Faces of GM

Jim: Shaping GM’s global line-up

January/14/2010 at 9:18 am

Editor’s Note: The Buick LaCrosse was one of three finalists for  North American Car of the Year, an award handed out annually at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Jim Federico, Global Vehicle Line Executive & Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for Full and Midsize Cars
Career at GM: More than 30 years at GM including key positions in reliability, planning, legal, and engineering, developing many of the vehicle and powertrain systems used on GM cars and trucks today. Previously worked on FullsizeTrucks/Utilities including the Chevy Silverado and Premium rear-wheel-drive cars including the Cadillac CTS, STS and SRX.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University).

When the team heard that LaCrosse was nominated for North American Car of the Year, it was a feeling of confirmation. It was proof that when we bring together our best talents in the company we can produce vehicles that can win.

We pulled together what I like to call a “global all-star team.” to design and engineer the LaCrosse.  It was an outstanding collaboration among three regions — designers and engineers in the United States, China and Europe.  The end result was the first GM vehicle to be created on three continents.

The 2010 LaCrosse is a luxury sedan that offers all-wheel drive, a suite of advanced personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of three engines. The engine options include a new fuel-efficient, direct injected 2.4L four-cylinder engine that is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city – making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. 

When consumers first see the LaCrosse it has a definite “wow” factor. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces.  Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with ice blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.  The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance. 

The hard work of this global team has helped Buick with its ongoing transformation to modern, premium vehicles that appeal to new and younger buyers.  Enclave was Chapter 1, the sculpted, responsive LaCrosse luxury sedan is Chapter 2, and the European-inspired midsize sport sedan – Regal – is Chapter 3. Which, by the way, was engineered in Germany by many of the same team members that worked on LaCrosse.  But more on Regal another day.