Η Chevrolet επενδύει $5 δισ. σε νέα μοντέλα για τις αναπτυσσόμενες αγορές, τοποθετεί diesel κινητήρα στα Colorado/Canyon και σύστημα αποφυγής πεζών στο Malibu

Όπως ανακοίνωσε η Chevrolet, μέσα στα επόμενα χρόνια θα επενδύσει συνολικά δισ. δολάρια, ώστε να ετοιμάσει νέα μοντέλα που θα στοχεύουν στις αναπτυσσόμενες αγορές. Λεπτομέρειες γι’αυτά δεν ανακοίνωσε, αλλά έκανε γνωστό πως θα κατασκευάζονται σε Χώρες όπως η Κίνα -σε συνεργασία με την SAIC- η Βραζιλία, η Ινδία και το Μεξικό, όπου στη συνέχεια θα εξάγονται και θα πωλούνται και σε άλλες αναδυόμενες αγορές, ξεκαθαρίζοντας πως δεν θα πωλούνται σε ώριμες αγορές όπως της Ευρώπης και των Η.Π.Α. Το πρώτο μοντέλο θα βγει στην αγορά το 2019, με την GM να έχει θέσει ως στόχο να πουλά περισσότερα από 2 εκατ. τέτοια αυτοκίνητα κάθε χρόνο.

Παράλληλα η Chevrolet έκανε γνωστό πως τοποθετεί τον 2,8-λίτρων Duramax turbodiesel κινητήρα στα MY2016 Colorado και GMC Canyon. Ο κινητήρας παράγει 182 άλογα στις 3.400 σ.α.λ με 500 Nm ροπής από τις 2.000 σ.α.λ. Συνδυάζεται με ένα 6-τάχυτο αυτόματο κιβώτιο, έχοντας ικανότητα ρυμούλκησης 3.492 κιλών στις δικίνητες εκδόσεις και 3.447 κιλών στις τετρακίνητες.

Τέλος, η GM ανακοίνωσε πως θα τοποθετήσει στο νέο Chevrolet Malibu ένα σύστημα αποφυγής πρόσκρουσης με πεζό. Το σύστημα της GM χρησιμοποιεί μια κάμερα που είναι τοποθετημένη δίπλα από τον καθρέφτη και χρησιμοποιείται και από το σύστημα ειδοποίησης αλλαγής λωρίδας κυκλοφορίας. Το λογισμικό είναι σε θέση να ανιχνεύει πεζούς και όταν θεωρεί πως θα συμβεί πιθανή σύγκρουση, τότε προειδοποιήσει τον οδηγό και αν αυτός δεν αντιδράσει, τότε ενεργοποιεί τα φρένα μόνο του.

Δελτίο Τύπου

Chevrolet Strengthens Position in Growth Markets with $5 Billion Investment

All-new vehicle family tailored to local customer requirementsGeneral Motors and SAIC Motor partnership further enhanced

DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today it is investing $5 billion to strengthen its business in global growth markets through the development of an all-new vehicle family that will meet the rapidly changing demands of customers in these markets.

“With a significant majority of anticipated automotive industry growth in 2015 to 2030 outside of mature markets, Chevrolet is taking steps to capitalize on that growth,” said General Motors President Dan Ammann. “Strengthening Chevrolet’s position through this major investment is consistent with our global strategy to ensure long-term profitable growth in the markets where we operate.”

By creating one all-new vehicle family to replace several existing vehicles, Chevrolet expects to substantially improve competitiveness and profitability by delivering what customers expect in each market while taking maximum advantage of the benefits of global scale.

“This new vehicle family will feature advanced customer-facing technologies focused on connectivity, safety and fuel efficiency delivered at a compelling value,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “It will be a combination of content and value not offered previously by any automaker in these markets that are poised for growth.”

GM has further expanded its successful partnership with SAIC Motor through an agreement to jointly develop the vehicle family core architecture and engine, which it expects will result in significant development cost savings and optimized total vehicle cost. The program represents another important step in GM’s previously stated architecture consolidation plan.

The vehicle family is being developed by a multinational team of engineers and designers assigned to ensure each entry is tailored to meet the expectations of customers in each market. Vehicles will be manufactured and sold in several markets including Brazil, China, India and Mexico, and exported for sale to other important growth markets. There are no plans to export the vehicles to mature markets such as the United States. A high level of localization of parts suppliers should drive significant savings over the life of the program. The program is expected to grow to more than 2 million vehicles annually with the first entry planned for the 2019 model year.

“We have taken many decisive actions over the past few years to restructure our business in specific markets as part of our plan to become a more customer-focused company and to generate superior returns on our owners’ capital,” said Ammann. ”This growth initiative is the next important step toward our goal of building the world’s most valued automotive company.”

More information on the investment plans and all-new vehicle family will be announced in the future in each market.

Chevrolet Introduces Colorado Duramax Diesel

All-new turbo-diesel expands lineup with unparalleled capability, efficiency

DETROIT – The fastest-selling truck in the market now offers an available turbo-diesel engine. The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel takes midsize truck capability and efficiency to unprecedented levels.

With 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) generated by its all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel, the Colorado’s maximum trailering capacity rises to 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) on 2WD models, with estimated fuel economy projected to top the already segment-leading efficiency of the gas models.

It is also the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by General Motors.

“Simply put, there’s no other midsize truck that can do what Colorado can with its all-new Duramax diesel,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “Along with greater capability and efficiency, it expands the Colorado lineup to give customers more choices and the capability of exploring more possibilities on and off the road.”

The new Colorado diesel goes on sales this fall, offered in LT and Z71 Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD. It is priced $3,730 more than a comparably equipped 3.6L V-6 model.

Features included with or exclusive to Colorado diesel models:

Smart diesel exhaust brake system that enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear on steep gradesStandard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter, which reduces powertrain noise and vibrationThe Z82 trailering package is standard and includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connectorAn all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel modelsThe G80 automatic locking rear differential is standardA 3.42 rear axle ratio is standardA new, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case is included on 4WD modelsMaximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) for 2WD models and 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WDGVWRs of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) for 2WD and 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) for 4WD.

“A diesel engine was part of the Colorado’s portfolio plan from the very beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support its capability,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Colorado diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”

Colorado’s award-winning combination of refinement, maneuverability and connectivity complements the diesel’s capability, with segment-exclusive features such as Chevy MyLink with phone integration technology – and compatibility with Apple CarPlay – OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

Colorado’s innovative solutions for hauling and accessing cargo include a standard CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate (standard on Z71 and available on LT), two-tier loading in the cargo bed, 13 standard moveable tie-down locations throughout the bed, an available, factory-installed spray-in bed liner and a line of available GearOn accessories.

Inside the new 2.8L Duramax turbo-dieselColorado’s new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel is part of GM’s global family of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines designed to deliver value, capability and efficiency. It features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and efficiency across the rpm band and a balance shaft for greater smoothness.

Power is SAE-certified at 181 horsepower (135 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. A broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm, while the turbocharged performance provides a confident feeling of immediate and smooth horsepower on demand.

“It is a no-compromise turbocharged engine that is also really fun to drive, with excellent responsiveness,” said Yackley. “It was also designed specifically for trucks and has undergone many of the same validation tests as the 6.6L Duramax, contributing to legendary Duramax durability and reliability.”

Additional engine features:

Iron cylinder block and aluminum DOHC cylinder headForged steel crankshaft and connecting rodsOiling circuit that includes a dedicated feed for the turbocharger to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil deliveryPiston-cooling oil jets16.5:1 compression ratioCommon rail direct injection fuel systemCeramic glow plugs for shorter heat-up times and higher glow temperaturesBalance shaft that contributes to smoothness and drives the oil pumpLaminated steel oil pan with upper aluminum section that contributes to engine rigidity and quietnessB20 bio-diesel capability.

The Duramax 2.8L is the cleanest diesel truck engine ever produced by General Motors, and meets some of the toughest U.S. emissions standards, thanks in part to a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

The cooled EGR contributes to lower emissions by diverting some of the engine-out exhaust gas and mixing it back into the fresh intake air stream, which is drawn into the cylinder head for combustion. That lowers combustion temperatures and rates, improving emissions performance by reducing the formation of NOx.

Controlling noise and vibration with the CPVATo control vibration and noise inside Colorado, engineers integrated a device called the Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter used with the standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission. It marks the first application of a CPVA in a GM vehicle and the first time it has been used in the midsize truck segment.

The CPVA is an absorbing damper with a set of secondary spring masses, that — when energized — cancels out the engine’s torsional vibrations so the driver and passengers can’t feel them. In its unique design, the spring masses vibrate in the opposite direction of the torsional vibrations of the engine, balancing out undesirable torsional vibrations.

Smart exhaust brake detailsThe Colorado’s integrated, driver-selectable exhaust brake system is based on the system introduced on the 2015 Silverado HD models and uses the compression power of the 2.8L Duramax engine to improve vehicle control and reduce brake pad wear.

When the exhaust brake is engaged in cruise mode, exhaust cruise grade braking will help the cruise control system maintain the desired vehicle speed when travelling downhill, keeping the driver from having to apply the brakes and exit cruise control to maintain speed.

When the exhaust brake is engaged in non-cruise mode, the transmission and the exhaust brake deliver the correct amount of braking to assist in vehicle control, regardless of vehicle load. It is a smart system that varies the amount of brakes needed for the vehicle, load and grade. The engagement of the system is smooth and quiet, while its performance enhances the driver’s feeling of control.

Colorado at a glanceColorado, the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year and Cars.com’s Best Pickup Truck of 2015, offers the most horsepower and best highway efficiency in the segment (27 mpg with 2.5L engine and automatic transmission), as well as the highest available trailering rating, for gas-powered models – 7,000 pounds (V-6 models when properly equipped) – and higher payload rating – 1,590 pounds (V-6 models when properly equipped).

Chevrolet sold 41,575 Colorado trucks in the first six months of 2015, expanding the midsize truck market and driving new truck customers to Chevrolet – particularly in areas such as California and Texas, which have traditionally been hotspots for import brands.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

GM Paving Way to Smarter and Safer Driving at All-New Active Safety Test Area

22 crash-avoidance technologies offered on 2016 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models

MILFORD, Mich. – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac will offer 22 different active safety technologies across their 2016 model year U.S. lineups, ranging from driver alerts to those that automatically intervene and assist the driver in critical situations.

Safety engineers will develop and test these and other safety technologies for products around the world at GM’s new, 52-acre Active Safety Test Area at its Milford Proving Ground near Detroit. The $14 million facility officially opened Friday.

“Our comprehensive safety strategy of helping customers before, during and after a crash continues,” said Jeff Boyer, vice president of GM Global Vehicle Safety. “GM historically has been a leader in the development and testing of safety technologies, and applying our deep knowledge and expertise to prevent crashes from happening in the first place.”

Examples of available crash-avoidance technologies for 2016 GM models include:

City Speed Front Automatic Braking: If the vehicle is traveling at a low speed and the system detects that a front-end collision situation is imminent while following a detected vehicle and the driver has not already applied the brakes, the system automatically applies brakes to help reduce the collision’s severity. The system may even help avoid the collision at very low speeds.Front Pedestrian Braking: If the system detects that a pedestrian is directly ahead and a collision is imminent, and the driver has not already applied the brakes, the system alerts the driver and, if necessary, automatically applies the brakes to help reduce the collision’s severity or avoid the collision.Rear Camera Mirror: Compared to a traditional inside rearview mirror, this rear view mirror display provides a wider, less obstructed field of view to assist when driving, changing lanes, and checking for vehicles and traffic conditions.Night Vision: Provides the driver an infrared night vision image of the area lit beyond the headlamps that highlights and provides alerts to detected pedestrians or large animals.Curb View Camera: When in Forward gear during low-speed maneuvering (e.g., parking), this system provides the driver a view of the scene immediately ahead of the vehicle on the vehicle’s center stack display to help the driver avoid low-speed collisions into nearby objects, such as curbs, poles, and parked vehicles.

“The technologies we are developing and testing at this facility are available to our customers across our GM brands,” said Cynthia Bay, director of Active Safety Electronics and Controls. “Front Pedestrian Braking will be offered on the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, and the lowest-priced Chevrolet we offer in the U.S. – the new 2016 Spark – has available Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.”

The new Active Safety Test Area concentrates the company’s active safety testing into one, state-of-the-art site. It features:

A 16-acre dynamics pad for testing a variety of robot-controlled and automated vehicles.Highway simulation with six lanes, on/off ramps, controlled lighting and road signs that represent specifications around the world.A parking test area with different curb types and landscaping detection.Pedestrian test area with a 90-degree traffic intersection and specially designed rig for accurate dummy movement.Simulated tunnel with walls and posts.A building for observation, indoor testing, hoists for test preparation and a robotic control station.

Bay said the facility is ideal for testing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technologies, which will be standard on the 2017 Cadillac CTS.

“In addition to helping customers all over the world avoid crashes, many of the technologies we develop and test here are integral to our ongoing V2V communications work and even the development of future autonomous vehicles,” she said.

The V2V dedicated short-range radio communication enables vehicles to “talk” to each other and exchange basic safety data such as speed, location and braking status. It complements existing safety components like radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors; some of the components rigorously tested at the new Active Safety Test Area facility, in a fast and efficient way.

The facility is also used to assess performance in regulatory and insurance industry consumer metric tests, such as those conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and others.

“General Motors is committed to setting a new standard for global product safety, and developing vehicles that continue to provide leading safety technologies which can help drivers avoid crashes,” said Boyer. “This facility will accelerate GM’s development and testing of innovative safety technologies.”