General Motors 2010 Annual Report Download - page 6

4 General Motors Company 2010 Annual Report
After a groundbreaking development process, GM launched
the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended-range
capability in November 2010. The vehicle underscores GM’s
commitment to technology leadership, while positively
shaping perceptions about electric vehicles. Thanks to strong
customer interest, GM has expanded its initial seven-state
rollout plan, and the Volt will be available nationwide in the
United States by the end of 2011.
The 2011 North American and Motor Trend
Car of the Year Chevrolet Volt performs
on the road and for the environment.
THE ROAD AHEAD
It was a good year for GM, but we have a lot of work ahead
of us. Although great opportunity abounds around the
globe, risks do as well. In a still-recovering global economy,
uncertainty surrounding the crisis in Japan, a volatile
oil price environment, higher commodity prices and an
increasingly competitive automotive marketplace, we will
build on our 2010 progress by concentrating on three
critical areas.
First, we will remain focused on our top priority—devel-
oping and introducing great new products to our valued
customers worldwide. Key launches in 2011 include the
fuel-efficient and sporty Chevy Sonic and the Buick Verano
luxury small car in the United States; the Opel Zafira
seven-seat MPV and the Ampera extended-range electric
car in Europe; and our all-new Baojun brand in China.
As we regain our financial footing, we expect the number of
new product launches to steadily rise over the next several
years. And these new products will increasingly embrace
advanced technology to reduce fuel consumption and
emissions, improve safety and enhance the overall driving
experience for our customers.
Advanced technology is key to GM product leadership in
the future. This is what makes the Volt so important for GM.
It’s not just another “me too” vehicle. While it is by no means
the ultimate solution for reducing our dependence on oil,
the Volt is a glimpse into what’s possible from GM. We will
leverage what we have learned in its development—from
the automotive battery, electric power control and other
new technologies to the processes and partnerships we
created—to help us accelerate the pace of innovation
across the company.
Second, we will continue to sharpen our focus on how we
engage customers. Fundamental to this is designing and
producing vehicles that surprise and delight them. We’re
doing that by listening to customers, taking a wider view
to predict emerging trends, ensuring we have the right
features and technologies in our vehicles to set them apart
from the rest, and enhancing our advertising and marketing
efforts to more effectively connect with customers.
“A key priority is to sharpen our focus
on engaging our customers. That’s
critical to ensuring that we have the
right features and technologies in
our vehicles to win in a competitive
marketplace.”
We’re working closely with our revitalized dealer network
in the United States to deliver the best sales and service
experience possible, and we continue to implement a highly
disciplined inventory management approach worldwide to
create an integrated, holistic brand experience everywhere
we sell vehicles. In all efforts, we’ll never forget what’s most
important: our customers.