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 said it 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 (based on GM testing). GM also produced the highest non-hybrid passenger car fuel economy in the US market at an EPA estimated highway 46 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 percent of the Global Propulsion Systems engineering workforce is involved with alternative or electrified propulsion systems. Other notable systems include the all-new 3.6L V6 with cylinder deactivation available in the Cadillac CT6. GM has more vehicles on the road with this fuel-saving technology than any other manufacturer. Other recent recognized achievements include the second generation Voltec propulsion system in the Chevrolet Volt and the highly acclaimed drivetrain for the Opel Astra.

According to Dan Nicholson, vice president, GM Global Propulsion Systems, “Gone are the days when a gasoline engine and a transmission designed independently meet a customer’s expectations. Today’s customer is demanding unprecedented technology integration that requires unprecedented engineering and supplier partnerships. The diversity of our propulsion systems requires a name that reflects what we are already working on and delivering to our customers. I believe this will establish an industry trend.”