This is the first project of its kind for an American car manufacturer. At the Warren Technical Center campus in Detroit, General Motors will make a bike-sharing service available to its employees, allowing them to travel between the 61 buildings spread across an area of 130 hectares.

An alternative, sustainable mobility programme launched with Zagster, a Cambridge-based company specialising in bike sharing. "GM is not only investing in the health and productivity of its employees, but is sending a clear message that bike sharing is an increasingly dominant alternative," said Timothy Ericson, co-founder and CEO of Zagster.

A service that has already generated enthusiasm among many employees, who are used to getting around the campus on foot, by car or by shuttle bus. This is confirmed by one of the engineers working at the Technical Centre. "It's a fantastic idea," says John Waechter, "both for the exercise and for getting around the campus."

Each bicycle is equipped with a basket for carrying a laptop and can be hired at the stations using a password sent to one's smartphone, following online registration. The stations are powered exclusively by renewable energy, in this case solar photovoltaic.

"General Motors is transforming mobility with new products, people and partnerships," said David Tulauskas, head of Sustainability for the Detroit-based manufacturer. "This is a great example of engaging our employees to see mobility through a different lens."

It remains to be seen which other manufacturers will follow General Motors' lead.