Technologies Make Chevrolet Impala, SUVs Family Friendly

Judges praise their safety, comfort and versatility in latest rankings

2015-03-12

DETROIT – Pack up the family and your peace of mind – the Chevrolet Impala sedan and Tahoe andSuburban full-size SUVs were recently recommended for families in new rankings by Kelley Blue Book and U.S. News & World Report.

Impala and Tahoe are among Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com 15 Best Family Cars of 2015, and Impala and Suburban were selected among U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Cars for Families.

It is the second consecutive year Impala has made both lists, while the Tahoe and Suburban were completely redesigned for 2015.

All three Chevrolet models offer crash-avoidance technologies that use cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensor technology to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions with a vehicle they are following, blind spot-caused sideswipes, parking lot rear backup collisions and more.

Impala was the first Chevrolet model with available Front Automatic Braking, which can apply the brakes when the forward-looking radar-based system may see a crash situation before the driver does. At lower speeds, the technology may help avoid the crash, while at higher speeds, it can help reduce crash severity and injury. Front Automatic Braking is also offered on Tahoe and Suburban.

The Tahoe and Suburban are also available with the GM-patented Safety Alert Seat. Like a smartphone, the driver can select vibrating rather than beeping alerts that intuitively “tap” them on the left, right, or both sides of the seat bottom to help direct their attention to a possible crash situation detected by the vehicle’s sensors.

“Chevrolet puts families first, with cars, trucks and SUVs that provide the latest safety technologies and crash protection at a value,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president, Global Chevrolet and president, GM North America. “It’s why Chevrolet was the most-awarded car company in 2014 and is driving toward another year of strong recognition.”

KBB.com judges evaluated comfort and driving, safety features and crash test scores, ease of child safety and booster seat fitment, cargo space and available features such as camera systems and the ease and adaptability of fold-down seats.

Judges called Impala a “very modern take on the classic full-size family sedan” and cited Tahoe as a “family workhorse freshly updated for 2015.”

U.S. News & World Report combined professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features. Within each of 19 categories, the vehicle with the highest composite score was named the Best Car for Families in that category.

Impala was selected the best Large Car and Suburban the best Large SUV.

For additional family enjoyment, the Chevrolet Impala, Tahoe and Suburban also offer OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that supports up to seven mobile devices.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

From GM News….

Buick IntelliLink: How Not to Push a Driver’s Buttons

DETROIT – A frozen computer is frustrating, but a frozen touchscreen in an automobile is a much bigger deal. That’s why engineers push the touchscreen buttons on the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system more than 2 million times every week, ensuring it consistently responds to user commands.

Multi-function touchscreen systems, which bundle controls and menus for several systems into one interface, are increasingly common in automobiles. From playing MP3 files to placing phone calls, planning a navigation route or adjusting climate controls, touchscreens are tasked with handling more complex functions than ever and doing it seamlessly to the user.

Much like opening too many windows on your home computer, mobile multitasking can tax some infotainment systems, and force the system to reboot.

“Car shoppers expect their in-car infotainment systems to offer not only a full range of convenience features but also complete dependability and functionally,” said Karl Brauer, senior editor of Kelley Blue Book. “That means a rapid response to user inputs and hardware components that consistently withstand consumer demands.”

To make IntelliLink robust, General Motors’ engineers subjected the system to exhaustive testing inside and outside the car. IntelliLink’s human-machine interface, or HMI, which includes the touchscreen liquid crystal display, or LCD, is hooked up to a state-of-the-art automated test bench, complete with cameras that constantly monitor the touchscreen.

The test bench fully replicates the various modules and components connected to the HMI while testing IntelliLink at a speed no human engineer can match. The stability lab can simulate 210 days of continuous in-car use within a week. Depending on the test performed, the lab can also subject IntelliLink systems to the equivalent of more than 2 million touchscreen pushes in the same period.

“We test our systems in real vehicles, but as humans, we can only log so many hours inside a car,” said Robert Rimkus, engineering group manager for GM’s Next Generation Infotainment systems. “These automated test stations help us push IntelliLink to its limits, ensuring customers get a system that’s consistently reliable in their own vehicles.”

Those simulated fingertaps and pushes mimic what an actual user would do while on the road based on customer feedback and design test procedures. For example, one simulation mirrors the audio, climate, and navigation control inputs a driver would make while making a road trip from Detroit to Chicago.

Other tests replicate situations owners may subconsciously encounter in the real world.

“When you shut off and leave a car, it takes the infotainment system as long as three to four minutes to fully go to sleep, much like any other computer,” said Rimkus. “You’re not always given that luxury in the real world. What if you stop at a gas station to grab a quick drink? The system hasn’t fully shut off, but it needs to quickly reboot when you turn the ignition key.”

The automation lab replicates other potential real-world use by staying close to GM road test engineers who drive pre-production vehicles. Issues noted during these early engineering drives can quickly be replicated within the confines of the automation lab, allowing developers to quickly find and address software or hardware issues that might push a driver’s buttons.

About Buick
Buick is an international modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models in North America and China. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick, on Pinterestor at www.facebook.com/buick

Chevrolet Equinox Has Best January Ever

Refreshed 2016 model to be introduced at Chicago Auto Show

DETROIT – Customers snapped up nearly 20,000 Chevrolet Equinox compact SUVs in January – a 34-percent increase over year-ago sales that made it the model’s best January ever and Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle, behind the Silverado full-size pickup.

Equinox’s January performance builds on the momentum of five consecutive years of record sales. Annual sales in the U.S. increased to 242,242 last year, accounting for more than 9 percent of the rapidly growing compact SUV market. Compact SUVs eclipsed midsize cars in 2014 for the first time to become the auto industry’s largest segment.

“In one of the industry’s most competitive segments, the Equinox continues to win customers with its value-driven balance of performance, versatility and personal connectivity,” said GM North America President Alan Batey. “It also represents the depth of Chevrolet’s strong SUV lineup, ranging from the all-new Trax small SUV and Traverse to the redesigned 2015 Suburban and Tahoe.”

Chevrolet will introduce an updated 2016 Equinox on February 12 at the Chicago Auto Show.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Super Bowl MVP Receives Chevrolet Colorado

NEW YORK – Chevrolet presented Super Bowl XLIX Most Valuable Player Tom Brady with a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, the Official MVP Vehicle of Super Bowl XLIX, in recognition of his tremendous effort on the field in the New England Patriots 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

A media panel and fan vote on nfl.com/MVP determined the MVP Award winner, announced during the Super Bowl Postgame Show on NBC.

The Chevrolet Colorado, 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year^®, was engineered to be the most capable, most versatile and most technologically advanced midsize truck in the market. With class-leading horsepower and fuel economy along with a 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, the Colorado adds a new dimension to the Chevy truck line.

“The Chevy Colorado, like Tom Brady, is truly a game changer,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing.

The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at http://www.chevrolet.com.

Chevrolet Disrupts Super Bowl Pregame

Brand touts 4G technology and unanimous Motor Trend Truck of the Year award

DETROIT – Minutes before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIX on NBC, Chevrolet shocked 100 million viewers into thinking that their TVs had failed – only to command their attention seconds later to the Chevrolet Colorado, the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year^®.

The spot, “Blackout,” appeared to be a live game feed that transitioned to static and ultimately to a blank screen. Viewers were quickly relieved to find the ‘disruption’ was intentional. Chevrolet then explained that having 4G LTE Wi-Fi in a Colorado, at a time like this, could allow uninterrupted live streaming of the game. The spot closed with AC/DC’s iconic “Back in Black,” the anthem for the Colorado since launch.

The Colorado bookends the game with new advertising in the pre- and post-game, all to amplify Colorado’s unanimous win of Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year award, and its groundbreaking 4G technology. The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player will receive an all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado after the game.

“When you have a groundbreaking product like the Chevy Colorado, you must deliver groundbreaking advertising like we are today.” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing.

The additional spots running pre- and postgame are “Focus Group – Rugged,” “Focus Group – Sexier,” “Focus Group – Pets” and “Theme Song.”

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive & active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Inside Avenir, Materials Make The Difference

Tailored leather surfaces, unique acrylic trim elevate concept car’s interior

DETROIT – The Buick Avenir’s sculpted exterior and dramatic proportions aren’t the only attributes turning heads and winning awards. The design and materials within the concept car’s interior continue to earn accolades.

“The attention to detail within Avenir is outstanding,” said Charles Allen, a retired automotive designer who served as a chief judge for the 2015 EyesOn Design Awards. “What stands out to me is how well everything is integrated – all of the materials and elements work together seamlessly to provide a sensation of understated elegance that fits the Buick brand perfectly.”

While designers drew inspiration from nature – specifically water washing upon a shoreline – when shaping the graceful lines within Avenir’s interior, the color and trim team worked to find the right materials to add a dynamic flair.

“With Avenir’s interior, we really wanted to select materials that would complement the surfaces within,” said Rebecca Waldemir, Buick Color and Trim design manager. “Using a distinctive combination of premium leather, suede, wood, chrome and acrylic, we were able to design elements that flow seamlessly throughout the interior.”

Avenir’s designers even put a new twist on wood trim, a traditional Buick element. Not only are wood accents featured on the door panels, but the wood itself provides a more luxurious and natural appearance that adds to the airiness of the interior.

“We’ve used open-pore wood in a modern way, much like what you’ll find in high-end furniture. It’s an oiled, low-gloss execution that contrasts beautifully with other interior décor,” said Waldemir.

Avenir’s sculptural instrument panel incorporates an acrylate panel, carved to replicate three-dimensional wave-like patterns but layered beneath a smooth, high-gloss outer layer.

“As you look at the transparent surface from different angles, you will notice that it has a lot of visual depth and movement. It’s a motif we carried to other areas of Avenir, including the seat design, and to the head- and tailamps,” Waldemir said.

While Avenir’s exterior color is a cooler tone, designers wanted to provide a warm, inviting sensation within. The lighter “Lyric” hue, found on most interior surfaces, helps achieve that feeling, while restrained use of a darker tone – “Coastal Myst” – on the instrument panel and arm rests provides a natural transition to the exterior.  To further create a tailored feel, most surfaces within the Avenir are wrapped in leather or suede and accentuated with stitching.

All-in-all, Avenir’s interior materials were designed to work in harmony and provide an upscale environment that feels natural and holistic to all passengers.

“The first thing you’ll notice when you open Avenir’s doors is just how clean and pure its interior design is,” said Liz Wetzel, Buick interior design director. “We’ve stripped it of superfluous, fussy details in order to rely on sculptural forms and harmonious surfaces. The result is a refreshing environment that provides a sense of well-being to anyone seated within.”

Comprised of prominent members of the automotive design community, the EyesOn Design jury also praised Avenir’s overall design with a Best Concept Vehicle trophy. “Avenir’s global design team set out to make a striking design statement, said Holt Ware, Buick exterior design director. “The Avenir embraces Buick’s rich design heritage of creating exquisite sculptures, precise in their design and beautifully proportioned.”

Buick is an international modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models in North America and China. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at http://www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick, on Instragram, on Pinterest or atwww.facebook.com/buick

GMC Takes Fans Along for the Ride at Super Bowl XLIX

Brand takes over Phoenix with largest onsite presence ever

DETROIT – The National Football League’s biggest game is days away and GMC, Official Vehicle of the NFL, is taking fans across the world behind the scenes throughout the weekend.

LIVE from the GMC mobile studio
GMC has teamed with Emmy award-winning interactive TV host Jenni Hogan to provide all-access updates and behind-the-scenes coverage of exclusive events throughout Super Bowl weekend.  She will be taking fans along for the ride, quite literally, from the GMC mobile studio, a 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali connected by OnStar’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi.

Hogan will report from unexpected locations around the Phoenix area, interviewing athletes and celebrities from the red carpet, attending private parties and giving the play-by-play from University of Phoenix stadium during Super Bowl XLIX. Fans can follow along and take part using the hashtag #VIPwithGMC.

All the conversation, photos, videos and posts can be viewed at www.tagboard.com/VIPwithGMC where many fans have already begun posting photos in their team’s colors

“GMC looks forward to providing fans and family members a memorable experience throughout the Super Bowl week,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of GMC sales and marketing. “Whether it’s behind the scenes via the #VIPwithGMC hashtag or onsite at our displays in and around Phoenix, fans of every team can get involved.”

Super Bowl XLIX
GMC’s presence in the Phoenix area can’t be missed with its more than 600 vehicles supporting the game’s activities – transporting celebrities and VIPs, providing shuttle services, and on display at the NFL Experience Engineered by GMC.

The latter, taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center, opened Saturday with the unveiling of 32 white diamond 2015 GMC Yukon Denalis, each adorned with an NFL team logo on the hood.  The reveal was emceed by ESPN’s play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico.

Inside the convention center, fans can visit various GMC interactive displays and get player autographs, get their picture on the cover of EA SPORTS Madden NFL 15, virtually appear on the jumbotron at the University of Phoenix stadium, and get their caricature created by a digital artist to share via social channels.

Fans can also interact with GMC’s portfolio of 2015 vehicles on display including the all-new GMC Canyon, Yukon and Sierra as well as the entire Denali lineup.

On game day at the stadium, GMC also enhances the fan experience with more interactive displays for photo sharing, vehicle displays, player autographs and more.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC trucks, SUVs and crossovers.  GMC covers the broad spectrum of customer needs in the pickup market with a premium truck in the midsize, light duty and heavy duty segments.  The all-new midsize 2015 GMC Canyon is pure GMC with premium materials, refinement and offers class-leading truck capabilities.  GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, onTwitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Chevrolet’s Safety Alert Seat Goes to Work

GM-exclusive technology gives drivers another tool to avoid crashes

DETROIT – Investment adviser Angela Cusmano is a road warrior who logs 25,000 miles a year to and from guiding clients through 401K allocations and other money matters. One of her best returns on investment is General Motors’-patented Safety Alert Seat.

“I am a very safe driver, but there are times when I’ve misjudged how quickly I’m approaching the car ahead or I’ve begun to move a bit out of my lane, and that seat gets my attention,” said Cusmano, managing partner of Dahring | Cusmano and Associates who lives in suburban Detroit. “It is more subtle, and I love it.”

In just two years, the available Safety Alert Seat has migrated from a General Motors’ luxury-exclusive feature to selected 2015 Chevrolet models (Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe). It works with other collision-avoidance warning technologies in the vehicle to vibrate the driver’s seat bottom cushion if a crash risk is detected.

The Safety Alert Seat was designed to give customers like Cusmano an alternative to auditory alerts such as beeps, as well as to give hearing-impaired drivers an opportunity to experience crash avoidance system alerts. About one in five Americans (48 million) suffer some degree of hearing loss, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University.

Chevrolet’s Safety Alert Seat uses haptics, a tactile feedback technology that re-creates the sense of touch by using left and/or right “tapping” vibration pulses to direct the driver to the location of a crash threat.  Similar technology is used in space and military applications.

“Using the tactile sense to communicate crash threat direction can help cut through the clutter of visual and auditory sensory information that drivers routinely experience,” said GM Active Safety Technical Fellow Raymond J. Kiefer.

“The best kind of safety protection we can offer are customer-focused features that help drivers avoid the crash altogether, and which are kept turned on for every trip,” said Kiefer.

Here’s how the Safety Alert Seat works in a vehicle equipped with a lane departure warning system:

When the camera detects the vehicle is leaving a lane without an active turn signal in that direction, small motors generate a vibration pulse in the left or right seat bolster that directs the driver’s attention to the side of the lane encroachment.

When a vehicle is equipped with forward collision alert technology and the system detects the driver may strike the vehicle ahead, both sides of the seat vibrate. Drivers always can select beeping alerts instead of seat vibrations.

“Safety technologies are only as effective as customers’ willingness and ability to use them,” said Kiefer. “If the Safety Alert Seat encourages our customers to receive crash-threat alerts or give hearing-impaired drivers an opportunity to experience such alerts, we think that’s good for them as well as other motorists.”

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

GM Dealers Show Their Sustainability to Customers

Automaker launches ‘Green Dealer Recognition’ program

DETROIT – Certain Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealerships across the U.S. are showing customers their environmental credentials as part of a new “Green Dealer Recognition” program.

Participating dealers have proven track records in areas such as energy reduction, renewable energy use, water conservation efforts, recycling, on-site nature habitats and community outreach.

The program aligns with General Motors’ companywide efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and green its supply chain. GM designed the program to encourage dealers to continue these voluntary efforts and build a network for sharing best practices to help others begin or advance their sustainability journeys.

“Within just 24 hours of the program’s launch, 66 dealerships signed up and began evaluating their performance against our criteria,” said Kurt McNeil, GM vice president of U.S. Sales and Service. “We think customers should know all the behind-the-scenes efforts our dealerships make to leave a smaller footprint on their communities.”

To date, 180 dealers have requested access to complete the performance assessment. GM’s green dealer support team then validates and evaluates the submissions against specific criteria. A dealer’s continuous year-over-year improvement will lead to ongoing annual recognition. Eight dealers have achieved green dealer recognition for superior sustainability performance.

What drives these environmental upgrades and outreach activities? GM dealers cite four main reasons:

• Customers: Car buyers want more than fuel-efficient vehicles; they want to buy them from environmentally responsible companies.  Sustainability provides a competitive edge.
• Operational efficiency: Light-emitting diode, or LED, lighting slashes energy bills and native plantings reduce water costs.
• Employee motivation: Sustainable practices give employees a sense of pride and more opportunities to engage with the community.
• Community: The actions align operations with the beliefs and values of the communities they serve.

“We were impressed by how willing dealers were to share their accomplishments with their peers,” said McNeil. “They wanted to be listed as a resource for other dealers in evaluating investment and return on various initiatives. When more people begin to operate in a sustainable way, everybody wins.”

GM shaped the initiative based on insights from dealers who participated in a pilot program. George Nunnally Chevrolet in Bentonville, Ark., encouraged the concept of sharing cost-effective activities that dealers could implement during remodels or new builds, such as installing LED lighting or capturing rainwater from a rooftop.

“Although financial savings is what started our environmental upgrades, we’ve found we have like-minded people in our community that really appreciate the effort we made,” said Gan Nunnally, general manager. “We’re seeing that through our service lane and our sales. These are people who have not previously driven a Chevrolet.”

For more information on GM’s environmental commitment, visit its sustainability report andenvironmental blog.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept Signals Brand’s EV Strategy

Affordable, long-range concept builds on brand’s electrification leadership

DETROIT – Chevrolet today made a significant statement on its commitment to electrification with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept – a vision for an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting around $30,000.

“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. “Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.”

Leveraging the electrification prowess established by Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept is designed to offer long-range performance in all 50 states and many global markets.

Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend cruising, for uncompromising electric driving. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.

“We have made tremendous strides in technologies that make it easier and more affordable for Chevrolet customers to integrate an all-electric vehicle in their daily lives,” said Barra. “The Bolt EV concept demonstrates General Motors’ commitment to electrification and the capabilities of our advanced EV technology.”

The Bolt EV concept also pushes the envelope for crossover aesthetics. Its unique proportion, with practically no front or rear overhang, makes the most of interior space and was designed to create a roomy environment for four that feels expansive. Lightweight materials, including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and even woven mesh, complement the design, while driving down the curb weight to help maximize range. Aero-optimizing features such as vented rear fenders also help contribute to range.

“Form and function have never meshed so well together,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. “No compromises were made when it came to aesthetics and the elements that contribute to the Bolt EV concept’s range, resulting in a unique proportion that’s sleek, efficient and obviously a Chevrolet.”

The Bolt EV concept’s airy interior ambience is enhanced with bold use of glass all around – as well as a full-length, frosted glass roof with unique, faceted design elements. A high beltline sweeps upward with the D-pillar, culminating in an integrated roof spoiler, for a lean, athletic stance.  An advanced nano-composite rear hatch and wraparound rear window give the Bolt EV concept a distinctive appearance and flood the interior with more natural light.

High-intensity, efficient light-emitting diode (LED) headlamp and taillamp elements are housed behind jewel-like faceted lenses in which translucent elements illuminate evenly to create the signature lighting effect.

Airy, intuitive interior

Inside, the Bolt EV concept has a large feel reinforced by generous headroom and legroom dimensions. A flat, flow-through floor adds to the roominess, while a contemporary, light color scheme adds to the feeling of an open, airy cabin and conveys warmth.

The cabin’s airy, high-tech environment is reinforced with lightweight, slim-architecture seats mounted on exposed aluminum pedestals that create a floating effect. The minimalist center console “floats,” too, suspended from the front seats.

“The Bolt EV concept’s interior is intended as a sanctuary, with materials and technologies that reinforce the airy ambience and help contribute to the vehicle’s overall efficiency,” said Welburn. “It also incorporates technology in a subtler and simpler manner, for a more soothing driving experience – particularly in busy, urban environments.”

Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior layout incorporates easy-to-use technology designed to make the driving experience easier and more enjoyable. It wraps into the door panels and features a frosted and translucent appearance – and a subtle glow at night.

The concept’s technological intuitiveness can be accessed via a smartphone with the concept Bolt EV Connect app, which is designed to:

• Allow a smartphone to perform as the key fob
• Allow ride-sharing management, including reservations, vehicle location, digital key and even payment processing via the smartphone
• Incorporate the concept automatic park-and-retrieval technology, which enables the driver to exit the vehicle and tell the Bolt EV concept to park itself – and when errands are completed, the Bolt EV concept can be summoned to return to the owner’s location.

A large, color 10-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch screen, with interface features, complements the concept Bolt EV Connect app. It even allows the projection of all the application and other smartphone data onto the screen.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.