A Detroit-based automaker today outlined its rollout plan for new offerings in electrification, intelligent driving, and connectivity for the Chinese marketplace.
With an immersive display at the PATAC Design Dome in Shanghai and virtual presentations from the its Design Dome in Warren, General Motors Co. provided a preview of the advanced technologies it has developed including its new global EV platform, the Ultium battery system, and next-generation EVs to be launched in China.
“As GM’s largest market and a global center of innovation, China will play a crucial role in making our vision a reality,” says Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of GM. “With our joint venture partner SAIC, we are blending global insights and scale with local market expertise to redefine what is possible for our customers and for society.”
GM has been pursuing a future of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion, vowing to invest more than $20 billion in electric and automated vehicles by 2025. In China, since the introduction of its “Drive to 2030” vision at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, the company says it has built the largest connected customer base and enhanced its localized technical capability and supply chain to support its long-term development.
In electrification, more than 40 percent of GM’s new launches in China in the next five years will be electrified models. They all will be manufactured in China, with almost all parts coming from local suppliers. The Ultium battery system and third-generation global electric platform will integrate GM’s engineering flexibility, technology advances with localized manufacturing, and supply chain in China to enhance quality and cost competitiveness.
GM says it will help strengthen consumer trust in intelligent driving systems in China through the continued rollout and upgrade of the Super Cruise driver assistance system, which will be featured on Cadillac’s entire lineup by mid-decade and expanded to Buick and Chevrolet models. The company also will accelerate the development of China-specific solutions for intelligent connected vehicles, with its first global vehicle-to-everything (V2X) program set for launch this year on a Buick GL8 MPV for China.
Nearly all GM vehicles in China from its global brands will be connected via flexible platforms and industry-leading scale. The automaker expects to capitalize on 5G, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and big data. In 2022, 5G will be available on all new Cadillac models and most Chevrolet and Buick vehicles going forward. The most up-to-date connected services will be provided through over-the-air updates.
“We will enhance local integration and global collaboration by capitalizing on China-leading market trends and playing to the local industry’s strengths,” says Julian Blissett, GM executive vice president and president of GM China. “We are ready to activate a new era.”
