GM Reports 154,877 Deliveries in November

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 154,877 vehicles in November, down 41 percent compared with a year ago. GM car sales of 58,786 were off 44 percent and truck sales of 96,091 were down 39 percent. The steep decline in vehicle sales was largely due to a significant drop in the market's retail demand compared with last year, and continuing economic uncertainty that has negatively impacted consumer confidence. In November GM saw the continuation of the dramatic decline in volume for the industry. Every manufacturer is posting awful numbers and GM is no exception. GM has outstanding products in the market, so it is particularly frustrating when economic uncertainty takes their customers out of the market. There were about 34 percent, or 400,000, fewer vehicles sold this November in the industry than a year ago - this is the annual volume of two full production plants that have simply evaporated in a single month. The global economic crisis and credit freeze have had a very negative impact on the vehicle market which runs on consumer confidence and available financing.

Chrylers Electric Vehicles Debut

Chrysler three advanced production-intent electric prototype vehicles made their worldwide debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicles -- the Dodge EV, Jeep(R) EV and Chrysler EV -- were on display during press days (Nov. 19-20), and throughout the show's public days (Nov. 21-30). Chrysler recently announced that at least one of these models will be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, the Company will have close to one hundred electric vehicles on the road in government, business and development fleets in 2009. Chrysler is well into the development of advanced production-intent electric vehicles, and will apply its electric-drive technology to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms in the next several years. Their goal is to deliver environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, advanced electric vehicles, and to meet that responsibility quickly and more broadly than any other automobile manufacturer. The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provides a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that they are serious and well along in the development of bringing electric vehicles to market."

Chrysler Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Minivan

Chrysler invented the minivan segment in 1983. Since then, Chrysler has sold more than 12 million minivans worldwide. Chrysler and Dodge minivans still command more than 40 percent of the U.S. minivan market. The Company leads in innovation with more than 65 minivan-first features Chrysler minivans are the most awarded with more than 260 accolades.

Saab wins Award 5 years in a row

The entire 2009 Saab 9-3 family, including the 4-door Sport Sedan, 5-door SportCombi and 2-door Convertible has again earned the Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize category from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is the fifth consecutive year that the 9-3 Sport Sedan has brought home IIHS top honors, a unique achievement in the luxury segment. For 2007 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick Award, in 2006 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick – Gold Award and received a Double Best Pick crash-test rating for 2005. The institute began testing convertibles in 2007. In the inaugural year, the 9-3 Convertible earned a top spot. This is the third year that the Saab 9-3 Convertible earns the Top Safety Pick Award - one of three convertibles and the only soft-top convertible to earn a top spot for 2009. “The Saab 9-3 earned the Institute’s highest rating in front and side crash tests, and the Saab Active Head Restraints provide state-of-the-art protection against neck injuries in rear-end crashes,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "The addition of electronic stability control as standard equipment confirms Saab’s commitment to vehicle safety.”

GM And Tiger Woods End Endorsement Deal

General Motors and Tiger Woods announced today that they will conclude their endorsement deal effective December 31, 2008, a mutual separation that included a desire for more personal time for the 14-time major winner who is expecting his second child in late winter as well as the search for budget efficiencies during a difficult economy for General Motors. For the past nine years, Woods has endorsed GM products around the world and has been heavily associated with the Buick brand in the US, Canada and China markets. Mark LaNeve, General Motors North American Vice President of Sales, Service and Marketing said, “Tiger has been a great friend to GM and a fantastic asset through the years helping to bring consumer awareness to many new GM products. In light of the news coming out of Washington,” LaNeve added, “This decision is the result of discussions that started earlier in the year and the timing of this agreement with these other activities is purely coincidental.” In a statement, Woods commented, “I am very proud of the long standing partnership I’ve had with GM and have enjoyed being a part of the company’s dramatic product evolution. We’ve had a lot of fun together and I participated in some unique and rewarding activities. We’ve enjoyed a tremendous partnership over the years and we will maintain strong ties with the many people at GM we call friends.”

Ford Motor Company's Operation Goodwill

The Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Service's mission is to support initiatives and institutions that enhance and improve opportunities for those who live in the communities where Ford Motor Company operates, showcases the legacy of caring Henry Ford started 105 years ago. Continuing on this important mission, Ford Motor Company Fund has launched Operation Goodwill, an innovative initiative designed to increase Ford's philanthropic and community-related commitment in select cities across America. Through this program, Ford Fund is partnering with its dealers in providing funding to support a combination of grants, safety and educational programs and volunteer activities that enhance the quality of life in the following cities: Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Phoenix, San Antonio and San Diego. Additional communities are being considered.

GM Sells 13-Millionth Used Vehicle at Auction

General Motors reached an industry landmark on November 13th with the sale of the 13-millionth GM remarketed vehicle at auction. The vehicle, a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD half-ton LS model, was sold at a special sales event at the Manheim St. Louis Auto Auction to George Weber Chevrolet of Columbia, Ill. GM Sponsored Auctions closed sale included 700 GM used vehicles. The Manheim St. Louis team and all of the 40 GM Sponsored Auctions across the United States understand that effective vehicle remarketing is about providing outstanding service and value to our dealers, from reconditioning and repairs to presenting the vehicles in the sale lanes." Since its first GM auction in October 1986, the Manheim St. Louis auction has sold more than 350,000 GM used vehicles. More than 250 GM dealers participated in today's sale. Manheim St. Louis holds a closed GM Sponsored Auctions sale every other Thursday, offering an average of 600 vehicles per sale and welcoming 250 GM dealers, who buy both in the lane and online, using Manheim Simulcast. Participating dealers hail from across the United States.

Univ of H students win brand new Chevy Aveo5s

After five days of competition, University of Houston students Wisam Nahhas and Sammy Khayat emerged as winners of their own 2009 Chevy Aveo5s as part of Chevy’s Aveo5 Livin’ Large College Cab promotion. This fall Chevy dispatched 2009 Aveo5s to six college campuses giving free rides to students there. These rides were filmed, and the videos posted the next day to www.aveolivinlarge.com for the world to watch. Two rounds of competition followed.
The first round charged students in each video with securing the most views on their video out of any other from their university. The second round pitted each school’s finalists against one another in a five-day competition for online video votes. When those five days drew to a close, U of H’s Nahhas and Khayat emerged victorious securing more than 214,000 video votes.
The Chevy Aveo5 Livin’ Large College Cab promotion leveraged social media tools to extend the program’s reach beyond the six campuses the Chevy Aveo5 College Cabs visited. Students tuned in from more than 300 universities across the United States and shared their favorite videos by adding them to their Facebook and MySpace profiles, embedding their friends’ videos on their personal blogs and Web sites, and by e-mailing the link to hundreds of others.
“This latest installment of Chevy’s Aveo Livin’ Large college outreach campaign played off things most students can truly appreciate—a free ride and a few minutes of fame!”. “In this world where social networking sites and online video are pervasive, the Chevy Aveo5 Livin’ Large College Cab program leveraged the online tools young people are already using in a fun and interesting way. And it also gave them a shot at the ultimate payoff—their very own Chevy Aveo5, a perfect car for college students due to its size, affordability, fuel economy, and technological features like OnStar and XM satellite radio.”

GM's first African American Female Dir of Design

Crystal L. Windham (35) has been appointed Director of General Motors North American Passenger Car Design as of November 1, 2008. In her new position, Windham will head the interior design for the following architectures in GM North America: Global Midsize Car, Global Compact Car, and Global Small Car. Crystal, a lead designer on the 2008 award winning Chevy Malibu "Car of the Year", began her career at GM North America Design in 1994 and has held assignments across brand studios, including an International Assignment at Adam-Opel from 1997-1998. In 2002, Crystal was appointed to Design Manager, Interiors and worked on several award winning vehicles, including the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and 2007 Saturn Aura.
Following that assignment, Crystal moved to the position of Design Manager, Advanced Exteriors for full-size trucks and in May 2007, Crystal was appointed as Design Manager, Exteriors. Her career has come full circle as she has returned to the interior studios.
Crystal has a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from the Center for Creative Studies and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit - Mercy.

Wendy's menu

I went to Wendy's today to get a quick bite to eat to hold me over until i got home to but something cheaper in the Bronx. I noticed that Wendy's has been offering more as well as adding things similar to what McDonald's offer. I noticed that Wendy's has a value menu now, something i don't think they have had very long. McDonalds call's theirs a dollar menu but Wendy's items were a little bit over a dollar. I bought a chicken wrap for about $1.69 similar to McDonalds snack wrap. Also I noticed that Wendy's now offers a variety of shakes in flavors vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. McDonalds have alway's offered these different shakes. Wendy's used to only have Chocolate Frosty's. These items mentioned are just a couple of examples on how i believe Wendy's is trying to keep up with McDonalds which I believe is still #1!

Budweiser creepy whassup commercial

I saw a cool Budweiser commercial that featured a dog that was on the front porch of the house that it lived when a spaceship landed in the front yard. The space ship opened and the dog got on and then the space ship took off and landed in space on another planet. When the ship got to the other planet the dog got off the ship and had to stand before the leader of the alien beings. The dogs head then came off, revealing that there was an alien living inside the skin of the dog. The the alien that was pretending to be a dog then said a long whassup causing a dominoe effect and all the other aliens continually saying the same thing.

Mattel vs Bratz dolls

Mattel won 100 million earlier this year in a copyright infringement lawsuit, but are now asking a judge to ban competetor MGA Entertainment from making Bratz dolls. MGA, which seven years ago debuted the saucy Bratz doll, has maintained from the May 27 start of the trial that Mattel was trying to unfairly stomp out competition to its faltering Barbie empire. Mattel is even going so far as to wanting all Bratz products impounded and destroyed. For over 40 years Barbie was the only doll in town, then Bratz came in and knocked her off her pedestal. Mattel sued the Bratz claiming that the dolls were secretly created by one of its own Barbie designers Carter Bryant while still working at Mattel. Some analysts believe that the Bratz dolls have brought in about 2 billion annually.

Dunkin beat Starbucks

Dunkin Donuts has totally transformed their image in the last few years. Their slogan use to be "Time To Make The Donuts" with a focus more on dunuts but now their slogan is "America Runs On Dunkin" focusing mor on the coffee. In 1950 Bill Rosenberg, opened the first Dunkin' Donuts shop in Quincy, Massachusetts. Dunkin' Donuts licensed the first of many franchises in 1955.
Dunkin' Donuts is now the world's largest coffee and baked goods chain, serving more than 3 million customers per day. Dunkin' Donuts sells 52 varieties of donuts and more than a dozen coffee beverages as well as an array of bagels, breakfast sandwiches and other baked goods.
At the end of 2007, there were 7,988 Dunkin' Donuts stores worldwide, including 5,769 franchised restaurants in the U.S. and 2,219 internationally. Recently in a national blind taste test, more Americans preferred the taste of Dunkin Donuts coffee over Starbucks. It goes to show you that America does indeed run on Dunkin

BMCC ads

I think The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) does an excellent job on their advertisements. I see them all around the city in many places such as in inside the subway stations and trains, buses, in various places outside around the city as well as in many papers. One of the things also that i like about the ads is that it features many people of all different nationalities.

Toyota Corolla

I saw a cool commercial today by Toyota Corolla. It had a claymation character attrying to make a decision that he started making all kinds of weird sounds and pulling on his self. At the end of the commercial a voice said: Toyota Corolla, The solid choice for 09.

Chevrolet's GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept

General Motors revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept yesterday at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region. The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. "It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil," said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East. GPiX also combines Chevrolet's global design "DNA" with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today's emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, "with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region."

GM's Student Center

GM's Student Center has everything high school and college students need to know about a future at GM. At GM's Student Center high school students can begin laying the groundwork for the road ahead. They provide students with information on career paths and GM’s participation with universities involved in the PACE program. Current college students already traveling down the university highway will discover GM offers both Intern and Co-op programs to prepare you for a career with them. Every fall, GM recruiters visit the world’s top engineering and business schools. In addition, GM provides both their undergrad and graduate-level interns and co-ops access to housing, transportation, and travel expenses during their journey with GM.

GM Explores sale of ACDelco

General Motors announced on Oct 22nd, that it is exploring a potential sale of ACDelco, its global independent aftermarket parts business, a brand of GM Service & Parts Operations. A sale is expected to promote more rapid growth of ACDelco globally. As the company announced in July, GM is undertaking a number of initiatives to bolster its liquidity position by approximately $15 billion through year-end 2009, including the sale of assets which are expected to generate approximately $2-4 billion of liquidity. In addition to the ACDelco business, GM previously announced it is exploring the potential sale of its Hummer brand and its technical and manufacturing center in Strasbourg, France. ACDelco provides light-duty maintenance and repair parts and associated services for both GM and non-GM vehicles in more than 100 countries. Part of GM Service & Parts Operations, ACDelco is headquartered in Grand Blanc, MI, with approximately 600 employees worldwide.
GM has retained Merrill Lynch to assist in this initiative.

Chevrolet Traverse Crossover goes to World Series

For the third consecutive year, Chevrolet teams up with Major League Baseball's World Series to hit another vehicle out of the ballpark - the all-new Chevrolet Traverse crossover. In addition to a brand-new TV spot that debuts tonight during the Chevy Pre-Game Show and Game One on Fox, Chevy is expanding its multi-media, MLB postseason blitz to introduce the Traverse to millions of baseball fans. Building upon the Traverse theme of "Everything you've ever wished for ... and then some" because of its segment-leading cargo room and fuel-efficiency, the promotion includes an opportunity for fans to visit www.worldseries.com/chevy for a chance to win a trip to the 2009 All-Star Game. Visitors will learn more about the Traverse and download a virtual ticket for the first four World Series games on Oct. 22, 23, 25 and 26. Winning ticket numbers will be revealed live during the game broadcasts

GM Studies Non-Food Based Biofuels

General Motors Corp. is pursuing a global energy strategy that addresses global energy and climate issues and helps reduce the automobile’s reliance on petroleum by improving the energy efficiency of existing motor fuels and developing alternative energy and alternative propulsion systems. The development and commercialization of sustainable biofuels, particularly non-food based, next-generation cellulosic ethanol, is an important and leading component of GM’s new energy strategy. On October 20, GM held a media workshop to shar e its world-leading technologies in sustainable biofuels with China. The workshop reinforces GM’s new energy strategy centered on energy security and diversity and supports China’s sustainable development of automotive energy and transportation systems. Andreas Lippert, director of GM’s Global Energy Systems Intelligence Center, said GM believes sustainable biofuels are the most feasible near-term solution among all alternative energy sources with the potential to displace petroleum.

Cadillac's All New 2009 CTS-V features

The CTS-V, based on Cadillac’s critically acclaimed CTS sports sedan, expresses the full extent of the brand’s dramatic design and technology. Designed to enter the stratosphere of the world’s fastest and most exclusive luxury sedans, CTS-V includes advanced performance technology such as a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest reacting suspension. The new CTS-V comes standard with a nearly complete collection of features, including a hand-crafted cabin, a 6-speed manual transmission and a Bose surround sound system with a 40-gigabyte hard drive with a USB port. There are a few options available, including a new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift buttons, 14-way adjustable Recaro performance seats, microfiber interior accents and a large “Ultra-View” sunroof. “Along with the new Escalade Hybrid, the CTS-V is a key aspect in Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance, with dramatic designs and very sophisticated technologies for luxury consumers,” McNabb said. “These two new high-tech Cadillac models pave the way for a series of new Cadillac models coming in 2009, including the upcoming CTS Sport Wagon and SRX Crossover.”

Cadillac's All New 2009 CTS-V Ready For Launch

The 2009 CTS-V, Cadillac’s 556-hp expression of ultimate performance and luxury, begins production this month with initial sales beginning around November 1. The latest in the brand’s V-Series of high performance models, the new CTS-V is intended to reach the top of the world’s most desirable luxury cars, at a starting price of $59,995 in the US market.
“The launch of the new CTS-V presents a compelling proposition for luxury and performance enthusiasts,” says Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “The CTS-V is a strong statement about Cadillac design and technology and a new member in the club of the highest performing luxury cars.”

Maintenance Still Important Part 2

In terms of fuel economy, experts say drivers shouldn't waste the money they were able to save from car pooling and combining errands by driving a vehicle with under-inflated tires. Tires, one of the most significant components of a vehicle and one of the biggest factors related to fuel efficiency, should be inspected regularly. Air is free at most places, so maintaining your tire pressure costs you nothing, yet saves you money because low tire pressure reduces miles per gallon and wastes fuel," said Dave Cowger, Engineering Group Manager of GM's Tire-Wheel Systems Lab. Just as important is making sure you have the right tires on your vehicle. Some non-manufacturer recommended aftermarket tires can negatively affect fuel economy. Tires on GM vehicles are engineered specifically for each vehicle to maximize a number of factors including fuel efficiency. Goodwrench recommends the following four maintenance items:
Tires, Batteries, Fluid levels and Exterior conditions.

Maintenance Still Important for Vehicles Driven Less

Record numbers of Americans have reduced the number of miles they drive and put off routine maintenance due to high gas prices, tighter budgets, and the belief that if they are driving less their vehicle doesn't need as much attention. However, Goodwrench stresses the importance of regular vehicle care to maintain fuel efficiency and performance, as well as to protect their investment. If you are driving less and you are deferring maintenance there are some basic items that you need to give attention. With out a doubt, the top two are cleaning battery terminals - and generally making sure the battery is in good shape - and making sure tires are properly inflated. Not only are people driving less, but they are changing their driving habits. Car pools have gained popularity, and the American Public Transportation Association reports public transportation use has increased by 140 million more trips across the nation during the second quarter of 2008, compared to the second quarter of 2007.

GM Achieves Sales Record Overseas

General Motors Latin America, Africa and Middle East (GM LAAM) region broke a Q3 record selling 341,900 vehicles in the quarter, up 11,400 units over the same period in 2007. GM’s volume increase for the quarter was at 3.4 percent. In addition, GM’s quarterly market share in the region stands at 17.0 percent. GM is still showing solid growth, despite the global economic crisis that surrounds us. Strong demand for the Chevrolet Aveo continued and was driven by the new five-door hatchback version. In addition, the new Cadillac CTS was a strong performer in the Middle East, and was complemented with the recent launch of the right-hand-drive CTS in South Africa. All-time quarterly GM sales records were posted by Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. Third quarter GM sales records were set by Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East. Double-digit GM sales increases for the quarter were delivered in Brazil at 16 percent, Chile at 19 percent, Ecuador at 64 percent, North Africa at 30 percent, Egypt at 35 percent, Israel at 30 percent and the Middle East at 27 percent.

Camara starring in NBC's "My Own Worst Enemy"

Enthusiasts will see the new Camaro this fall as part of NBC’s new drama, “My Own Worst Enemy.” It stars Christian Slater as a man with two personalities – a suburban dad and covert spy – with the Camaro featured prominently, along with the new Chevy Traverse crossover. The show premiers Oct. 13, the same day ordering opens for the Camaro. Camaro’s supporting role on “My Own Worst Enemy” follows its big-screen debut as the Autobot named Bumblebee in the blockbuster 2007 movie, “Transformers.” World-class performance, American heritage
Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. Advanced technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.

Chevrolet announces pricing for 2010 Camaro

Chevrolet announced today the pricing for the all-new, 2010 Camaro. It starts at $22,995 MSRP for the V-6-powered LS model, and $30,995 for the V-8-powered Camaro SS (all prices include $750 destination charge). Customer ordering opened on Oct. 13, with production scheduled to start in first quarter of 2009. The return of the Camaro gives sports car enthusiasts a reason to rejoice. It’s a 21 st century sports car with a distinctly American legacy. More than 600,000 enthusiasts have requested information on the Camaro since its production was announced. Chevrolet is reaching out to give them the opportunity to be the first to order one. The Chevy.com/Camaro Web site carries information regarding early ordering, along with vehicle packaging information, a specification sheet and anticipated frequently asked questions about the ordering process. Production is scheduled to begin in mid-February at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario production facility, with dealership deliveries shortly after.

3 Millionth GM Certified Used Vehicles Sold

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, marked the sale of its 3-millionth vehicle on October 10th at a celebration at Voss Chevrolet in Centerville, Ohio. GM Certified Used Vehicles, which launched its program in 1997, is the first manufacturer-certified pre-owned brand to achieve 3 million sales. The GM Certified program includes models from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Pontiac. This is an industry milestone and a testament to the growing popularity of certified used vehicles, the quality and reliability of GM products and the dedication and commitment of the nearly 4,000 GM Certified dealers across the U.S. GM Certified Used Vehicles are a great alternative to traditional used vehicles, providing customers with the peace of mind that comes with a fully inspected and reconditioned vehicle backed by the manufacturer with a 12-month, 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. Research indicates more than 96 percent of GM Certified Used Vehicle customers are satisfied with their purchase and ownership experience."

OnStar Launches Stolen Vehicle Slowdown

On October 10th General Motors (GM) and OnStar launched Stolen Vehicle Slowdown on more than 1 million model year 2009 GM vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is the latest enhancement to OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Assistance service and enables OnStar to further help law enforcement in the recovery of subscribers’ stolen vehicles, while helping to reduce fatalities and injuries resulting from police chases. Working with law enforcement and utilizing its unique built-in technology, OnStar can remotely send a signal that interacts with the vehicle’s engine, gradually slowing it down, aiding in a safe recovery. No other automaker provides its’ customers the peace of mind that OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown does.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show 30,000 police chases occur each year, resulting in approximately 300 deaths. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown will help take high speed pursuits out of the equation, as well as the probability that a subscriber’s stolen vehicle will be crashed during a chase.

GM Boosts Fuel Economy Across Brands for 09

GM Boosts Fuel Economy Across its Brands for 2009, Beats Toyota, Honda in Midsize Sedan Segment . At 33 mpg highway, Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura four-cylinder, six-speed sedans beat comparably equipped Toyota Camry and Honda Accord Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE get 37 mpg, beat Toyota Yaris and Corolla GM’s 2009 lineup delivers 18 models that get 30 mpg or more EPA label highway fuel economy, more than any other automaker. For 2009, 18 General Motors Models achieve 30 mpg or more on the highway. At 33 miles per gallon highway, four-cylinder, non-hybrid versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura midsize sedans equipped with six-speed transmissions carry a higher EPA highway fuel economy label than comparably equipped Toyota Camry and Honda Accord models.
In addition, the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE, at 37 mpg highway, achieve a higher EPA highway fuel economy rating than comparably equipped versions of the Toyota Yaris and Corolla, or the Honda Fit.

GM Heritage Center

The GM Heritage Center serves as a showplace for the vehicles of the GM Heritage Collection, and is the home of the Heritage and Media Archive. It is located in an 81,000 square foot facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan, the Center has approximately 200 vehicles on display, while the Archive houses 15,000 linear feet of shelving containing significant documents, manuals, brochures, and artifacts documenting GM's rich history of innovation. The Heritage Center is primarily used for GM internal events and meetings. Though not open to the public for daily visits, the Heritage Center can be used as a meeting or event center, with the capability to host gatherings of up to 500+ guests.

GM Boosts Fuel Economy Across its Brands

GM’s 2009 lineup delivers 18 models that get 30 mpg or more EPA label highway fuel economy, more than any other automaker. At 33 mpg highway, Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura four-cylinder, six-speed sedans beat comparably equipped Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE get 37 mpg, beat Toyota Yaris and Corolla. Fuel economy is top-of-mind for many of our customers, and GM is providing great-looking, well-equipped and fuel-efficient choices across their lineup, from subcompacts to crossovers to full-size pickups and SUVs. GM is using their technology leadership to squeeze more miles out of a gallon of gas, and they are investing global resources to develop advanced technologies to help diversify the energy sources for our future transportation needs.

GM Paris Auto Show

GM is curently apart of the Paris Auto Show from October 4-19th. They view auto shows as a chance to show us what they have been dreaming of. Also it's a chance for us to see the shape of the future as they push the boundaries of what's possible. At the Paris Auto Show GM is showcasing 5 world premieres and 3 European premieres. Some of the cars are the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Orlando show car, Chevrolet Volt Production car, Chevrolet Camaro, Opel/Vauxhall insignia sports tourer, Opel/Vauxhall insignia ecoflex, Saab 9-x air concept and the Cadillac cts sport wagon.

Career Paths at GM

If out-of-the-ordinary is your inspiration, you’ll have plenty of company at General Motors. GM encourages their automotive professionals to breakaway from the mainstream and explore the unimagined. Career possibilities range from the highest tech to the most advanced research and sciences to breakthrough design, engineering and manufacturing to industry-leading financial and business initiatives. If you have the skills, talent and ambition to extend GM's automotive leadership, GM is where it’s easy to Love What You Do. The many departments they have to choose from are Communications, Design Center, Engineering, Product Development, Finance, Fuel Cell Activities, HR, Labor Relations, Health and Safety, Information Systems and Services (IT), Manufacturing, OnStar by GM, Product Planning, Purchasing and Supply Chain, Quality, R & D and Strategic Initiatives, Sales, Services & Marketing.

Chevlrolet Traverse and Mary J. Blige Ads

Chevrolet Traverse and Mary J. Blige Star In New Fall Ad Campaign. Following her highly successful ad campaign for the Chevrolet Malibu, R&B superstar Mary J. Blige gets behind the wheel of an all-new, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossover for a series of national TV, magazine and online ads that continues through December.
A TV spot featuring Traverse and Blige began airing Sunday. Targeting African American viewers and female-oriented programming, the spots are running on Black Entertainment Television and BET J, TBS, MTV and VH1 Soul and VH1 Hip-Hop Honors.
Print ads featuring the Traverse and Blige appear in the November and December issues of Ebony, Essence, Odyssey Colour, Sister-to-Sister and Vibe magazines; the November issues of American Legacy, Black Enterprise and Gospel Truth; and the December issues of O and Heart & Soul. Other placements and partnerships may be announced.

GM Worlds largest automaker

General Motors Corporation is the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs more than 300,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 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.

GM Reports Highest Market Share of 2008

GM Reports 284,300 Deliveries in September; Highest Monthly Market Share of 2008
Chevrolet Malibu retail sales up 192 percent; Pontiac Vibe up 61 percent compared with last September. Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook crossover total sales up 10 percent; first 226 Chevrolet Traverse sales recorded. 72,500 Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche and GMC Sierra pickups sold; beats industry trend as segment-leading vehicles grab market share
GM's market share estimated at 27 percent, marks second consecutive month of market share gains. Total Q3 sales up 4 percent compared with Q2, with market share improving by more than 3 percentage points. General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 284,300 vehicles in September, giving GM its best monthly share so far in 2008. GM's share improvement was led by continued strong performances in the mid-car, crossover and full size truck segments. The GM Employee Discount for Everyone sale built awareness for the company's outstanding lineup and offered compelling values to customers. GM's brands are having divisional sales events this month to keep the marketplace momentum building.
A strong lineup of new products, combined with sales and marketing programs geared toward a particularly challenging market, helped GM outpace major competitors this month.

Chevrolet Aveo5 Livin Large College Cab

Chevrolet today announced it will be dispatching a 2009 Chevy Aveo5 to six college campuses, where it will provide free rides to students. During their ride in the Chevy Aveo5 College Cab, students will knowingly be filmed en route to their destination on or near campus. They will be encouraged to showcase their personality during their time in the Aveo5 College Cab because within 24 hours, their video will be posted to www.AveoLivinLarge.com. From this site, they, their classmates, their friends and their family members can view the video and then embed it on to their own personal blogs, Web sites, Facebook and MySpace pages or click a link to send it to a friend. And it also gives them a shot at the ultimate payoff—their very own Chevy Aveo5, a perfect car for college students due to its size, affordability, fuel economy, and technological features like OnStar and XM satellite radio.”
Not only will the students get a free ride and enjoy a little bit of fame, they will have the opportunity to win a Chevy Aveo5 by securing the most views on their video during the week immediately following their video’s posting. The top performing video from each of the six participating universities will then compete in five days of final competition (November 10-November 14) where the world can cast their vote for their favorite finalist. The winning video will see its featured stars win a brand new Chevy Aveo5 of their very own.
The Chevy Aveo5 College Cab is the third in a series of Chevy college-based programs known as “Livin’ Large in Aveo.”

Saturn Gives Children "Pictures of Hope"

Saturn is sponsoring Pictures of Hope, a photography project led by an award winning photojournalist that gives children in transitional living programs the opportunity to take photos that reflect their hopes and dreams and are then featured in a set of greeting cards. In October, a number of Saturn retailers across the country will host reveal events where the children, along with their families, will see their photos for the very first time.
During the summer, Saturn and celebrity photojournalist and author Linda Solomon visited six transitional housing organizations that provide support services to women and children who have experienced dire circumstances that have impacted their living situations. Solomon conducted photography workshops at each location and the children learned photo composition and photography techniques. The children were then sent on an assignment with a single-use camera to capture photos of their hopes and dreams. Each child will have one of their photos featured on a Pictures of Hope greeting card.
The project provides financial help to each of the participating organizations.

GM Video Showroom

The General Motors video showroom simpifies the search for one to pick out a car. It lets you look at the newest makes and models with every feature and detail. The video showroom gives you many options from browsing by brand, model, body and style, all body styles, SUV, crossover wagon, pick up truck, sport convertible, coupe/hatchback, 4 door sedan, and sport/cargo van. GM's video showroom brings their vehicles straight into your living room or wherever you are watching from. I liked the Cadillac SRX crossover 08 which seats 7. I may write more on the Cadillac SRX crossover at a future date.

GM Vehicles make me proud

I was further exploring GM's website today since they didn't have any news releases today and I learned more about their vehicles that I didn't realize before. I learned that they make the following: Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac. I was aware of these names although I just didn't know to much about them and who made them. But looking at GM's website and seeing all these names in front of me that they are responsible for, made me proud to know that they are all made here in the USA.

GM Oshawa Car Plant award

GM's Oshawa, Ontario Car Plant was Honored with a J.D. Power and Associates' Prestigious Founder's Award yesterday, in recognition of their commitment to quality and a solid track record of industry leading performance. The Founder’s Award is a award presented by J.D. Power and Associates, that recognizes individuals or companies that demonstrate dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in serving customers. During the past seven years, the General Motors Oshawa Plant has received four Gold and two Silver Awards for plant quality in North America in the annual J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study and a string of segment leading vehicle models.” J.D. Power and Associates indicated that this is far more awards than any other plant has received in the region over this period, and is a testament to the hard work of all GM employees at the facility as well as to GM management and suppliers.
GM's vice president said this recognition helps GM get closer to aligning perception with reality. "Sharing best practices across our global operations is key to continuous improvement and this industry leading plant in Oshawa continues to raise the bar across the entire organization. We've upped our game and we're determined to bridge the gap by continuing to deliver products with great quality, reliability and fuel economy."

GM's $370 Million Investment

I read an article today that GM announced the company will invest $370 million in the U.S. to build a new manufacturing plant for its global 4-cylinder engines in Flint, Mich. The plant will begin production in the U.S. in 2010, and will be the exclusive manufacturing facility in North America to produce the Chevrolet Volt’s range extending engine. The Governer Jennifer M. Granholm said “We are proud that General Motors has chosen Michigan as the best place to develop and produce the revolutionary Chevy Volt and other next-generation vehicles and components,” “Our competitive business climate, outstanding workforce and aggressive strategy to diversify our economy put us in a strong position to win this project and be the state that helps GM produce the cars and trucks that will help end our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.” I am happy to know that some good things are still being made here in the US.

Chevrolet Volt

Last night we spoke about the Chevrolet Volt in class, a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline and emissions free electric driving, with the extended range capability of hundreds of additional miles. I believe that this is just the kind of technology innovation that the car industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges. The Volt uses electricity to move the wheels at all times and speeds. For trips up to 40 miles, the Volt is powered only by electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. When the battery's energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-powered engine generator seamlessly provides electricity to power the Volt's electric drive unit while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. The Chevrolet Volt can be plugged either into a standard household 120v outlet or use 240v for charging. I think this kind of car is a good idea but we run into a problem when one is not fortunate to live in a house with a garage but live in a building like a girl in my class pointed out. She lives on the 4tth floor. What is she going to run an extension cord out the window?

Barack Obama action figure (Promotional piece)

Introducing the first and only action figure with the power to transform a nation. Across race and gender, countless people are inspired by the rise of Barack Obama aka Barackstar and his campaign to become the president of the United States. In a time when America so desperately needs a hero, comes a man to show us a brand new vision of what America and the world could be. Barack Obama is a real superhero and someone who has inspired millions of people to step past fear, to be brave, to hope and imagine what we could be if we were at our best. So purchase your Barack Obama action figure today. Appropriate for both old and young as a symbol of how far we have come and where we can go. Change we can believe in? Yes we can!

OnStar by GM

OnStar reminds its subscribers in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama that a simple push of the OnStar button in GM vehicles will put them in contact with specially-trained Crisis Advisors. On August 31, 2008, OnStar saw a 30 percent increase over typical call volume.
OnStar’s Crisis Assist capabilities include specially trained Crisis Advisors, who will help with:
GPS Positioning: Contact emergency responders if needed and direct them to the subscriber’s location, using OnStar’s embedded cellular calling system and Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology, which pinpoint a subscriber’s location when he or she contacts an advisor.
Emergency Services Notification: Inform appropriate public safety officials when a subscriber contacts OnStar about someone in need of emergency assistance.
Emergency Calls: Connect subscribers to loved ones, family and friends.
Emergency Directions : Provide real time crisis information and centralized assistance for food, water, shelter locations and hotel accommodations along with information on rod closures, power outages, and weather updates. When fires, hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes affect GM customers, OnStar opens its services to all affected subscribers.

GM facts and fiction website

GM launched a new Facts and Fiction web site on Sept 5th. The new site aims to clarify misconceptions about the company. GM announced that the new web site was designed to make a distinction between the facts and rumors surrounding the company. The site, GMFactsandFiction.com, utilizes a conversational and direct style to help clarify many misconceptions people may have about GM. Facts and Fiction is intended to be a resource for anyone looking for more information on recent news and announcements about the company.
GMFactsandFiction.com is organized by sections containing a myth and GM's response to each one. Visitors can also e-mail information they hear about GM and request that the issue be addressed on the site.

GM's Plants to be Landfill-Free by End of 2010

33 Operations Recently Reach Landfill-Free Status, Bringing Current Total to 43 Company Accelerating Efforts to Reduce Facility Impact on Environment. In Warren, MI – General Motors announced on sept 5th a commitment to make half of its major global manufacturing operations landfill-free by the end of 2010. When translating the commitment to an individual facility basis, more than 80 of GM’s manufacturing operations will become landfill-free over the next 28 months. GM facilities achieve the landfill-free status when all production waste or garbage is recycled or reused.
As part of the initiative, the company announced 33 global operations have recently reached landfill-free status, bringing the company’s current total number of landfill-free manufacturing operations to 43.

GM and Weekly Reader Classroom Curriculum

Detroit, MI – General Motors and Weekly Reader are distributing an updated version of their middle school classroom curriculum, “The Energy Highway – Solutions Ahead,” which aims to help students understand the energy challenges facing society today and some of the potential solutions to those challenges. To commemorate GM’s 100th anniversary, this year’s curriculum also features a new poster insert that explores noteworthy technologies of the last century as well as a look at future automotive technologies. The curriculum packet also includes a teacher’s guide with reproducible student activities, an additional classroom wall poster, and informational student/parent booklets. Online games for students are also available at gm.com/education.

GM Environmental Principles

General Motors Board of Directors adopted the Environmental Principles on March 4, 1991. They are intended to serve as a guide for all GM employees worldwide, encouraging environmental consciousness in both daily conduct and in the planning of future products and programs.
As a responsible corporate citizen, General Motors is dedicated to protecting human health, natural resources, and the global environment. This dedication reaches further than compliance with the law to encompass the integration of sound environmental practices into their business decisions.

GM supports disaster relief

I was pleased to find out by a news release today that GM is supporting disaster relief efforts and emergency preparedness and has taken several steps to repond to hurricanes Gustav and Ike. GM is making a $100,000 contribution to Feeding America, which is distributing food and emergency supplies through its food bank network to families in the affected areas. Feeding America, formerly America’s Second Harvest, is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity, with a network that serves more than 25 million Americans each year.
GM has also donated cash and 13 HUMMER vehicles this year (44 donations since 2004) to chapters of the American Red Cross across the United States to strengthen their emergency preparation and disaster response capability. These donated vehicles are available for deployment to the areas affected by Gustav and Ike. GM’s cash and vehicle contributions to the Red Cross for its U.S. relief efforts now totals more than $2.3 million.

GM Biofuels

GM has vehicles that can run on Biofuels which can help change our landscape for the better. E85 ethanol is ablend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline and is mostly renewable fuel that can be made from biodegradable wastes and several plants, such as switchgrass, willow and corn.

GMnext Day event

GM put out a news release today about an event they had to help them celebrate their first 100 years of iconic branding and technological breakthroughs. The company is looking toward the new century as a global leader in design and innovation. To help GM commemorate its centennial today, GM began its second century with an event called GMnext Day to affirm the company's vision and commitment for the future of personal transportation.

GM and The Michael Baisden Show

I was listening to The Michael Basiden Show which is a nationally syndicated music and talk radio program last week and I heard Michael promote GM and to visit his website for more info. I went to his website and there is info on their about 18 new vehicles that run on gasoline, E85 ethanol or any combination of the two. E85 is 85 % ethanol, 15% gasoline.

GM examples of person, place and event marketing

GM paying Tiger Woods 40 million for a 5 year contract ending in 2009 is an example of person marketing. GM Advertisements for careers in research, engineering, finance, design and etc are an example of place marketing and them trying to get people to relocate to their headquarters in Detroit or somewhere else in the world to work for them. GM sponsorship for the 2008 olympics in Beijing China is an example of event marketing.

50 billion loan to auto industry

The national association of manufacturers yesterday urged the US Congress to approve a federal loan program to provide up to $50 billion to the hurt automotive industry. The auto industry needs this financial help to help them meet the expensive new standards. Auto makers are expected to spend billions of dollars in the coming years to develop cars that will meet the new standards for fuel efficiency.

The polls

Today there was much talk about McCain being ahead in the polls. Where do they come up with these numbers on who's ahead? I am getting sick of all of this negative news and media that is being covered in the news regarding the presedential and vice presendential runners. Also I feel that the Republicans are doing much to put fear in people in regardingthe Democrats so that the GOP gets the votes. But most people that I talk to are for Obama so I don't even know if these polls are correct. No one came to interview me or anyone I know.

Super Obama

I received a really cool Barack Obama button from someone a few days ago. On the button it has Barack Obama in a Superman costume, flying. I think it's awesome advertisement and promotion for his presidential campaign. The Republicans are hating the fact that Barack is being looked at as a rock superstar but what can you say? People feel a connection with him that they haven't felt in a long time with a presidential nominee. I can feel it in the atmosphere. Super change is on the way!

Paylin's outdoor appeal

Some new's media say that Paylin may win favor in midwest places because her and family have outdoor appeal. In the upper midwest, the pacific northwest and the mountain states many are outdoors people and like camping, fishing, hunting, own pickup trucks, own ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), own boats, and own snowmobiles. People in those parts of the country may really like the idea of having a presidential family in the office with the same interest. The Republicans know this and will try to promote and market Paylin in this way.

A Democratic Nation or Republican?

I had a couple of conversations today on the big difference in the diversity of the audience between the Democratic and Republican conventions. On Wednesday night while watching Paylin speak, I only saw one black person during the whole time she was on the mic and not one Asian, Latino or anyone else of color. On Thursday night I saw maybe 2 black people. Now during the Democratic convention last week it was a sea of diversity. Most of the people I spoke with today regarding this observation were white and they agreed and said something is scary about the absence of other nationalities at the Republican convention. If those two conventions were an advertisement of our nation to come, before voting we need to ask ourselves which one of those worlds do we want to live in?

The Republicans pit bull

Last night my math professor let us out of class early at 9:45pm so I eagerly rushed home to to hear the much anticipated Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speak at the Republican national convention. She introduced herself to the world by calling herself a "hockey mom" and then asking what the difference was between a hockey mom and a pit bull. Her answer was lipstick! She totally added spice and energized the Republicans convention and I forward to hearing her speak again and how she is marketed as the elections draw near.

GM blog

General Motors, the biggest industrial firm the world has ever known is celebrating it's 100th anniversary this year. General Motors was founded in 1908 in the US and today is a multinational corporation. General Motors is the largest automaker in the world and has been the sales leader in the car industry for the last 77 years. GM currently employs approximately 284,000 people around the world.