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The GM Precept advanced technology concept vehicle – developed as part of the U.S. government/industry Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles – achieved the fuel-efficiency equivalent of 80 miles per gallon (2.9 liters per 100 kilometers) of gasoline in tests conducted in October 2000. It was the first vehicle ever to meet this goal.

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The industry’s first semi-active suspension uses “smart” magneto-rheological (MR) fluid-based actuators, a sensor set, and an on-board electronic control unit (ECU) to provide continuously variable, real-time damping. It responds instantaneously to road and driving conditions based on input from sensors that monitor body and wheel motion. The system debuted on the 2002 Cadillac Seville STS and is available on selected Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet models.

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GM’s HydroGen1 fuel cell vehicle, which is based on the Opel Zafira compact MPV, set 11 separate endurance records in tests at GM’s proving ground in Mesa, Arizona, in the southwestern U.S.

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GM announced the debut of an advanced thermoplastic olefin (TPO) nanocomposite part, which was used on the GMC Safari and Chevrolet Astro vans. In 2002, GM was honored with top innovation awards from the Society of Plastics Engineers and the American Chemical Society. GM currently uses nanocomposite material in trim, body cladding, and other applications.  Use of this material is expected to increase.

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GM’s AUTOnomy concept vehicle demonstrated the first combination of fuel cell-electric propulsion with wheel motors, a skateboard chassis, and drive-by-wire technology. This allowed steering, braking, and other vehicle systems to be controlled electronically rather than mechanically. GM applied for 24 patents related to new technology incorporated in the AUTOnomy.

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GM-Allison debuted its 2-Mode Hybrid system on transit buses. The system, now marketed by Allison Transmission, is used by transit systems around the world. Transit buses equipped with the hybrid system deliver up to 75 percent better fuel economy than traditional transit buses, and reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by up to 39 percent, particulate matter by up to 97 percent, carbon monoxide by up to 60 percent, and hydrocarbons by up to 75 percent.  

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The Hy-wire concept vehicle, which incorporated features found in the AUTOnomy, was the industry’s first drivable vehicle to combine hydrogen fuel cell-electric and drive-by-wire technology. 

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GM demonstrated a prototype V2V system, a new GPS- and wireless-based all-around object detection sensor that gives the vehicle a “sixth sense.” The system supports automated safety features such as lane change alert, blind spot detection, sudden stopping, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and intersection collision warning. In 2008, GM demonstrated a V2V transponder that could ultimately lead to hand-held V2X devices.

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GM unveiled the Chevrolet Sequel concept vehicle, the most technologically advanced electrically driven vehicle built. It integrated a hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies including steer- and brake-by-wire controls, lithium-ion batteries, a lightweight aluminum structure, and OnStar. Designed around its hydrogen storage system, GM demonstrated the Sequel’s 300-mile (483-kilometer) driving range in 2007.

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GM teamed with Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. and other partners to develop the “Boss,” a self-driving Chevrolet Tahoe SUV that won the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Urban Challenge, a six-hour, 60-mile (97-kilometer) race for robotic vehicles.

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The 2-Mode Hybrid system debuted in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs, improving city fuel economy by up to 50 percent and overall fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent.

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GM has deployed 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles in the U.S. and 10 HydroGen4 vehicles in Germany as part of “Project Driveway.” This is the largest-ever market test of fuel cell-electric vehicles. As of September 11, 2009, vehicles in the program had logged over 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) of real-world driving.

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GM demonstrated its progress on homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), a highly efficient advanced combustion process for future gasoline engines, in two drivable test vehicles.  When combined with several additional advanced technologies, HCCI promises to provide fuel savings of up to 15 percent while meeting current emission standards.

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GM debuted the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups featuring GM’s 2-Mode Hybrid system.  Two-wheel-drive versions achieve an estimated 50 percent improvement over non-hybrid models in city driving.

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GM continues to lead the industry, with 5 million flexible-fuel vehicles on the world’s roads. These vehicles run on gasoline and E85 or E100 ethanol. In the U.S., GM has committed itself to making half of its annual vehicle production flex-fuel capable by 2012. In Brazil, more than 90 percent of the vehicles GM sells run on E100 ethanol.

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GM will begin selling the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) in late 2010. The Volt has a range of up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) on electricity from a single battery charge.  With its engine-generator, its overall range can be extended to more than 300 miles (483 kilometers). The Volt is expected to achieve city fuel economy of at least 230 miles per gallon (1.2 liters per 100 kilometers), and is the first mass-produced vehicle to claim more than 100 miles per gallon (2 liters per 100 kilometers) composite fuel economy. The Volt will be introduced in China in 2011. In 2011, the Opel Ampera E-REV, which will use the same Voltec propulsion system as the Volt, will be introduced in Europe.