General Motors (GM):

GM will produce more small four-cylinder engines

The gas prices is getting higher by the end. In this case, big engines have no meaning. Reason why GM will double its global production of small four-cylinder engines (1.0L to 1.4L) by 2011, with more than half of the increase coming in North America. The strategy is highlighted by an all-new, 1.4L Turbo engine that will power the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

GM’s small four-cylinder gasoline engines include displacements of 1.0L, 1.2L and 1.4L. The engines were designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as full variable valve timing that optimizes power and fuel efficiency across the rpm band.

The 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in smaller vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods are unique, delivering additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized, high-rpm performance.

Estimated power ratings for the 1.4L Turbo will be 140 hp with a torque rating of 148 lb.-ft.

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Happy Birthday GM!

As you know today GM is celebrating its 100 anniversary. We wanted to join the ones wishing GM a Happy Birthday and keep up the good work!

To celebrate its anniversary Gm will reveal today the 2011 Chevrolet Volt production version.

Little history: GM was founded on September 16, 1908 by William C. (Billy) Durant. During the past 100 years, GM sold more than 450 million cars and trucks worldwide. With manufacturing operations in 35 countries and nearly 24,000 dealerships worldwide, GM is the world’s largest automaker.

GM sees no near rebound for U.S., goes shopping elsewhere

The U.S. is both General Motor’s largest single market and its home turf, but it is also facing historically tough times. "The most important thing we can do is to turn around the North American business," said GM’s Chief Operating Officer Fritz Henderson. "We do not have a huge amount of optimism for the rest of the year as the pressure on consumer continues."

Because of the uncertainty in North America, more investment is going into emerging markets such as India and China. These investments have helped support the company in the troubled times. For example, a little over a decade ago GM was originally criticized for its $1.5 billion investment in China. Now, while the North American operations have lost $51 billion over the last three years, the operations in Asia are on track for a full-year profit.

This trend seems to continue as today GM announced a partnership with the GAZ Group, a Russian maker of light commercial vehicles. The two companies will now share ownership of an Italian diesel engine manufacturer. Last month, Russia overtook Germany to become Europe’s largest car market. While General Motors already has a strong presence in Russia, it may eventually utilize this partnership to help ensure its future top spot.

GM axes Kappa II Platform

There’s no secret that General Motors is trying to find solutions to find the road back to profits. After announcing that the company will focus on small cars, GM has now announced that there will be no Kappa II platform; meaning we will not see in the future models like Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Daewoo SX2 and Opel GT roadsters.

When the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky came to the market, GM was losing around $10,000 per unit built. Why? Because, according to GM, this models are “image cars” for their respective brands, which is how GM justified the losses on them.

The Kappa architecture is hydroformed as part of the fabrication process to achieve the dimensions and frame rails needed. Many of the body panels (namely the hood, deck-lid, and fenders) are hydroformed as well. Hydra-forming is a costly fabrication method, particularly for vehicles that have such low starting prices and low volume to boot. Add on the fact that the Kappa vehicles are largely “hand built” cars (at least by today’s standards); it becomes quite evident why GM will likely never get a return on investment with the Kappa products.

GM could design European models in USA

GM has decided that some of the models from Daewoo, Holden, Opel or Vauxhall may be styled in Michigan. The decision is a response to U.S. vehicle programs that have been delayed or canceled, freeing up U.S. designers for other projects. There is a surplus of design space now that the rear-drive Chevrolet Impala and an unnamed Buick sedan have been dropped, as well as GM’s next-generation pickup programs have been postponed.

"We have had a couple studios where some projects have been canceled," said Ed Welburn, GM’s design vice president. "We have other studios that are totally overloaded. We just need to level that work around the globe."

In particular, some studios are overloaded with design work on small cars. GM’s small-car programs are based at the Opel R&D center in Germany and GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. in Korea. "They can’t handle it all," Welburn said, "so some of that work will be done in North America."

GM recalling 857,735 vehicles

Like a McDonald’s cup of coffee, General Motors may have a problem with making its fluid too hot. GM is now recalling 857,735 vehicles because the heated windshield washer fluid system. A short-circuit in the system may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website.

The recall involves the 2007-2008 model year Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL and Saturn Outlook; 2006-2008 Hummer H2, Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne; and the 2008 Buick Enclave. The fix will be an in-line fuse that will prevent the short circuiting.<

Production Volt spied

Someone let the cat out of the bag, or more appropriately, let the Volt out of the garage. Spy shots of an uncovered production version of Chevy’s Volt were caught during filming for the upcoming Transformers sequel. These shots should clear up any speculation on how much General Motors needed to change the concept car to gain better aerodynamics. This is also the first time the car has been seen in painted in something other than silver, which may hint at some cool colors that will be offered when the car arrives in 2010.

There is also some really cool video (starts with all the Transformers, but then just the Volt.)

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General Motors looks at electric car myths

With the Volt on the horizon, General Motors wants to calm rumors about electric cars and their impact. This complement a video from earlier this month when GM talked about diesel myths.

GM giving employee discount to everyone (and sometimes more)

General Motors may be gunning to reclaim the world’s largest automaker title (or more likely looking to kick-start the slowing American market.) Tomorrow General Motors will relaunch the “employee discount for everyone” incentive program. This is a program that GM used in the summer of 2005 to great initial success. The program is expected to run through September 2nd.

This is a significant price break. As the Automotive News reported, a 2008 Buick Enclave crossover that lists for $44,010 will sell for an employee price of $39,561. A Buick Lucerne sedan that lists for $35,220 carries an employee price of $31,813. GM will go further into discount on some models. On top of the employee discount, it will offer cash back on slower-selling light trucks including the Silverado pickup, said a dealer who had just been briefed by GM.

Those in the industry who opposed the program were concerned last time that GM let the program run for too long, which meant that there were no perspective customers left for the year-end sales. Also the deep discounts may harm the residual values of GM cars.

Chevy Volt to go Opel, then Chevy again

General Motors is looking to be bringing the Volt to Europe by late 2011. This is earlier than initially reported. GM needs to spread out as much of the high-cost of development and production of the gas/electric hybrid as possible, so multiple outlets are being considered. Opel is working on its own plug-in hybrid vehicles, and the Volt is expected to join that lineup. But once Opel has a strong electric presence, it is rumored that the Volt will be changed to be sold as a Chevrolet.

Chevrolet is not a name necessarily associated with quality in Europe. Most of the Chevy products there are just know for their inexpensive price because offerings are just re-badged Daewoos. The Corvette is sold over there, but not as a Chevy. Instead the sports car is presented as its own brand sold out of Cadillac dealerships. So if the Volt eventually switches to the Chevrolet name, it may give the company a much-needed image boost.