Protecting the Environment

 American automaker headquartered in Detroit, MI  Founded in 1908 by William C. Durant  World’s 2 nd largest automaker  Produces cars and trucks in 31 countries  Brands include: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Opel, Vauxhall and Holden

 Adopted Environmental Principles to serve as a guide for all GM employees  GM is one of the leading users in renewable energy.  Principles include Commitment to actions to restore and preserve environment Commitment to reducing waste and pollutants

 Fuel Economy 12 vehicle models that achieve 30 mpg or more highway rating Made vehicles more efficient through Active Fuel Management, 6-speed transmissions, variable valve timing and direct injection 5 hybrid vehicles: Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Silverado, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon Denali, GMC Sierra & Cadillac Escalade

 Biofuels Looking at alternatives to gasoline as fuel source Offer 19 vehicle models that can run on E85, a fuel blend made of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline Working to expand availability of the fuel to new places  Electric vehicle – Chevrolet Volt  Project Driveway – Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Volt

 Use recycled & bio-based materials from renewable resources  Recycled materials like old pop bottles, blue jeans, used tires and recycled vehicle bumpers are used in the new vehicles  Exploring opportunities to use recycled waste products from own facilities in new vehicles.

The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette uses renewable balsa wood, the fastest growing tree in the world, in its floor panel. Components of the headliner in the 2010 Buick Lacrosse are made from recycled cardboard scrap salvaged from manufacturing operations at GM’s Marion Assembly plant in Marion, Indiana.

Today, GM vehicles are at least 85 percent recyclable and 95 percent recoverable (by weight)!!

 Energy Use energy from solar, hydro and landfill gas resources Reduced overall energy usage by more than 40% between 2005 – 2009  Emissions Reduced CO² emissions from facilities by 39% from Solar panels at a GM manufacturing plant.

 Water Reduced amount of water used by 35% from 2005 – 2009  Waste Focus first on decreasing amount of waste For unavoidable waste, GM finds ways to recycle those materials for use in products like the Buick Lacrosse example (refer to slide 7) GM currently has 69 facilities around the world with “landfill-free” certification!!

Video showing how a “landfill-free” GM plant operates. Click on video to play.

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