Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, Opel, Vauxhall, UK
Opel and Vauxhall versions of Volt to be built in U.S.
Click above for more shots of the Opel Flextreme concept
When the Volt concept was first unveiled, GM was not sure how to badge European versions of the E-Flex cars. Apparently, the decision has been made and the first Euro-bound EV's from GM will be badged as Opels, with a Vauxhall version coming shortly thereafter. All three models of the E-Flex chassis will be built in Detroit atop the next-gen Delta compact car platform which was designed to carry a large lithium ion battery pack along with a range-extending engine. Though the Europeans would likely favor a diesel powerplant, it seems that the first-generation of all three E-Flex vehicles will use a gasoline-powered engine for on-the-fly battery recharging.
It goes without saying that the Volt and its Euro-clones will be the most expensive vehicles built on the Delta platform, with U.S. pricing estimated to be at least $40 grand. Across the pond, the Opel and Vauxhall E-Flex's will be saddled with at least a 10,000 euro premium. The price of gasoline, which is significantly higher in Europe than in the States, along with any government assistance for purchasers of the EVs, will determine how quickly customers will recoup that added investment.
Gallery: Opel Flextreme Concept
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dude 9:44AM (7/14/2008)
With the dollar being less than the Euro, I'd expect some cost savings for Euro buyers, not a penalty. Weird.
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C.W. 10:00AM (7/14/2008)
looks like the new ford fiesta... with a lightning bolt slapped on the front.
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P.V. 10:20AM (7/14/2008)
+1: I thought the exact same thing too!
styleguy 10:19AM (7/14/2008)
Does this mean a Saturn option for us? I hope so, because the Flextreme looks sooooooooo much better than the Volt.
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Mark 10:26AM (7/14/2008)
That's pretty good looking for a Vauxhall, not interested in the segway storage though. I'm sure they can come up with some better uses for that space.
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Gardiner Westbound 11:03AM (7/14/2008)
.
GM will also need Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, Hummer, Saab, Saturn and GMC versions. All that badge engineering will bring the price to $50K, unless the government springs for a subsidy.
.
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Torrent 11:44AM (7/14/2008)
Ummmmm. How do I say "no" in spanish?
The Other Bob 11:19AM (7/14/2008)
Finally, some globalization that benefits American workers. Now that Euro-built Astra doesn't seem like such a bad thing.
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Andrew 11:49AM (7/14/2008)
Are you kidding? The US has been exporting tons of goods because of the weak dollar. And the Chinese have gladly paid for "your" shopping spree the last decades. Here in Europe we have been getting screwed by the strong Euro and cheap production in Asia. We lose jobs all of the time to Asia too (or Eastern Europe) so don't come here crying.
The Other Bob 1:18PM (7/14/2008)
Andrew:
The weak dollar and it's "positive" effect on exports has been recent. Auto exports to Europe have been nil, but imports to the U.S. have long been strong.
We are both being screwed by cheap Asian imports, but if Europe and the U.S. could equalize our trade, more like the U.S./Canadian situation, we would both be better off.
As far as the Chinese supporting our "shopping spree" I assume you mean the national debt. On that I agree with you. It's a disgrace. This is why I voted against the current "Shopper-in-Chief" twice.
CarlosMC 2:34PM (7/14/2008)
The Other Bob:
Well, you should thank your gov for that: when the euro came out, Europe wanted a floating parity with the dollar, but the US was too cocky then and said no thanks.
Don 11:36AM (7/14/2008)
I keep close track of the Chevy Volt project and this is the first place that I've seen it mention that the Volt will cost at least 40k. What really is predicted is 40k or less.
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Sorin 11:40AM (7/14/2008)
It’s not a bad thing at all and the fact that it will be built in US it’s ok. That’s mean more money for workers, less money to spend for customers. Am I wrong? And the car looks good even it looks like Fiesta.
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Andrew 2:24PM (7/14/2008)
@Bob,
here's me officially NOT giving a damn what you like.
Globalization has been beneficial to the US for a long time.. and the US has fought hard to open up markets across the globe [at the expense of local industries/people]. Now that the US is feeling some of the pain it's suddenly not fun any longer?
The same thing happens everywhere - and the US is not a special case at all [in the developed world]. Of course, it's not fun - that does not make it any less true!
Bob 12:45PM (7/14/2008)
Have you seen our trade deficit with China. Exports have increased, but it is still very substantial. Nice comments though; I now officially dislike Norway.
ROOLLY 12:07PM (7/14/2008)
Europeans are wanting these, they would not sell very well in the U.K. people are happy enough with small petrol engines & crappy diesels.
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Bill G. 12:25PM (7/14/2008)
I think eVolt would be an appropiate name for the Euopean version.
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ugg.tryptophan 12:29PM (7/14/2008)
i hope we get them as saturns because i prefer the look of gm's european counterparts
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CarlosMC 2:47PM (7/14/2008)
This is what I see when I look at the car: >_< (Yuck) :)
Frankly, totally dislike it, the "trendy" (and overexpensive) segways just make it worst.
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AMcA 12:40AM (7/16/2008)
What I want to hear is that they've secretly been working on a Cadillac E-Flex that will be unveiled about a month before it's available in dealerships.
Do it right, and they'll create and own a new segment. Wait, and Toyota will do it first.
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