General Motors (GM) has renamed GM Powertrain as GM Global Propulsion Systems. The company says that the new name reflects a new era in propulsion technology and product diversity. This renaming happened almost after 24 years of GM Powertrain in action.
GM powertrain, now GM Global Propulsion Systems, is responsible for designing, engineering and manufacturing engines, transmissions, castings, and components for GM vehicles and other automotive. The company also caters to marine and industrial original equipment manufacturers. With its global headquarters in Pontiac, Michigan the company has been operating and coordinating responsibility for their manufacturing plants and engineering centers in North and South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. GM’s Global Propulsion Systems is collectively the group of more than 8,600 people that design, develop and engineer all propulsion related products and controls for GM worldwide.
GM Global Propulsion Systems engineering workforce is involved with alternative or electrified propulsion systems. They have also engineered products like the all-new 3.6L V-6 with cylinder deactivation available in the Cadillac CT6. GM claims to have more vehicles on the road with the fuel-saving technology than any other manufacturer. GM’s expanding capabilities include the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt that has an estimated over 200 miles (322km) of range on a single charge on the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV (based on GM testing). The automobile maker has also produced the highest non-hybrid passenger car fuel economy in the US market at an EPA estimated 20km/l on highway in the 2.0L diesel powered Chevrolet Cruze. GM Global Propulsion Systems is also known for its experience with hydrogen fuel cells.
Speaking on the occasion, Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development said that the new name is another step on their journey to redefine transportation and mobility. He further expressed that Global Propulsion Systems conveys what the company is developing and offering to customers; an incredibly broad, diverse lineup – ranging from high-tech 3-cylinder gasoline engines to fuel cells, V8 diesel engines to battery electric systems, and 6-, 7-, 8-, 9- and 10-speed to continuously variable transmissions.
On the occasion, Dan Nicholson, Vice President, GM Global Propulsion Systems expressed that the days when a gasoline engine and a transmission designed independently met a customer’s expectations are gone. Today’s customer demands unprecedented technology integration that requires unprecedented engineering and supplier partnerships. The diversity of GM’s propulsion systems requires a name that reflects what the company is already working on and delivering customers. He also believes that this will establish an industry trend.