Carl-Peter Forster President General Motors Europe „Innovation – The Future of the Automobile...
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Transcript of Carl-Peter Forster President General Motors Europe „Innovation – The Future of the Automobile...
Carl-Peter ForsterPresident General Motors Europe
„Innovation – The Future of the Automobile Industry in Europe“
May 5, 2005Barcelona
Automotive News Europe Congress
The European Automobile Market
Stagnating demand
New production facilities by 2007
Non-European car manufacturers entering the market
Pricing pressure and decreasing margins
Conditions for Vehicle Development
Economic, environmental and social issues
Changing customer preferences
Legal regulations
Market SituationAutomobile Industry
In Western and Central Europe:
– stagnating demand
– increasing competition
– overcapacities
– falling prices
Recent Market Development
Newly registered passenger cars in Western/Central Europe:
Q1 2004Q1 2004 Q1 2005Q1 2005
3.8 million
s
-2.5%
3.9 million
s
Fundamental Changes inModel Segments
Conventional cars in the mid-size segment: losing market share since 1999
Compact and mini-vans, such as Opel/Vauxhall Zafira and Meriva: market share has been growing for years
GME: Expansion of Product Portfolio
Increase the share of innovative vehicle concepts, including niche models like Opel/Vauxhall Tigra TwinTop
Customer Demands on Individual Mobility
Exciting design
Versatile and flexible cars
Fun to drive and expression of lifestyle
Optimizing Conventional Engines
Gasoline and diesel engines: continually refined and developed further
Innovative Propulsion: Natural Gas
Suitability for daily use
Opel: market leader in Germany
Environmental compatibility
Innovative Propulsion: Hybrid Technologies
Hybrid study based on Astra GTC
Proving the scalability of GM‘s hybrid technology
Changing market needs: extension to diesel-hybrid
Innovative Propulsion: Fuel Cell Technology
GM: investment of more than one billion dollars in the development of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles
HydroGen3: prototype based on the Opel Zafira
Suitable for everyday use: FedEx delivery vehicle in the USA and Japan, taxi in Berlin
The Future of Automobile Electronics
2010: 35 % of production costscould be accounted for by electricalequipment and electronics
90 % of all future innovation willbe based on electronics
Volume of software doubles everytwo to three years
Increasing Efficiency in Development
Avoid duplication of engineering activities
Full integration of ITDC in Rüsselsheimand Saab Technical Development Center in Trollhättanin GM’s worldwide engineering organization
One Company – Strong Brands
Strengthen each brand with the synergies of GM’s
global network
Create additional economies of scale and free up resources
Customer benefit: wider range of models and innovative technologies
Continuation of Product Offensive in Europe
2005: Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC, the new Zafira, Saab 9-3 Sport Combi and Chevrolet Matiz
2006: Opel/Vauxhall crossover SUV, new Chevrolet SUV, the new Corsa and a new two-seat roadster
45 new models or variants in the next five years
First Generation Zafira
Redefined its class, took over market leadership
Four years in row: best-selling car in its segment
More than 1.4 million units sold
The New Zafira
Further refined Flex7 seating system
Progressive design and distinctive dynamic driving performance
High-tech chassis and state-of-the-art engines
Wide range of equipment
Million Mile Test Drive
Largest test drive campaign ever conducted
35,000 cars available in 40 European countries for three-day test drives
More than 700,000 people signed up to participate
Definition of GM Brands in Europe
Cadillac in the premium/luxury top segment
Definition of GM Brands in Europe
Cadillac in the premium/luxury top segment
Saab as entry premium contender
Definition of GM Brands in Europe
Cadillac in the premium/luxury top segment
Saab as entry premium contender
Opel/Vauxhall: innovative core brands ofthe volume business
Definition of GM Brands in Europe
Cadillac in the premium/luxury top segment
Saab as entry premium contender
Opel and Vauxhall as innovative core brands of the volume business
Chevrolet with growth potential involume business