As a responsible corporate citizen, we are dedicated to protecting human health, natural resources, and the global environment

There is no question that our products and manufacturing facilities have an impact on the environment. Not only do internal combustion engines produce emissions and greenhouse gases, but in the process of building millions of vehicles per year, our manufacturing facilities emit CO₂ and greenhouse gases as well. The good news is that GM is hard at work trying to reduce our impact on the environment.

Facilities

Innovative technologies have already helped us improve the environmental performance of our facilities. Greenhouse gas emissions are down, as are total carbon dioxide emissions. And recycling is up. That’s all good news.

Fuel Economy & Alternative Fuels

There is no question that our products and manufacturing facilities have an impact on the environment. Not only do internal combustion engines produce emissions and greenhouse gases, but in the process of building millions of vehicles per year, our manufacturing facilities emit CO₂ and greenhouse gases as well. The good news is that GM is hard at work trying to reduce our impact on the environment..

Cars and Trucks – Hydrogen is the Future

GM is best known for our products – cars and trucks to meet the needs of drivers around the world. From the beginning, those products have been powered by the internal combustion engine, and while we are making the ICE better every year, improving old technology is not enough. Innovative technologies will provide the answers we need going forward.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Ultimately, we expect hydrogen fuel cells to replace the internal combustion engine altogether. Fuel cells, which produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, emit clean water and nothing else. Over the long term, the hydrogen fuel cell offers the best strategy for reducing our dependence on petroleum and eliminating CO₂ emissions.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

It will take approximately a decade until safe, affordable hydrogen fuel cells are widely available. In the meantime, GM will offer a range of hybrid cars and trucks and continue to improve the internal combustion engine. Beginning this year, we will introduce our first hybrid electric powertrains, which will eventually power over a dozen vehicle models, including pickup trucks, SUVs and sedans. If customers embrace hybrids as an environmentally sound alternative – and we believe they will – GM could sell more than a million hybrid cars and trucks over the next several years.

Better Internal Combustion Engines

We also are continually improving the internal combustion engine to provide better efficiency, fuel economy and performance. We have already begun rolling out a range of technologies, including the fuel-saving Displacement on Demand. In the short run, these technologies will help protect our natural resources, as we work toward longer-term solutions.