!NEW! Dan Akerson to Retire as GM CEO in January 2014

Mary Barra to Become Next GM CEO; Dan Ammann Named President

Daniel F. Akerson - GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors Company

General Motors today announced that Dan Akerson, who guided today’s GM to record profits and dramatic improvement in vehicle quality while closing the chapter on government ownership in the company, will step down as chairman and CEO on Jan. 15, 2014.

Mary Barra to become next GM CEO

Mary T. Barra - GM Executive Vice President, Global Product Development & Global Purchasing & Supply Chain

Mary Barra, 51, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, was elected by the Board of Directors to become the next CEO of the company.  Barra will also join the GM Board. 

Dan Akerson, 65, pulled ahead his succession plan by several months after his wife was recently diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

The Board also named Theodore (Tim) Solso to succeed Akerson as Chairman.  Solso, 66, is the former chairman and CEO of Cummins, Inc., and has been a member of the GM Board since June 2012.

Theodore M. Solso - GM Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cummins, Inc.

“I will leave with great satisfaction in what we have accomplished, great optimism over what is ahead and great pride that we are restoring General Motors as America’s standard bearer in the global auto industry,”  Akerson said in a message to employees.

With 33 years of experience at GM, Barra has risen through a series of manufacturing, engineering, and senior staff positions.  She is a leader in the company’s ongoing turnaround, revitalizing GM’s product development process resulting in the launch of critically acclaimed new products while delivering record product quality ratings and higher customer satisfaction.

“With an amazing portfolio of cars and trucks and the strongest financial performance in our recent history, this is an exciting time at today’s GM,” said Barra. “I’m honored to lead the best team in the business and to keep our momentum at full speed.”

Dan Ammann, 41, executive vice president and chief financial officer, was named company president and will assume responsibility for managing the company’s regional operations around the world.  The global Chevrolet and Cadillac brand organizations and GM Financial will also report to Ammann.

Daniel Ammann - GM Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Ammann joined GM in 2010 where his first assignment was to manage GM’s initial public offering. As CFO, he has led a transformation of GM’s finance operations into a world-class organization.  He also led the strategy to rebuild the company’s captive finance capability through the successful establishment and growth of GM Financial.

“We have a significant opportunity to further integrate and optimize our operations to deliver even better results,” said Ammann.  “While we have made good progress, we still have much work ahead of us to realize GM’s full potential.”

Ammann will retain CFO responsibilities at least through the release of the company’s fourth quarter and full-year 2013 results in early February 2014.  His replacement as CFO will be named later.

Mark Reuss, 50, executive vice president and president, North America, will replace Barra as executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.  Under Reuss’ watch, GM’s North America region has produced consistent profits and improved margins during a product renaissance that includes the launch of award-winning cars and trucks such as the Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Corvette, Impala and Silverado pickup.

Mark Reuss - GM Executive Vice President and President, North America

“The driver’s seat of designing and engineering the strongest product line up in GM’s history is the best seat to have,” said Reuss.  “We’re going to keep the pedal down on GM’s product resurgence and keep winning new customers.”

Alan Batey, currently senior vice president, Global Chevrolet and U.S. Sales and Marketing, will replace Reuss and is named Executive Vice President and President, North America.  Batey, 50, joined GM’s Vauxhall operation in 1979 and held several sales, service and marketing positions around the world.  In his current position, he has developed the Chevrolet brand’s Find New Roads advertising campaign and has overseen a sweeping upgrade of retail sales and service operations at hundreds of U.S. dealerships.

Alan Batey - GM Senior Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Chief & U.S. Sales and Marketing

“North America is the foundation of the GM turnaround story and I’m honored to help continue what Mark started,” said Batey.  “We remain committed to delivering the world’s best retail experience to match the world’s best cars and trucks.”

The company also announced that Steve Girsky, 51, vice chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning, will move to a senior advisor role until leaving the company in April 2014.  He will remain on the GM Board of Directors.

Stephen J. Girsky - GM Vice Chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development & Global Product Planning

Girsky led GM’s turnaround plan for Europe that has put that region’s operations back on a path to profitability.  He has also put GM’s OnStar unit at the forefront of in-vehicle connectivity and helped create GM Ventures to speed the commercialization of new technologies in GM vehicles.

“I share Dan’s pride for what the company has accomplished and his sense of optimism for a bright future,” said Girsky.  “This team is united in its commitment to building on the foundation that we have established.”

Under Akerson’s leadership, GM made swift progress as the company transformed from being majority owned by U.S. Treasury to being publicly traded and investment grade rated.

“My goals as CEO were to put the customer at the center of every decision we make, to position GM for long term success and to make GM a company that America can be proud of again,” Akerson said.  “We are well down that path, and I’m certain that our new team will keep us moving in that direction.”

Akerson was named GM Chairman and CEO on September 1, 2010.  He joined GM in 2009 as a member of its Board of Directors.  Since the company’s November 2010 Initial Public Offering, GM has recorded 15 consecutive quarters of profitability, has earned this year the best overall initial vehicle quality scores of any auto manufacturer, and has re-invested nearly $9 billion and created or retained more than 25,000 jobs at its U.S plants.

!NEW! GM Strengthens its European Brand Strategy

• Opel / Vauxhall to compete as GM’s mainstream brands across Europe
• Chevrolet to focus on iconic products in Europe
• Cadillac to expand in Europe

General Motors (GM) today announced plans to accelerate its progress in Europe by bolstering its brands in the mainstream and premium segments.

Beginning in 2016, GM will compete in Europe’s volume markets under its respected Opel and Vauxhall brands. The company’s Chevrolet brand will no longer have a mainstream presence in Western and Eastern Europe, largely due to a challenging business model and the difficult economic situation in Europe. 

Chevrolet, the fourth-largest global automotive brand, will instead tailor its presence to offering select iconic vehicles – such as the Corvette – in Western and Eastern Europe, and will continue to have a broad presence in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. 

This will improve the Opel and Vauxhall brands and reduce the market complexity associated with having Opel and Chevrolet in Western and Eastern Europe. In Russia and the CIS, the brands are clearly defined and distinguished and, as a result, are more competitive within their respective segments.

Cadillac, which is finalizing plans for expanding in the European market, will enhance and expand its distribution network over the next three years as it prepares for numerous product introductions.

“Europe is a key region for GM that will benefit from a stronger Opel and Vauxhall and further emphasis on Cadillac,” said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. “For Chevrolet, it will allow us to focus our investments where the opportunity for growth is greatest.”

“This is a win for all four brands. It’s especially positive for car buyers throughout Europe, who will be able to purchase vehicles from well-defined, vibrant GM brands,” Akerson said.

Chevrolet will work closely with its dealer network in Western and Eastern Europe to define future steps while ensuring it can honor obligations to existing customers in the coming years.

“Our customers can rest assured that we will continue to provide warranty, parts and services for their Chevrolet vehicles, and for vehicles purchased between now and the end of 2015,” said Thomas Sedran, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe. “We want to thank our customers and dealers for their loyalty to the Chevrolet brand here in Europe.”

The majority of the Chevrolet portfolio sold in Western and Eastern Europe is produced in South Korea. As a result, GM will increase its focus on driving profitability, managing costs and maximizing sales opportunities in its Korean operations as the company looks for new ways to improve business results in the fast-changing and highly competitive global business environment.

“We will continue to become more competitive in Korea,” said GM Korea President and CEO Sergio Rocha. “In doing so, we will position ourselves for long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the best interests of our employees, customers and stakeholders, while remaining a significant contributor to GM’s global business.”

With the decision that Chevrolet will no longer have a mainstream presence in Western and Eastern Europe, GM expects to record net special charges of $700 million to $1 billion primarily in the fourth quarter of 2013 and continuing through the first half of 2014. The special charges include asset impairments, dealer restructuring, sales incentives and severance-related costs, and will pave the way for continued improvement in GM’s European operations through the further strengthening of the Opel and Vauxhall brands. Approximately $300 million of the net special charges will be non-cash expenses. In addition, GM expects to incur restructuring costs related to these actions that will not be treated as special charges, but will impact GM International Operations earnings in 2014.

!NEW! GM, Honda to Collaborate on Next-Generation Fuel Cell Technologies

Goal is commercially feasible fuel cell and hydrogen storage in 2020 time frame

General Motors (GM) and Honda announced today a long-term, definitive master agreement to co-develop next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies, aiming for the 2020 time frame. The collaboration expects to succeed by sharing expertise, economies of scale and common sourcing strategies.

GM and Honda plan to work together with stakeholders to further advance refueling infrastructure, which is critical for the long-term viability and consumer acceptance of fuel cell vehicles.

GM and Honda are acknowledged leaders in fuel cell technology. According to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index, GM and Honda rank No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in total fuel cell patents filed between 2002 and 2012, with more than 1,200 between them.

“This collaboration builds upon Honda and GM’s strengths as leaders in hydrogen fuel cell technology,” said Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO. “We are convinced this is the best way to develop this important technology, which has the potential to help reduce the dependence on petroleum and establish sustainable mobility.”

Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. said: “Among all zero CO₂ emission technologies, fuel cell electric vehicles have a definitive advantage with range and refueling time that is as good as conventional gasoline cars. Honda and GM are eager to accelerate the market penetration of this ultimate clean mobility technology, and I am excited to form this collaboration to fuse our leading fuel cell technologies and create an advanced system that will be both more capable and more affordable.”

GM’s Project Driveway program, launched in 2007, has accumulated nearly 3 million miles of real-world driving in a fleet of 119 hydrogen-powered vehicles, more than any other automaker.

Honda began leasing of the Honda FCX in 2002 and has deployed 85 units in the U.S. and Japan, including its successor, the FCX Clarity, which was named the 2009 World Green Car. Honda has delivered these vehicles to the hands of customers in the U.S. and collected valuable data concerning real-world use of fuel cell electric vehicles.

As already announced, Honda plans to launch the successor of FCX Clarity in Japan and the United States in 2015, and then in Europe. GM will announce its fuel cell production plans at a later date.

Fuel cell technology addresses many of the major challenges facing automobiles today – petroleum dependency, emissions, efficiency, range and refueling times. Fuel cell vehicles can operate on renewable hydrogen made from sources like wind and biomass. The only emission from fuel cell vehicles is water vapor. 

Additionally, fuel cell vehicles can have up to 400 miles driving range, can be refueled in as little as three minutes, and the propulsion technology can be used on small, medium, and large vehicles.

!NEW! Opel in the first quarter of 2013: Growth in market share in the Czech and Slovak Republic and in All Europe

• Opel begins attack the second position of the European passenger car market
• Progress of orders promises continued strengthening brand position
• Clearly declared support from GM increases client confidence

Opel ADAM 

While the vast majority of "bulk" of competing brands losing their positions Opel in Europe, on the contrary reinforces: During the first quarter in Europe (EU + EFTA) sold 209,000 cars Opel, which makes Opel increased its market share to 6.7% and confirms Already last year, started the campaign for the position of "twos" European passenger car market. "From the fifth place, we have to work through the end of last year through the French competition to the third position - and now literally breathe on his back yet another Ford," says Pavel Šilha, Managing Director Czech and Slovak representation of Opel.

Opel thrive and grow market share in a declining domestic market. "In the Passenger Cars + Light Commercial Vehicles segment during the first quarter we increased market share of 2.41%, an increase of 24% compared to the same period of 2012," says Josef Šopík, sales director of Opel in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. "We are confident that we will maintain this trend in the coming months as each month registering a higher order."

Opel Mokka SUV

The positive results of Opel in the Czech Republic and Europe have the greatest merit attractive models, which recently swelled into production and is now beginning to fully promote the sales statistics. Literally hit as the Opel Mokka compact SUV, which has only a few months after the launch to his credit already over 100,000 orders. "Great attention is also drawn to the extremely adaptable minimodel ADAM ai responses to Cascada convertible promise a decent income," says director Šilha sales results Opel models. "Personally, I much promise from approaching motor coaching - in most of our models appear completely new diesel and gasoline engines, whose parameters are the absolute top of what is today's automotive market to buy!"

It is hard to measure, but in daily contact with customers is quite obvious trend of building confidence in the brand. "A clear declaration of full support for Opel by parent company General Motors coupled with huge investment in the development and production apparently calmed the situation and restore the confidence of clients," says Pavel Šilha. GM two weeks ago announced that in the coming years to invest in Opel model offensive 4 billion Euros , making the German automaker will present in 2016 a total of 23 new models and 13 new engines. And yesterday, GM "throwing" an additional investment of 230 million Euros to build a new testing capabilities in its European design center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and the nearby test track Dudenhofen.

"General Motors needs a strong presence in Europe in the design, development, production and sales - and Opel in this respect is a key factor in our success and has our full support," does not admit any doubt Dan Akerson, chairman and CEO of General Motors.

!NEW! GM and Opel Management meet German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel

From left: Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Management Board of Adam Opel AG and President General Motors Europe, Steve Girsky, Deputy Chairman of the GM Board and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adam Opel AG, German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel , Daniel F. Akerson, GM Chairman & CEO as well as Ronald Pofalla, Chief of the German Chancellery.

German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and Chief of the German Chancellery Ronald Pofalla today welcomed a delegation of GM Executives led by CEO Dan Akerson. Akerson was accompanied by Steve Girsky, Deputy Chairman of the GM Board and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adam Opel AG, by Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Management Board of Adam Opel AG and President General Motors Europe, as well as Joachim Koschnicke, Vice President Public Policy at Adam Opel AG.

General Motors informed Chancellor Merkel about the deliberations that took place during the strategy conference (BOD) held from April 9 -11, 2013 in Germany. Focus was on the progress in implementing Opel’s ten-year plan “DRIVE!2022” as well as on the difficult environment in Europe. Another important topic was General Motors’ clear commitment to Germany and to Opel.

“GM and Opel have been together since 1929 and will stay together. And together we will also return to profitability in Europe. We have the strategy. We have the team. We have the cars. Germany is and remains the home and the backbone of Opel,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann after the meeting with the Chancellor. 

!NEW! GM to Invest 4 Billion Euros in Opel’s Future through 2016

• GM Board of Directors makes clear commitment to Opel
• GM CEO Dan Akerson: “Opel has GM’s full support”
• Confirmation of “DRIVE!2022” plan for future
• Piece of Berlin Wall as symbol of solidarity

 From left: Stephen J. Girsky, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Adam Opel AG, Daniel F. Akerson, GM Chairman & CEO and Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Adam Opel AG Management Board, GM Europe President and GM Vice President in front of the Opel RAK 2 Rocket Car.

The General Motors (GM) Board of Directors used its meeting in Rüsselsheim to underscore its commitment to Opel and Germany. This commitment was also manifested in the approval of a comprehensive investment program: GM will invest 4 billion euros in Germany and Europe through 2016. “As a global automotive company GM needs a strong presence in Europe – in terms of design and development as well as manufacturing and sales,” said Dan Akerson, Chairman and CEO of GM, at a press briefing at Adam Opel Haus. “Opel is a key to our success and enjoys its parent company’s full support.”

The Board of Directors chose Germany for a regularly scheduled meeting to get first-hand information on the progress on its 10-year strategy DRIVE!2022 and the challenging European automotive environment. The Board also used this opportunity to meet with economists, unionists and politicians.

From left: Phil Murphy, American Ambassador, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Adam Opel AG Management Board, GM Europe President and GM Vice President, Volker Bouffier, Minister President of Hesse, Daniel F. Akerson, GM Chairman & CEO, Stephen J. Girsky, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Adam Opel AG, Patrick Burghardt, Rüsselsheim Mayor.

In addition to Akerson, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky and Works Council Chairman Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug also spoke at today’s press conference in Rüsselsheim. The Board of Directors welcomed the guests of honor Minister President of Hesse Volker Bouffier, the American Ambassador Phil Murphy as well as Rüsselsheim Mayor Patrick Burghardt, who brought the city’s Guest Book for the visitors to sign.

From left: Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Chairman of the Adam Opel AG Management Board, GM Europe President and GM Vice President, Patrick Burghardt, Rüsselsheim Mayor and Volker Bouffier, Minister President of Hesse at the Rüsselsheim plant facilities.

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Adam Opel AG, emphasized that it is a great honor for Opel to be able to host the GM Board: “This Board has once again made very clear that our 10-year plan DRIVE!2022, that foresees our return to profitability by the middle of the decade, has our parent company’s complete support.” A large part of the investments are going into the Opel model offensive. Through 2016, Opel will introduce 23 new models and 13 new powertrains.

Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Steve Girsky said, “The Board of Directors is here to underline its solidarity and support. Opel has been part of GM since 1929 and is today more than ever a decisive element for the entire company’s innovative power. This partnership is stronger than it has ever been.”

Following the press briefing Dan Akerson revealed a piece of the Berlin Wall that belongs to Opel and will be placed in front of the Adam Opel Haus on Friedrich-Lutzmann-Ring. “This piece of the wall is a symbol of our corporate culture,” said CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The symbol should remind everyone that we overcome any walls in our heads and those between different cultures and that we are now starting a new chapter in the history of Opel.”

In the press briefing a piece of the Berlin Wall was revealed that belongs to Opel and will be placed in front of the Adam Opel Haus on Friedrich-Lutzmann-Ring. Pictured (middle): Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel CEO 

!NEW! GM Chairman Dan Akerson strengthens commitment to Opel

• Company chief visits Rüsselsheim and engages with employees
• Clear commitment to corporate plan “Drive Opel 2022”

The GM Chairman and CEO, Dan Akerson, attended an all employee meeting of the Adam Opel AG at its headquarters in Ruesselsheim (Germany). Several thousand members of staff gathered in the K48 hall to receive first-hand information. In addition, Akerson addressed their questions about the situation of the company and the forward looking plan “Drive Opel 2022”.

Akerson referred to the continuing and difficult economic climate in Europe. However, at the same time he underscored the need and determination to return Opel to growth as a significant part of GM’s global success. “A company like GM needs a strong presence in Europe, powerful design and product development as well as a strong network of dealerships. Opel fulfills this role.” According to Akerson Opel will again sell more than a million vehicles this year and will continue to play a leading role in GM’s global product development.

Opel ADAM

“There are several positive signs that demonstrate that our corporate plan is starting to work,” Akerson added. He referred to the reduction of overheads by 300 million dollars in the year to date. “We are relying on our own hard work and are not counting on a tailwind from the markets,” Akerson said. The comprehensive product offensive including appealing, new vehicles like the compact Mokka SUV and the chic, urban ADAM will, according to Akerson, continue to be a key element.

Opel Mokka SUV

General Motors Enters New Era in Russia

Breaks ground for St. Petersburg plant expansion

General Motors broke ground today for the expansion of GM Auto, its wholly owned manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg, Russia. It will more than double GM Auto’s annual production capacity from the current 98,000 vehicles to 230,000 vehicles by 2015.

The project is the most significant development for GM’s Russian operations since GM Auto opened in 2008.

General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson greets workers at GM Auto in St. Petersburg, Russia

GM Auto’s expansion is part of an historic partnership formed last year with the Russian Federal Ministry of Economic Development that will lead to GM investing US $1 billion in its Russian operations over the next five years. The investment will also support the increase of production at the GM-AVTOVAZ joint venture in Togliatti, Russia, resulting in combined annual Russian production capacity for GM of 350,000 vehicles.

General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson (on left) greets former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul (on right)

GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson, Russian Federal Deputy Minister Alexey Rakhmanov, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, and former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger joined senior representatives from GM Russia and GM Auto employees at today’s celebration.

When the expansion is complete, employment at the facility will increase from 2,500 to 4,000 people. They will manufacture Chevrolet and Opel models for the Russian market. Among the additional vehicles that will be produced at GM Auto is the new Opel Astra sedan, which will make its worldwide debut at the Moscow International Motor Show in August.

“General Motors is embarking on a new era in Russia, one of the world’s fastest-growing vehicle markets, as part of our strategy to build where we sell,” said Akerson. “The global vehicles that we produce and the manufacturing systems that we are putting in place are creating long-term benefits for Russia’s automotive industry, its supply base and its economy.

General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson on Friday, June 22, 2012, before the groundbreaking for the expansion of GM Auto, its wholly owned manufacturing facility in St. Petersburg, Russia

“Our growing investment is the strongest possible endorsement by General Motors of our intent to make Russia a significant part of our international operations. Our vision in Russia, as in all of the other markets where we do business, is to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles,” he said.

During his three-day visit to Russia, Akerson also addressed business leaders and media at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 22. He discussed the importance of investing first in products and technology, being well-positioned for profitable growth and building strong brands that connect with customers worldwide.