Sao Paulo, Brazil
FOR RELEASE: September 18, 2001 GM do Brasil Tops Infoweek's List Of 100 Most Innovative Companies
Sao Paulo, Brazil - General Motors do Brasil (GMB) ranked #1 in Infoweek magazine's list of the one-hundred most innovative companies. GMB's leadership position stems from the company's aggressive use of technology in its drive to increase efficiencies in its core automotive business and to strengthen bonds with its customer base.
Infoweeks' list of the 100 most innovative companies is based on a 50-question survey completed by leaders from the country's largest 159 companies. GM do Brasil ranked above stalwarts like Banco Itaú, Pão de Açúcar and Camargo Corrêa. Specifically, GMB's aggressive implementation of strategies designed to strengthen GM's relationships with suppliers, dealers and customers were cited by respondents among the reasons for its leading position.
Among the information technology (IT) initiatives which have garnered global attention for GMB is a broad business model conceived around the subcompact car Chevrolet Celta. This business model spans the co-design of components with suppliers, advanced manufacturing at the new Gravatai Automotive Complex and a high-volume e-commerce strategy. Today, more than 75% of Celta vehicles are sold via celta.com.br.
Furthermore, GM do Brasil continues to rollout ambitious IT programs to accelerate all aspects of its business. Among these are new hardware and software capabilities which link it to dealer and supplier partners to an unprecedented extent. For example, GM and dealers manage online vehicle and parts inventories, conduct service training, and share up-to-date financing information. Similarly, GM and suppliers manage online key elements of their relationship such as accounting systems, production schedules, quality measurements and auction opportunities.
GM do Brasil also boasts a comprehensive array of award-winning websites which support the company's overall brand and customer relationship management strategies (CRM).
GM do Brasil , established in 1925, is comprised of manufacturing complexes at Sao Caetano do Sul, San Jose dos Campos, Mogi das Cruces and Gravatai: two parts distribution centers at Sorocaba and Mogi das Cruces; a Proving Ground at Indaiatuba, administrative offices at several locations and Banco General Motors in Sao Paolo. The company markets vehicles under the Chevrolet and GMC brands.