Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-initial-chevy-volt-launch-will-be-in-select-u-s-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

Undoubtedly, the 2011 Volt is one of the most hotly anticipated new model launches in Chevrolet's long and storied history, and it will likely be seen as a halo model of sorts for General Motors as a whole. As we experienced first hand when we slid behind the wheel of a preproduction Volt the other day, the car is well on its way to becoming a production reality, but actually getting the vehicle into the hands of customers will be another matter entirely.

According to a report from Automotive News, GM is currently in the process of selecting which markets will get first crack at the Volt when it finally goes on sale in just under one year's time. Chevrolet division President Brent Dewar said that the automaker is looking at a number of factors to determine those unannounced target markets, including the existence of an EV charging infrastructure and available tax credits. After this initial launch, the rest of the citizenry will get its chance to see the USA in an electric Chevrolet.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Initial Chevy Volt launch will be in select U.S. markets only originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the big remaining technical questions for General Motors' Chevrolet Volt has been who the automaker will tap to supply the batteries. LG Chem and A123 Systems are the two companies that have been supplying prototype battery packs for Volt development program. It has long been rumored that South Korea's LG Chem would be selected, and today CEO Rick Wagoner confirmed the selection. Surprisingly though, GM has decided it will take responsibility for actually building the complete packs. GM will also take full responsibility for all the battery management systems and power electronics.

The company will build a new factory in Michigan, but a specific site has yet to be announced, in part because negotiations are ongoing with state and local authorities on the usual incentives and approvals. LG Chem's US subsidiary, Compact Power of Troy, Michigan, has been building the prototype packs for the development vehicles and will continue to provide integration support and act as a liaison for the program.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: GM will build Volt battery packs with LG Chem in Michigan

Detroit 2009: GM will build Volt battery packs with LG Chem in Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterybreakingchevy voltchevy volt batterychevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltBatteryChevyVoltProductionEVlg chemLgChemVoltMon, 12 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GM delays Volt engine plant, car still on track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/gm-delays-volt-engine-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/gm-delays-volt-engine-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/gm-delays-volt-engine-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

General Motors has said that it won't allow ongoing financial hardships to put a damper on the Chevy Volt development program, but a recent announcement that its plant in Flint, Michigan may be delayed could have cause for some worry. The Flint plant is where the 1.4L four-cylinder engine that will be used as a range-extender in the Volt is scheduled to be built. This plant is also expected to assemble powerplants for the upcoming Chevy Cruze that will replace the aging Cobalt when it goes into production at GM's Lordstown, OH plant in April 2010 as a 2011 model.

Because the Volt and Cruze are still so far away, this plant's delay isn't likely to have any effect on either car's proposed production dates. Regardless, expect to hear plenty of doom and gloom-style news over the next few days regarding the future of The General's new fuel-saving hotness on account of this plant's delay. The reality, though, is that there won't be a Volt program to worry about if GM is unable to keep its doors.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: AP]

GM delays Volt engine plant, car still on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Things are moving along quite nicely with the development of the Chevy Volt. According to Bob Lutz, test mules of the extended-range electric vehicle are now being built atop the soon-to-be-released Chevy Cruze. This is a logical progression since the production Volt will share its Delta underpinnings with the new compact from General Motors when it finally goes on sale in 2010. Prior to these latest mules, the test cars used last-gen Malibu shells that Lutz and the team affectionately referred to as "MaliVolts." Predictably, Mr. Lutz praises the new Delta platform, and we have every reason to believe that it will be leaps and bounds better than its Cobalt forebear, just as that model is light-years ahead of the Cavalier it replaced. Lutz goes on to say that the battery pack, motor and internal combustion engine are all working very well together, even in the freezing cold temperatures around Detroit these days. It all sounds rather promising, though it'd be even better if that first paragraph on the FastLane Blog weren't necessary, right?

[Source: GM FastLane]

Lutz Update: Volt moves from Malibu to Cruze mules originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzchevy cruzechevy cruze mulechevy voltchevy volt mulechevy volt muleschevy volt productionChevyCruzeChevyCruzeMuleChevyVoltChevyVoltMuleChevyVoltMulesChevyVoltProductiondeltadelta platformDeltaPlatformmalivoltFri, 21 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt program is not being delayed ... yet!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/chevy-volt-program-is-not-being-delayed-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/chevy-volt-program-is-not-being-delayed-yet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/chevy-volt-program-is-not-being-delayed-yet/#commentsFiled under: ,



You can never be certain about the information you get from fourth-hand, unconfirmed sources. General Motors will be releasing its third quarter financial results this morning, and it will be ugly for sure. Rick Wagoner will also be announcing more cuts that will likely include layoffs among engineering staff. GM is expected to cancel or delay almost all future product plans in an attempt to staunch its current cash burn rate. One of those aforementioned fourth-hand sources told another website last night that the Chevy Volt is among the programs on the chopping block. AutoblogGreen contacted GM's Volt spokesman Rob Peterson, who stated that "there's no truth in that statement whatsoever" regarding the story that appeared on Jalopnik. Chevrolet spokesman Terry Rhadigan also said "I'm not going to respond to specific speculation. The Volt remains a top priority for our Company and there are no changes to the timing of the program." So for now, at least, the Volt is safe.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt - Live Reveal


[Sources: AutoblogGreen, General Motors, Jalopnik]

Chevy Volt program is not being delayed ... yet! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewschevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltProductionFri, 07 Nov 2008 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/with-crisis-looming-gm-may-unveil-volt-for-100th-anniversary/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/with-crisis-looming-gm-may-unveil-volt-for-100th-anniversary/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/07/with-crisis-looming-gm-may-unveil-volt-for-100th-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Sales of General Motors' one time cash cow, full-size trucks, are declining faster than the value of the US dollar, but with a birthday coming, GM still wants something to celebrate. This September, the world's largest automaker will be celebrating its centennial under a financial pall unlike any it has faced since its early days under Billy Durant. The car that GM management hopes will represent a new beginning is the Chevrolet Volt, which has been locked in for production for November 2010 and the shape of the production car has reportedly been finalized. The Volt team is apparently planning to unveil the definitive Volt shape as the star of the big party this September.

Early powertrain development mules have been running for several months now and GM insiders claim the lithium ion battery packs are exceeding performance expectations so far. The big question at this point seems to be cost. With everyone focused on GM's cash burn rate, the company is hoping that showing the production version of the extended range electric vehicle will divert attention to something positive. However, without some serious cost reduction of the battery and some hefty tax breaks from the government, the Volt may just end up making things even worse. GM desperately needs the Volt to be successful, but with the current financial situation, one has to wonder how long they will be able to build Volts at a loss?

[Source: Reuters]

With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet-voltChevroletVoltchevy voltchevy volt productionChevyVoltChevyVoltProductionMon, 07 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST