Lawrence D. Burns, or as he is better known, Larry, is vice president of General Motors Research & Development and Strategic Planning. In this position, he overseas GM's advanced technology, innovation programs, and corporate strategy.
Larry flew into Toronto this week to act as a keynote speaker at the upcoming AMPA conference, and fortunately, he allowed yours truly, together with a handful of other journalists, to dine with him whilst he relayed his visions for the future of GM and indeed, the automobile industry as we know it.
Larry is a man who possesses a deep commitment to his chosen industry, and also commits a considerable amount of his time to other worthy causes. Due to his position within the company, Larry's world naturally revolves around the future of the automobile industry, which nowadays encompasses everything from electrically-driven vehicles, diesels, hybrids, and even hydrogen full cell automobiles. So, who better to inquire what we shall all be driving in the next 10-15 years than him?
Larry led off by reviewing the past 100 years of the motor car, which struck me as quite appropriate, this being GM's centennial year. He explained that from the very beginning of the motoring era, several fuel sources have been used to power modes of transportation. Coal, steam, and wood were once commonly used. In fact, even the electric vehicle has been around for much longer than most people realize.
He believes that there is a strong future in electrically-powered vehicles, especially in built-up and highly-populated areas. He explained, in great detail, the company's commitment to its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle, about which we have already heard so much.
He also appears to grasp Europe's love of the diesel engine, and stated that GM would continue to support them in that area. However, he then went on to explain that the company is currently working on a series of gasoline engines which can duplicate mileage figures of diesel units.
Obviously, the near future of the industry will involve several ideas based on various types of fuel supplies, but from what I have now learned, and from what I believe Larry feels, these may only be somewhat temporary, stop-gap solutions in the long term picture.
Larry flew into Toronto this week to act as a keynote speaker at the upcoming AMPA conference, and fortunately, he allowed yours truly, together with a handful of other journalists, to dine with him whilst he relayed his visions for the future of GM and indeed, the automobile industry as we know it.
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| Chevrolet Volt |
Larry is a man who possesses a deep commitment to his chosen industry, and also commits a considerable amount of his time to other worthy causes. Due to his position within the company, Larry's world naturally revolves around the future of the automobile industry, which nowadays encompasses everything from electrically-driven vehicles, diesels, hybrids, and even hydrogen full cell automobiles. So, who better to inquire what we shall all be driving in the next 10-15 years than him?
Larry led off by reviewing the past 100 years of the motor car, which struck me as quite appropriate, this being GM's centennial year. He explained that from the very beginning of the motoring era, several fuel sources have been used to power modes of transportation. Coal, steam, and wood were once commonly used. In fact, even the electric vehicle has been around for much longer than most people realize.
He believes that there is a strong future in electrically-powered vehicles, especially in built-up and highly-populated areas. He explained, in great detail, the company's commitment to its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle, about which we have already heard so much.
He also appears to grasp Europe's love of the diesel engine, and stated that GM would continue to support them in that area. However, he then went on to explain that the company is currently working on a series of gasoline engines which can duplicate mileage figures of diesel units.
Obviously, the near future of the industry will involve several ideas based on various types of fuel supplies, but from what I have now learned, and from what I believe Larry feels, these may only be somewhat temporary, stop-gap solutions in the long term picture.
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| GM Sequel Concept |