GM teams with the University of Michigan to create GM/U-M Institute of Automotive Research and Education
05/08/2009, 11:34 AM
By Drew Johnson
General Motors has announced a new partnership with the University of Michigan to establish the GM/U-M Institute of Automotive Research and Education. The Institute of Automotive Research and Education will focus on the further development of battery technology, engine systems, vehicle manufacturing and smart materials.
The Institute of Automotive Research and Education will work on several key automotive issues, but will have the ultimate goal of creating sustainable mobility. “No single company, university or government agency can act on its own to address the ever-changing global energy and environmental demands facing the automotive industry,” Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman for Global Product Development, said. “GM is leveraging the finest faculty and students at the University of Michigan and our own talented researchers and engineers to accelerate the pace of innovation and develop the knowledge and technology solutions we need to reinvent the automobile.”
As previously announced, the IARE will include the GM/U-M Advanced Battery Coalition for Drivetrains (ABCD) which will focus mainly in the electrification of the automobile. GM is hopeful the partnership will turn Michigan into a hot bed for EV technology.
The U-M center will also have a division dedicated to engine systems. The engine systems department will work with existing engine technology to make today’s engine tech cleaner burning and more fuel efficient. One of the ultimate goals of the engine systems division is to bring GM’s homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) to market.
In keeping with the institute’s green theme, there will also be divisions charged with finding more eco-friendly materials for vehicle construction and ways to produce vehicles more efficiently.
05/08, 11:43 AM
posted by:
Borat
I smell EV2
05/08, 12:03 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
There is something in the works.
05/08, 12:04 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
As a huge proponent of education I like this idea a lot!
05/08, 12:08 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Yes kids! Learn how to spend nearly 100 years building a successful automotive manufacturing giant then let your Board of Directors run it into the ground in less than 5. Free golden parachute with every enrollment!
05/08, 12:08 PM
posted by:
hangonbig3
Not sure if it was the college or the company that came up with this one, either way great idea…money and brain power well spent.
05/08, 12:23 PM
posted by:
Borat
RainMan, funny but it took a bit more then 5 years. The deathbed was in the making for the last 20-25 years. Who do you think made Toyota what it is today?
05/08, 12:30 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
A valid point Borat… sarcasm is so hard to convey on the ‘net. My statement is merely a broad generalization.
I think GM could do us all a favor by hosting a nationwide series of seminars on what NOT to do.
05/08, 1:37 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
The best part of Knowing what not to do is it can make it easier to do the right thing. I guess we will have to wait a few more years and see what happens.
05/08, 6:09 PM
posted by:
maxcar
this should have happened 5 years ago. better late than never.
05/08, 8:32 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
publicity move to appeal more to the obama administration
05/08, 9:53 PM
posted by:
psiclone
Good idea. Young minds, fresh ideas.
05/09, 9:35 PM
posted by:
Get Real
2 broke entities joining together. Who is paying for all this ? obama ??