Shanghai GM Sets 2015 “Drive to Green” Goals
June 12th, 2010 | Posted in Electric Car | GM | New Cars | SAICIn its flashy pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo currently underway, General Motors may be daydreaming on the wheels for future cities, but it seems to have something more practical to offer China as well.
Together with its Chinese Partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), GM issued a five-year plan today to carry forward the "Drive to Green" strategy. Launched in 2008, this strategy aims to advance energy efficiency and pollution reduction through three efforts: to produce and sell greener cars, to run greener factories, and to contribute more to public environmental causes. The five-year plan, built upon what Shanghai GM claims it has already achieved since 2008, set goals to be attained by 2015.
With regard to greener products, it plans to lower entire fleet’s fuel consumption level by 15%, increasing its engine fuel efficiency, measured by kW/liter, by 14%, from the current levels. All new cars sold in 2012 will meet the Euro 5 or China V emissions standard. To achieve this, new engine and transmission technologies will be widely adopted, and new models will be developed. A testing, all-electric version of the Chevrolet Sail subcompact will come out towards the end of 2010. A hybrid version of Buick LaCrosse as well as Chevrolet Volt, to be imported, are to hit the showrooms in 2011.
Shanghai GM also plans to make its factories more energy-efficient and produce less waste. By 2005, in comparison with the 2009 levels, its Chinese factories will consume 29% less energy and 22% less water building each car; the number of "green suppliers" should top 300. All of its dealerships are also expected to meet certain green standards.
Re-affirming its commitment to wider social efforts, Shanghai GM today donated a further amount of 2 million yuan to the Drive to Green Foundation for environmental research and technology, and promised more to come.
