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 .