GM 2001 Concepts

Global Alliances Play a Part in GM 2001 Concepts


General Motors has used its superior size and global reach to tap the engineering expertise of its alliance partners for creating this year’s concept vehicles. As the company speeds up its design cycle and strengthens its global presence, expect to see more shared platforms and combined experience being expressed in the concept cars.  

“Whatever the concept, we can usually look around the company and the alliance partners to find a technology we need or a platform that would be the proper architecture for what we’re trying to achieve,” said John Taylor, executive director of the Advanced Portfolio Exploration Team (APEx). As GM’s globalization continues, more collaborations of the kinds seen at this year’s major auto shows should develop, he said.

GM’s global alliances have been carefully chosen to create a global automotive presence with unsurpassed technical proficiency. For example, Fiat and Isuzu excel at diesel powertrains. Saab makes the best turbo-charged engines in the world and is a leader in safety technology. Fuji Heavy Industries, better known as Subaru, is a leader in all-wheel drive and continuously variable transmissions.  And Suzuki excels at small gas engines and mini cars.


Chevy’s Baja Attitude and Rally Roots

When Chevrolet designers wanted to build a sporty crossover vehicle with all-wheel-drive, they didn’t have to reinvent the wheel.  Instead, they looked to Subaru for proven performance in an AWD platform. The result is the Chevy Borrego built on Subaru’s powerful all-wheel drive platform that has earned impeccable credentials on the world rally car circuit in places like Kenya, Monte Carlo, Argentina and New Zealand.   Subaru’s horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder engine with turbo charging give this concept the reliability and muscle to bear the Chevy bowtie with pride.

Oldsmobile’s Eurocar, the O4

Oldsmobile’s stunning O4 concept is a dramatic reinterpretation an Opel platform. Bertone Design in Turin, Italy, collaborated with GM Design on the build for this concept car. The key features are the unique, minimalist “information ring” instrument panel and an adjustable, versatile, hard top for all seasons. Bertone’s characteristic attention to detail even extends to the exhaust ports at the rear.  Opel’s 1.8-liter Ecotech, a turbocharged 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine, powers this thrilling concept.

GM’s Current Alliances: Fiat Auto SpA (Alfa Romeo, Lancia) – GM owns 20 percent of Fiat; Fiat owns 5.6 percent of GM. Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Subaru) – GM owns 20 percent. Isuzu Motors Ltd. – GM owns 49 percent. Suzuki Motor Corp. – GM owns 20 percent. GM’s Wholly Owned Global Partners: GM do Brasil Ltda., Brazil GM of Canada Holden Australia General Motors de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Adam Opel AG, Germany Saab, Sweden Vauxhall Motors Limited, England