GM States Report of Large Fire Incorrect After Concept Car Ignites at Design Studio
The exterior of the GM Advanced Design Studio located in Pasadena. General Motors
The latest automotive news and reviews, no nonsense.
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most important stories straight to you every weekday.
A fire occurred at General Motors’ Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California, on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. local time, according to various reports. Initial descriptions from first responders indicated it was one of the largest structure fires the city has experienced in years. On Thursday, GM informed The Drive that all personnel and emergency responders were safe, and the fire was contained to a single concept vehicle.
The fire was reported to be extinguished shortly before 7:30 p.m. The Pasadena studio, which opened in 2024, is situated near Sierra Madre Villa Avenue and Rosemead Boulevard. This location serves as one of GM's global design centers, responsible for the California Corvette concept, which is one of the three futuristic Corvette show cars revealed by GM earlier this year. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported from the incident. GM communications director Sean Poppitt shared with The Drive:
“We’re thankful that all staff and emergency responders are safe and accounted for,” Poppitt stated. “The localized fire was restricted to one design concept vehicle and did not spread to other vehicles, design concepts, or the building itself. We appreciate the rapid response from the fire departments in extinguishing the fire.”
Images of GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California. General Motors
An initial report from the Los Angeles Times classified the situation as a four-alarm fire that required over 100 firefighters at the 149,000 square-foot facility. “This is one of the largest structure fires we’ve had in Pasadena in many years,” stated department spokesperson Lisa Derderian, according to the publication. It was reported that lithium-ion batteries were involved, producing thick smoke and complicating efforts to extinguish the fire, although no flames were visible from the building’s exterior, as noted by CBS News.
GM stated it is fully cooperating with investigators and evaluating future actions. The facility is closed for the time being, but the company aims to reopen it to staff as soon as feasible.
Have a tip? Send us a message: [email protected]
Other articles
DirtHammer is a fresh online marketplace for UTVs that claims it won't disappoint.
While car and truck enthusiasts have Bring a Trailer, side-by-side fans have only had unclear Facebook Marketplace ads with questionable narratives until now. The creators of DirtHammer aim to change this.
GM's Compact SUV Is Only One Layer of Plastic Cladding Away from Resembling a Mini Land Cruiser FJ | Carscoops
The charming Baojun Yep Plus, manufactured by GM in China, is now making its way to Brazil under Chevrolet branding and a new name.
GM's Upcoming Major Tech Initiative Might Disrupt Millions of iPhone and Android Users | Carscoops
CEO Mary Barra has stated that internal combustion engine vehicles will also exclude Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, opting instead for GM's proprietary software.
GM States Report of Large Fire Incorrect After Concept Car Ignites at Design Studio
Early reports characterized the fire as among the most severe the city has seen in years, although GM asserts that the incident was limited to a single concept vehicle.