Filipacchi Media USA. There we met a lady named Zvia. Her boss Jack Kliger was the CEO of Hachette Filipacchi. He gave us a lecture on our future. Then we went to the Javits Center to get lunch and to see the cars. First we ate lunch, and then we went to see all of the exhibits. We went to see Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, HUMMERS, and much more. We had gotten interviewed by the camera crew. Then we went home.

It was a fun day (and very long). My toes hurt at the end, but besides that it was a GREAT DAY! And Alan Taylor was the best! He taught us a lot of stuff about the cars. It was one of the best days of my life.

Posted by Editor at 3:17 PM
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Photo of the Day: Opel Tigra

Today's photo comes from the albums of Starshooter.

Be sure to look at all of Starshooter'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 1:25 PM
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May 4, 2007

Video of the Week: Oldsmobile Meeting

This week's video comes from calibre12.

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 10:58 AM
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Photo of the Day: Corvettes and Car Shows

Today's photo comes from the albums of sheogre.

Be sure to look at all of sheogre'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 10:14 AM
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May 3, 2007

Everyone Wins During Wetlands Tour

By Pat Schultz
GM SPO

A Wetland Tour Scavenger Hunt … What a special way to spend Earth Week!

The WE CARE Committee at Service Parts and Operations World Headquarters in Grand Blanc, Mich., worked with a variety of groups to present a fun-filled “field trip” with Myers Elementary School.

Julie Martin, from Myers Elementary in Grand Blanc, has been working with our committee for the last four years to make Earth Day/Week memorable for her students. The students (three fifth-grade classes with approximately 90 students) visited SPOHQ and its wetlands. GM SPO provided the activities for the day. The students came over with the expectation of competing in a scavenger hunt in the wetlands by touring it and finding clues. They looked for wetland plants, insects, birds, animals, as well as learning about this ecosystem. This day was just plain win, win, win for everyone. Here’s why.

The students from Myers Elementary win. They experienced a field trip in a unique setting. It was Earth Week, so of course we all had our minds on how to make our planet a better place. The students had been prepared by their own teachers - Julie Martin, Melanie Watkins and Robin McGinnis. Armed with their senses, they anticipated all of the wonderful things of nature to be seen. In addition, the winning team got some special attention and earned something for the school: a 6-foot Spruce tree for the school grounds and a plaque.

The Wetland “tour guides” win. For us, it was a fun day in the wetlands away from our phones, computers, etc. But the GM employees involved worked hard. Our energies were focused on a group of fifth-grade kids who wanted to run, scream, and grab whatever they saw. But, of course, due to the safety protocol they had to control their emotions! The tour guides were rewarded because the kids were so enthusiastic.

Take a look at quotes taken from some of the students. I think these statements say it all:

“I enjoyed seeing the snake and learning how it smells with its tongue. Also learning about how wetlands are a water filter.” -Jacob, Outlook Team

• “I liked spotting pictures for the scavenger hunt and finding animals.” -Ammar, Vue Team
  
• “I liked how we got to find things and explore and just be able to be with Mother Nature.” -Hanne, Solstice Team
  
• “This was fun!!!!!!!! I love looking at the wildlife and spotting out stuff! I love this place!” -Sierra, Volt Team
  
• “I really liked this field trip. The best part was when we dissected the cattails. That was fun!” -Taylor, Aura Team

Genesee County wins. The county, where SPOHQ is located, provided gift bags filled with pencils and magnets made from recycled products. They also provided pamphlets on how to recycle, as well as information on their park systems.

Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program and Parker Ostrander wins.
Parker, as an Americorp Member, is also an educator for the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program. He provided a demonstration of a watershed model, as well as information on the Home*A*Syst program. (The Home*A*Syst is a confidential self-assessment program you can use to evaluate your home and property for pollution health risks, and contaminants that affect your groundwater.) Parker offered to demonstrate the effect of pollution on ground water, and he is willing to provide his services for any of the student families willing to sign up.

GM wins. As part of the program, each tour guide briefly highlighted their team’s car name and how these vehicles help to interact with the environment.

To see more photos from the event, make sure to check out our Flickr account.

Posted by Editor at 10:55 AM
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May 2, 2007

May Flickr Calendar Available

Make sure to check out Flickr for this month's photo calendar, featuring the Buick Riviera Concept. -Alicia Dorset, blog editor

Posted by Editor at 12:32 PM
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From the Archive: 1938

By Alicia Dorset
Blog editor

Today's find from the GM Media Archive is a rendering from Bill Mitchell of a 1938 Cadillac Sixty Special.

Posted by Editor at 12:22 PM
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May 1, 2007

Is Your Office Green? Part Two

By John Bradburn
Senior Environmental Project Engineer, Worldwide Facilities Group

Editor's Note: Yesterday, I gave suggestions for programs that you can run in your own office to start making a green impact. Today, take a look at these easy ideas for recycling everyday office supplies that can also help make an environmental difference.

Utilize green plants in your office to absorb CO2. This reminds us that we live in a world that depends on a balance between flora (plants) and fauna (animals).

Energy conservation is an important topic in a green office culture. Turning off lights, computers, and other items during non-use saves significant energy and costs, as well as:

• Turn desk lights off when not in use
  
• Use motion-sensor activated lighting in copy rooms, break and common areas
  
• Create a lighting plan to include a first and last person in/out to flip the switches
  
• Use low-mercury-level fluorescent lighting tubes
  
• Adjust lighting levels to meet lighting standards, and reduce unnecessary use

Computer recycling. Collections from home and office are a way to provide donations to charities that, in turn, disassemble and recondition systems for reuse and recycling. This also provides much needed training and jobs in a world that is accelerating electronic technology faster than finding efficient ways to manage the e-waste stream.

Hold on to three-ring binders. You need only a small cabinet space for depositing the used binders. When you need them, these binders are available for anyone to use. And if you still have leftover binders, donate them to local schools.

Reuse cardboard. Encourage box recycling. Allow your employees to take home boxes for home use. On average, it takes 17 mature trees to produce one ton of cardboard.

Drink coffee from personal mugs. Try this instead of using paper or foam cups.

Gather plastic beverage containers (PET). These materials can be collected in containers, and the proceeds can then be donated to charity.

Collect used batteries. Our gadget-driven world has significantly increased our use of these materials. Collect them and take them to an appropriate recycler.

Gently used office furniture, desks, chairs, and barriers typically find their way to our landfills. Often times hey can be donated to local charities, too.

There are many benefits that will result from actions and initiatives, like green office environmentalism. As any student of biology realizes, the relationships of all people orchestrating to the ultimate benefit of a given ecosystem (ecology) will result in a healthy system, or in our case, an office.

We must all work to better understand that environmental projects like these relate and benefit the donor, beneficiary and earth. Stewardship, within our offices, means that we care for all that share this wonderful world. Everyone has immense responsibilities to serve others with dignity and peace.

Posted by Editor at 5:13 PM
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Photo of the Day: Cadillac Eldorado

Düsseldorf, 27.04.2007 - On tour with GMMF

Today's photo comes from the albums of Ozan™

Be sure to look at all of Ozan™'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 11:55 AM
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