DETROIT, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- From the first electric starter to the crash test dummies that have helped develop life-saving safety features, General Motors' research and development accomplishments are well known. Now, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has named GM first among automotive companies in its IEEE Spectrum's Patent Scorecard.

The Patent Scorecard, based on a survey that measures the depth and breadth of patents filed in 2007, is a barometer of which companies are driving technological innovation. GM's 544 patents carried a top, adjusted pipeline power score of 839, which indicates the company's overall patent power.

Also, Popular Science magazine has given GM, Carnegie Mellon University and its Tartan Racing Team a "100 Best Innovations of the Year" award for the self-driving robotic Chevrolet Tahoe that won the DARPA Urban Challenge.

"The U.S. auto industry is a major investor in R&D and a vital part of our country's science and technology base," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research and development. "On top of GM's many other R&D accomplishments, these awards further demonstrate why Congress should act to help GM weather the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression."

GM is applying its patent power in clean, efficient and safer vehicle technologies already on the market today as well as vehicles launching in the next few years. They include:

-- Advanced engines and transmissions, as well as aerodynamic and other technologies, that give GM 20 models that achieve an EPA highway rating of 30 mpg highway or better -- more than any other automaker -- for 2009.

-- OnStar telematics services that enhance safety and security, including technology for 2009 that can help immobilize a stolen vehicle.

-- Two-mode hybrid technology that allows a full-size SUV such as the Chevrolet Tahoe achieve the same city fuel economy as a four-cylinder Toyota Camry sedan, and the upcoming Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, which will be the most fuel-efficient V6 SUV on the market.

-- The Chevrolet Volt, an extended-range electric vehicle that goes into production in 2010 that can travel up to 40 miles on electricity before using any gasoline.

-- Eight hybrid models for 2009, and 15 hybrid models by 2012.

-- The world's largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles -- the Project Driveway market tests. These Chevrolet Equinox vehicles double the energy efficiency of a conventional model while using no gas and producing no emissions.

-- Aggressive investments in alternative fuels, including cellulosic ethanol, and compressed natural gas in Europe. GM plans to make its vehicle fleet more than 50-percent flex-fuel capable by 2012.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 252,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 34 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

SOURCE General Motors Corporation