GM Powertrain becomes GM Global Propulsion Systems

After 24 years, General Motors will rename GM Powertrain to GM Global Propulsion Systems. GM’s Global Propulsion Systems is collectively the group of more than 8,600 people that design, develop and engineer all propulsion-related products and controls for GM worldwide.

“The new name is another step on our journey to redefine transportation and mobility,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development. “Global Propulsion Systems better conveys what we are developing and offering to our customers: an incredibly broad, diverse lineup ranging from high-tech 3-cylinder gasoline engines to fuel cells, V8 diesel engines to battery electric systems, and 6-, 7-, 8-, 9- and 10-speed to continuously variable transmissions.”

GM is the first OEM to formally transition to a new naming convention to reflect industry trends and its evolution over the years. GM’s expanding capabilities include the estimated more than 200 miles of range on a single charge on the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV. GM also produced the highest non-hybrid passenger car fuel economy in the U.S. market at an EPA estimated highway 46 miles per gallon (mpg) in the 2.0L diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze. GM Global Propulsion Systems is also known for its experience with hydrogen fuel cells.

Nearly 50% of the Global Propulsion Systems engineering workforce is involved with alternative or electrified propulsion systems.

GM Global Propulsion Systems is responsible for all GM vehicle propulsion systems design, development and validation, including engines, transmissions, electrification systems, fuel cell development and all associated control systems. The Pontiac, Mich., U.S. Global Propulsion Systems Engineering Center is the flagship of GM’s eight global powertrain engineering centers, which also include Brazil, Germany, Italy, India, China, Korea and Australia, collectively representing USD 1.5 billion in global investments in recent years, including joint ventures.