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GM Global B Electronic Platform

GM Global B, otherwise known as Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP), is an electronic vehicle communications platform. Not to be confused with a GM platform that underpins a vehicle, Global B refers to the vehicle’s internal network, and the way a vehicle’s components communicate with one another. In other words, Global B is essentially a vehicle’s central nervous system.

Background

During the timeframe from 2010 thru 2020, the automotive industry as a whole is predicted to evolve and progress faster than it has during other decades over the past century. This rapid progress will necessitate more electrical bandwidth to enable connectivity between a vehicle’s various components, systems and features.

For instance, a vehicle’s electrical system now needs to ensure that features like electric propulsion systems, infotainment systems, the Super Cruise driver assistant as well as advanced active safety systems can all run in conjunction with each other.

To that end, GM says that Global B is an all-new electronic platform necessary for its next-generation of vehicles, EVs, active safety, infotainment and connectivity features. Additionally, Global B will enable the evolution of the Super Cruise driver assistance feature as well as its eventual successor, Ultra Cruise. The automaker further stated that these features and technologies, along with “many other advancements are central to GM’s vision for a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion” – otherwise known as Triple Zero.

As these features and technologies become pervasive in vehicles, cybersecurity will become ever more important to prevent hacking and other types of unauthorized access. GM took this into account when developing Global B, as it was among the first automakers to create an integrated and dedicated global Product Cybersecurity organization, a team of experts within the company focused on protecting against the potential risk of unauthorized access to vehicles and customer data.

Benefits

Global B carries five primary benefits, or pillars:

  1. Manages up to 4.5 terabytes of data processing power per hour, a fivefold increase in capability over GM’s current electrical architecture.
  2. Enables an expanded and more seamless capacity for smartphone-like over-the-air software updates, the system enables the adoption of functionality upgrades throughout the lifespan of the vehicle.
  3. Provides more rapid communications within the vehicle itself and to outside sources thanks to Ethernet connections of 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and 10Gbps.
  4. Delivers improved cybersecurity via protective features at the hardware and software levels.
  5. Enables customers to purchase (or unlock) features after purchase, such as buying a tune for more power from their vehicle (via the Ultifi system).

Criticisms

Two criticisms of Global B have emerged since its introduction.

First, some owners of vehicles based on Global B have experienced failed Over The Air (OTA) software updates that “bricked” their vehicle, or made it inoperable. Per exclusive GM Authority reporting, this has pushed GM to change its internal procedures for delivering OTA updates.

Second, Global B’s various cybersecurity and hacking prevention techniques prevent the tuning of vehicles, such as changing the air to fuel mixture of an internal combustion engine, or similar aftermarket modifications.

For instance, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of a vehicle that uses Global B is strongly encrypted. If it senses any kind of unauthorized access, the vehicle can become inoperable. This prevents tuners, builders and enthusiasts from tuning their vehicle’s powertrain. After running into some initial challenges, the aftermarket community has found ways to circumvent this limitation.

Development

Global B was developed at GM facilities across the globe by a team of electrical, hardware and software engineers and experts.

General Motors began laying the initial groundwork for Global B years before launch. For instance, the automaker implemented a security vulnerability disclosure program to engage more closely with the research community. This program has matured to become a formal “bug bounty” program that continues to further strengthen GM’s cybersecurity efforts.

In addition, GM chairs the Auto-ISAC (Automotive Information Sharing & Analysis Center), a community of private and public-sector partners that shares and analyzes intelligence about emerging cybersecurity risks for the automotive industry. The electronic platform was developed at GM facilities across the globe by a team of electrical, hardware and software engineers.

Vehicle Availability

Global B first launched on the 2020 Cadillac CT5 and 2020 Corvette (Corvette C8 / mid-engine Corvette).

During the time of its announcement, GM stated that Global B should be rolled out to most vehicles within GM’s global lineup by 2023.

GM Global B Vehicles & Applications
2021 MY 2022 MY 2023 MY 2024 MY 2025 MY 2026 MY
BrightDrop Zevo 600 - Yes Yes Yes Yes -
BrightDrop Zevo 400 - - Yes Yes Yes -
Buick Electra E4 - - - - Yes1 Yes1
Buick Electra E5 - - - - Yes Yes
Buick Enclave No No No No Yes Yes
Buick Encore No No - - - -
Buick Encore GX No No No No No No
Buick Envision Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Buick Envista - - - No No No
Cadillac Celestiq - - - - Yes Yes
Cadillac CT4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cadillac CT5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cadillac Escalade Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cadillac Escalade IQ - - - - Yes Yes
Cadillac Lyriq - - Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cadllac Optiq - - - - Yes Yes
Cadillac Vistiq - - - - - Yes
Cadillac XT4 No No No Yes Yes -
Cadillac XT5 No No No No - Yes1
Cadillac XT6 No No No No No Yes1
Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 - - - - Yes Yes
Chevrolet BrightDrop 600 - - - - Yes Yes
Chevrolet Blazer No No No No No No
Chevrolet Blazer EV - - - Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Bolt EUV - No No - - -
Chevrolet Bolt EV No No No - - Yes2
Chevrolet Camaro No No No No - -
Chevrolet Colorado No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Corvette Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Equinox No No No No Yes Yes
Chevrolet Equinox EV - - - Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Express No No No No No No
Chevrolet Malibu No No No No No -
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Silverado EV - - - Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Silverado HD No No No Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Spark No No - - - -
Chevrolet Suburban Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Tahoe Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Trailblazer No No No No No No
Chevrolet Traverse No No No Yes Yes Yes
Chevrolet Trax No No - No No No
GMC Acadia No No No Yes Yes Yes
GMC Canyon No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
GMC Hummer EV Pickup - Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
GMC Hummer EV SUV - - - Yes Yes Yes
GMC Savana No No No No No No
GMC Sierra 1500 No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
GMC Sierra EV - - - Yes Yes Yes
GMC Sierra HD No No No Yes Yes Yes
GMC Terrain No No No No Yes Yes
GMC Yukon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Number of models equipped with Global B 8 12 16 27 34 37
Total number of models 33 36 35 41 42 45
Lineup composition 24% 33% 46% 66% 81% 82%
  1. Chinese market model only
  2. Expected

Announcement

GM announced the Global B platform in May 2019.

Predecessor

Global B replaces Global A, which was a name GM gave to the various iterations of its first-generation electronic vehicle platform.

Successor

Though it’s still too early for a successor to Global B, Reuss hinted at a successor during his announcement presentation.

“The critical role of software and its importance to our vehicles, both now and for years to come, cannot be overstated,” he was quoted as saying. “Our new digital vehicle platform and its eventual successors will underpin all our future innovations across a wide range of technological advancements, including EVs and expanded automated driving.”

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