!NEW! Opel Announces New Battery Electric Car: Ampera-e

• New Opel battery electric vehicle will break down barriers to electric mobility
• Five-door, five-seat Ampera-e will have longer range than most electric cars
• Fun to drive, outstanding connectivity and affordably priced

Game-changer: Five-door, five-seat Opel Ampera-e will have longer range than most electric cars.

Opel will launch a revolutionary new battery electric car next year, as the German brand continues the biggest, most far-reaching model offensive in its history with 29 new models between 2016 and 2020. The new five-door, five seat will be called “Ampera-e”. It will not only have a longer range on a full charge than most electric cars, it will also be affordably priced.

Building on the electrification expertise established with the original Opel Ampera, which set the benchmark for modern electric cars in 2011, the new Opel Ampera-e combines innovative electric-mobility with state-of-the-art connectivity and exciting driving dynamics.

Announcing the Ampera-e today at the CAR Symposium in Bochum, Germany, GM Chairman & CEO Mary Barra said: “GM and Opel have always been convinced that electric cars will play a defining role in future mobility. The game-changing technology of the Ampera-e is a significant step toward realizing that vision. Our new battery electric car is also another boost for Opel’s reputation for making innovative engineering widely accessible.”

In debate: Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, host of the CAR Symposium, and GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra.

Trends like urbanization and protecting the environment also call for new kinds of mobility and alternative propulsion systems. “Electric vehicles have the potential to make a significant contribution to climate protection and emissions reduction”, says Opel group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The new Opel Ampera-e will open the road to electric mobility by breaking down the barriers of high price and short driving range.”

The unique, compact proportions of the Ampera-e are driven by the battery pack being mounted flat, under the vehicle floor. The efficient packaging of the battery also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a car in the compact class.

The Ampera-e will also offer the award-winning personal connectivity and service assistant, Opel OnStar and connectivity and infotainment technologies that will integrate smartphones and other electronic devices seamlessly into the vehicle.

!NEW! 30,000 Orders for New Opel Astra Already

• Opel CEO Dr. Neumann: “Astra is the best Opel we have ever built”
• Product offensive steps up a gear: 29 new Opel/Vauxhall models until 2020
• GM CEO Mary Barra: “We want to be number two in Europe.”
• Connectivity pioneer with Opel OnStar

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann: “The new Astra is the best Opel we have ever built.”

The 66th International Motor Show in Frankfurt stared for Opel with the world premiere of the new generation Astra earlier today. It also marks the start of a new era for the company. “Our new Astra is the best Opel we have ever built and it represents a real quantum leap for Opel in a number of ways,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann in his opening words to the visitors of the official press conference in the Astra Galaxy. “The entire team has done an outstanding job on the new Astra. It’s another chapter in our comeback story.” The eleventh generation Opel compact class car is not only lighter, more agile and more efficient than ever before – it also comes with features previous only known from higher segments. After unveiling the 5-door Astra, the Opel Group CEO was joined on the stage of the more than 3,300m2

World Premiere: GM CEO Mary Barra and Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann reveal the new Astra Sports Tourer at the Opel Press Conference at the 66th Frankfurt Motor Show.

Opel booth D09 in hall 8.0 by General Motors CEO Mary Barra for the reveal of the Astra Sports Tourer. With around 30,000 orders to date, the car is already a huge success even though it will only be officially launched on October 10.

GM CEO Mary Barra: Speed up the product offensive and new flagship

General Motors’ Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra went on to announce some important news on the European product and model offensive. “We will speed up the model offensive at Opel/Vauxhall: From 2016 to 2020, we will launch 29 new vehicles including an electric vehicle and a second flagship alongside the Insignia. This all-new SUV will be produced in Rüsselsheim by the end of decade and will give the brand a further technological boost.” The goal for the future is clearly defined: Opel/Vauxhall have their sets firmly set on becoming the second largest automaker on the European market by 2022 after securing third place on the European Union passenger car market last year.

Center stage: GM CEO Mary Barra announced a new Opel product offensive with 29 new models to be launched between 2016 and 2020, including an electric vehicle and a second flagship in addition to the Insignia.

One of the key technologies moving forward is autonomous driving – something GM and Opel are working on aggressively. “We’ll see more changes in the auto industry in the next five to ten years than we saw in the past 50 years,” said Barra who also outlined that a world with zero crashes was the vision. “The new Opel Astra with all its active safety systems is an important step into that direction,” she added.

Opel CEO Dr. Neumann: New Astra brings luxury class technologies into the compact segment

The latest Opel compact class generation shows exactly how quick a vision can become reality. “With the new Astra, we realize a new vehicle philosophy that we presented here at the IAA two years ago in the form of the Monza Concept. Compact exterior, spacious interior with a lean and athletic design and trendsetting digital connectivity,” said Dr. Neumann when explaining the key features of the potential compact class bestseller.

Keyword efficiency: The latest generation Astra is based on a new lightweight vehicle architecture. Each component was looked at with regard to mass optimization resulting in the new model being up to 200 kilograms lighter than the outgoing version. The powerful, fuel efficient and clean latest generation engines are the perfect match. “The new engines propel the Astra to the top of its segment,” added Dr. Neumann.

Keyword connectivity: The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker has introduced groundbreaking connectivity solutions with the new generation IntelliLink infotainment systems that are now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Opel OnStar. The personal connectivity and service assistant is a guardian angel and service provider. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected to the Wi-Fi Hotspot that comes with a powerful onboard antenna. “OnStar is unique in Europe. Opel is a trendsetter in this area once again,” said Dr. Neumann.

However, that is not all, with the new Astra continuing to “upset the luxury class” as stated in the advertising campaign. The new Astra is the first ever vehicle in the compact class to offer the intelligent, glare-free IntelliLux LED® matrix light system. It addition, it comes with a host of innovative driver assistance systems and practical details. The tailgate on the Astra Sports Tourer, for example, can now be opened and closed with a kicking motion under the rear bumper.

“We are continuing to pursue our philosophy of offering technologies from the luxury class to all Opel customers at affordable prices,“ explained Neumann. “The new Astra is also first-in-class when it comes to total cost of ownership. You see: The new efficiency really pays off.”

Opel booth goes football: Jürgen Klopp and Bundesliga stars in the Astra Galaxy

The Astra Galaxy will also welcome some illustrious guests from the footballing world in the upcoming days. Brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp will kick things off on Saturday, September 19. He will hand over the proceeds from the sale of a BVB-ADAM to the charity “Ein Herz for Kinder” (A heart for children). In addition, he will join Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann for the presentation of the new Astra advertising campaign from 11.00 CET. The team and management of Mainz 05 will join Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group, from 11.00 CET the following day. Borussia Dortmund supremo Hans-Joachim Watzke, new Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel and three Borussia players will be interviewed at the booth from 14:00 CET on Thursday, September 24. And on Sunday, September 27 a Bayer 04 Leverkusen delegation led by coach Roger Schmidt and sporting director Rudi Völler will visit the Astra Galaxy from 11:00 CET.

!NEW! Special Anniversary: Opel and GM Say Thank You 500 Million Times

• Unique group highlight: 500 million cars built since 1908
• Celebration in Rüsselsheim: Anniversary Zafira as gift for loyal Opel customer
• Historical review: Legendary cars and top technologies

Teamwork 500 million vehicles built by GM including 68 million built by Opel – that means countless skillful movement by the workers on the production line and countless stories of customers and their cars.

General Motors today celebrated an impressive production milestone: since the company’s founding in 1908, more than 500 million vehicles have been delivered to customers around the world – no other automaker can look back at such production numbers. Opel, one of the group’s tradition-rich brands, played a large role in this: the German carmaker built 68 million cars, most of them at the main plant in Rüsselsheim, where this achievement was now celebrated.

Thank you! Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann thanks Anna Katharina Dionysius for her brand loyalty and presents her with a brand new Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI.

Loyal customers were invited to dinner with the Board in the historic ambience of the Opel Classic Car garage. And Anna Katharina Dionysius from Riedstadt got a special surprise during a visit to the vehicle production hall: the long-term Opel customer picked up the Opel Zafira Tourer she had recently ordered directly from the assembly line – as an anniversary gift handed over by Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining: Opel driver Anna Katharina Dionysius survived a serious accident almost without a scratch thanks to the safety technology of her Astra. Today, Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presented her with a new Zafira Tourer as a sign of gratitude for her brand loyalty.

Anna Katharina Dionysius had an accident with her Astra a few days prior to the event. The car was badly damaged but she only suffered minor injuries. She took to Facebook to praise her “red hero” and thanked the Opel engineers for their “great work”. The Zafira Tourer with the whisper-quiet two-liter diesel engine that pumps out 125 kW/170 hp and meets the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard is new on the market.

Dr. Neumann: “For me this anniversary is more than just an impressive number, because 500 million cars stand for 500 million customers, for their stories and experiences. We say ‘thank you’ 500 million times to these customers for their loyalty and trust, because it is a privilege for us to play such an important role in their lives.”

GM celebrated the 500 million milestone around the globe. Practically simultaneously to the celebrations in Rüsselsheim, loyal customers were also invited to the group’s production facilities in North and South America, Asia, Africa and China. Anna Katharina Dionysius is one of five customers to receive a car free of charge to mark this production milestone. “During 2015, we expect to sell more than 1,000 new vehicles per hour, 24 hours per day,” said Barra. “This adds up to nearly 10 million vehicles, the most in our history. I look at this extraordinary volume as 10 million opportunities to prove what kind of company we are and to say thank you.” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

Mary Barra continued to point out the many game-changing innovations GM has brought to the automotive industry including the first ever V-8 engine, the first automatic transmission, the first automotive crash test dummies and the first airbags in a production vehicle.

Opel started building cars in 1899 and has been part of GM since 1929 – and many milestones pave the way of this shared journey, as do legendary cars like the Kadett, Rekord, GT, Manta and Kapitän. Through it all, Opel has always stood for technological innovations that offer customers high utility value and benefits – for example in 1989 when the Rüsselsheim automaker was the first brand to equip its cars with a catalytic converter as standard. The guiding principle “We make technology that is otherwise only available in the luxury class affordable for everyone” remains a cornerstone of the brand’s philosophy to this day. True to this tradition, another highlight is coming up: Opel OnStar. The personal service and mobility assistant will become available this year, turning the vehicle into a mobile internet hotspot.

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann: “Every year, Opel sells more than one million cars – with a continuing upwards trend as we are in the middle of our model and engine offensive. The highlight of this year is the presentation of the new Astra. I promise you, also on behalf of our 35,000 employees: this car will once again thrill our customers, and gain a lot of new fans for the brand.”

!NEW! GM Reports Solid First Quarter Operating Performance

Reaffirms 2015 outlook

• EBIT-adjusted of $2.1 billion, up $0.3 billion from Q1 2014, excluding recalls
• Repurchased 10 million shares for approximately $0.4 billion
• GM North America EBIT-adjusted best since company was established in 2009, expanding core operating margin for seventh straight quarter year over year
• GM Europe increased Opel/Vauxhall share in 11 markets and improved operating performance, despite Russia market challenges
• First quarter net income of $0.9 billion, up $0.8 billion from first quarter 2014
• EPS of $0.56, EPS adjusted for special items of $0.86

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced first quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $0.9 billion, or $0.56 per diluted share. The current quarter included a net loss from special items of $0.5 billion, or $(0.30) per diluted share.

Special items in the quarter included $0.4 billion related to the decision to change the company’s business model in Russia and $0.1 billion for an adjustment to the estimated costs of the ignition switch compensation program.

In the first quarter of 2014, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.1 billion, or $0.06 per diluted share, including a net loss from special items of $0.4 billion or $(0.23) per diluted share, and the impact of recall-related pre-tax costs of $1.3 billion, or $(0.48) per diluted share.

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $2.1 billion and included the impact of $0.1 billion in restructuring costs. This compares to the first quarter of 2014, when the company recorded EBIT-adjusted of $0.5 billion, which included recall-related pre-tax costs of $1.3 billion and $0.3 billion in restructuring costs.

Net revenue in the first quarter of 2015 was $35.7 billion, compared to $37.4 billion in the first quarter of 2014.  

“Our results in the first quarter provide a solid foundation to achieve our financial commitments for the year,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “Continued execution of our plan, including our capital allocation framework, will drive profitable growth, return on invested capital and shareholder value.”

GM Results Overview (in billions except for per share amounts and ROIC)

	Q1 2015	Q1 2014
Revenue	$35.7	$37.4
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$0.9	$0.1
Earnings per share (EPS) diluted	$0.56	$0.06
Impact of special items on EPS diluted	$(0.30)	$(0.23)
EBIT-adjusted	$2.1	$0.5
Automotive net cash flow from operating activities	$0.0	$2.0
Adjusted automotive free cash flow	$(1.7)	$0.2
% Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)	19.5	16.9

Segment Results

• GM North America reported EBIT-adjusted of $2.2 billion. This compares with EBIT-adjusted of $0.6 billion in the first quarter of 2014, which included the impact of a $1.3 billion pre-tax charge for recall costs.
• GM Europe reported EBIT-adjusted of $(0.2) billion. This compares with EBIT-adjusted of $(0.3) billion in the first quarter of 2014, which included
  $0.2 billion for restructuring costs.
• GM International Operations reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.4 billion, compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.3 billion in the first quarter of 2014.
• GM South America reported EBIT-adjusted of $(0.2) billion, approximately equal to the first quarter of 2014.  
• GM Financial reported earnings before tax of $0.2 billion, matching its results for the first quarter of 2014. 

“Key vehicles like our recently launched full and mid-size trucks, and our cost discipline helped us deliver a solid quarter,” said Chuck Stevens, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer. “We continue to take decisive actions to address issues head-on and to drive the company to generate strong results.”

Cash Flow, Capital Return, Liquidity and ROIC

First quarter automotive cash flow from operating activities of $0.0 billion and adjusted automotive free cash flow of $(1.7) billion, were down from $2.0 billion and $0.2 billion a year ago, respectively. The declines in automotive operating and adjusted automotive free cash flows were primarily related to one extra weekly payment cycle to suppliers during the quarter compared with the same quarter a year ago, and cash payments related to recalls and restructuring.

Since announcing its $5 billion common stock repurchase program on March 9, 2015, GM has repurchased 19.4 million shares through April 21. Of this total, 10 million shares were repurchased through the March 31 trading date for approximately $0.4 billion. Additionally, GM paid common stock dividends of approximately $0.5 billion to shareholders during the quarter.

GM ended the quarter with strong total automotive liquidity of $34.2 billion.  Automotive cash and marketable securities was $22.1 billion compared with $25.2 billion at year-end 2014.

As previously announced, GM will reinvest in its business with the objective of driving 20 percent or higher average return on invested capital (ROIC) through investments in world-class vehicles and leading technology. Beginning this quarter, the company will report trailing four quarter ROIC. On this basis, ROIC at the end of the quarter was 19.5 percent, compared to 16.9 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2014.

Based on its first quarter results, the company reaffirmed the 2015 annual outlook it communicated on January 14. GM expects its total EBIT adjusted and EBIT-adjusted margin to increase in 2015, compared to 2014, after adjusting 2014 for the impact of recall costs, with improved automotive results anticipated in all regions.

!NEW! GM Sold 2.4 Million Vehicles Globally in First Quarter

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 2.4 million vehicles globally in the first quarter of 2015, up 2 percent compared to a year ago. Sales in China increased 9 percent and deliveries in North America were up 6 percent. Opel/Vauxhall increased its sales by 3 percent in Europe.

General Motors sold 2.4 million vehicles globally in the first quarter of 2015, up 2 percent compared to a year ago.

“The momentum our brands are building in China, the U.S. and Western Europe more than offset difficult conditions in some other large markets like Russia and Brazil,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

“We are in the early days of a very aggressive onslaught of new products and customer-driven innovation,” she said. “Already, the Chevrolet Trax and Colorado are redefining segments in the United States, Cadillac is growing rapidly in China and establishing a new formula for prestige sedans with the CT6 and Opel’s revitalization is accelerating across Europe. At the same time, we are deploying OnStar with 4G LTE in North America, Europe and China to give our customers the best connectivity experience in the industry.” 

Other first quarter global sales highlights:

• Cadillac was up 2.5 percent, driven by a 23-percent increase in China.
• Opel/Vauxhall’s sales increase outpaced the European region’s growth by 0.2 percentage points.
• Buick was up 8 percent.
• GMC was up 15 percent, for its best first quarter sales since 2005.
• Chevrolet deliveries in the United States increased 5 percent on the strength of a 19 percent increase in crossover deliveries and a 31 percent increase in truck sales. Deliveries in China were up 7 percent.

In prior quarters, GM reported wholesale deliveries in China, which are vehicles sold to dealers. Beginning this quarter, GM is reporting deliveries to customers.  

!NEW! GM Expects Improved Profitability in 2015

• Expects higher EBIT-adjusted and EBIT-adjusted margins in 2015
• Reaffirms previously announced 2016 targets and plan to achieve 9- to 10-percent margin by early next decade

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) expects its total earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted and EBIT-adjusted margin to increase in 2015, compared to 2014, after adjusting 2014 for the impact of recall costs. The company also anticipates improved automotive results in all regions.

This outlook is based on modest global industry growth expected in 2015, which will result primarily from continued growth in China, Europe and the United States, and ongoing launches of key vehicles.

CEO Mary Barra, President Dan Ammann, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chuck Stevens shared this outlook with investor analysts attending the Deutsche Bank 2015 Global Auto Industry Conference in Detroit. 

GM reiterated it is on track to meet its previously announced 2016 financial targets to achieve EBIT-adjusted margins in North America of 10 percent; to return to profitability in Europe, and to maintain strong margins in China.

The company also said its plan puts it on the path to achieve 9- to 10-percent margins by early next decade. The strategic plan, shared during the Global Business Conference in October 2014, includes several major initiatives: lead in product and technology; grow the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands globally; continue growing in China; continue growing GM Financial, and deliver core operating efficiencies.

“We had a pivotal year in 2014, outlining a customer-focused strategic plan for the company and delivering on our commitments by achieving strong core operating performance,” Barra said. “We’ll build on this momentum in 2015 and continue executing our plan to become the most-valued automotive company.”

Among key accomplishments for 2014, Barra noted the following:

• Earned the most J.D. Power Initial Quality Study awards for second consecutive year in the United States.
• Launched more models in North America with 4G LTE mobile broadband than all other automakers combined.
• GM and its joint ventures sold a record 3.5 million vehicles in China, up 12.0 percent from 2013.
• Opel/Vauxhall market share in Europe grew for the second year in a row, including increases in 12 European markets.
• Achieved five straight quarters of EBIT-adjusted margin growth in North America through the third quarter of 2014 (excluding recalls).
• Standard & Poor’s upgraded GM and GM Financial to investment grade.
• Returned $2.0 billion to common stock shareholders through dividends.

To support its future growth, GM plans to increase capital expenditures to approximately $9 billion in 2015, reflecting increased investments in products and technologies.

“Overall, 2014 was a very solid year in which we met expectations on core operating performance, despite a number of significant headwinds,” Stevens said.

“Importantly, improvements in 2015 will keep us firmly on track to meet our near-term objectives and demonstrate solid progress toward our targeted margins of 9 to 10 percent by early next decade.”

!NEW! GM Delivers its Second Consecutive Year of Record Global Sales

• Record China sales and market share
• Global Cadillac sales up 5 percent
• Record global Buick sales
• Opel/Vauxhall sales outpace European industry

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) is reporting its second consecutive year of record global sales. In 2014, the company and its dealers delivered 9,924,880 vehicles around the world, surpassing by 2 percent the record set in 2013.

“GM is making solid progress and has good momentum. Our customer focus, the new cars, trucks and crossovers we launched in China and North America, technologies like OnStar with 4GLTE and the revitalization underway at Opel helped us achieve another record year, despite very challenging market conditions in different parts of the world,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

Among GM’s major launches are the new Opel Corsa E, which arrives in European showrooms later this month and the Chevrolet Trax small crossover in the United States, which began arriving in showrooms in December 2014. In addition, GM is increasing U.S. production of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups, which launched late last year. Launches in China include three Chevrolets, two Buicks and two Cadillacs. OnStar is also expanding into Europe and launching 4GLTE service in China.

Deliveries in North America rose 6 percent in 2014 to 3,412,714 units and the company’s estimated market share of 16.9 percent was equal to 2013. 

The redesigned full-size pickups and large SUVs introduced by Chevrolet and GMC starting in the second half of 2013, along with the Cadillac Escalade, were major contributors to the company’s success in North America. Dealers delivered almost 1 million units in the United States alone, up 11 percent year over year, which helped drive average transaction prices to a full-year record of nearly $33,900, up about $2,600 from 2013, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.

Deliveries in China rose 12 percent to a record 3,539,972 and the company’s estimated market share increased 0.6 percentage points to 14.8 percent. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Wuling and Baojun all set annual sales records.

GM and its joint ventures expanded their lineup with several new and refreshed models in China, including the Buick Envision premium midsize SUV, Chevrolet Trax and Sail 3 family car, Cadillac ATS-L luxury sport sedan and Baojun 730 family vehicle.

Global Sales Highlights (vs. 2013)

• Chevrolet sales in China were up 10 percent to a record 717,007 units, sales in the United States were up 4 percent to more than 2 million units and the brand was the market leader in South America. Global sales were down 4 percent, reflecting Chevrolet’s repositioning in Europe and weak industry conditions in a number of the brand’s major markets.
• Cadillac increased its sales 5 percent on the strength of a 47 percent increase in China, where sales reached a record 73,500 units.
• Buick delivered nearly 1.2 million vehicles, with sales in North America and China both up 13 percent. In the United States, the Buick Encore has become the industry’s best-selling small crossover. On a global basis, the Encore ended 2014 with sales of 138,218 units, up 42 percent.
• Opel/Vauxhall delivered almost 1.1 million vehicles in Europe in 2014, and had its highest sales and market share since 2011. Sales in the region were up 3.4 percent, which nearly doubled the industry’s 1.8 percent increase. Sales were up in 16 European countries.
• In the United States, Chevrolet and GMC increased their combined share of the retail market for large pickups by a full percentage point to 38.9 percent. The brands’ retail share in the large SUV segment was up 7.8 points to 74.7 percent.  

!NEW! Opel/Vauxhall to Produce Second Flagship in Rüsselsheim and to Invest in New Engine and Transmission Production

• GM Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra announces production of New SUV in  Rüsselsheim
• Considerable investments in engine and transmission production in the Rüsselsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy plants
• Third shift at the Eisenach plant will be added next year
• Clear commitment to Opel/Vauxhall, Germany and Europe

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra in front of the new Corsa E.  Barra announces production of a new SUV in Rüsselsheim.

During her second visit to Germany this year, Mary Barra, Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, announced additional considerable investments. Barra confirmed that new model will be produced at Opel’s traditional headquarters in Rüsselsheim by the end of the decade. “This SUV will be the brand’s second flagship alongside the Insignia,” Barra said. As announced in March, 245 million euro will be invested in Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant to meet future requirements. Furthermore, Barra declared additional investments of more than half billion euro in the engine and transmission plants in Rüsselsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy (Poland), thus providing the impetus for Opel to move to the next stage of its powertrain offensive with fuel efficient engines and transmissions.

Opel Insignia - Current flagship model

“Opel/Vauxhall is of high strategic importance for GM. The product offensive with 27 new models and 17 new engines has enjoyed a very successful start. These additional investments will help the brand shine again and further strengthen our position in Europe. They are a clear sign of GM’s commitment to Opel, to Germany and to Europe,” said Barra.

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra 

Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann was delighted by the clear message: “General Motors and Opel/Vauxhall are closer than ever before.” He continued to explain that Opel/Vauxhall  has General Motor’s full support. “The additional investments are further proof of the excellent cooperation.”

Both, Mary Barra and Dr. Neumann, pointed out that all necessary decisions were taken after a constructive dialog with employee representatives. They recognized the cooperation with the European employee representatives, the Industrial Metal Union (IG Metall) and Opel’s general works council, chaired by Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug.

Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug: "The package of measures is based on existing collective labor agreement commitments. The agreement is an important prerequisite for the continuation of Opel’s ride in the fast lane. It helps to continue our growth course with safe and competitive jobs."

Dr. Neumann also announced that a third shift will be established at the plant in Eisenach as of mid 2015. “This is good news for Eisenach as we are enjoying strong demand for the Opel/Vauxhall ADAM and the new Corsa  E.”

Opel ADAM 

Mary Barra expressed her delight with the new Corsa E, adding that 45,000 orders before the official market launch show that the fifth generation of the small car is well on its way to becoming a bestseller.

!NEW! GM Delivers its Best Third Quarter Global Sales Since 1980

• Chevrolet up 9 percent in North America 
• Cadillac up 63 percent in China
• Buick global sales up 7 percent

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 2,449,595 vehicles around the world in the third quarter of 2014, up 2 percent compared with a year ago. It was the company’s best third quarter since 1980. In the first nine months of 2014, GM sold 7,371,743 vehicles, up 2 percent.

Third quarter sales in the United States and China, the company’s two largest markets, were up 8 percent and 14 percent, respectively. Year to date, sales in the United States and China were up 4 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

GM is on track to surpass sales of 3 million vehicles in China for the second consecutive year and the company expects to top last year’s record sales of 3.16 million vehicles. During September, GM’s cumulative sales in China surpassed 20 million vehicles.

“GM delivered its best third quarter global sales in 34 years thanks to solid growth in the United States and China, and steady improvement in Opel’s market share,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “We have launches now underway, including the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in North America, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa in Europe, and the Buick Envision and Cadillac ATS-L in China, that will keep our momentum going.”

Highlights (vs. 2013)

• Chevrolet had record sales in China in the third quarter, up 13 percent to 169,830 units. For the first nine months of year, the brand is up 7 percent to a record 505,316 units. September was Chevrolet’s best month ever in China.
• Calendar year to date, Chevrolet sales in South Korea are at record levels.
• The success of the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra helped GM increase its estimated share of the U.S. retail market for large pickups from 35.8 percent in the first quarter of 2014 to 37.4 percent in the second quarter and 37.9 percent in the third quarter.
• Buick’s global sales were up 7 percent in the third quarter to 284,540 units and they are up 11 percent calendar year to date to 858,046 units, driven by strong growth in the United States and China. Buick’s China sales were up 8 percent in the quarter to 220,578 units and they were up 11 percent to 670,999 units in the first nine months of the year. 
• In China, combined, sales of small SUVs – the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax and Captiva – were up 90 percent in the third quarter. In the United States, the Buick Encore has been the best-selling vehicle in its segment for six months in a row. The Chevrolet Trax will launch in the United States in early 2015.
• Cadillac’s global sales were up 4 percent in the third quarter and they are up 9 percent year to date, driven by strong growth in China. Cadillac’s China sales were up 48 percent in the quarter to 18,665 units and they were up 63 percent to 52,425 units in the first nine months of the year.
• Opel/Vauxhall gained market share in 11 European countries in the first nine months of this year, including Germany, where the brand earned 7 percent of the market, up 0.3 points.                                       

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. 

!NEW! General Motors Outlines Strategic Plan

General Motors CEO Mary Barra talks with media Wednesday, October 1, 2014, before outlining the company's customer-focused strategic plan to become the most valued automotive company, at a conference for investors and financial analysts at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) CEO Mary Barra and her executive leadership team outlined the company’s customer-focused strategic plan to become the most valued automotive company at a conference for investors and financial analysts today at the company’s Milford Proving Ground.

GM CEO Mary Barra

“In the nine months that this leadership team has been together, we have spent a significant amount of time setting our goals for the future of GM and developing a specific action plan,” Barra said. “Our strategic plan is a pathway to earn customers for life and create significant shareholder value in the process. Every chance to connect with a customer is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship.”

GM’s strategic plan includes several major initiatives that the company anticipates will help it achieve 9- to 10-percent margins on an EBIT-adjusted basis by early next decade.

• Lead in Product and Technology: In 2015, about 27 percent of GM’s global sales volume is expected to come from products new or refreshed within 18 months. That figure is expected to rise to 38 percent in 2016 and 2017, and reach 47 percent in 2019.

During the same time frame, GM plans to execute the world’s largest automotive deployment of 4G LTE high-speed mobile broadband, introduce vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity in the 2017 Cadillac CTS and launch a highly automated driving technology currently called Super Cruise, which allows for extended periods of hands-free driving on highways.

GM has also developed an innovative Mixed Material Body Structure that uses GM-patented welding technology and a combination of steel and aluminum stampings, castings and extrusions to deliver designs that are lightweight, use 20 percent fewer parts, have class-leading torsional stiffness and exhibit superior noise and vibration characteristics.

• Grow Cadillac: GM is establishing its flagship brand as a separate business unit headquartered in New York City to pursue growth opportunities in the luxury market with more focus and clarity. Cadillac expects to introduce four new vehicles in North America in 2015, including the recently announced CT6. In addition, Cadillac plans to introduce nine new models in the next five years in China, which is expected to become the world’s largest luxury car market later this decade.

• Continue Growing in China: GM’s joint ventures in China are planning to invest $14 billion from 2014 through 2018 to open five new vehicle- manufacturing plants and support sales of just under 5 million vehicles annually. In the same time frame, GM expects to launch 60 new or refreshed vehicles, including nine new sport utility vehicles.

• Continue Growing GM Financial: GM Financial, which has seen its earning assets grow from $8.7 billion in 2010 to $37 billion today, continues to invest to support the sale of new GM cars, trucks and crossovers around the world. GM Financial has sharply increased the number of GM customers it serves in the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. Later this year, GM Financial expects to enter the growing Chinese market.

• Deliver Core Operating Efficiencies: GM’s strategy to improve relationships with suppliers, derive more global volume from fewer vehicle architectures and lower enterprise costs for material and logistics is expected to deliver significantly better variable margins on upcoming high-volume product launches, including the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and Astra in Europe, and the Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu in North America. By 2020, the company expects that about 99 percent of global production will be on core architectures.

Mid-decade Financial Targets

During the meeting, GM also reaffirmed the company’s previously announced near-term financial targets:

• In North America, the company expects to achieve EBIT-adjusted margins of 10 percent in 2016.
• In Europe, the company expects to return to profitability in 2016.
• In China, the company expects that its joint ventures will maintain net income margins in the 9- to 10-percent range. 
• In South America, the company’s core operations continue to improve as a result of recent product launches and material and logistics optimization. 
• GM continues to address challenges in its international operations outside of China, including brand strategy, cost structure and sourcing to return to consistent profitability.

GM intends to return excess cash flow to stockholders primarily through strong and growing dividends based on sustained improvements in the company’s underlying financial performance.

!NEW! GM and Opel reveal groundbreaking technology for automated driving

• GM to put its first V2V-enabled car on the road in about two years
• Opel Insignia demonstrates low speed and highway speed automated driving 

Opel Insignia Research Vehicle: Demonstrates low speed and highway speed automated driving

General Motors and Opel are demonstrating their commitment to the future of automated driving and connected mobility at the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress (September 7-11) by showcasing an Opel Insignia research vehicle, an automated Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 concept vehicle and a Chevrolet Cruze equipped with vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) connectivity.

“GM will put its first V2V-enabled car on the road in about two years. What’s more I am announcing that we will bring an advanced, highly-automated driving technology to the market in the same time frame,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

“At GM, we have a renewed passion, the financial resources, the technology and the talent to think big, to step up our investments and take calculated risks. I am listening to customers and they want unfettered personal mobility. They expect us to help mitigate if not eliminate the congestion, pollution and traffic accidents. To me, these aren’t noble causes but imperatives,” continued Barra.

Opel Insignia Research Vehicle

An Opel Insignia will demonstrate intelligent and connected technologies on the south side of the city island. This vehicle, equipped with cameras, LiDAR sensors (Light Detection And Ranging), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technologies, demonstrates a future vehicle that can handle both low-speed, stop-and-go city driving and highway-speed automated driving.

For automated driving: Opel Insignia equipped with cameras, Lidar sensors, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technologies

The six LiDAR sensors in the bumpers of the Insignia constantly use light scanning to identify objects around the car. The forward pointing camera on top of the car reads lane markings and detects other objects. The V2V and V2I technologies located in an antenna on top of the car work to communicate with other objects that the vehicle encounters. The car also uses GPS satellite to constantly remain aware of its position on the roadways. All of these inputs are fused through GM’s sensor fusion technology to enable 360 degrees of awareness and object detection.

EN-V 2.0 Concept

The Electric Networked-Vehicle (EN-V) 2.0 showcases the latest in intelligent and connected automotive technologies. After debuting the original two-wheeled EN-V concept in 2010 at Shanghai World Expo, this iteration offers a four-wheeled drive system that combines cameras, Lidar and V2X to offer a hands-free, low-speed electric driving experience.

Chevrolet Electric Networked-Vehicle (EN-V) 2.0 

The EN-V 2.0 has many of the same technologies that power the Opel Insignia research vehicle at low speeds. The small electric concept vehicle, however, is built strictly for low speeds. The EN-V 2.0 and the Opel Insignia research vehicle will interact on the same road on Belle Isle.

Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) Technology Demonstration

GM is demonstrating other potential uses of V2X communication technology by presenting a Chevrolet Cruze equipped with vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication technology.

 Chevrolet Cruze with V2X technology 

At Belle Isle, mock construction sites are set up on the road course, and participants will be driven in the Cruze toward the work areas. Mannequin “workers” in the construction area are blocked from the view of the driver and passengers, however, they are equipped with arm bands that communicate their location to the oncoming Cruze via warning lights blinking on the “head’s up” windshield display. In the future, V2P communication technology could be integrated into more aspects of pedestrian life, enhancing driver awareness of pedestrians.

“Being at the vanguard, we clearly have a lot of work ahead of us. But we will put the time to good use by accelerating our R&D and vehicle engineering efforts, engaging with regulators around the world and most importantly, talking to the customers,” concluded Barra.

!NEW! General Motors Delivered 2.5 Million Vehicles Globally in Q2

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) sold 2,505,889 vehicles around the world in the second quarter of 2014, with year-over-year sales in the United States and China up 7 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Total sales were up one-half percent in the second quarter. In the first half, GM sold 4,921,928 vehicles, up 1.4 percent.

“GM did well in the world’s two largest and most profitable vehicle markets and that helped us grow despite very challenging market conditions in parts of South America, Asia and Eastern Europe,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “We are investing in our brands around the world to keep our momentum going, and that includes growing Cadillac in China, launching a total of 27 new Opel models between 2014 and 2018 and entering new segments in North America with vehicles like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.”

Highlights (vs. 2013)

• Chevrolet had record sales in China in the first half of 2014 and the strong performance of the brand’s new full-size pickups and large SUVs in North America helped GM achieve record average transaction prices in both the second quarter and first half.
• Buick, which celebrated the best sales year in the brand’s 110-year history in 2013, posted an 11 percent increase in the quarter and it is up 12 percent year to date. Buick global sales in the first six months of 2014 are 152 percent higher than they were just six years ago, growth that has outpaced all major American, European, Japanese and Korean makes.
• Cadillac’s global sales were up 14 percent in the quarter, including a 51 percent increase in China. Calendar year to date, deliveries were up 12 percent, driven by a 72 percent increase in China sales.
• Opel/Vauxhall sales increased 3 percent in the second quarter. Sales were up 4 percent in the first half and Opel gained share in 11 European markets. In addition, the Mokka was the best-selling SUV in the first six months of the year in Germany.

Downloads: GM Delivieries Q2-2014.pdf

                      GM Delivieries Q2-2014.xlsx

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

!NEW! GM CEO Mary Barra visits Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Mary Barra made First overseas trip as GM CEO
• Reinforces GM’s commitment to Opel and additional model for Rüsselsheim
• Joined by new GM President, Dan Ammann, nominated as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board

GM President Dan Ammann, GM CEO Mary Barra and Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann

Mary Barra made her first overseas trip as GM’s new CEO to Opel headquarters here, where she met with employees, toured the assembly plant and visited the International Technical Development Center (ITDC).

Barra was joined by GM’s new President, Dan Ammann, whom she also announced has been nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board.

“I’m very pleased to have the chance to meet with our employees here,” said Barra, who became GM’s CEO on Jan. 15 this year. “I thought it was very important to reinforce in person GM’s commitment to Opel, its importance to the company and the need to accelerate our progress going forward. I am also pleased to confirm that we will add another model to our Rüsselsheim plant.” For competitive reasons, the company is not in a position to reveal any details at this point of time.

“With Dan Ammann nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board and with KT Neumann leading the Opel team, I’m confident that we can achieve our goal to break-even in Europe by mid-decade,” she added.

Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann, GM CEO Mary Barra and GM President Dan Ammann in front of the new Opel Insignia Country Tourer.

Barra noted that GM is investing €4 billion in Germany and Europe through 2016, which will help bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market: “We must remain focused on the customer and delivering great, innovative products to the market on a consistent and sustained basis,” she said. “That is how we will win here and all around the world.”

During her visit, Barra toured the Rüsselsheim plant, home to 3,300 employees and where the award-winning Opel Insignia and Astra models are built. She also visited the ITDC, GM’s second largest development center in the world, where more than 6,000 engineers, technicians and designers are working on the latest technologies for future GM vehicles.

GM President Dan Ammann, Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann and GM CEO Mary Barra (from right to left) at the Rüsselsheim assembly plant.

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said the Opel team was thrilled to have hosted Barra and Ammann: “We are honored that Mary and Dan chose Opel as the first GM location to visit outside the company’s Detroit headquarters. It reinforced for all of us the importance of Opel to GM and the support we will continue to receive as we drive to return Opel and its products to greatness.”

!NEW! Dan Ammann nominated to succeed Steve Girsky as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board

GM President Daniel Ammann, 41, has been nominated to succeed GM Board of Directors member Steve Girsky as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board (OSB), subject to election by the OSB at a meeting to be scheduled shortly, it was announced today.

Girsky, 51, was named Chairman of the OSB in November 2011. GM CEO Mary Barra praised Steve Girsky for his dedicated and outstanding work: "Steve led GM’s turnaround plan for Europe that has put that region’s operations back on a path to profitability. Dan Ammann will keep up this course – with the clear goal to break-even by mid-decade.”

GM President Daniel Ammann

Ammann said he welcomed the opportunity: “I am looking forward to building on the strong foundation that Steve Girsky helped to establish as Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board. Opel/Vauxhall is a key factor in GM’s strategy to win globally and we will work together to grow Opel/Vauxhall further.”

Girsky offered similar words of encouragement: “I am proud of what GM and Opel/Vauxhall have accomplished. This team is united in its commitment to build on the foundation that we have established.” Girsky, formerly Vice Chairman, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Global Product Planning, moved to a senior advisor role with GM last December. He will remain on the GM Board of Directors.

!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.