GM Asks the World: 'What's Next?'

03/01/2008 16:30

PR Newswire



 

DETROIT, January 3 /PRNewswire/ --
What should power the world's vehicles in 20 years? How can personal transportation become more sustainable in an age of increasing global competition for resources? What role will the automotive industry play in developing markets?
Decisions on issues like these will largely shape transportation in the 21st century. To speed the process, GM will mark its 100th anniversary by launching a global dialogue through an initiative called GMnext. "We're starting our second century at a time of fundamental change in the auto industry," said GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner. "We'll use GMnext to introduce some of our ideas for addressing critical issues concerning energy, the environment and globalization. In the process, we also hope to spark a broader, global discussion on these important topics." To initiate that dialogue, GMnext will spotlight GM's introduction of next-generation vehicles and technologies, including new applications of the E-Flex drive system and continued work on GM's line of Plug-In and Two-Mode hybrids.
The medium for the dialogue will be a dedicated Web site, GMnext.com. The site is designed to encourage feedback and interaction among participants. In addition to GM news, positions and commentary, it will feature opinions and insights from the general public, from industry observers outside GM, and from the global media, both traditional and social. A series of GMnext-themed activities will be held, beginning in January, and capped by GMnext Days, a week-long global celebration in September of 2008 that will reflect on the company's first century and highlight plans and products that will begin to define its second century. Plans for GMnext Days will be announced in the near future.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 274,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Web site: http://media.gm.com
http://www.gm.com
http://www.GMnext.com

Scot Keller, Director, Corporate Brand Communications, General Motors Corporation, +1-313-665-3145, scot.keller@gm.com; Andy Schueneman, Weber Shandwick, +1-313-283-6226, aschueneman@webershandwick.com /NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional media information visit http://media.gm.com .