The entire drivetrain must work in harmony, says GM

After 24 years, General Motors has decided to change the name of GM Powertrain to GM Global Propulsion Systems. The engineering workforce is made up of around 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,” explained 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 line-up – 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 has emphasised that around half of the staff working at Global Propulsion Systems will be involved in the development and improvement of alternative or electrified propulsion systems. Does this suggest that the OEM intends to push a product offensive in electrified powertrains and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs)?

Speaking to Automotive World, Dan Nicholson, Vice President GM Global Propulsion Systems, discussed what the change of name means, and how GM plans to move forward with its powertrain portfolio.