MENU History & Heritage General Motors has played a pivotal role in the global auto industry for more than 100 years. From the first Buick horseless carriages to technological marvels like the Chevrolet Volt, our products and innovations have always excelled at putting the world on wheels. Here are some of our stories. Partnerships to Move Humanity Forward To General Motors, making the best vehicles has never been enough. Its goal has always been – and will continue to be – to make the world a better... Learn More The Concept of the Concept Car In 1938, General Motors’ Harley Earl rewrote the rules on how a car could be designed. He turned them from utilitarian machines into works of art.... Learn More 1923: The General Motors Proving Grounds In 1923, land for the Proving Grounds was acquired. Learn More 1941: Parade of Progress. GM takes its story to small-town America. GM tours America with the Parade of Progress. A traveling exhibit showcasing coming innovations in automobiles. Learn More 1903: Vauxhall Motors Builds its First Motor Car The first Vauxhall Motorcar, built in London, England. Learn More Motorama 1954. GM Puts the Future on Notice Utilizing an impressive display of “futuristic” innovations, GM creates the Motorama for 1954 in New York City. Learn More The First Cannonball Run The famous Cannonball Run began in 1927. Learn More Ultralite Concept Vehicles are Ultra Cool A story about the Ultralite concept vehicles and how they were chosen to be featured in the movie Demolition Man. Learn More Cadillac. The First Choice of Presidents Photo collection of presidents riding in Cadillacs. Learn More Experimental Urban Cars In GM’s Progress of Power exhibition, a collection of urban cars are unveiled boasting impressive fuel efficiency. Learn More General Motors Electrovan The electrovan, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, was innovative but impractical. Learn More 1954: GM Plays a Role in Creating the First Mechanical Heart Pump GM has always been good at getting their customers’ hearts pumping. Learn More 1961: The Mako Shark Corvette Drops Jaws A Corvette design based on a captured Mako shark. Learn More 1984: The New Corvette Makes its Impressive Screen Debut The 1980s. Big hair and big engines. Learn More Shop for a Vehicle Shop Our Vehicles Shop Chevrolet.com Shop Buick.com Shop GMC.com Shop Cadillac.com Dealer Locator Current Offers Fleet Certified Pre-Owned Factory Pre-Owned Future Vehicles News and Stories All News and Stories Most Recent Design Technology Sustainability Community Education Quality Safety Our Company Overview About GM Leadership Diversity History & Heritage Sustainability Careers Giving Back Social Hub Awards Our Brands All GM Brands Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Holden Autobaojun Wuling Jiefang Maven OnStar Additional GM Sites Investors Investors Home Investor News Earnings Releases Announcements & Events Sustainability Report Shareholder Information SEC Filings Sales Stock Information Analyst Coverage Historical Dividends Stock Repurchase Program Investor FAQ Investors Contacts Corporate Strategy Corporate Governance Owner Assistance All Brands Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Pontiac Oldsmobile Saturn HUMMER Site Help Select a Country Contact Us Site Map FAQ Additional GM Sites Ignition Recall Takata Information Dealers & Suppliers Follow GM © 2017 General Motors Press Room Supply Chain Responsibility Careers Copyright / Trademark User Guidelines Privacy Statement California Privacy Policy Ignition Recall Takata Information Social Media Policy