Battery Czar

Today the University of Michigan hosted Denise Gray as the Keynote Lecturer for the MLK symposium.  She is currently the Director of Hybrid Energy Storage Systems for  General Motors.  Her presentation covered Martin Luther's influence in her life as well as some of the fantastic advances her, and her group, have been responsible for in battery technology for automotive applications.  She covered some of the early work on the EV-1 as well as her team's current work on Lithium batteries.  She covered some of the basics of the Chevy Volt's ground breaking attempt at changing the automotive climate from oil dependence to energy independence.  I personally felt that she brought a her passion for technology out in the speech, she seemed to be very excited about what this technology meant for the future of the auto industry.  I have to assume that some of that excitement comes from information that she is privy to in her job that outsiders are not able to see yet, but the Volt as I know it is still a very exciting accomplishment by GM.  

Given the occasion, I did feel that the speech could have emphasized Martin Luther King more, based on previous experiences with this day, however I have to admit that it was refreshing to be able to focus on the technology that was accomplished by a multi-cultural and quite frankly multi-national group instead of the implications of who is running the show.  From my own view I would say this suggests how far our ideas on culture have come that we can all be focused on the technology as equals, however I am sure some would disagree with this ideology.  Denise also fielded questions from the audience and other then a couple pointed questions at past GM missteps the questions seemed to be fairly well thought out and informed.  Denise certainly responded with poise, however again I could sense that she had to hold back because of trade secret requirements, which really is a shame, but understandable.  All in all the lecture was an excellent experience in both the technical capabilities of GM as well as the cultural impact the company is having in the 21st century.  Denise was articulate and engaging and certainly brought a fresh energy to a company that has been long considered by the "in crowd" as old and out of touch.  In my opinion the public should see a lot more of Denise Gray as the new image of GM.

John W. Schmotzer
MSAE Exec Board Member
Webmaster/Administrator

2009 Detroit Auto Show

I look forward to the month of January for many reasons, but one particular reason happens to stick out.  This would be that January is the month of the Detroit Auto Show, known to others as the North American International Auto Show.  This is truly the premier auto show for North America, featuring a full list of international and North American premiers and debuts.  As one can expect, this year's event has had quite a different feeling and aura than previous years due to the current financial state of several of the larger automakers.  Many argue that it is difficult to celebrate new product launches when the futures of the automakers are in doubt.  I would argue, on the otherhand, that this is the optimal time to come out full force and display in front of the world all your award winning products.  I do understand and agree with the belief that displays and parties should be tuned down with regards to spending, in light of the current situation of two automakers stayling alive with bridge loans from the federal government.  The GM and Chrysler displays were very plain this year, lacking the two story structures and elaborate digital displays of past years.  But this does not mean that we must be afraid or ashamed to promote our strong line-up of vehicles.  If anything, this is the best time to launch innovative new products that will bring buyers back into showrooms.  There were many new key vehicles launched or shown at NAIAS, including the new Buick Lacrosse,Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Taurus, and Chrysler ENVI line-up.  These vehicles definitely look even better in person, a reason why I encourage everyone to make the trip to Cobo Center in Detroit for the show.  These youthful and fresh new vehicles, along with stronger loan lending and a steadier economy, will hopefully bring an end to what has to be one of the darkest periods for the automotive industry, especially here in Detroit.

Robert Cudini