GM kicks off Detroit: 16 new models on one runway
Posted on Jan 20, 2009 by Zane Merva in Auto Shows
GM kicked off this year’s Detroit Auto Show with a potent, yet dramatically simple runway show. 16 cars, one governor, the voice of the Detroit Lions, sign-holding/chanting enthusiasts, and hordes of photographers. Here’s what it looked like, what was said- and a video replay so you can watch it for yourself.
Article Source: AutoInsane.com
what it was like
GM lined up the press, photographers, and sign holding enthusiasts along both sides of a wide runway. People tightly packed up against the barriers to get a look. GM rolled out 16 different models down the runway while detroit lions announcer Mario Impemba narrated. Vehicles showcased include; the production Chevy Volt, Aveo 5, Saturn Aura, Opel Insignia, Cadillac CTS, Chevy Malibu, Cruise, Camaro, Pontiac Solstice Coupe, CTS Sport Wagon, 2010 SRX, 2010 Equinox, 2010 Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Beat concept/Spark production vehicle, Orlando Concept, and the stunning Cadillac Converj concept.
significant highlights
- Chevy Volt was first down the runway- followed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Grandholm
- The Chevy Cruise, rated at 40mpg, will go on sale next year
- Chevrolet Camaro officially rated above 300-horsepower- gets 27 mpg
- Both the 2010 SRX and Equinox were stunners
- Buick’s new LaCrosse is hot- in showroom this summer
- Production version of the Orlando concept is on its way for 2011
- Beat concept will go into production next year as the Chevy Spark - sold globally
- Cadillac Converj concept draws from the Volt’s powertrain
- That same powertrain will be branded as the “Voltec System”
- GM promises Voltec is the cure for “range anxiety” (running out of electric range)
- Chevy Volt still expected to get 40-miles of electric only range
webcast replay (photos down just a bit more)
the photos (in order)
full transcript
Rick Wagoner
Good morning everyone, and welcome to the start of the 2009 auto show season.
It’s great to see so many members of the press here from around the world … and to have so many of our employees, retirees, dealers, and suppliers with us here, as well.
Let me also extend a welcome to everyone joining us by Webcast.
In many ways, today marks a new beginning for General Motors, as we dramatically accelerate and expand the restructuring that we’ve been driving in North America, and around the globe, for the past several years.
Our plan is anchored by what we see here this morning… great products and great people.
For 2009, GM’s focus is to rapidly implement our accelerated restructuring plan… to successfully guide General Motors through an unprecedented economic and credit crisis that is affecting the entire global auto industry.
That’s is a big job, to be sure… but there’s even more than restructuring that we can and will do… starting here this morning.
Lost in all the hearings and headlines of the past several months is the very important fact that GM is a company that is driven by great cars and trucks, and technology leadership.
And buried in all the financial news of recent months, is the fact that we’ve made tremendous progress over the past several years in making cars and trucks that consumers really want to buy.
For example, we kicked off 2008 by winning, right here at this show, the North American Car of the Year with the Chevrolet Malibu … and wrapped up last year by winning the European Car of the Year with the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia.
In between, we introduced dozens of world-class cars and trucks, and won a ton of awards all around the world.
At the same time, we’re committed to leading the industry on the most important issue we face over the next generation… the development of alternative-fuel propulsion.
And there’s no better example of where we’re heading in this critical area than the Chevy Volt extended range electric vehicle that we’re working to bring to market by the end of next year.
As I think about all the progress we’ve made in recent years… and that we’ll accelerate this year… and then look at all of the GM cars, trucks, and crossovers surrounding us this morning … I’m 100 percent confident of one thing: GM has the people, with the passion, to create the best cars, crossovers and trucks in the world … with great design and the latest fuel economy and advanced propulsion technology.
At GM, we’re very excited about the products we have on the road today… as well as those we that have coming in the future.
From our foundation brand, Chevrolet, to our flagship brand, Cadillac, we offer more choices, and serve more customers, than any other auto company in America… and we want to take the opportunity today to show you our passion for great products and technology leadership.
So now I’m very pleased to offer you a representative sample, a “rolling review,” of today’s General Motors… recent award winners now in dealer showrooms… cars and crossovers that are coming soon… a number of future fuel-economy leaders… and one or two surprises to round out the show.
These are the cars and crossovers that mark the start of our second century. Smaller, smarter, more fuel efficient… and with more than enough towing capacity to pull GM back onto the road to long-term success.
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s see what General Motors is all about!
* * *
MARIO IMPEMBA
Ladies and gentlemen, the future of automotive transportation has entered the building!
Zero emissions, up to 40 miles of driving without using a single drop of fuel and the capability to go another several hundred miles… I present the revolutionary Chevrolet Volt!
And accompanying the Volt are some of the talented GM employees who helped make this car and others a reality… and a very special guest… please welcome Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.
I’m Mario Impemba, a broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers.
And I’m here to re-introduce you and the rest of the world to living proof that General Motors builds world-class vehicles…
… and it starts right now with GM’s largest brand — Chevrolet!
Here’s a car that proves GM’s commitment to being a fuel economy leader can come in all shapes and sizes …
the Chevrolet Aveo5.
With the lowest cost of ownership of any vehicle in America, this exciting, fuel-efficient Chevrolet Aveo5 drives small while living large!
Now I’d like you to meet a few of our most recent entries –
award-winning cars that are setting new standards for GM design and technology leadership in the industry.
A North American Car of the Year winner… the Saturn Aura!
It leads among midsize sedans in highway fuel economy and it’s available in an affordable hybrid, too.
And fresh from its win as 2009 European Car of the Year… look who decided to drop in today… the all-new Opel Insignia… a stylish and innovative sedan that represents a new era for this pioneering global automaker.
Next, here’s one that captures the essence of Cadillac design and technology…
Make way for the award-winning 2009 Cadillac CTS!
Last year’s 2008 North American Car of the Year … this year’s Consumer Report’s “best American car”… with Best-in-Class Quality according to J.D. Power… oh, and did I mention segment-leading fuel economy ?
Let’s give it up for the award-winning Chevrolet Malibu!
These next vehicles are due to arrive in GM dealerships soon… beginning with the first member of Chevrolet’s new global product offensive… the all-new, Chevrolet Cruze.
Cruze brings new comfort and sophistication to the compact car segment, with estimated fuel economy of nearly 40 miles per gallon!
Here is my next car!
The day we’ve all been waiting for is almost here.
Ladies and gentlemen, the 21st Century Sports Car - one that delivers the wow factor of 300 horsepower and 27 mpg highway with its V-6 engine… the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro!
Now we present another classically designed sports car… this time from Pontiac… the all-new Solstice Coupe.
This roadster packs great looks, modern performance and
28 mpg highway.
And back to Cadillac … the momentum continues for GM’s flagship brand with a vehicle that is anything but understated.
Ladies and gentlemen… the Cadillac design renaissance continues… get ready for the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon!
OK, now the bases are loaded with no outs.
Now let’s give a big Motor City welcome to three new production stars that are sure to be home runs.
First up … the new shape of Cadillac design re-interpreted in the form of a crossover.
Meet the all-new, 2010 Cadillac SRX.
This next vehicle redefines what you can expect from a compact crossover…
the next Chevrolet hit, the all-new 2010 Equinox!
Finally… another player making its world debut today is a global car in every sense of the word.
The next generation of Buick design, craftsmanship and technology continues with the all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse!
Please give it up for the
President of GM North America, Troy Clarke.
TROY CLARKE
Thank you Mario.
Hey we all know that great products build great brands… and most consumers know GM through our brands… from Chevrolet to Cadillac… and every brand in between.
These new production vehicles capture the essence of
great products building great brands.
Let’s start with the all-new Cadillac SRX, which is aimed at the changing priorities of today’s luxury buyers.
Its dynamic look extends Cadillac’s signature Art and Science design language.
And inside… we think you’ll find an equally compelling interior with premium materials and hand-crafted details throughout.
Many vehicles in this segment are sold from the “inside-out” — that’s why we paid so much attention to the SRX interior.
Powertrain-wise, the SRX features two right-sized engines — a new 3.0 liter Direct Injection V6, or a 2.8 liter V6 turbo.
These advanced powertrains offer great performance with fuel efficiency and, importantly, reduced emissions.
Underpinning this luxury crossover is a unique chassis
and a class-leading all-wheel-drive system that offers confidence in all kinds of weather.
Look for SRX in Cadillac showrooms this summer.
Next we have the all-new 2010 LaCrosse, a sedan that we are confident will continue the renaissance of Buick that began with the award-winning Enclave.
LaCrosse has a sculpted exterior design, including Buick’s signature waterfall grille…”sweep spear” line… and the brand’s famous portholes — all with a modern touch.
And inside … the craftsmanship is evident with high quality materials and cool blue ambient lighting throughout a library-quiet cabin.
Customers in this segment want responsible performance, and LaCrosse delivers with a powertrain lineup that includes two advanced direct injection
V-6 engines, a six-speed automatic for improved fuel efficiency and a new
all-wheel-drive system.
Also look for LaCrosse in Buick showrooms this summer.
Chevrolet is GM’s fuel economy leader and offers eight models that get an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway or better.
Okay… make that nine — with the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
The Equinox compact crossover will be the leader in its segment with an estimated highway fuel economy of, yes, 30 mpg.
Equinox will offer two engines, both featuring direct injection technology and a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.
And this family hauler will have a driving range of at least 500 miles.
From a design perspective, the new Equinox mirrors the styling cues of Malibu and Traverse.
Again, look for the 2010 Equinox in Chevrolet showrooms this summer.
And now, let’s continue the Rally … with the introduction of two more future products from Chevrolet.
Making its North American debut is Chevrolet’s fuel-efficient, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle… the Orlando concept.
And if 40 miles per gallon is music to your ears, the beat goes on at Chevrolet, you’ll love our news on this next car… the Chevrolet Beat concept.
Two years ago, at the New York Auto Show, we introduced three Chevrolet Minicar concepts - known then as the Beat, Groove and Trax.
And we asked the world to tell us if there was an appetite
for a Chevrolet micro-car… and over 2 million people picked this car, the Chevrolet Beat.
Well you spoke, and we listened.
I’m pleased to announce that the production version of this car will be called the Chevrolet Spark.
Targeted just below our popular Chevrolet Aveo, the Spark will be sold in all global regions — from Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, to right here in North America, where Spark is scheduled to join the Chevy family in the U.S. in late 2011.
And best of all, Spark will deliver 40 MPG highway.
Here’s the first-ever photo of the Spark production car, which will make its world debut in person this March at the Geneva Auto Show — with European sales set to begin next year.
The Spark is just one example of how being a global company can benefit the U.S. market.
And here’s another example - the Chevrolet Orlando.
We unveiled this concept car last fall at the Paris Auto Show.
The public reaction in Paris was positive.
I’m happy to announce that the Chevrolet Orlando is officially going into production.
I’m even happier to announce that the Orlando will be in Chevy showrooms here in the U.S. starting in 2011.
That’s all I’ll say for now, but we’ll have more details for you on Chevrolet’s global plans for Orlando in the coming months.
A critical part of GM’s restructuring plan is a keen focus on energy-saving vehicles and technology… the lead vehicle in our rally this morning, the Chevrolet Volt, is the cornerstone of that commitment.
But bringing the Volt to market isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning.
And since we always want to keep you focused on where GM is going next, we couldn’t resist one more surprise…
Bob Lutz
Ladies and gentlemen…the Cadillac Converj concept.
While Converj looks the part… it certainly doesn’t sound like any other Cadillac.
For one simple reason… it’s electric.
It doesn’t sound like anything!
But it does look like a Cadillac… in fact this is a vehicle we thought would draw great appeal based on its beauty and its proportions alone.
Its electric propulsion technology is almost secondary, an added bonus.
That said, electricity is one of our best opportunities to displace gasoline and reduce our dependence on petroleum.
And Converj is powered by a further evolution of the electric propulsion system in the Chevrolet Volt.
So let’s talk for a minute about GM’s revolutionary electric propulsion technology, which we now call Voltec.
The Voltec system currently consists of a 16 kw lithium-ion battery, electric drive unit and a range-extending four-cylinder engine-generator.
In the future, the battery could be larger or smaller, and so could the engine.
That won’t change the concept or the technology of the Voltec system.
The important point to remember is that electricity drives the wheels at all times and all speeds.
When fully charged, the Converj can drive up to 40 miles without using a single drop of fuel or producing any tailpipe emissions.
And it can go several hundred additional miles once the small, on-board engine spins to create more electricity.
And, since about three out of four Americans have a daily commute of 40 miles or less, if this is primarily a car for getting to-and-from work, you may never buy a drop of gas during the entire life of the car!
Another benefit of Voltec technology is the elimination of “range anxiety” — that troublesome fear that strikes when the electric vehicle you’re driving is about to run out of juice and there’s nowhere nearby to recharge.
I’ve had personal experience with this, so I know it’s no laughing matter.
I have an electric scooter that ran out of juice and stranded me several miles from my house.
Because you can’t exactly have someone bring you a can of electricity, I had to call a friend with a pick up truck to fetch me and the scooter — an act that defeats the purpose of electrically powered transportation!
As far as the Converj goes, from a design standpoint, we set out to create a concept that is unmistakably a Cadillac, one that clearly indicates two very important things about our future.
Number one, the Cadillac design theme will continue its evolution.
Converj, in my opinion, carries the theme forward in a natural, unforced and refined manner.
And number two, the Voltec electric propulsion technology we’re developing is flexible, and can meet the needs and the expectations of the luxury car audience.
We all know that luxury can be electric; now, electric can be luxury.
I think the Converj and all the vehicles here are prime examples of what this company is capable of when it commits itself to excellence.
Building vehicles like these and all the others we have in our pipeline is the only way to fight the misperceptions about GM products.
And by leveraging our global resources, we will continue to push the envelope on design, on innovative new technology, on fuel efficiency, on quality and reliability, and on everything that makes a great vehicle great.
You have my word on that.
Now … I’d like to invite Rick and Troy to join me on stage, along with Susan Docherty of Buick, Mark McNabb of Cadillac and Ed Peper of Chevrolet.
We’d be happy to take your questions now.
Thank you.
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