The search for alternative energy solutions is the priority of all automakers. But while other carmakers are still on the initial research stage, General Motors' Pre-Production Operations (PPO) Design Center Shop located at the automaker's Technical Center is providing resources to develop engineering and design solutions for Continuum, the University of Michigan's ninth-generation solar car team.

Rosanne Bachor, Executive Director, Manufacturing Engineering and alumna graduate from the University of Michigan Engineering School and member of Tauber Manufacturing Institute's Industry Advisory Board said, "GM's leadership and PPO represented employees are pleased to assist in this effort and partner with the University of Michigan. We are proud to support educational initiatives like this, and others, with our resources and technology."

It should be noted that it was in early December that PPO shops began receiving donated high-density foam panel blocks that would serve as foundation for the mold-making process. The math data from the Design Intent Engineering firm was used to make the cutter paths for the machines while operators began milling top and bottom foam "plugs" in the sleek shape of the car's body. Similarly, shapes of smaller components were milled into high-temperature resistant foam blocks. And of course since the said project is in collaboration with General Motors, quality auto parts and accessories were utilized.

To complete the production implementation phase, students and represented UAW employees will begin the coating the milled foam pieces with fiberglass cloth and resins that when harden will form the upper, lower, and flange molds.

Once the molds are complete, the students will take them to an aerospace facility in Lansing to fabricate the carbon-fiber panels which will serve as the finished body for the vehicle. Next destination for these parts is the Ann Arbor where the parts will be integrated into the structure if their solar race car completes with chassis components crafted of carbon fiber and light-weight metals with the addition of sophisticated electronics for power and control of the racer.

General Motors has renewed its focus on energy diversity in order to meet the world's demand for automobiles and at the same time making sure that no harm is done on the environment resulting from such development. The automaker has engineered many groundbreaking technologies such as the creation of advanced cars like GM's E85 FlexFuel, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles and recently the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt concept with E-Flex technology, an electrically driven propulsion system. All these are products of the relentless efforts of GM's Tech Center employees.

"We are interested in these kinds of projects-projects that incorporate innovation, technology, and natural resources, and those that protect our global environment with unique solutions. GM is committed to energy diversity and finding alternative propulsion breakthrough," said Bachor.

For this year, GM's Continuum team will face the best teams in the world at the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge, an 1800-mile trek through the Australian Outback. Top participants will come from places as far as Turkey, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, Australia, Iran, France, and Canada and some other teams from the US. To prepare for the upcoming fall race season in Australia, the Continuum team will train across 4,000 miles of American highways spanning between Austin, Texas, and Winnipeg, Canada.

The Design Center PPO shop is headed by Manager and UM engineering alumnus David Bolognino. The PPO is responsible for design fabrication of General Motors' concept and pre-production vehicles. General Motors or GM is the world's largest automaker and sell the following brands of vehicles globally: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM is also used to refer to its lines of auto parts and accessories such as the GM bed mats which are perfect for pickups.