GM China begins Phase II of Advanced Technical Center
General Motors China marked the opening of the second phase of the GM China Advanced Technical Center by hosting its second annual “Tech Day” event, with the theme “Ignite! The Spark of Innovation.”
The event showcased GM China’s technology achievements and the company’s vehicle development initiatives in the world, where China plays a key role.
“The completion of the ATC is an important milestone for GM in China,” said Bob Socia, president, GM China, and chief country operations officer, China, India and ASEAN. “It gives us the most comprehensive automotive technical center in our largest market. The center will serve not just China but also GM’s operations around the world.”
The ATC’s new Advanced Design Center includes state-of-the-art tools for designers to explore future mobility solutions and technology integration.
As many as 250 engineers, designers and researchers will be working at the center on advanced vehicle design, powertrain and vehicle engineering, telematics and R&D. Their work is expected to impact differentiation and competitiveness of products, especially in fuel economy; through their efforts, GM’s introduction of innovative technologies in China will be accelerated.
Jon Lauckner, GM chief technology officer, vice president of Global Research & Development, and president of GM Ventures, said that the focus of ATC’s R&D team is on battery cells, lightweight materials, manufacturing processes, engines and transmissions, and developing mobile apps for connected urban driving. (January 4, 2013)