Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Next-gen Chevy Volt to ditch 1.4-liter engine in favor of 2.0 turbo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

chevy volt engine

No one at General Motors is talking publicly about a rumor post over at InsideEVs that claims the 83-horsepower, 1.4-liter range-extending gas engine currently used in the Chevrolet Volt will "definitely not" be the engine that is used in the 2014 model-year Volt. And, by no one talking publicly, we mean that our emails have gone unanswered. InsideEVs just got an "Unfortunately, we do not comment on future product details, so I cannot provide any information related to your inquiry," from GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly.

So, that means it's speculation time. InsideEVs claims to have spoken to an unnamed source who says that the replacement engine will be the new 2.0-liter turbo. This source says this engine has been tested on the Volt's Delta II compact vehicle platform, which is also used in the Buick Verano and many others. A larger engine does not necessarily imply worse fuel economy - see, for example, the jump from the 1.5-liter engine in the second-generation Toyota Prius that got 46 combined miles per gallon to the 1.8-liter in the third-gen that gets 50 - so we're not discounting the rumor outright. InsideEVs goes on to suggest that the 2.0T will also find its way into the Cadillac ELR (the production version of the Converj concept from 2009) that uses Volt technology, whenever that car arrives. To feed the speculators, here are some other stories about Volt engine possibilities from the archives.

Our former colleague Sam Abuelsamid is skeptical of the 2.0 turbo story, though, writing that whatever engine replaces the 1.4, it will "almost certainly will not be a 2.0-liter turbocharged four as used in numerous GM vehicles including the Buick Regal GS and Verano T." He continues:

A 200+ hp turbo 2.0-liter makes absolutely no sense when you only have 161 hp of electrical power. The 2.0-liter is larger, heavier and thirstier than the 1.4 and makes way more power than can be used by the electric drive system.

The 2.0T would only make sense as part of a parallel plug-in hybrid drivetrain in some other vehicle. My guess (and I have no inside information on this, pure educated speculation) would be that they would opt for the new small engine family being co-developed with SAIC which starts at 1.0-liter. Those engines could be in production by next year and would be a much better fit.

Next-gen Chevy Volt to ditch 1.4-liter engine in favor of 2.0 turbo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4-liter2.0-liter turbo2014 chevrolet voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevy voltplug-in hybridvoltvolt enginevoltecFri, 15 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/15/next-gen-chevy-volt-to-ditch-1-4-liter-engine-in-favor-of-2-0-tu/20258837/article-detail.xml 20258837 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2011-chevrolet-volt-engine-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2011-chevrolet-volt-engine-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevy Volt increases range to 38 electric miles, 98 MPGe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/#comments

And thus the mid-cycle product refresh - so common to computers and cellphones - comes around again to GM's plug-in hybrid.

The new EPA sticker for the 2013 Chevrolet Volt has been released, and with it comes a fresh set of numbers. The highlights are an improved all-electric range and miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating: 38 miles and 98 MPGe - that's three miles of additional electric range and five more MPGe than last year. GM said in a statement today that "minor changes to the material composition of the battery cell chemistry" and a boost in overall battery capacity from 16 kWh to 16.5 are responsible for the increase. Allowing the car to use more of that capacity - 10.8 kWh now, up from 10.3 before - also helps. Unsurprisingly, the bigger battery also gives the Volt a slightly longer recharge time.

As previously reported, the 2013 Volt also gets a new "EV Hold Mode" that forces the car to burn gas and "hold" the energy in the battery for later use. "EV Hold Mode" is available on the Volt's European sister vehicle, the Opel Ampera, and early Volt buyers could sort of force their cars into this operation by engaging "Mountain Mode." Visually, the 2013 Volt will also lose the black roof and trunk backing, using the main body color for those parts (GM has yet to release new images showing this development) and gain an available lane-departure warning system.

You can compare the 2013 Volt sticker above to the 2011 model here. The important numbers from the first Volt are: 93 MPGe, 36 kWh per 100 miles, 37 mpg in gas-only mode and a 35 mile all-electric range. For 2012, the Volt improved in one category: 94 MPGe. All others remain the same.

As expected, the Volt will also be available with a special low-emissions package for California and New York giving drivers access to the states' HOV lanes with solo occupancy. For details on all 2013 Volt developments, check out the official press verbiage by scrolling below.

Continue reading 2013 Chevy Volt increases range to 38 electric miles, 98 MPGe

2013 Chevy Volt increases range to 38 electric miles, 98 MPGe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet volt2013 chevy voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevychevy voltmpgmpgevoltvolt fuel economyvolt mpgvolt mpgevolt stickerThu, 07 Jun 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/07/2013-chevy-volt-increases-range-to-38-electric-miles-98-mpge/20253673/article-detail.xml 20253673 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2012-chevy-volt-epa-sticker-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2012-chevy-volt-epa-sticker-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz praises Leaf and Volt, says national security requires going electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - front dead-on view

Bob Lutz is not going to take attacks on the electric car lying down - the closest he'll come to that is doing push-ups on The Colbert Report. After spending a few of his Forbes columns laying into right-wing pundits for their attacks on the Chevrolet Volt, he is switching to a positive message about how plug-in cars can help with American national security. It is not surprising that Lutz, a former Marine, co-authors the article with two former U.S. Marines commandants and the CEO of FedEx (the three are all members of Securing America's Future Energy's (SAFE) Energy Security Leadership Council). The gist? Well, here's part of the opening paragraph:

When ... threats exist because the United States is the protector of the world's global oil supply lines, it is a clear illustration of how our nation's over-reliance on a single, globally priced fuel impacts our national and economic security.

America's addiction to gasoline costs the government billions of dollars a year, an estimated $80 billion, in fact, to guard the sea lanes, including one little area by Iran:

From a national security perspective, the U.S. military is forced to protect the world's vital oil infrastructure. The single greatest chokepoint is the Strait of Hormuz, through which 17 million barrels of oil per day passed in 2011 - 20 percent of global supplies. Protection of the sea lanes of commerce has become an American burden and will remain so, costing the United States Treasury an estimated $80 billion per year while taxing our military, which is already engaged on multiple fronts.

It's arguments like this that have made the recent right-wing criticism of the Volt such a mystery. If we use less gasoline, we can spend fewer lives and less treasure importing the fuel (of course, we don't lose many lives at the Canadian border, which is where most of our imported oil comes from). The Army says that today's soldier uses an average of 22 gallons of gasoline a day.

Lutz and his co-authors are quite clear that high gas prices are hurting Americans' pocketbooks, "essentially" wiping out tax cuts that Presidents Bush and Obama put into place. That's why, they say, "government action is needed to mitigate the risks of oil dependence, because there is no free market for oil." This intervention contains both expanded domestic production and - surprise - plugging in our light-duty transportation fleet as much as possible and feeding our big trucks lots of natural gas. To that end, they write:

Regarding electrification, the beauty of plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf is that they are powered by electricity, which can be generated from many sources: nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables. Best yet, these are all domestic energy sources, meaning OPEC won't be able to corner the market. And the retail price of electricity is far less volatile that the price of oil.

Hard to disagree with that. There's more at Forbes.

Bob Lutz praises Leaf and Volt, says national security requires going electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 nissan leafbob lutzchevroletchevrolet voltenergy independencegmleafnational securitynissanplug-in hybridstraights of hormuzvoltTue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217607/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/20217607/article-detail.xml 20217607 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011-chevrolet-volt-front-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011-chevrolet-volt-front-628.jpg <![CDATA[Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mini April Fools Campers

It's that time of year again. April Fools' came and went over the weekend, and a handful of the world's automakers joined in on a little Spring time fun. From intelligent anti-theft devices and TSA-inspired driver aids to automated NASCAR racers and high-performance hybrids, this year's raft of pranks were as good as any we've seen in past years. With April 1 falling on a Sunday, we saw fewer wise-cracking creations than before, but that didn't spoil the fun, so we thought we'd recap them for your enjoyment.

Mini took the cake this year with the company's Cowley Caravan and Swindon Roof Top Tent. The automaker went through the trouble of working up a full press release, complete with 20 photos and translations into a wide range of languages. We'll admit to being a little disappointed when we discovered the add-ons were a clever rouse. We'll just have to scrap our plans for a Mini safari. For now.

Hit the jump to see more April foolishness.

Continue reading Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesapril foolsapril fools daybmw 3 seriescallawaychevrolet voltcooperdarth vadergooglegoogle nascarhondahypervoltmininascarsubaru xv crosstrektomtomtribecavoltMon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/02/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-video/20206434/article-detail.xml 20206434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mini-april-fools-campers-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mini-april-fools-campers-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[GM replacing Chevrolet Volt power cords]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/gm-replacing-chevrolet-volt-power-cords/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/gm-replacing-chevrolet-volt-power-cords/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/gm-replacing-chevrolet-volt-power-cords/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt emblem

The Detroit News is reporting that General Motors will replace the 120-volt power cords on the majority of Chevrolet Volt models the company has sold since 2010. The new charge cords are said to be more durable than the old hardware and should provide "more consistency in charging," according to the report. GM has sold around 10,000 Volt units since the plug-in hybrid went on sale two years ago, and while some of those vehicles have already shipped with the new charge cords, most still use the old design.

Volt owners may also contact their Chevrolet dealers to begin scheduling appointments to have additional crash structure added around the vehicle's battery packs. The additional steel is designed to protect against severe side-impacts. Technicians are also expected to add a new sensor to monitor battery coolant levels. The changes are in response to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into unlikely vehicle fires. GM will reportedly continue to sell Volt models without the new structure and sensor, saying neither poses a safety issue.

GM replacing Chevrolet Volt power cords originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltcharge cordchevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt battery coolant sensorchevrolet volt charge cordcoolant sensorvoltvolt chargerFri, 23 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/23/gm-replacing-chevrolet-volt-power-cords/20199637/article-detail.xml 20199637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/chevrolet-volt-emblem-628-1332508183_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/chevrolet-volt-emblem-628-1332508183.jpg <![CDATA[Is this dub-rockin' Chevrolet Volt actually a Cadillac Converj in disguise?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/is-this-dub-rockin-chevrolet-volt-actually-a-cadillac-converj-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/is-this-dub-rockin-chevrolet-volt-actually-a-cadillac-converj-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/is-this-dub-rockin-chevrolet-volt-actually-a-cadillac-converj-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt with 20s

Our spy photographers managed to spot something curious (and decidedly hilarious) recently. General Motors has been busy testing what would appear to be Chevrolet Volt models with massive 20-inch wheels and tires in place of the low-rolling resistance pieces on the stock plug-in.

Why? Guesses are slim at the moment, but one hypothesis is that this is actually our first glimpse at a Cadillac Converj test mule. That vehicle will make use of an altered version of the Voltec drivetrain found in the Chevrolet, albeit bolted to flashier wheels. The luxury hybrid has been an on-again-off-again affair for General Motors since the concept first rolled across the stage at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Last we heard, the Converj is on track for launch in either 2013 or 2014. If true, now would be the time to begin working out any engineering bugs on the rumored Voltec 1.5 system. With luxury buyers more willing to hand over stacks of cash for new technology, the Converj could make quite a bit more sense to buyers than the Volt. Or bolting chrome dubs to a hybrid, for that matter.

Is this dub-rockin' Chevrolet Volt actually a Cadillac Converj in disguise? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20scadillacchevroletchevrolet voltchevyconverjdub wheelsdubsgeneral motorsgmspy photosspy picsspy shotsvoltvoltecThu, 22 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199156/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/22/is-this-dub-rockin-chevrolet-volt-actually-a-cadillac-converj-i/20199156/article-detail.xml 20199156 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-volt-with-20s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-volt-with-20s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy turns to aliens to pitch Volt in Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/chevy-turns-to-aliens-to-pitch-volt-in-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/chevy-turns-to-aliens-to-pitch-volt-in-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/chevy-turns-to-aliens-to-pitch-volt-in-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt Super Bowl Ad

Just when you thought you'd seen all the Super Bowl ads there were to see, Chevrolet is jumping in with a whole new spot for the Volt. The General Motors plug-in hybrid has been struggling to make sales headway for a number of reasons, including a now-closed government investigation into the vehicle's safety. With negative press at its peak in January, Volt sales took a nosedive last month - GM managed to move a paltry 603 units. With some Chevy dealers refusing their allocations, the automaker is understandably keen to put the spurs to Volt sales. This Super Bowl ad features a host of very curious aliens attempting to comprehend the science behind the propulsion system in the Chevrolet Volt.

It would seem GM believes buyers are being scared off from the Volt because they simply don't understand the mechanicals in the plug-in hybrid. If that's the case, this new commercial should help clear up any mysteries surrounding the vehicle. Hit the jump to see E.T. in action for yourself.

Continue reading Chevy turns to aliens to pitch Volt in Super Bowl ad

Chevy turns to aliens to pitch Volt in Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltadadvertisingchevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt super bowl adchevysuper bowlsuper bowl advideovoltThu, 02 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/chevy-turns-to-aliens-to-pitch-volt-in-super-bowl-ad/20162883/article-detail.xml 20162883 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-volt-super-bowl-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-volt-super-bowl-ad-628.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[Some Chevy dealers rejecting further Volt allocations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt front three-quarter

General Motors is having a hard time with the Chevrolet Volt. First, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into the vehicle over the possibility of post-crash fires, and now some of its dealers are refusing to take their allocations of the extended-range plug-in hybrid. For example, according to Automotive News, GM set aside 104 Volt models for 14 dealerships across the greater New York City market. Of those vehicles, dealers took just 31. The problem isn't just out East, either. The report claims one California dealer turned down all six Volt models allocated to him despite the fact that his franchise sold 10 of the vehicles last year.

GM, meanwhile, admits that ordering on the vehicle is down. The automaker attributes the slump to the fact that most dealers were awaiting resolution on the NHTSA investigation (the Volt has since been given a clean bill of health), though GM has announced a voluntary repair to prevent the fires in the future. Even so, public opinion on the vehicle has taken a ding, and many dealers may simply be waiting for the dust to settle before recommitting to the model.

Some Chevy dealers rejecting further Volt allocations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt saleschevygeneral motorsgmvoltvolt salesMon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154548/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/some-chevy-dealers-rejecting-further-volt-allocations/20154548/article-detail.xml 20154548 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2011-chevrolet-volt-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA concludes investigation into Chevrolet Volt fires, no defect found]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/nhtsa-concludes-investigation-into-chevrolet-volt-fires-no-defe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/nhtsa-concludes-investigation-into-chevrolet-volt-fires-no-defe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/21/nhtsa-concludes-investigation-into-chevrolet-volt-fires-no-defe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevy Volt

The National Higway Traffic Safety Administration has officially closed the book on its investigation into the Chevrolet Volt. The result finds that "no discernible defect trend exists" and "Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles."

NHTSA supports the modifications developed by General Motors to address "specific attributes" particular to electric vehicles in the event of a crash. GM is retrofitting the nearly 8,000 Volts sold with additional side reinforcements and a sensor to detect coolant leaks, which was found to be the cause of the short-circuiting battery and resulting fires. The agency also issued guidelines for first responders and auto shops coming who encounter Volts that have been involved in accidents.

That means the safety fire has been put out, but a political fire still burns in Congress. General Motors CEO Dan Akerson and NHTSA head David Strickland will face a House panel in a few days to answer questions about the timeline of the investigation. Follow the jump to read NHTSA's statement on the investigation.

Continue reading NHTSA concludes investigation into Chevrolet Volt fires, no defect found

NHTSA concludes investigation into Chevrolet Volt fires, no defect found originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevrolet voltchevynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsavoltvolt fireSat, 21 Jan 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/21/nhtsa-concludes-investigation-into-chevrolet-volt-fires-no-defe/20153684/article-detail.xml 20153684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nhtsavoltinvestigfinish_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nhtsavoltinvestigfinish.jpg <![CDATA[GM CEO Akerson asked to testify at Volt hearing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-ceo-akerson-asked-to-testify-at-volt-hearing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-ceo-akerson-asked-to-testify-at-volt-hearing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/gm-ceo-akerson-asked-to-testify-at-volt-hearing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's a safe wager that no one expected the report of the Chevrolet Volt fire after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test to turn into a Congressional dressing-down. The short story: NHTSA crash-tested a Volt in May, that car caught fire in June while in storage, and NHTSA alerted the public about the fire in November. Certain politicians have wondered if politics played a part in waiting until November to report the fire, and now a House panel is holding a hearing called "Volt Vehicle Fire: What did NHTSA know and when did they know it?" to find out.

According to The Detroit News, the proceedings have now drawn General Motors CEO Dan Akerson into its maw, Akerson agreeing to testify before the panel next week. Akerson's name hasn't come up so far as a Person of Interest, so it looks like the panel is looking to anyone who might have reason to know anything about what has been called "the silence."

NHTSA has already said, in response to questioning, that the White House had nothing to do with the timeline and we can't imagine that the NHTSA was taking its orders from Akerson. The group of pols headed by California Republican Darrell Issa believes that NHTSA has not adequately addressed the panel's concerns, so agency chief David Strickland will be there alongside Akerson to answer questions.

GM CEO Akerson asked to testify at Volt hearing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevrolet voltchevrolet volt firechevydan akersondarrell issadavid stricklandnhtsavoltvolt fireThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/gm-ceo-akerson-asked-to-testify-at-volt-hearing/20151647/article-detail.xml 20151647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/volthearingsakerson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/volthearingsakerson.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA says White House didn't factor in Chevy Volt fire disclosure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/nhtsa-says-white-house-didnt-factor-in-chevy-volt-fire-disclosu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/nhtsa-says-white-house-didnt-factor-in-chevy-volt-fire-disclosu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/nhtsa-says-white-house-didnt-factor-in-chevy-volt-fire-disclosu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has confirmed the Obama administration didn't ask the government agency to delay announcing potential safety issues with the Chevrolet Volt. According to The Detroit News, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was briefed about Volt fires that occurred after two crash tests in September, three months after the first extended-range hybrid began smoldering. According to the report, the office of the president was then informed of the fires shortly thereafter, as well as being notified of NHTSA's intent to investigate whether the results of the tests could be replicated.

The Detroit News quotes NHTSA administrator David Strickland as saying no one within the office of the president "requested or in any way suggested that NHTSA delay public release of information related to the Volt fire."

That seems to be a fairly definitive answer to the three house Republicans who asked General Motors and the Obama administration whether the White House had called for any delay in publicly disclosing the Volt fires. A House panel plans to undertake a hearing on the Volt controversy later this month.

NHTSA says White House didn't factor in Chevy Volt fire disclosure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt firenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaobama administrationray lahoodvoltvolt fireMon, 16 Jan 2012 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149080/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/16/nhtsa-says-white-house-didnt-factor-in-chevy-volt-fire-disclosu/20149080/article-detail.xml 20149080 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevrolet-volt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500, Chevy Volt listed among biggest product flops of 2011... but should they be?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500c

Chevrolet Volt'Tis the season for thin news cycles and cheesy top ten lists. Yahoo! Finance has thrown its hat in the top ten ring with its list of the biggest flops among all consumer goods introduced for 2011. Both the Fiat 500 and Chevrolet Volt have made it among the chosen few, rubbing elbows with such luminaries as Netflix's Qwikster and Disney's Mars Needs Moms.

Why the Volt? Yahoo! points to the vehicle's underwhelming sales, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fire investigation and misguided General Motors executives as indicators of the plug-in hybrid's failure. We think that's a bit harsh given the fact that the Volt wasn't on sale across the country for most of the year, and we've harped on how absurd the NHTSA fire issue is in the past, so we'll save the digital ink here.

And what of the Fiat 500? It's no secret the adorable Italian hatchback has missed its sales goals by a country mile. While Chrysler had hoped to move 50,000 models this year, actual U.S. sales for the year will probably end up around 20,000 units, which really isn't too bad. Those early sales targets were picked straight from the crazy buffet to begin with, and the fact that the 500 suffered production delays, dealership network woes and a botched marketing effort didn't help matters. Still, do those issues make the 500 one of the biggest product flops of 2011?

For our money, it's too early to call either of these vehicles flops - moving 20,000 relatively expensive very small cars for a new-to-the-U.S. (well, "new again," at least) brand doesn't sound too bad to us, and putting the Volt on the list when it wasn't available to most consumers strikes us as Yahoo! Finance trolling for controversy. What say you? Drop us a line in Comments...

Fiat 500, Chevy Volt listed among biggest product flops of 2011... but should they be? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet volt2011 fiat 500500biggest flops of 2011chevroletchevrolet voltfiatfiat 500flopstop ten listvoltThu, 29 Dec 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137092/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/fiat-500-chevy-volt-listed-among-biggest-product-flops-of-2011/20137092/article-detail.xml 20137092 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fiat-500-c-628.jpg <![CDATA[OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



General Motors is slowly pushing OnStar into the infotainment realm as it recognizes its telematics system needs to provide more than emergency services and navigation functionality to entice consumers. To that end, at CES this January OnStar is rolling out another connectivity concept employing 4G LTE broadband to bring even more media into the car.

Last year, GM outfitted a Buick LaCrosse with Verizon's high-speed data service, but the 2012 concept is based around the more tech-centric Chevrolet Volt. Among the services fitted to the Volt are cloud-based streaming media and information, a duo of tablets mounted on the backs of the front seats and the same video chat functionality we sampled last year.

Additionally, Cadillac will be showing off a more refined version of its CUE entertainment system in Sin City, and we'll have hands-on with both in a few week's time. Hit the jump for the official release.

Continue reading OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES

OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g ltecesces 2012chevroletchevrolet voltgeneral motorsgmonstarvoltWed, 21 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/onstar-bringing-another-4g-lte-concept-to-ces/20132181/article-detail.xml 20132181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/1216ces-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/1216ces-628.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Automotive News reports Opel is delaying delivery of its Ampera extended-range hybrid to customers. The plug-in gas-electric hatchbacks have already arrived at dealers across Europe, but the automaker wants to ensure the vehicles' batteries are safe even in the event of an accident. The delay comes on the heels of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluation which saw its Chevrolet Volt twin catch fire three weeks after a series of crash tests. Since the Volt and Ampera are mechanically identical, Opel says that it wants to set up a process to deal with the batteries to make sure they're safe.

Both the Volt and the Ampera are assembled at the General Motors plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, and both make use of lithium-ion batteries to power their electric motors. GM has offered to buy back any Chevrolet Volt models from owners concerned about the safety of their vehicle, but few have taken them up on the offer. The company is currently working on a solution to the fire issue, and the U.S. government is investigating why it took NHTSA so long to bring the battery pack problem to light.

Opel Ampera delayed over Chevy Volt battery fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet volt2012 opel amperaamperachevroletchevrolet voltdelayNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsaopelopel amperaopel ampera delayvoltvolt batteryMon, 12 Dec 2011 16:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20126314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/opel-ampera-delayed-over-chevy-volt-battery-fears/20126314/article-detail.xml 20126314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/opel-ampera-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/opel-ampera-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM may redesign Chevy Volt battery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/gm-may-redesign-chevy-volt-battery/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/gm-may-redesign-chevy-volt-battery/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/gm-may-redesign-chevy-volt-battery/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt emblem

Automotive News reports General Motors may redesign the battery pack found in the Chevrolet Volt in response to an investigation by federal authorities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that in certain crash situations in which the Volt suffered a side impact, the battery pack could catch fire after sitting for several days. In response, GM has offered around 5,500 Volt customers a loaner vehicle until a solution to the issue can be determined. Now, CEO Dan Akerson has said that the battery pack may receive a redesign.

In addition, GM won't sell the Volt's European corporate cousin, the Opel Ampera, until the issue can be resolved. Akerson reiterated that the Volt is a safe car, pointing to the vehicle's excellent crash test ratings. Those buyers who have brought the Volt home have been plenty satisfied with the vehicle as well, with Consumer Reports reporting 93 percent of Volt owners would purchase the vehicle again.

GM may redesign Chevy Volt battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt battery packfiresvehicle firevoltvolt battery packvolt fireThu, 01 Dec 2011 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118909/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/gm-may-redesign-chevy-volt-battery/20118909/article-detail.xml 20118909 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/chevrolet-volt-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/chevrolet-volt-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA releases Chevy Volt fire investigation details]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/nhtsa-releases-chevy-volt-fire-investigation-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/nhtsa-releases-chevy-volt-fire-investigation-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/nhtsa-releases-chevy-volt-fire-investigation-details/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a statement on its investigation into a Chevrolet Volt fire that occurred at the organization's facilities. NHTSA had done a side-impact test on a Volt then parked it outside, and three weeks later Chevy's plug-in hybrid caught fire. The battery was determined to be the cause, after its coolant line was ruptured during the side-impact test. That led the NHTSA to consider a ruling forcing hybrid and electric-car batteries to be drained after a wreck.

On Friday, NHTSA said it is opening "a formal safety defect investigation" to study the risks of fire in Chevy Volts that have been in major accidents. To be clear, though, the larger story is that this isn't just about the Volt, this is about any vehicle with a battery pack, with NHTSA gathering "additional information about the potential for fire in electric vehicles involved in a crash...."

NHTSA conducted three more tests on the Volt's battery packs over three days, each test involving damaging the pack and rotating the car to simulate an accident and rollover. The battery pack in the third test began to smoke and spark almost immediately, the pack in the second test caught fire a week later. It is due to these results that the formal investigation has been opened. Follow the jump for NHTSA's complete statement.

Continue reading NHTSA releases Chevy Volt fire investigation details

NHTSA releases Chevy Volt fire investigation details originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltchevrolet voltchevrolet volt fireNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsavoltvolt fireSat, 26 Nov 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20114715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/26/nhtsa-releases-chevy-volt-fire-investigation-details/20114715/article-detail.xml 20114715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevyvoltfirenhtsarul_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevyvoltfirenhtsarul.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy dealers now authorized to sell Volt demo units]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/chevy-dealers-now-authorized-to-sell-volt-demo-units/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/chevy-dealers-now-authorized-to-sell-volt-demo-units/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/chevy-dealers-now-authorized-to-sell-volt-demo-units/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The year is quickly winding to a close, and General Motors is taking steps to ensure that the automaker meets its goal of selling 10,000 Chevrolet Volt units. The company has given its dealers the go-ahead to sell their Volt demo vehicles, thereby greatly increasing the availability of the plug-in. In the past, GM has required its Chevrolet dealers to keep at least one Volt model on the lot to show off to potential customers. Dropping that requirement will see the number of available Volt models swell by 2,300 units, according to Automotive News.

As of the end of October, GM has managed to move just 5,003 Volt units this year. That's a far cry from GM CEO Dan Akerson's 10,000-unit goal. The company says that in addition to the demo vehicles, the automaker has an extra 1,800 Volt models in transit to dealers right now, which brings the total number of available vehicles to 4,100. Even if GM dealers manage to find homes for all of those plug-in hybrids in just two months, the company would still miss its target by almost 800 units.

Chevy dealers now authorized to sell Volt demo units originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltakersonchevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet volt demo vehicledemo vehiclegeneral motorsgmvoltTue, 08 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20101357/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/chevy-dealers-now-authorized-to-sell-volt-demo-units/20101357/article-detail.xml 20101357 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevrolet-volt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chevrolet-volt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac Converj gets production green light again?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/cadillac-converj-gets-production-green-light-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/cadillac-converj-gets-production-green-light-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/12/cadillac-converj-gets-production-green-light-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cadillac Converj concept

Unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Cadillac Converj concept is perhaps General Motors most on-again, off-again vehicle in recent years. Based on the Chevrolet Volt, the Converj is a plug-in hybrid coupe with chiseled lines and a Wreath and Crest badge.

This production/non-production saga continues with Green Car Reports claiming "an inside source at General Motors" has confirmed the Converj is back on, meaning Cadillac is gearing up to launch the plug-in hybrid in 2013 or 2014. GCR's source says the production Converj - likely to end up with a three-letter model designation - will get a "generation 1.5 Voltec" propulsion system. If true, then the extended-range coupe will feature a slightly modified version of the powertrain that currently resides in all Chevy Volts.

We certainly have our doubts on this one, but there are two reasons to keep hope alive that the Converj will indeed make it to production. First, Green Car Reports told AutoblogGreen that the unnamed source, "has been completely on the money in the past." Second, a plug-in Cadillac makes more financial sense than a Chevy Volt. We'll wait for word from GM before we know if we should be waving hello or goodbye to the Converj this time around.

Cadillac Converj gets production green light again? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac converjchevroletchevrolet voltconverjconverj conceptelectric vehiclegeneral motorsgmplug-in hybridvoltFri, 12 Aug 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20016218/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/12/cadillac-converj-gets-production-green-light-again/20016218/article-detail.xml 20016218 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/converj_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/converj.png -1 2