.

.
February 26, 2003
.
This Week:

• Fiat premiers with two models at the Geneva Auto Show

• New Beetle Cabriolet launches the 2003 open-air season on 21st February

• All-New Ford Focus C-MAX And FUSION + at the Geneva Auto Show

• Valmet Automotive presents the Thunderbird Retractable Glass Roof Concept Car

• World premieres in four Mercedes-Benz model series at the Geneva Auto Show

• Alfa Romeo returns to the International Geneva Motor Show with three world premières

• General Motors Announces Opening Of Technical Centre

• Toyota to Introduce Lexus Brand and Revise Sales Network in Japan

• Peugeot 307 to be Built in Argentina in 2004

• Renault Twingo Oasis limited edition

© 1998 - 2003 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
General Motors Announces Opening Of Technical Centre

Will Focus on Engineering, R&D Services Bangalore, India - General Motors announced that it is opening a technical centre in Bangalore, India. Among those present at the press conference included the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Mr. S.M. Krishna, the Industries Minister Mr. Deshpande, the IT Minister Mr. Inamdar, the State Chief Secretary Mr. B.S. Patil, senior government officials and other dignitaries. The Technical Centre will focus on engineering and research and development work in support of GM's global portfolio. Engineering will conduct projects for export in critical areas such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Research and Development (R&D) will focus on high value R&D work to complement current research programs and undertake new exploratory research projects.

Located in the Creator Building at the International Technology Park, the Technical Centre will eventually house approximately 260 people. GM will continue to work with existing suppliers. The Centre will begin operations in Summer 2003. Mrs. Sheila Jain Sarver has been appointed director, Engineering and Operations and will head the engineering and centre operations. Dr. B.G. Prakash, who has been named chief scientist and director of India Science Laboratory, will oversee research and development.

For engineering, the India team will provide services for GM Global Engineering, primarily comprised of work in which effective collaboration across sites and time zones is feasible. One example is math-based work that can be originated in one vehicle engineering centre, then packaged and sent to India for additional CAD, CAE or CAM work.

Research and Development (R&D) will focus on high value R&D work to complement current research programs and undertake new exploratory research projects. The initial focus will fall into four areas: math-based tools, lightweight materials and robust manufacturing processes, automotive electronics and controls systems, and manufacturing enterprise and management science.

"The Technical Centre will bring GM India into GM's global engineering network. We are now able to engage the high-quality, skilled Indian engineering talent to help support our global portfolio," said Mr. John Cohoon, executive director, GM Global Engineering, Detroit. "The opening of this centre, which will run two shifts, enables a 24-hour global engineering organization. This will speed vehicle development time."

"GM's intent is to be the industry leader in product innovation," said Dr. Alan I. Taub, executive director, science, GM Research & Development and Planning. As we enter the 21st century, it is important for us to tap the best talent wherever they exist. We fully intend to win this race in the future - the fastest way to deliver innovation to markets is to work globally."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aditya Vij, president and managing director, GM India, said, "establishment of the Technical Centre in Bangalore is the clear manifestation of GM's commitment to the Indian market and the region. India is an emerging market in Asia and it is essential for us to grow our global engineering capability as part of the overall expansion of our presence in the region."

General Motors will be investing approximately $21 million (U.S.), in facilities and technical infrastructure for the Technical Centre.

This new organization adds to GM's engineering capability in Asia Pacific, complementing similar technical centres in Australia and China. GM also has vehicle engineering centres in each of its other main regions, including North America, Europe, and Latin American, Africa and the Middle East.

As already reported, GM signed an agreement with India's leading academic institution, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in Bangalore early last year to jointly conduct research in automotive structural materials and manufacturing processes.

(February 25, 2003)