Key Words from the Detroit Auto Show
I recently returned from 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. This is regarded as one of the premier global shows. Walking around the show floor, I found a few “key words” from this year’s Detroit auto show and would like to share them with you.
Kevin is talking with Expo Family at Chevy International Media Reception
A Renewed Sense of Hope
Last year, the global automotive industry struggled due to the worldwide economic downturn. This year’s Detroit auto show highlighted the recovery of the industry. The opening line of a story in the Detroit Free Press captured the sentiment of most visitors: “For the first time in years, the start of the North American International Auto Show was a day for looking ahead with hope.”
This renewed sense of hope was clear from GM’s display at the show. It featured an exciting collection of vehicles from all four core GM brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. Several great new concept cars were shown as well. I was especially proud of the GMC Granite concept car, which was awarded top honors at the 2010 EyesOn Design Awards at the show.
Engineer is showing Volt Wind Tunnel Test at GM Air Dynamical Lab
The Arrival of the Electric Era
Almost everyone at the show – including automakers, dealers and visitors – was talking about the arrival of the electric era. GM’s commitment to leading the entire industry into the new era was unmistakably on display with the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. We opened the doors to the global media and VIP guests, giving them an opportunity to get behind the wheel and drive the Volt. I can’t wait until the Volt lands in China in the next few months as part of our Expo 2010 initiatives.
2010 North American International Auto Show - Cadillac XTS Concept Press Conference
The Rise of China
It has been hard to miss the rapid growth of China. In no industry has it been more evident than the automotive industry. Last year, China surpassed the United States as the world’s largest vehicle market. China is unlikely to surrender the crown in 2010.
As the leading global automaker in China, GM (and our joint ventures as well) received a lot of attention. During Chevy Night, which kicked off GM’s participation in the Detroit auto show, we proudly introduced media and visitors from around the world to the Chevrolet New Sail. This all new car was developed in Shanghai by our outstanding PATAC and Shanghai GM joint ventures. In addition, the Buick LaCrosse – which PATAC played a key role in helping develop – was one of three finalists for the show’s car of the year.
I had the honor of discussing the growth of China and GM’s strategy for success in China at a forum sponsored by Automotive News in conjunction with the NAIAS. As I told the global audience, there really are no secrets to our success in China. We have done an excellent job executing the fundamentals; understanding what the customer wants, developing a local product and technology capability, building an extensive manufacturing and distribution footprint, and working with outstanding partners.
GM Global Battery Systems Battery Lab_Volt Battery Display
World Expo 2010 Shanghai
A special group of guests, an Expo Family selected by the Shanghai Morning Post, participated in GM’s activities at the Detroit auto show. The Expo Family visited GM’s headquarters, witnessed GM’s press conferences during the auto show, visited the OnStar Command Center, test drove the Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle, and had an in-depth discussion with our Global R&D staff on on GM’s advanced technologies that will be front and center at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.
The highlight of their trip was the Volt experience. They were among the first ordinary Chinese consumers to have the opportunity to fully enjoy it for themselves.
Each of the three Expo Family members was curious about different attributes of the Volt. The daughter, a senior at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, was curious about the battery and how GM’s range extender technology helps stretch the number of miles the Volt can be driven. The mother, a professor at Tongji University, was more interested in driving it. She was amazed by the Volt’s seamless and intuitive performance. The father, who recently wrote a book about safer driving, was more of an observer. He contemplated the steps that need to be taken in China to address the electric era, including the construction of electric vehicle charging stations. After their Volt experience, one thing all three family members had in common was a sense of excitement about seeing GM’s vision for future urban mobility in 2030 at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at Expo 2010.
If there is one thing that I think visitors, media and our Expo Family took away from the show it is that GM is here to stay and will continue to change the automotive industry. GM is leading the change through our global technology leadership and our leadership in China and other markets around the world.
点击可查看中文版：《北美车展“关键词”》
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