GM completes 100 years, to focus on next-gen cars for its centennial anniversary

Mumbai: After completing 100 years in the auto industry, General Motors plans to focus on next-generation vehicles and technologies through its year-long global initiative, GMnext. In 2008 GM has achieved quite a few landmarks in India as well. The automaker's most reputed brand, Chevrolet  is celebrating its fifth year anniversary in India. General Motors India also recently inaugurated its $300 million, 140,000-unit second plant in India at Talegaon, Maharashtra, besides announcing the setting up of its 160,000-unit capacity, $200 million engine plant at the same location.

To commemorate its centennial, GM began its second century with a GMnext Day to affirm the company's vision for the future of personal transportation. The GM next Day kicked off with a live global broadcast from GM's headquarters at the Renaissance Centre in Detroit, where GM chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner revealed the production model of the Chevrolet Volt.

The new extended-range electric vehicle from the Chevy stables will deliver 40 miles of gasoline and emissions- free driving, with the extended-range capability of driving hundreds of additional miles, said GM.

Founded in September, 1908 by William C. (Billy) Durant, General Motors has sold more than 450 million cars and trucks worldwide in the past 100 years. With manufacturing operations in 33 countries and nearly 24,000 dealerships worldwide, GM is the world's largest automaker.

GM India plans to build and sell products that are best-in-class and dynamically contribute to improving market share through customer-oriented product programmes and other initiatives.

Speaking on the celebrations, Karl Slym, president & managing director, General Motors India said, ''It's a great moment for us as we are entering in to the second century of our operations with the aim of building exciting and efficient cars to meet the requirements of our customers   We see immense potential for growth here and have made substantial investments in our operations here, which goes on to show our long-time commitment to India.''