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GM became the first automaker to offer cars that run on unleaded gasoline, a major breakthrough in reducing vehicle exhaust emissions.

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GM’s Hybrid II series of crash-test dummies was such a durable and repeatable assessment tool that the U.S. government made it the standard for all frontal crash testing for compliance with regulations governing restraint systems.

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GM became the first automaker to offer an air cushion restraint system, later known as the air bag, in its vehicles.

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GM introduced the catalytic converter, a technology it had begun developing in the 1960s and the most important step in reducing automotive emissions to date. All 1975 model year GM cars sold in the U.S. and Canada were equipped with the catalytic converter, as are all cars sold by all competitors today. GM made its technology available to the rest of the industry at no cost.

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GM announced the discovery of Magnequench, the world’s first high-strength, rare-earth permanent magnet material, which is composed of neodymium, iron, and boron. This powerful new material could be made into small lightweight magnets for use in a wide range of motor and sensor applications. GM commercialized the Magnequench material and related production processes in 1986.

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GM’s Sunraycer won the world’s first solar-powered vehicle competition, the 1,950-mile (3,138-kilometer) World Solar Challenge Race, which was held in Australia.