General Motors sues NBC after Dateline NBC allegedly rigs two crashes intended to demonstrate that some GM pickups can easily catch fire if hit in certain places. NBC settles the lawsuit the next day.

General Motors Company: A Global Automotive Powerhouse Redefined

General Motors Company (GM) stands as a prominent American multinational automotive manufacturing corporation, deeply rooted in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, United States. Renowned as the largest automobile manufacturer based in the United States, GM also holds a distinguished position as one of the largest automakers globally by production volume and revenue.

For an impressive 77 consecutive years, from 1931 when it strategically surpassed Ford Motor Company, until 2008, GM held the coveted title of the world's largest automaker. This historical dominance reflects its significant impact on the global automotive landscape before being overtaken by Toyota Motor Corporation, signaling a shift in the international market dynamics. Today, GM continues to be a corporate giant, ranked 22nd on the prestigious Fortune 500 list, which identifies the largest United States corporations by total revenue.

GM's expansive operational footprint includes manufacturing plants strategically located in eight countries across various continents, underscoring its broad global presence and supply chain capabilities. At the core of its automotive offerings are four iconic and distinct automobile brands: Chevrolet, known for its wide range of vehicles from everyday sedans to powerful trucks; Buick, positioned as a premium American brand with a focus on refined design and comfortable driving; GMC, specializing in trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles; and Cadillac, the epitome of luxury and performance in GM's portfolio.

Beyond its core brands, GM actively participates in the burgeoning Chinese market through significant interests in local brands like Wuling Motors and Baojun, established via successful joint ventures such as SAIC-GM-Wuling. Furthermore, its joint ventures include DMAX, focusing on diesel engine production, highlighting its commitment to diverse powertrain solutions. The company's strategic diversification extends into innovative sectors:

Vision for the Future: Electrification and Carbon Neutrality

In a bold strategic move reflecting its commitment to a sustainable future, GM has declared its intention to phase out the production and sales of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE), including traditional hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrids, by 2035. This ambitious target forms a cornerstone of its broader plan to achieve carbon neutrality across its global products and operations by 2040. To facilitate this transition, GM is heavily investing in its proprietary Ultium battery platform, designed to power a wide range of electric vehicles with flexible architecture and improved energy density.

Historically, GM has also been a leader in offering flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are capable of operating on either E85 ethanol fuel, conventional gasoline, or any blend of the two. This commitment to alternative fuels has provided consumers with more diverse energy options than any other automaker.

Key Milestones and Corporate Reorganization

The origins of General Motors can be traced back to September 16, 1908, when William C. Durant, then the largest seller of horse-drawn vehicles, established a holding company for Buick. Durant's vision was to consolidate various automotive companies under one umbrella, leading to the rapid acquisition of brands like Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and Oakland (which became Pontiac). The current corporate entity, General Motors Company, was formally established in 2009. This followed a significant Chapter 11 reorganization process, necessitated by the global financial crisis of 2008 and the broader challenges facing the U.S. automotive industry. The "new GM" emerged from this restructuring, shedding legacy liabilities and refocusing its strategic direction toward future growth and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Motors

When was General Motors founded?
General Motors traces its origins to September 16, 1908, when William C. Durant established a holding company for Buick.
What are GM's primary automotive brands?
GM's four core automobile brands are Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
What is GM's goal for electric vehicles?
GM intends to end production and sales of internal combustion engine vehicles, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, by 2035 as part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
What is Cruise LLC?
Cruise LLC is a leading company developing self-driving car technology, in which General Motors holds a majority ownership.

Dateline NBC: A Deep Dive into True Crime and Investigative Journalism

Dateline NBC is a widely recognized weekly American television newsmagazine that airs on the NBC network. While it originally served as the network's flagship general interest news magazine, offering a broad spectrum of stories, the program has undergone a notable evolution in its focus. Today, Dateline NBC is predominantly known for its compelling true crime stories, with only occasional editions delving into other topical subjects.

The program maintains a consistent broadcast schedule, typically airing on Fridays at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. For special two-hour editions, the Friday broadcast may commence an hour earlier at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Additionally, Dateline NBC is frequently broadcast on most Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, outside of the National Football League (NFL) season. Special Saturday editions also periodically air during the fall and winter months, providing additional viewing opportunities. To fill vacancies in the primetime schedule, especially due to program cancellations, two-hour feature-length editions of Dateline NBC are sometimes aired on any given scheduled evening, showcasing the program's flexibility and depth of content.

Innovations in Storytelling: The Docuseries Format

In a significant expansion of its storytelling approach, Dateline NBC ventured into the docuseries format in February 2021. This marked a notable departure from its traditional single-episode structure, allowing for a more in-depth and serialized exploration of complex cases. Its inaugural docuseries, "The Widower," was a five-hour true crime saga that captivated audiences. The series meticulously investigated the life of a man who had married six women, four of whom mysteriously died under suspicious circumstances, exemplifying Dateline's commitment to detailed investigative journalism within the true crime genre.

This shift towards a primary focus on true crime has cemented Dateline NBC's position as a staple in the genre, attracting a dedicated viewership interested in criminal investigations, forensic analysis, legal proceedings, and the human stories behind complex cases. The program often utilizes a narrative style that includes victim interviews, perpetrator profiles, and insights from law enforcement and legal experts, making it a "reality legal show" in its depiction of the justice system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dateline NBC

What type of show is Dateline NBC?
Dateline NBC is a weekly American television newsmagazine that primarily focuses on true crime stories, though it previously covered general interest news.
When does Dateline NBC typically air?
Dateline NBC usually airs on Fridays at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time and most Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (outside of the NFL season).
Has Dateline NBC ever aired a docuseries?
Yes, Dateline NBC aired its first docuseries, "The Widower," in February 2021, which was a five-hour true crime saga.