General Motors Corporate Responsibility Newsletter
January/February 2015
HEADLINE:
Chevrolet Introduces All-New 2016 Volt
Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2016 Volt electric car with extended range, showcasing a sleeker, sportier design that offers 50 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration.
GREENER VEHICLES
Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept Signals Brand’s EV Strategy
Chevrolet made a significant statement on its commitment to electrification with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept – a vision for an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting around $30,000.
Chevrolet Spark EV Plugs into Maryland
Chevrolet will start selling the Spark EV in Maryland this spring, expanding the pure electric mini-car’s “range” to the East Coast.
GM Reducing Environmental Impact in a Variety of Ways
Jeanne Blaisdell, founder and publisher of The Green Samaritan blog, shares her behind-the-scenes experience at this year’s North American International Auto Show.
Department of Energy Recognizes GM for Workplace Charging
The U.S. Department of Energy recognized GM’s leadership in supporting the development of the national plug-in electric vehicle workplace charging infrastructure, promoting workplace charging and increasing the charging stations available to GM employees.
GM Ventures Sees Potential in Fuel Saving Technology
GM Ventures is optimistic that its 2012 equity investment in Silicon Valley-based startup Tula Technology, Inc. will result in a revolutionary new fuel economy technology that could be deployed in future gasoline engine-powered General Motors’ vehicles.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
GM Dealers Show Their Sustainability to Customers
Certain Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealerships across the U.S. are showing customers their environmental credentials as part of a new “Green Dealer Recognition” program.
GM Leadership and Employees Learn from Climate Expert
Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, met with GM employees for a roundtable discussion on how external stakeholders view the company’s sustainability performance and how they can help continue the progress.
Fort Wayne Assembly Powered by Wide Array of Renewables
GM’s Fort Wayne assembly plant in Indiana finished construction of a 100-foot-long, 14.4 kilowatt ground-mounted solar array. The company now houses 46 megawatts of solar power at 18 of its facilities globally.
Embracing the Disruption
David Tulauskas, GM’s director of sustainability, sees opportunity in industry changes and challenges.
9 Technologies Shaping the Future of Sustainability
From aerial drones to "smart" floor tiles, GM Manager of Renewable Energy Rob Threlkeld sheds an energy-efficient light on the latest sustainability technologies.
RESOURCE PRESERVATION
Getting to the Green: The Beautification of our Detroit-Hamtramck Plant
With some urging from a local resident, GM and the Greening of Detroit set out to plant new trees to replace those destroyed by the emerald ash borer.
Native American Weavers Harvest Dogbane at Fort Wayne Assembly
Colonies of the dogbane plant growing near GM’s Indiana manufacturing facility are being used to making clothing and bags.
WASTE REDUCTION
Vauxhall Creates a Sustainability Culture, Wins Award
GM’s Vauxhall brand in the U.K. received a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice from the Green Organisation, an international nonprofit.
SAFETY
Four Chevrolet Models Are 2015 IIHS Top Safety Picks
The 2015 Chevrolet Spark, Volt, Malibu and Equinox have been named 2015 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Picks.
Chevrolet’s Safety Alert Seat Goes to Work
Forward Collision Alert technology available in several 2015 Chevrolet models, including the Silverado, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse, alerts customers in everyday car-following situations if they may be seconds away from a crash or following much too closely.
PHILANTHROPY
Buick Achievers Scholarship Application Period Now Open
The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, funded by the General Motors Foundation, will accept applications for 2015 scholarships until 5 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 27.
GM Foundation Contributes $2.875 Million to Higher Education
The General Motors Foundation announced grants totaling $2.875 million to support 29 leading universities and organizations across the country in 2014 through its University/Organization Partner Program.