GM demonstrates EN-V podcars' autonomous driving skills at Expo 2010

Just days ago, the latest electric vehicle concepts from General Motors went through some rather unusual trial runs outside of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at Shanghai's Expo Park. The vehicles, known as the EN-V models and consisting of Miao (Magic), Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh), navigated a course with unforeseen obstacles within the tight confines of a makeshift demonstration track at the Expo Park.

While it's expected that a vehicle the size of the EN-V would perform admirably on a tight course designed to showcase the urban mobility of GM's concept, the mere fact that the models moved about without driver input makes the trial runs that much more remarkable. The EN-V models displayed their autonomous driving skills and the crowd on hand was amazed by the concept's maneuverability. Fitted with the latest GPS, vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity and an array of sensors and cameras, the EN-V trio:

Showcased their ability to react quickly to unforeseen obstacles and changes in driving conditions, as well as their great maneuverability and agility empowered by dynamic stabilization technology. They literally turned on dime in front of the audience, making the driving experience even more enjoyable.

Packing a 3.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack, an 18kW electric motor and a host of advanced features into a vehicle that measures less than five feet long, the EN-V concepts appear to be ideally suited for the emerging megacities that will soon dot the entire globe. Follow the jump for more info on the EN-V's autonomous driving demonstration.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE

GM Shows Capability of EN-V Concept Vehicles at Expo 2010
First Autonomous Driving Demonstration Outside SAIC-GM Pavilion

Shanghai – GM's EN-V concept vehicles, a highlight of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, performed an autonomous driving demonstration today for the first time outside the SAIC-GM Pavilion at Shanghai's Expo Park.

Three EN-V models – Miao (Magic), Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh) – demonstrated their capability both with and without occupants on a closed driving course complete with curved and straight roads. They showcased their ability to react quickly to unforeseen obstacles and changes in driving conditions, as well as their great maneuverability and agility empowered by dynamic stabilization technology. They literally "turned on dime" in front of the audience, making the driving experience even more enjoyable.

The demonstration of the in-vehicle videoconferencing capability of the concept vehicles was another highlight of today's show. GM engineers demonstrated how EN-V can help users stay connected to their "social networks" while on the go.

The combination of wireless communication, the Global Positioning System, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and vehicle-based sensors enables these connectivity technologies in EN-V.

"EN-V represents another major step forward in GM's leadership in the development of advanced vehicle technology," said GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale. "By creating a new automobile DNA through the convergence of electrification and connectivity, EN-V offers the promise of eliminating traffic congestion, crashes and vehicle emissions in tomorrow's urban communities."

The EN-V concepts are being shown through October 31 at the SAIC-GM Pavilion. During the remaining months of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, select pavilion visitors will have an opportunity to ride with the EN-Vs as part of the SAIC-GM Pavilion's "Drive to 2030" experience.

General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 208,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 157 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM is the joint global automobile partner of World Expo 2010 Shanghai along with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.