Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on <em>The Colbert Report</em>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bob Lutz takes on Stephen Colbert in a push-up contest

Former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz went bicep-to-bicep with "America's ballsiest pundit," Stephen Colbert, last night - and came out ahead. Ostensibly, Lutz was on Colbert to talk about his new book, Car Guys Vs. Bean Counters, but as one might expect, the discussion veered into Mitt Romney vs. President Obama territory pretty quickly.

The actual car industry part of the discussion, though, revealed more potential good news for the Chevrolet Volt, the car that Lutz is obviously trying to make his legacy and called "a huge success." Sure, Colbert talked about what his friends over at Fox News have been saying, but Lutz responded by predicting that sales would be "about 3,000 a month from here on out." This would not only set a new record (Volt sales for March 2012 were 2,289, the highest so far) but would also put GM's plug-in car into the 36,000-a-year range. That's commendable, but still not where GM CEO Dan Akerson said last December things would be this year. Of course, Akerson's 60,000 number could have included the Opel Ampera and its Vauxhall twin. In any case, things are looking up for the Volt, and that's something Lutz is more than happy to tell Colbert or anyone else. Watch the video - including an impromptu push-up contest between the two - right now by scrolling below.

Continue reading Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on The Colbert Report

Bob Lutz wins push-up contest on The Colbert Report originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltamperabob lutzchevroletchevy voltcolbertcolbert reportlutzstephen colbertvideovoltTue, 10 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20212216/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/bob-lutz-wins-push-up-contest-on-the-colbert-report/20212216/article-detail.xml 20212216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lutz-vs-colbert-push-ups_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lutz-vs-colbert-push-ups.jpg <![CDATA[Improving Chevy Volt sales leads GM to shorten summer shutdown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/improving-chevy-volt-sales-leads-gm-to-shorten-summer-shutdown/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/improving-chevy-volt-sales-leads-gm-to-shorten-summer-shutdown/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/improving-chevy-volt-sales-leads-gm-to-shorten-summer-shutdown/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevy Volt in profile

Just the other day, we heard that General Motors might extend its traditional two-week summer shutdown to three weeks for the Chevrolet Volt. But, after record Volt sales last month, we wonder how the calendar looks in Hamtramck now. We wonder because we are hearing reports that the current shutdown - originally scheduled to run for five weeks, from March 19 to April 23 - will be shortened by a week. GM originally decided on the hold to reduce supply that had grown too large because of soft demand.

Don LaForest, the chairman of the United Auto Workers bargaining committee at the Hamtramck plant where the Volt is made, told Talking Points Memo that GM is "adding a week of production back in." The Detroit News reports that GM President of North America Mark Reuss said the same thing Wednesday during the New York Auto Show. Reuss said, "We're doing it because we sold a lot."

Increasing sales numbers (GM sold 2,289 Volts in March - well over double February's 1,023-unit total) come at a time when some of the right-wing attacks on the plug-in hybrid appear to have calmed down. LaForest told TPM that his union workers have been confused about these criticisms. "I don't think Newt or Mitt have said a single negative thing about the Nissan Leaf," he said. "They're attacking our car to get at the President. But our car is going to change the way America does business. It's a breath of fresh air."

Improving Chevy Volt sales leads GM to shorten summer shutdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevroletchevychevy voltdon laforesthamtramckvoltvolt productionThu, 05 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20208779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/05/improving-chevy-volt-sales-leads-gm-to-shorten-summer-shutdown/20208779/article-detail.xml 20208779 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-profile-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-profile-628.jpg <![CDATA[Happy Birthday! President George H.W. Bush buys son Neil a Chevy Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/01/happy-birthday-president-george-h-w-bush-buys-son-neil-a-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/01/happy-birthday-president-george-h-w-bush-buys-son-neil-a-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/01/happy-birthday-president-george-h-w-bush-buys-son-neil-a-chevy/#comments2011 Chevrolet Volt

It appears the right-wing wall against the Chevrolet Volt is starting to crumble. Following months of beating on the Volt, Fox News aired a puff piece on how great the Volt is earlier this week. Now we hear that former president George H.W. Bush has purchased a Volt for his son Neil as a birthday present. As our friend Chelsea Sexton said on Twitter, "Can't wait to see what Fox News makes of that!"

In a sense, the Bush family should be among the first to buy one of GM's plug-in hybrids, since the $7,500 federal tax credit that the car qualifies for was put into place during President George W. Bush's second term. Since President Obama has also promised to buy a Volt when he gets out of office, that makes the Volt a vehicle that presidents from both major American parties can agree on.

Happy Birthday! President George H.W. Bush buys son Neil a Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bush voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevy voltelectric vehicleplug-in hybridpresident bushvoltSun, 01 Apr 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205340/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/01/happy-birthday-president-george-h-w-bush-buys-son-neil-a-chevy/20205340/article-detail.xml 20205340 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/07-2011-chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/07-2011-chevrolet-volt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt sister car Opel Ampera gets 7,000 pre-orders, may hit 2012 sales target]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Opel Ampera - Maroon

Found in translation?

Demand for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in hybrid vehicle in the U.S. has been up and down over the car's first 16-odd months, but executives at General Motors' Opel division in Europe are saying that the Ampera, the Volt's European twin, is getting some good attention.

The Ampera has received more than 7,000 orders, leading Opel executives to believe that the Ampera will hit its 2012 sales target of 10,000 units, website Plug In Cars is reporting, citing Enno Fuchs, Opel's e-mobility launch director.

Opel started shipping Amperas to customers last month, saying that most of those owners previously owning high-end cars from automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. General Motors is hoping the Ampera will be better received in Europe than the Volt has been here in the States, where it has become a political lightning rod. Earlier this month, GM said it would shut down Volt production for five weeks - starting this week - in order to thin-out dealer inventory of the car. And last year, GM missed its sales goal of 10,000 units, selling just 7,671 units. GM makes both the Volt and the Ampera at the same plant in Hamtramck, MI.

Still, the Volt showed signs of more life last month when the model moved 1,023 units, up from 603 vehicles in January. The Volt and Ampera were also recently named the 2012 European Car of the Year. Last October, Opel bumped the Ampera's 2012 sales target to at least 10,000 from 8,000 after Opel had received more than 6,000 paid reservations.

Chevy Volt sister car Opel Ampera gets 7,000 pre-orders, may hit 2012 sales target originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 opel amperaamperachevroletchevy voltelectric vehicleeuropeopelopel amperaplug-in hybridvoltThu, 22 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199215/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/22/volt-sister-car-opel-ampera-gets-7-000-pre-orders-may-hit-2012/20199215/article-detail.xml 20199215 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/265053_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/265053.jpg <![CDATA[GM shutting down Chevy Volt production for five weeks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/gm-shutting-down-chevy-volt-production-for-five-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/gm-shutting-down-chevy-volt-production-for-five-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/gm-shutting-down-chevy-volt-production-for-five-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevy Volt production

Even with the new HOV-eligible 2012 Chevrolet Volt models heading to California and sales up in February, General Motors has reportedly decided to shut down production of the plug-in hybrid for five weeks because of overall sluggish sales. With a 150-day supply of Volts sitting on dealer lots around the country, this shutdown will temporarily lay off 1,300 employees.

What's perhaps even more interesting is that this production hiatus comes after a lengthy "holiday" retooling break that only ended in early February. The upcoming shutdown is scheduled to last from March 19 to April 23. As a GM spokesman told MLive, "We're matching our production levels with demand and building to market."

GM shutting down Chevy Volt production for five weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevy voltelectric vehiclehamtramckplug-in hybridvoltvolt plantvolt plant shutdownvolt productionFri, 02 Mar 2012 17:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20184938/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/02/gm-shutting-down-chevy-volt-production-for-five-weeks/20184938/article-detail.xml 20184938 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volt-hamtramck-assembly-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volt-hamtramck-assembly-628.jpg <![CDATA[Newt Gingrich: "You cannot put a gun rack in a Chevy Volt"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/newt-gingrich-you-cannot-put-a-gun-rack-in-a-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/newt-gingrich-you-cannot-put-a-gun-rack-in-a-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/newt-gingrich-you-cannot-put-a-gun-rack-in-a-chevy-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt fitted with gun rack

Looks like Newt Gingrich is getting into the right-wing, "let's-all-hate-on-the-Chevrolet-Volt" bandwagon.

During a campaign stop at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, the trailing Republican candidate said, "Let me start from a simple premise that Oklahomans will understand: you cannot put a gun rack in a Volt," Talking Points Memo reports. It appears that Gingrich is trying out a new attack line, as Raw Story is reporting that he used a similar line at an event in Suwanee, GA. There, he continued, "There is no reason not to believe that we couldn't stabilize with American production by drowning demand in supply the old-fashioned, free market way. There's no reason we couldn't have a stable price around $2 or $2.50 [per gallon]."

As you might imagine, it didn't take long for a Volt owner to take Mr. Gingrich's words as a challenge... you can see the predictable YouTube results after the jump.

Continue reading Newt Gingrich: "You cannot put a gun rack in a Chevy Volt"

Newt Gingrich: "You cannot put a gun rack in a Chevy Volt" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevy voltelectric vehiclegun racknewt gingrichplug-in hybridtalking points memovoltWed, 22 Feb 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20177515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/newt-gingrich-you-cannot-put-a-gun-rack-in-a-chevy-volt/20177515/article-detail.xml 20177515 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-volt-with-gun-rack_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-volt-with-gun-rack.jpg <![CDATA[GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don't believe you"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



What a surprise. Today's Congressional hearing over the Chevrolet Volt fire and the resulting investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration turned out to be contentious.

The hearing took place in the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending. Just from the title of the event - "Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA Know and When Did They Know It?" - it was plain to see that chairman Darrell Issa was not looking to mess around. Issa had General Motors CEO Dan Akerson, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland and John German (Senior Fellow and Program Director at the International Council on Clean Transportation) at his disposal, but he clearly didn't always like what they had to say. Issa and other Republicans questioned the "unnatural relationship" between the Obama Administration and GM as well as why it took NHTSA so many months to reveal the fire in November when it happened in June.

GM's Akerson stood up for the Volt, saying that the fire that's caused so much commotion only happened "after putting the battery through lab conditions that no driver would experience in the real world," according to his prepared remarks. Strickland said NHTSA "pulled no punches" in the Volt fire investigation - which recently ended after finding the Volt to be a safe car - but Issa was having none of it. He told Strickland: "I hear you, I don't believe you."

You can find the official Congressional website about the hearing (which includes a video of the entire session) here. The subcommittee's staff report, "Government Motors: A Preliminary Report on the Effects of Bailouts and Politics on the Obama Administration's Ability to Protect American Consumers" is available as a PDF. Be careful when reading it, though, as it starts by subtly misleading the reader. The report says:

Moreover, in the case of GM, the [Obama] Administration has offered substantial taxpayer funded subsidies to encourage production of the Volt. ... It has also extended a significant subsidy to encourage consumers to purchase the vehicle, offering buyers of the Volt a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 per vehicle.

A bit of research shows that the $7,500 tax credit was first put into law in the 2007-2008 Congress with the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, well before there was an Obama Administration.

Continue reading GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don't believe you"

GM CEO stands up for Chevy Volt in D.C. hearing; Issa tells NHTSA: "I don't believe you" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltakersonchevroletchevrolet voltchevychevy voltdan akersondarrell issageneral motorsgmissanhtsaplug-in hybridvoltvolt fireWed, 25 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/gm-ceo-stands-up-for-chevy-volt-in-dc-hearing-issa-tells-nhtsa/20156446/article-detail.xml 20156446 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gm-ceo-akerson-at-volt-fire-hearing_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gm-ceo-akerson-at-volt-fire-hearing.png <![CDATA[House to hold investigative hearings on Chevy Volt fire "silence"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/house-to-hold-investigative-hearings-on-chevy-volt-fire-silence/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/house-to-hold-investigative-hearings-on-chevy-volt-fire-silence/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/house-to-hold-investigative-hearings-on-chevy-volt-fire-silence/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

chevy volt crash test

Regular readers probably know the story of the Chevrolet Volt NHTSA post-crash fire by heart, but here are the important details as a refresher: The original car that triggered the investigation was crash tested by NHTSA in May. Three weeks later, in early June, the same car caught fire while in storage. The outside world first heard about the incident in November.

If that timeline seems a bit drawn-out to you, you're not alone - the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending are also raising questions. According to Automotive News, the subcommittee's chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), has announced that he will hold hearings in late January on the matter. He said in a statement:

It gives us great concern that recent reports indicate important safety information may have been omitted in testimony before our committee just a few weeks ago. This is a serious situation that our committee will look further into.

The official reason for keeping the information quiet, as stated by General Motors and NHTSA, is that it wasn't until NHTSA was able to recreate the fire that the decision was made to inform the public. Through the summer and fall, the fire was considered a "singular instance." Either way, it's much more than that now...

House to hold investigative hearings on Chevy Volt fire "silence" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevroletchevy voltchevy volt nhtsageneral motorsjim jordannhtsaoversight committeevoltvolt crashvolt firevolt investigationWed, 07 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20122983/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/07/house-to-hold-investigative-hearings-on-chevy-volt-fire-silence/20122983/article-detail.xml 20122983 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/iihs-volt-leaf-crash-tests-628k_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/iihs-volt-leaf-crash-tests-628k.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno has driven 11,000 miles in his Chevy Volt, still hasn't bought gas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/jay-leno-11-000-miles-chevy-volt-no-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/jay-leno-11-000-miles-chevy-volt-no-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/jay-leno-11-000-miles-chevy-volt-no-gas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

jay leno chevy volt

Here's a fun bit of trivia: Jay Leno has driven his Chevrolet Volt nearly 11,000 miles and doesn't have a single gas station receipt to show for it. According to The New York Times Wheels blog, Leno has had his plug-in for 11 months and, as he told them, "I've never had to put gas in it yet... They gave it to me with a full tank of gas. I've used less than half of that."

Given that Leno has an entire fleet of gas-swilling rides in his garage, he can just take the Volt out whenever he knows he can get to Point B and back without refueling. You have to be kind of careful to put 11,000 miles on a Volt without ever going more than 40 miles (plus or minus) at a stretch. Luckily, Leno said his commute is less than 35 miles a day, and so he uses the Volt as his daily driver. He then makes a fairly good joke at the expense of General Motors, which you can read here.

Jay Leno has driven 11,000 miles in his Chevy Volt, still hasn't bought gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet voltchevroletchevychevy voltgeneral motorsjay lenolenovoltThu, 17 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108999/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/jay-leno-11-000-miles-chevy-volt-no-gas/20108999/article-detail.xml 20108999 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/leno-volt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/leno-volt.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt ready for California HOV access, extra $1,500 in rebates *UPDATED]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/chevy-volt-ready-for-california-hov-access-extra-1-500-in-reba/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/chevy-volt-ready-for-california-hov-access-extra-1-500-in-reba/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/chevy-volt-ready-for-california-hov-access-extra-1-500-in-reba/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Chevy Volt may be able to travel about 40 miles without emitting a gram of CO2, but the car isn't clean enough to qualify for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access in California. Make that wasn't clean enough.

Today, GM announced that California dealers are now taking orders for an "Enhanced, Advanced Technology - Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle" (enhAT-PZEV) version of the Volt.
We've known this Volt would be coming for over a year, and it puts us one step closer to the E85-capable Volt that was promised, as well.

The new Volt's owner will be "eligible to apply for one of 40,000 available HOV lane stickers" handed out on a first-apply, first-served basis.

The enhAT-PZEV lower-emissions Volt will be the standard version in California starting early next year but it doesn't come with the coveted HOV sticker. All it means is that new Volt's owner will be "eligible to apply for one of 40,000 available HOV lane stickers" handed out on a first-apply, first-served basis. The enhAT-PZEV Volt is also eligible for an extra $1,500 worth of rebates from California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.

When we first heard about the enhAT-PZEV last year, we were told the Volt's standard 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty would need to be upgraded to 10-year, 150,000-mile warranty to qualify for enhAT-PZEV status. GM's press release doesn't mention any change to the warranty, so we'll need to follow up on this. UPDATE: GM confirmed that the enhAT-PZEV has the better, longer warranty, as required by the HOV access regulations).

The powertrain changes feature a modified engine and exhaust components, including a "secondary air-injection pump that streams ambient air into the exhaust stream to increase its ability to remove pollutants." This took GM engineers a while to get right, but what's ironic is that anyone can get "access" to those HOV lanes by carpooling. After all, the entire point of HOV lanes is to put more people in fewer cars, right? Plus, there is the argument that banning green cars like hybrids from HOV lanes slows everyone down.

Continue reading Chevy Volt ready for California HOV access, extra $1,500 in rebates *UPDATED

Chevy Volt ready for California HOV access, extra $1,500 in rebates *UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 chevy voltcaliforniacarbchevroletchevychevy voltchevy volt hov laneelectric vehiclehovhov laneplug-in hybridvoltvolt hovWed, 16 Nov 2011 20:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20108372/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/chevy-volt-ready-for-california-hov-access-extra-1-500-in-reba/20108372/article-detail.xml 20108372 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevrolet-volt-hov-lane-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevrolet-volt-hov-lane-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz: "I honestly think Tesla's going to make it."]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/#commentsFiled under:

bob lutz

Back around 2006, GM's Bob Lutz was spurred to action by Tesla Motors. Unable to get The General to move forward on a plug-in car, he pointed to the California start-up as a reason to get the Chevy Volt project going. This is all made pretty clear in the Revenge of the Electric Car movie, which is opening in theaters nationwide this fall. In a new interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Lutz describes how Toyota also played a big role in getting the Volt on the road: he didn't want GM to fall behind in the public eye.

The key point is that Lutz doesn't get behind plug-in cars for their fuel efficiency or environmental reasons - he's famously said that global warming is a crock of sh*t and that a CAFE standard of 42 mpg is "totally ridiculous" - but he can still strongly support them. This is because they can be good cars. Plain and simple. Speaking to the Chronicle, Lutz said that Tesla's long-term prospects are uncertain but that:

[Tesla's] stock's doing well and everyone's got a buy on it. Meanwhile, they're losing a ton of money. My philosophy always is, if you have a desirable product, you can muddle your way past the financial problems. Elon Musk and the team were smart enough to get, without question, some of the world's finest designers on the Model S. The car is so beautiful that you look at it and say, "I don't care what drives it, I just want one." That's really the secret of this business. I honestly think they're going to make it.

Lutz and Musk were both interviewed on Charlie Rose last night, and you can watch that video here.

Bob Lutz: "I honestly think Tesla's going to make it." originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzcharlie rosechevroletchevy voltelectric vehicleelon muskmodel splug-in hybridteslatesla motorsvoltFri, 11 Nov 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20104671/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/11/bob-lutz-i-honestly-think-teslas-going-to-make-it/20104671/article-detail.xml 20104671 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lutz-keynote-la-09_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lutz-keynote-la-09.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt battery catches fire at NHTSA [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/chevy-volt-battery-catches-fire-in-nhtsa-lab/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/chevy-volt-battery-catches-fire-in-nhtsa-lab/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/chevy-volt-battery-catches-fire-in-nhtsa-lab/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As a tipster put it: "Crap."

Even though there is plenty of evidence that the Chevrolet Volt is a safe car (one just protected its occupants in a recent crash with a bus), there are now new and seemingly legitimate worries about the safety of the 16-kWh battery pack after a crash. Bloomberg reports that a Volt that was parked at a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration test center recently caught fire, burning nearby vehicles. The Volt had been put through a side-impact crash test three weeks prior and an official told Bloomberg that investigators determined the battery was indeed the source of the fire. Apparently, NHTSA reps are talking with "all automakers" with lithium-ion vehicle for sale (or coming soon) about the safety of their battery packs.

On the one hand, this is bad news for people who already have worries about the safety of plug-in vehicle. On the other hand, a crashed car, whether powered by gasoline or lithium, isn't exactly a safe item. Given that this fire follows a second garage fire involving a Volt (whose cause has not yet been determined), we expect a spike of "plug-in cars are bad" news soon. Whether this is warranted or not is another question. NHTSA has issued a statement to Bloomberg that said:

Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe the Volt or other electric vehicles are at a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. In fact, all vehicles - both electric and gasoline-powered - have some risk of fire in the event of a serious crash.

Indeed. We'll have more on this as details are released.

UPDATE: General Motors has released an official statement, which has been added after the jump.

Continue reading Chevy Volt battery catches fire at NHTSA [UPDATE]

Chevy Volt battery catches fire at NHTSA [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet voltbattery firechevroletchevy voltelectric vehiclelithiumlithium-ion batterynhtsaplug-in hybridvoltvolt fireFri, 11 Nov 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20104558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/11/chevy-volt-battery-catches-fire-in-nhtsa-lab/20104558/article-detail.xml 20104558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2011-chevrolet-volt-review-1302065043_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2011-chevrolet-volt-review-1302065043.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt retail stock hits 1,361 units]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/chevy-volt-availability/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/chevy-volt-availability/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/chevy-volt-availability/#comments
General Motors execs say production of the Chevrolet Volt will not hit a level capable of satisfying demand until the second-quarter of 2012. Despite dismal August sales of only 302 units, GM insists it's not a lack of demand that's holding the Volt back.

While The General continues to blame the Volt's lack of sales on limited availability - thanks in part to a recent four-week shutdown at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly - data compiled by Ward's Auto shows the supply of Volts now stands at 1,361 units, up from the 226 reported at the end of July. GM says that some 700 to 800 of the 1,361 plug-in hybrids are dealer demonstration units that, at least for now, can't be sold. If Ward's numbers are correct, that leaves almost a two-month supply of Volts sitting on dealer lots.

Later this year, the Volt's availability expands nationwide. Don Johnson, GM's U.S. sales chief, told Ward's Auto that since dealers must stock a demo Volt before receiving salable units, retail sales of the plug-in sedan won't increase significantly anytime soon. During a conference call on Friday, Johnson added, "It's going to take us a month or two to really fill up the retail inventory for those dealers." It looks like our prediction that the Nissan Leaf will continue its electrifying reign over the Volt for the next couple of months will hold true.

Chevy Volt retail stock hits 1,361 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevy voltelectric vehiclegeneral motorsgmplug-in hybridvoltvolt productionvolt supplySat, 03 Sep 2011 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20034281/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/03/chevy-volt-availability/20034281/article-detail.xml 20034281 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/getmyvolt-map_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/getmyvolt-map.jpg <![CDATA[Glenn Beck goes off on GM's Akerson over proposed $1 gas tax, calls Volt "crappy" [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/glenn-beck-goes-off-on-gms-akerson-over-proposed-1-gas-tax-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/glenn-beck-goes-off-on-gms-akerson-over-proposed-1-gas-tax-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/glenn-beck-goes-off-on-gms-akerson-over-proposed-1-gas-tax-ca/#commentsFiled under: ,

glenn beck gas tax
Glenn Beck on the gas tax - Click above to watch video after the jump

If there's one thing that is fast becoming true about the Chevy Volt, it's that right-wing political pundits really, really don't like it. So, we will admit up front that this story comes straight out of the "predictable/it's not news when an idiot says something stupid" file, but it's still worth something.

What's the deal? Well, apparently, Fox News' Glenn Beck and Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain think it's beyond the pale for General Motors' CEO, Dan Akerson, to have called for an increase in the gas tax. Beck got his dander up, saying to Akerson (through the camera):

I've seen your crappy new electric car, and no one's buying it... A 50-cent gas tax would make everyone puke. A dollar might make me puke my heart and lungs. There is a bi-partisan pukage going on here with GM, and that's what happens when gas goes up.

There's nothing in the way of context or reasons why a gas tax might be a good thing, but Beck does draw ties between Akerson and George Soros (one of Beck's favorite targets) and others through the Carlyle Group. See for yourself after the jump. The gas tax discussion starts at minute 26:30.

Continue reading Glenn Beck goes off on GM's Akerson over proposed $1 gas tax, calls Volt "crappy" [w/video]

Glenn Beck goes off on GM's Akerson over proposed $1 gas tax, calls Volt "crappy" [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltgas taxglenn beckgmherman cainvoltFri, 10 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/10/glenn-beck-goes-off-on-gms-akerson-over-proposed-1-gas-tax-ca/19964063/article-detail.xml 19964063 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/glenn-beck-gas-tax_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/glenn-beck-gas-tax.png <![CDATA[2012 Chevrolet Volt priced at $39,995*, now available to order nationwide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/2012-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-39-995-now-available-to-order-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/2012-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-39-995-now-available-to-order-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/2012-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-39-995-now-available-to-order-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevy Volt production start date map

Starting today, Chevrolet dealers in all 50 states will begin taking orders for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. For the 2012 model year, General Motors has priced the Volt at $39,995 (including an $850 destination charge) before federal and state incentives. The base MSRP of the 2012 Volt is $1,005 less than the sticker price of the 2011 Volt. For the record, GM says that the reduced price of the 2012 model is due to the "wider range of options and configurations that come with the expansion of Volt production for sale nationally."

For the 2012 model year, Volt buyers will be faced with choosing from a total of seven option packages. A loaded Volt - packed with luxury touches like leather seats, a backup camera, navigation system, premium paint and fancy dancy wheels - comes in at $46,265 (including the aforementioned $850 destination charge).

The 2012 Volt will be offered with two additional interior accents: white and spiced red; and two brand spankin' new exterior hues: Summit White and Blue Topaz Metallic. Some additional features for 2012 include standard keyless entry with passive locking, OnStar turn-by-turn navigation, Chevrolet MyLink and 17-inch alloys with black inserts (late availability).

Customers across the nation can visit their nearest Chevy dealer to order a 2012 Volt. Of course, ordering a Volt does not necessarily mean that you'll take delivery of it any time soon. For the Volt's estimated arrival date in your neck of the woods, refer to the map above. Also, don't forget to check out GM's press release after the jump.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Volt priced at $39,995*, now available to order nationwide

2012 Chevrolet Volt priced at $39,995*, now available to order nationwide originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevy voltelectric vehiclegmplug-in hybridvoltvolt nationwideFri, 10 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19963770/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/10/2012-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-39-995-now-available-to-order-n/19963770/article-detail.xml 19963770 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/getmyvolt-map_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/getmyvolt-map.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Volt earns five-star NHTSA crash rating [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/chevy-volt-earns-five-star-nhtsa-crash-rating-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/chevy-volt-earns-five-star-nhtsa-crash-rating-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/chevy-volt-earns-five-star-nhtsa-crash-rating-w-videos/#commentsChevy Volt Crash Tests
2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt has earned "good" marks in crash tests before, and new tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program prove that the earlier results were not a fluke. The Volt scored a five-star overall safety rating, which is the highest-possible score in NHTSA's new and more strict safety tests for 2011 model year vehicles.

General Motors says that a comprehensive system of safety features - specifically the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and a bunch of air bags - helped the Volt become the first electric vehicle to get five stars.

The "first" part might be simply because NHTSA has not yet tested a Nissan Leaf. The agency will soon smash and bash the electric machine from Japan, and we expect the all-electric hatch will match GM's plug-in hybrid for safety - as it has before. Until then, we can view with fascination the Chevy Volt crash videos after the jump.

Continue reading Chevy Volt earns five-star NHTSA crash rating [w/videos]

Chevy Volt earns five-star NHTSA crash rating [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltnhtsanhtsa chevy voltvoltvolt crash testvolt nhtsaFri, 03 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19957767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/03/chevy-volt-earns-five-star-nhtsa-crash-rating-w-videos/19957767/article-detail.xml 19957767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/volt-35-mph-front-impact-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/volt-35-mph-front-impact-630.jpg <![CDATA[GM responds to Nissan Leaf "Gas Powered Everything" ad [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/gm-responds-to-nissan-leaf-gas-powered-everything-ad-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/gm-responds-to-nissan-leaf-gas-powered-everything-ad-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/gm-responds-to-nissan-leaf-gas-powered-everything-ad-w-video/#commentsChevy Volt filling up in Nissan Leaf ad
Nissan's "Gas Powered Everything" ad - Click above to watch video after the jump

Nissan's latest Leaf-related ad asks: "What would the world be like if gas powered everything?"

Well, according to the spot, a middle-aged man would wake up for work to the burning whistle of his gas-powered alarm clock, and with a few fierce tugs at his coffee maker's rip cord, he'd manage to fire up the gas-gulping machine. That same man, while at the office, would walk up to a miniature gas pump to refuel his laptop computer.

Oh, and the owner of a Chevrolet Volt, while standing at the gas pump refueling his plug-in hybrid, would watch in envy as another man across the street unplugs his Nissan Leaf and drives off.

Well, as you may have guessed, some General Motors execs aren't too thrilled that Nissan has taken a public shot at the Volt. Autoevolution says that in a "rare, but delicious unofficial reply on Twitter," GM's Executive Director of Product and Technology Communications, Jason Laird, tweeted:
"A carmaker poking gentle fun at our product ignores tow trucks they need and rental cars they recommend as backup to their product."
On the other hand, GM spokesman Rob Peterson, called the commercial "cute," but says that it's "misleading and damaging to the electric vehicle movement," according to Autoevolution.

Hit the jump to watch Nissan's now-controversial "Gas Powered Everything" clip.

Continue reading GM responds to Nissan Leaf "Gas Powered Everything" ad [w/video]

GM responds to Nissan Leaf "Gas Powered Everything" ad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 nissan leafchevy voltgas powered everythinggeneral motorsjason lairdleafnissan leafnissan leaf adnissan leaf commercialrob petersonvoltTue, 31 May 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19954220/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/31/gm-responds-to-nissan-leaf-gas-powered-everything-ad-w-video/19954220/article-detail.xml 19954220 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/volt-leaf_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/volt-leaf.png <![CDATA[Are Chevy dealers gaming the system to keep Volt's $7,500 consumer rebate?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/are-chevy-dealers-gaming-the-system-to-keep-volts-7-500-consum/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/are-chevy-dealers-gaming-the-system-to-keep-volts-7-500-consum/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/are-chevy-dealers-gaming-the-system-to-keep-volts-7-500-consum/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt
2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Getting beyond the drama of the Chevrolet Volt and its high-profile development process was supposed to mean that General Motors could focusing on enjoying the car's green halo. But that has not exactly been the case. On the other side of numerous awards and glowing reviews there have been the sales numbers and stories of dealer gouging. Speaking of dealers, a new story by Mark Modica on the National Legal and Policy Center site suggests that Chevy dealers are selling Volts to one another and claiming the car's $7,500 federal tax rebate for themselves, then selling the cars to private buyers as used sans rebate.

According to Modica, a Chicago dealer selling a Volt with 10 miles on the odometer flat-out admitted that it would be seeking the credit for itself: "When I asked if I was eligible for the $7,500 tax credit, I was told that I probably wasn't, since the dealership was applying for the subsidy." Even stranger, a Kia dealer in California was selling a Volt that had just 30 miles on it, and Modica was told that "the Volts offered at that dealership were rental cars with higher mileage on them."

We'd love to get some other research into this, because if this is true, it could help explain a lot of things - including the model's depressed sales.

Are Chevy dealers gaming the system to keep Volt's $7,500 consumer rebate? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy voltchevrolet voltchevy voltdealerdealershipev creditEV tax creditfederal tax creditvoltTue, 31 May 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19952865/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/31/are-chevy-dealers-gaming-the-system-to-keep-volts-7-500-consum/19952865/article-detail.xml 19952865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/voltdealergaming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/voltdealergaming.jpg <![CDATA[Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/renault-nissan-gas-powers-everything-ads-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/renault-nissan-gas-powers-everything-ads-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/renault-nissan-gas-powers-everything-ads-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Nissan gas-powered everything
Nissan's "Gas Powered Everything" ad - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

What would the world be like if everything were powered by gasoline?

Renault-Nissan has kicked off a massive advertising campaign intended to highlight the advanced technology of electric vehicles with the debut of a pair of videos that bang home the point that consumers depend upon electricity to power items used everyday and that using gasoline is, in some instances, utterly ridiculous.

In one spot, a middle-aged man wakes up for work to the burning whistle of his gas-powered alarm clock and with a few fierce tugs at his coffee maker's rip cord, manages to fire up the gas-gulping machine. That same man, while at the office, walks up to a miniature gas pump to refuel his laptop computer.

Oh, and the owner of a Chevrolet Volt, while standing at the gas pump refueling his plug-in hybrid, watches in envy as another man across the street unplugs his Nissan Leaf and drives off as onlookers watch in amazement. Yep, that's how Nissan sees the world if "Gas Powered Everything."

Since the videos are, in our humble opinion, absolutely hilarious, we'll refrain from revealing too much. Hit the jump to view the clips clip. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Continue reading Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything

Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltelectric vehiclegas powered everythingleafnissan leafnissan leaf adnissan leaf commercialplug-in hybridrenaultvoltFri, 27 May 2011 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19952353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/27/renault-nissan-gas-powers-everything-ads-video/19952353/article-detail.xml 19952353 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/nissan-gas-everything_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/nissan-gas-everything.jpg <![CDATA[GM's Mark Reuss says Nissan Leaf is a "single-purpose" car that he wouldn't put in the hands of his three kids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Nissan Leaf
2011 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, recently voiced his opinions on a slew of issues with the Nashville Business Journal. Reuss spoke of GM's future, the role of the Chevrolet Volt and more. But when the discussion turned to the Nissan Leaf, it became obvious that Reuss is not a fan of the electric hatch.

Reuss explained what he believes to be the most significant drawbacks of electric-only vehicles like the Leaf, stating:
[The Leaf] has a finite range and requires infrastructure and charging to run it, where the Volt is really an extended-range electric vehicle. The Volt can really be the only car you own. You better be living within a certain range for the Leaf. ... It's a lot different market, a lot different car and a completely different driver.
While we think that Reuss should've stopped at that, he didn't. Reuss continued to rag on the Leaf, boldly stating that:
I'm not sure if I'd put the Leaf in the hands of my three kids. Say, what if they can't charge it? What if they get to school and can't charge it? The Leaf is a single-purpose car.
Did Reuss' statements to a little too far? Let us know what you think by voicing your thoughts in 'Comments' below.

GM's Mark Reuss says Nissan Leaf is a "single-purpose" car that he wouldn't put in the hands of his three kids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan leafchevy voltelectric vehiclegeneral motorsleafleaf versus voltmark reussnissan leafplug-in hybridvoltFri, 06 May 2011 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19933686/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/06/gms-mark-reuss-says-nissan-leaf-is-a-single-purpose-car-that/19933686/article-detail.xml 19933686 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01nissanleaf2011fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01nissanleaf2011fd.jpg -1 2