General Motors Showcases Green Tech and Sustainability at IEFVC

September 18, 2012 11:00 am ET

From September 10-12, General Motors participated in the 5^th International Environmentally Friendly Vehicle Conference (IEFVC), held in Baltimore, MD.  Hosted for the first time in the U.S., the IEFVC brought together industry leaders and representatives from around the world to share the latest innovations and experience on how to shape the market for clean and fuel efficient vehicles.

GM not only featured the green technology of its vehicles, but its progressive leadership in corporate sustainability as well.

In harmony with the conference’s theme, “Driving the Future Today, Innovation, Investment and Opportunity,” GM conducted a thirty-person plant tour to conference-goers of the Baltimore Operations plant in nearby White Marsh, MD.  Tour attendees received a first-hand overview of this highly green and environmentally friendly facility, including a tour of the wildlife habitat on the plant’s property and walk-around of the plant’s solar charging stations.  Of course, the plant tour included much more than just the property itself; it also included a closer look at the electric motor for the Spark EV.

Meanwhile, on Monday, for other conference attendees and passersby, GM conducted test drives of the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, Chevrolet Malibu Eco and the Chevrolet Volt, GM’s electric vehicle with extended range capability.  Attendees were able to get an up close and personal feel for some of GM’s most exciting and progressive environmentally friendly product technology with a spin around the block!

Tuesday and Wednesday of the conference included a variety of panels and free time to explore the expo hall floor.  One executive panel explored the technology innovation challenges, implementation issues and public policy questions that are sometimes overlapping, sometimes in conflict and have different implications in different parts of the world.  Frank Sesno, former CNN Bureau Chief for D.C., moderated the panel and featuring GM’s Mike Robinson.

Associated with the United Nations, the results of the conference will be used to continue an international dialogue on harmonization of global standards for and promotion of advanced vehicle technologies.