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GM’s research team developed a mechanical heart pump that made possible the world’s first open-heart surgery. The device was donated by GM to the heart surgery team at Wayne State University in GM’s hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

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With the launch of the Chevrolet Corvette in 1953, GM offered the industry’s first production sports car. It created a new market segment and a new cadre of automobile enthusiasts. The Corvette also featured the first production fiberglass body.

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Firebird gas turbine-powered concept cars were built by GM for the 1953, 1956 and 1959 Motorama auto shows to showcase GM’s design and technology capability. The Firebird XP-21, later referred to as the Firebird I, was essentially a jet airplane on wheels. It was the first gas turbine-powered car tested in the United States. The Firebird II featured the first use of four wheel disc brakes and a sophisticated guidance system intended to be used with “the highway of the future,” where an electrical wire would be embedded in roadways to send signals that would help guide future cars and avoid accidents. The Firebird III was equipped with cruise control, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, an “ultra-sonic” key that signaled the doors to open, an automated guidance system to avoid accidents, and joystick steering.

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Chevrolet introduced its famous small-block V-8 engine on its 1955 model year cars and trucks. The small-block was renowned for its performance and durability and remained in production for more than four decades.

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GM developed the industry’s first vehicle emission control device, the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. This breakthrough in reducing hydrocarbon emissions was soon adopted by the rest of the industry.

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GM introduced the industry’s first energy-absorbing steering column, which helped reduce the force of impact if a driver was involved in a severe frontal collision.

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GM demonstrated that electric propulsion with fuel cells was technically feasible with the Electrovan, the world’s first fuel cell-electric vehicle. The Electrovan’s fuel cell power plant supplied a continuous output of about 32 kilowatts and a peak output of 160 kilowatts. It consisted of 32 thin-electrode fuel cell modules connected in series.

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GM developed and manufactured the inertial guidance and navigation systems for the entire Apollo moon program (including Apollo 11, the first manned landing, in 1969). GM was also responsible for all mobility systems and components of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) that Apollo 15 astronauts first drove on the moon in 1971.