The Insignia Sports Tourers will be used to transport staff to Help for Heroes fundraising events while the Movano will be primarily serve as a vehicle to move merchandise and boxes. The vehicles have been draped in the Help for Heroes livery to attract attention and create awareness of the organization. Bryn Parry, co-founder of Help for Heroes said:

“Help for Heroes’ fundraising events take place across the UK and Europe and a range of vehicles are needed to successfully support them. The addition of two Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourers and the Movano will be a real boon to all the Help for Heroes staff who will be able to travel in comfortable, practical vehicles that I’m sure they will enjoy driving. Help for Heroes extends its thanks once again to Vauxhall.”

The vehicles have already been on duty, with the Insignia Sports Tourers participating in Help for Heroes’ signature event, the Big Battlefield Bike Ride, serving as transport for riders and their bicycles.

View Press Release

Terry Woychowski

Terry Woychowski, GM Vice President of Global Vehicle Program Management, asked a group of young engineers “How do we help?”

He asked the question while showing pictures of Solomoni Mafuta, a ten year-old boy from the village of Senzani in Malawi, Africa that he sponsored. The group found out that Solomoni failed the second grade because he had to walk several days to a mill to get his family’s corn grinded for nshima, a type of cornmeal that’s a staple of African diets. Solomoni’s family is one of many that cannot afford a mill and have to either walk or grind it themselves.

Focusing on the issue of grinding the corn, Woychowski – one of GM’s top GM engineers – turned to his family, volunteers at GM, and students at Michigan Technological University to help out.

The group has found a solution that uses an old bicycle to power a mill. The design was taken down to Malawi last summer and was well-received. Since then, the group has focused on improving the design that includes the possibility of a motor to run on indigenous fuel.

Students from Michigan Technological University will be in Ghana to test the improved model in July and come back to school in the fall to perfect it. Woychowski is hoping that the improved mill can be sponsored for only $100.

[Source: Detroit News]

Vivian Pickard, President of the General Motors Foundation explained how GM was helping out:

“At the GM Foundation we encourage employees, dealers and customers to give back to their local communities and to promote 100 Black Men of America’s message of mentoring the young minds to become our future leaders.”

During the conference, Buick hosted a test drive event for attendees and the general public. The Enclave, LaCrosse, and Regal were all available to drive.  After driving the new LaCrosse, Al Dotson, president of 100 Black Men said:

“It was highly technical, had a smooth ride and was very comfortable.”

“This is not my grandfather’s vehicle anymore,” said another conference attendee.

The GM Authority Take

Good stuff, Buick, good stuff. Doing a good deed while promoting your products is, well, what that magical thing the big boys call a “synergy.” In all seriousness, though, this is just the kind of effort Buick needs to give its “grandfather’s vehicle” image a kick in the pants!

View Press Release

Students from Mississippi State University placed first in the 2010 EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge finals in San Diego on Thursday in San Diego after designing and building this biodiesel extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).

Six days and sixteen tired teams later – the second-annual EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge in San Diego, California has come to an end. Mississippi State University took first place with their biodiesel extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). Second place went to Virginia Tech with their ethanol-powered EREV vehicle. Third place went to Penn State’s biodiesel EREV.

• The Mississippi State University vehicle used a 1.3 liter four cylinder GM turbo diesel, 21.3 kWh A123Systems battery pack, and 75 kW UQM generator. The vehicle is setup into a series hybrid providing a 60 mile range on the batteries and 118 combined (city/highway) mpg during testing.
• Virginia Tech used a 2.4 liter ethanol engine combined with a 90kW Ballard electric motor, 16 kW belted alternator starter, and 21.3 kWh battery pack in a split parallel hybrid system. This vehicle reduced the use of petroleum products by 78 percent.
• Penn State used a 12.8 kWh battery pack coupled with a GM 110 kW Electric Traction Motor, 75 kW UQM generator, and a 1.3 liter 4-cylinder biodiesel to reach double of the baseline of 57 mpg equivalent.

Matt Doude, team member from first place Mississippi State said,

“This was our most challenging year and stakes were high to have our vehicle ready for inspections. To finish a year of hard work and long hours in first place is an incredible honor for me and my teammates. We look forward to the next chapter of the competition – with so much talent among the schools it will not be an easy road to another victory. But it’s this rigorous, hands-on process that gives us the valuable experience we’ll need in the workplace.”

Pat Davis, program manager of the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program said,

“During the last 12 months, these teams faced a difficult challenge – to build an innovative vehicle and continually refine and improve its operation. These students demonstrated extreme determination and commitment to make their vision a reality, and it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mississippi State on its outstanding work and well-deserved first-place finish.”

Congratulations to all the teams the competed in year two of EcoCAR Challenge: The NeXt Challenge and we can’t wait for the third year! In fact, we may even be on site for next year’s challenge!

View Press Release

• Extended-range electric vehicle (EREV)
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
• Fuel cell plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
• Full function electric vehicle

No matter the technology chosen by student engineers, the vehicle must reduce its use of petrolium, CO2 emissions, and fuel consumption. It must also meet performance, safety, and utility standards. John Haraf, director of Hybrid Vehicle Integration and Controls for General Motors had the following to say about EcoCAR:

“The students spent two years designing and building these innovative vehicles and it’s thrilling to see them come to life here at our Desert Proving Ground. We couldn’t imagine a more appropriate place to conclude Year Two of the EcoCAR competition – these young engineers must pass the toughest inspections and undergo the same tests we perform on our own prototypes. This challenging process gives them invaluable experience and preparation for careers in the industry.”

The vehicles will undergo six days of tests, including braking, drive quality, and lane changing. Vehicle strength and drivability will also be examined. As the tests are conducted, teams will work around the clock fixing problems and refining the vehicles before the next challenge.

Which university will come out on top? Stay tuned to GM Authority as we present the winners shortly!

Currently, there is no word reagarding when the change will take place, but the Village Council is apparently in favor of coinciding the naming ceremony with the rollout of the all-new Chevrolet Cruze, the latter set for the fall of 2010.

The GM Authority Take

If this is not an example of a community standing behind The General – and The General firmly standing behind it – we’re not sure what is. Need more proof that the American auto industry is on the up and up? Look no further than the Chevy Cruze and the people who’ll be making it.

[Source: WYTV | Image Source: WYTV]

These donations are from the GM Foundation. This branch of the GM tree was planted in 1976 in order to promote “social change, provide for those in need, and improve the quality of life in communities,” according to GM’s press release (available in full after the jump).

GM is also quick to point out that none of the funds came from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

PRESS RELEASE

General Motors Foundation Donates $70,000 to United Negro College Fund to Assist Deserving Students

2010-03-04

DETROIT – The GM Foundation today announced two donations to United Negro College Fund (UNCF) totaling $70,000 – $50,000 for UNCF’s Campaign for Emergency Student Aid and $20,000 toward scholarship and operating support for UNCF.

The Campaign for Emergency Student Aid, known as CESA, provides emergency assistance especially to seniors who have exhausted other options for financial assistance and are at risk of not being able to complete their coursework.  Launched in 2009, CESA has provided assistance to nearly 2,000 students at UNCF schools, enabling these students to complete their college studies and graduate.

“The GM Foundation is proud to support this important campaign,” said John Montford, Chair of the GM Foundation and Senior Advisor, Government Relations and Global Public Policy, for GM. “Being able to help students who have worked hard to get to college and succeed at college, and who might not graduate due to financial difficulties, will make a real difference in the lives of these students, and in the lives of their families and communities.”

In addition, the GM Foundation also provides direct support to four colleges through UNCF:  Howard University in Washington, D.C.; North Carolina A & T University, Greensboro, N.C.; Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN.; and the Atlanta University Systems, which includes Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.

Update: the supply-packed Sierras were shipped to Haiti on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 (with pictures below).

Former President Bill Clinton, who is also the current UN Special Envoy to Haiti, called for vehicles to support recovery efforts in Haiti. In response, the General Motors Foundation’s GM Global Aid program will donate 30 GMC Sierras to Haiti relief efforts. The trucks will be used to transport supplies to survivors of the January 12 earthquake.

The donation comes with the cooperation of both the National Football League and the William J. Clinton Foundation. Two of the trucks were delivered yesterday to the NFL’s Little Haiti Outreach Event at the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center in Miami. “Everyone in America has been affected in some way by this tragedy. GM and the NFL are going to visit the heart of Haitian community in South Florida to show our support,” Susan Docherty, Vice President of Sales, Support, and Marketing as well as GM Foundation board member, said yesterday. Miami Dolphins players and GM executives were among the attendees at the NFL fundraiser. The trucks were filled with water and supplies donated by Florida GMC dealers and their surrounding communities.

John Montford, GM Foundation Chairperson, reinforced President Clinton’s call, saying:

Immediate needs in Haiti include basic supplies and reliable transportation that can handle rugged and mountainous terrain.

Thirty of America’s best-selling pickups will certainly help alleviate some of the suffering endured by the Haitian people. Per the request of Edmond Mulet, acting head of the UN Peacekeeping effort in Haiti, the trucks will arrive in Haiti in mid-February. The former President’s foundation will transport the trucks to the island.

Founded in 2000, the GM Foundation has facilitated millions of dollars in donations for disaster relief efforts across the globe. The Foundation leverages The General’s global resources to direct vehicles, personnel, and supplies to non-profit organization assisting in local relief efforts. This logistical contribution is in addition to a $100,000 contribution and the money that resulted from auctioning a donated Corvette at this year’s Barrett Jackson Auction.

[Sources: PR Newswire, Detroit Free Press]

GM donated the 427 Limited Edition Z06 Corvette, valued at over $80,000, to ARC. Thanks to a generous buyer, the gavel slammed at the $200,000 mark – enabling the ARC to help the people of Haiti that much more. But the 505 horsepower LS7 supercar was not the only car donated by GM for a good cause.

The other donation came in the form of the first-ever production CTS Coupe, donated to Michigan’s College for Creative Studies (CSS). The model sold for a handsome $95,700, including buyers commission. CCS will get to keep the entire sum minus the market price of the car, which is pegged at roughly $35,000.

The GM Authority Take

Despite GM’s financial woes of last year and all that came along with them, coupled with the fact that The General could currently use every penny to see that taxpayers are reimbursed (and so that the Tea Party may possibly shut up) – it’s still good to see the company’s sense of corporate responsibility has not left the building with several former executives. I’m glad they are keeping on with good causes and hope to see many more in the future.

The car is unique in that it is the only 2008 model Vette available with the Crystal Red Tintcoat. Additionally, it wears unique wheels, “427” branded seats and floor mats, and “427” exterior badges. Moreover, it is signed by Wil Cooksey, Jr., the retired (2006) manager of the only Corvette plant in the world. The vehicle up for auction is the last of the 427 cars to be distributed in North America. 427 is also the engine displacement in cubic inches. In a similar double reference, 78 additional cars, for a total of 505, will be distributed worldwide. 505 is the horsepower rating for the 7-liter Z06 engine. Like in the regular Z06, the engine produces 470 lb-ft of torque, fed through a six speed manual, capable of rocketing the car to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and good for a top speed of 198mph.

The MSRP is $84,195, some $10K+ over lesser Z06s. Even then, the market value of this limited production model is likely higher than that. Coupled with the fact that people have expressed a willingness to open their pocketbooks to send assistance to Haiti during this crisis across the globe, we can expect this car to net a contribution nearly as great as the $100,000 cash donation General Motors has already made to the Red Cross relief fund.

Online bids for Lot #1318 can be submitted here.

Also of note: late last night, another GM-donated vehicle – the first-ever production CTS Coupe – was auctioned off for a pretty $95,000. All proceeds from the 001 CTS Coupe will go to the highly-renowned College for Creative Studies.

[Sources: TheSuperCars, Autoblog - twice]

[Photo Credit: DB2NOW]