"The GM Trucks for Texas campaign is an innovative expression of GM's 50-year legacy and ongoing commitment to Texas," said Gary Cowger, President of GM North America. "This exciting campaign honors the state's culture, pride and unique vision of its identity, as seen through the eyes of the community's next generation of Texas artists. The production, exhibition and events surrounding these special trucks celebrate Texas and will benefit some great local charities"
GM asked students to provide artwork representing a visual depiction of the city of McAllen and expressing an aspect of life in Texas. The students created 8 1/2" by 11" designs to illustrate the unique spirit of McAllen. Designs were received from art classes throughout the McAllen Independent School District; 22 of them were selected for the mural. The images were then magnified and superimposed across the entire body of the truck. Designs include landscapes featuring South Texas wildlife, cityscapes of the local McAllen business district and stenciled works of butterflies.
At the conclusion of the campaign, GM will donate the 2005 Chevy Suburban to The Nature Conservancy. In 1994, The Nature Conservancy and General Motors began a relationship that was unprecedented for both organizations because of its size and scope; $5 million in cash and trucks over 5 years. General Motors was drawn to the Conservancy because its collaborative approach promotes a healthy economy and a healthy environment. It also generates innovative initiatives within local communities that preserve our landscapes, help local economies and save precious places worldwide.
During the past eleven years, GM has donated more than $9 million in cash and now 175 trucks to aid the often-rugged conservation work of the Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy is a leading international, non-profit organization that preserves plants, animals and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific.
The GM "Trucks for Texas" campaign has commissioned local artists throughout the state to transform select GM trucks into unique works of art, using various media including paint and sculpture. The first truck was designed by Dallas artist Steve Cruz, the second vehicle featured the designs of Bob Wade, an internationally-regarded Austin artist, and the third truck was transformed by renowned Houston muralist, Dalzenia Sams. The completed trucks are being exhibited in their respective cities and will ultimately be donated to a local Texas charity in each area.
GM in Texas
In the past 50 years, GM has produced more than seven million cars and trucks in Texas, generating thousands of jobs for hardworking men and women across the state. GM's "Trucks for Texas" campaign continues its efforts to serve Texans across the state.
The company currently employs more than 5,500 employees at 27 plants and offices in the state of Texas, generating more than $500 million in wages. The 482 GM dealers employ approximately 25,000 people, generating an additional $1.1 billion in payroll. Texas-based suppliers serve 73 GM manufacturing facilities across the country. GM pays in excess of $15 million annually in property taxes.