General Motors Focuses on Next-Gen Cars for its Centennial Anniversary

New Delhi: As GM concludes its first 100 years with a legacy of iconic brands and technological breakthroughs, the company is embarking on a new century as a global leader in design and innovation. The celebration also marks the commencement of a year-long global initiative, GMnext, which focuses on next-generation vehicles and technologies.

To commemorate its Centennial, GM began its second century with a GMnext Day to affirm the company’s vision for the future of personal transportation. The GMnext Day kicked off with a live Global Broadcast from GM’s headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, where General Motors Chairman and CEO, Mr. Rick Wagoner revealed the production model of the Chevrolet Volt, a revolutionary extended-range electric vehicle that will deliver 40 miles of gasoline and emissions- free driving, with the extended-range capability of driving hundreds of additional miles.

Speaking on the celebrations Mr. Karl Slym, President & Managing Director, General Motors India said, “It’s a great moment for us as we are entering in to the second century of our operations with the aim of building exciting and efficient cars to meet the requirements of our customers We see immense potential for growth here and have made substantial investments in our operations here, which goes on to show our long-time commitment to India.”

2008 is also full of milestones for GM in India. While Chevrolet also is celebrating its fifth year anniversary in India, it may be recalled that General Motors India also recently inaugurated its $300 million, 140,000-unit second plant in India at Talegaon, Maharashtra, besides announcing the setting up of its 160,000-unit capacity, $200 million engine plant at the same location.

The focus at for GM India today and for the future is to build and sell products that are best-in-class and dynamically contribute to improving market share through customer-oriented product programs and other initiatives.

Mr Slym added, “As part of the year-long centennial celebrations, General Motors India also intends to come out with Special Editions of its vehicle lines, consider new marketing schemes and other innovative and customer-friendly initiatives that will create delight among our valued customers.”

Founded on September 16, 1908 by William C. (Billy) Durant, General Motors has sold more than 450 million cars and trucks worldwide in the past 100 years. With manufacturing operations in 33 countries and nearly 24,000 dealerships worldwide, GM is the world’s largest automaker.

General Motors India is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation, with two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at Halol, Gujarat and Talegaon in Maharashtra. The company makes the Chevrolet Tavera, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet SRV, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Captiva for the Indian market.