General Motors will rename GM Powertrain to GM Global Propulsion Systems after 24 years. GM’s Global Propulsion Systems is formed by 8,600 people that design, develop and engineer all propulsion related products and controls for GM worldwide. Nearly 50 percent of the Global Propulsion Systems engineering workforce is involved with alternative or electrified propulsion systems.
According to Dan Nicholson, vice president, GM Global Propulsion Systems, “Gone are the days when a gasoline engine and a transmission designed independently meet a customer’s expectations.Today’s customer is demanding unprecedented technology integration that requires unprecedented engineering and supplier partnerships. The diversity of our propulsion systems requires a name that reflects what we are already working on and delivering to our customers. I believe this will establish an industry trend.”Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development stated, “The new name is another step on our journey to redefine transportation and mobility. Global Propulsion Systems better conveys what we are developing and offering to our customers: an incredibly broad, diverse lineup – ranging from high-tech 3-cylinder gasoline engines to fuel cells, V8 diesel engines to battery electric systems, and6-, 7-, 8-, 9- and 10-speed to continuously variable transmissions.”
Some of the recent achievements by this team include the award winning second generation Voltec propulsion system in the Chevrolet Volt and the highly acclaimed drivetrain for the Opel Astra. The Bolt EV has a range of more than 320 kilometres with just a single charge.
