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[2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

When General Motors announced pricing for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt last week, one new technical detail grabbed some attention. Vehicle line director Tony Posawatz was apparently the first exec to mention to the press that the range-extending engine in the Volt had been calibrated to run on premium gasoline.

There have been some question about what happens if you put regular gas in the tank and whether that would damage the engine. GM powertrain spokesman Tom Read confirmed to Autoblog that the Volt's 1.4-liter inline-four is equipped with a block-mounted knock sensor like virtually every other modern engine. The engine is calibrated for premium with extra spark advance to optimize the efficiency and output of the engine. If regular gas is used, the knock sensor will adjust the spark advance to prevent engine damage. Premium gas also reportedly has a longer shelf life than regular, which could be an issue for Volt drivers who maximize their plug-in's electric capability by using as little gasoline as possible.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Facebook, General Motors]

2011 Chevrolet Volt has knock sensor, can run on regular gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltknock sensorKnockSensorvolt knock sensorVoltKnockSensorTue, 03 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19579857/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/03/2011-chevrolet-volt-has-knock-sensor-can-run-on-regular-gas/19579857/article-detail.xml 19579857 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2011chevyvolt1qd034-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/2011chevyvolt1qd034-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Rush Limbaugh tears into Chevy Volt, <strike>fails to understand how it works</strike> <i>[*Updated]</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It has long been apparent that the more successful a talk radio host is, the less relevant the facts become. Case in point is this week's apparent tirade by Rush Limbaugh against the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. No doubt the Volt's sticker price came in higher than most of us had hoped at $41,000, and Limbaugh may have had a slight point there. However, suggesting that the federal $7,500 tax credit for plug-in vehicles like the Volt and the Nissan Leaf was there as an admission that no one wants these vehicles strikes us as disingenuous at best, especially when you recall the tax write-offs that were available to people buying Hummers and other large SUVs just a few years ago. As far as we know, Limbaugh also made no mention of the more palatable $350-per-month lease deal available for the Volt.

The Detroit Free Press reported that Limbaugh also ripped into the Volt's 40 mile range, implying that the 40 miles of range from the battery is all that is available. He was either unaware of or chose to ignore the fact that in charge-sustaining mode, the car's onboard engine-generator can keep the battery going for another 300 miles on a tank of gas. If you don't have time to sit around while the battery charges, you can just take a couple of minutes to fill the tank and be on your way again, just as you would in a normal car.

Perhaps we should just give Limbaugh the benefit of the doubt and assume his cochlear implant was on the fritz.

*Update: When this story was originally posted, we were unable to find a transcript online. After reviewing the transcript post-publication, it's clear that the Detroit Free Press took Limbaugh's comments out of context just as much of the media did last week in the case of Shirley Sharrod. Limbaugh is clearly aware of the range-extending capabilities of the Volt powertrain, although he didn't make any mention of the lease deal.

Until a caller informed Limbaugh of the Department of Energy-funded Charge Point America program, he was apparently unaware that over 4,000 free home 240-volt chargers would be available. However, the reality is that the Volt can be charged from a standard 110 volt outlet in 8-10 hours because of its smaller capacity batteries. Speaking of its range, the continual harping on the 40 mile range neglects the fact that for the vast majority of trips that will be perfectly adequate and the car can continue on after that on gasoline essentially without driver input.

From where we sit, comparisons of the Volt (and other EVs) to the Apple iPhone are also flawed. At launch, the iPhone did not have a carrier subsidy from AT&T and while it did well, sales didn't really take off until a few months later when the service provider cut the cost. Those subsidies have been more than recovered by AT&T (and other cellular companies) through very expensive smartphone service plans. The groundbreaking aspect of the iPhone was its software, not its hardware which was not significantly more expensive than other phones. While it remains to be seen if battery-powered vehicles can change the game, there is no argument that they are currently substantially more expensive to manufacture. As long as the United States has significantly lower gasoline prices than other countries, EVs are unlikely to thrive at their true cost.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Sources: Detroit Free Press, RushLimbaugh.com]

Report: Rush Limbaugh tears into Chevy Volt, fails to understand how it works [*Updated] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volt2011Voltanti volt tiradeAntiVoltTiradechevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet volt pricechevrolet volt pricingChevroletVoltChevroletVoltPriceChevroletVoltPricingchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltconservative radioConservativeRadiolimbaughradio hostRadioHostRushrush limbaughrush limbaugh volt tiradeRushLimbaughRushLimbaughVoltTiradetalk show hostTalkShowHostvoltvolt pricevolt pricingVoltPriceVoltPricingThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19573313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/29/report-rush-limbaugh-tears-into-chevy-volt-fails-to-understand/19573313/article-detail.xml 19573313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/page1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/page1.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-priced-at-41-000-or-350-month-for-3-year-lease/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors' recently hired vice-president for sales and marketing Joel Ewanick took the stage at the Plug-In 2010 conference in San Jose, CA today and finally revealed that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will have a base price of $41,000 (including a $720 destination charge) before federal and state tax incentives. While GM hasn't gone as aggressive as most people had hoped on the sticker price, the real deal appears to be the $350 per month for 36 months lease. That matches the monthly payment that Nissan is charging for the Leaf EV.

The effective purchase price of the Volt will be cut to $33,500 with a $7,500 federal tax credit (hence the asterisk in the title), but buyers will have to finance the $41,000 and get the credit back on their next tax return. Lease customers will have the credit factored in to their payment. The Volt lease requires a $2,500 down payment (vs $2,000 for the Leaf), but GM is including a clause in the lease contract that allows leasers to buy the car at the end of their term so that the automaker don't have another standoff with customers like it did with the all-electric EV1. Follow the jump to learn more about the Volt's price and how the order process will go, but first take our informal poll below.

View Poll




Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease

2011 Chevrolet Volt priced at $41,000* or $350/month for three-year lease originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Volt in 'Victory Red' - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember how big a deal General Motors made about the upcoming 2011 Chevy Volt's supposed 230 mile per gallon EPA fuel mileage rating? Well, you can now forget about it. According to USA Today, the Feds have decided not to use the preliminary testing procedure that produced that mythical 230 mpg figure, and a new methodology for rating electric vehicles has yet to be finalized. Don't expect a revised mileage figure any time soon. In fact, an actual mpg equivalent rating may not come until the Volt is just about ready to hit the market at the end of the year.

This revelation was revealed this afternoon during an event at GM's Michigan battery plant in Brownstown Township, and we were in attendance. When we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of the first-ever red Chevrolet Volt. This "Victory Red" example is one of between 30 and 40 manufacturing validation vehicles built so far at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. Those cars were preceded by about three dozen production verification cars built since late March of this year. This particular example was built about one week ago.

In the next two to three weeks, General Motors will start building so-called "salable" Volts that will go into the captured test fleet for GM employees to accumulate miles and catch any last minute glitches before the cars enter full production in November.

What do you think - does Victory Red suit the Volt? Have your say in 'Comments.'


Gallery: Chevrolet Volt in 'Victory Red'


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: USA Today]

Chevrolet Volt will not be rated at 230 mpg; Victory Red paint debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brownstown townshipBrownstownTownshipchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletCamaroChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVolteRevfeaturedred chevy voltRedChevyVoltVoltWed, 14 Jul 2010 18:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19554541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/14/chevrolet-volt-loses-230-mpg-rating-victory-red-debuts/19554541/article-detail.xml 19554541 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-630-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-630-lead.jpg <![CDATA[General Motors announces 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for Chevy Volt battery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt battery pack - Click above for high-res image gallery

During a media briefing at its Brownstown Township, MI battery plant this afternoon, General Motors Vice Chairman Tom Stephens announced that the lithium ion battery pack for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt would be warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. Since the beginning of the program, it has been General Motors' intention to develop the battery pack to last for the life of the vehicle.

Despite the fact that the Volt is considered an electric car by GM, the presence of an on-board gas engine for range-extending means that the EPA and California Air Resources Board consider the battery to be part of the car's emissions control system. As a result, it is subject to the same regulations as parts like a catalytic converter, and therefore, it must have the eight-year warranty.

GM has released some additional specifications on the battery pack. In its final production form, 95 percent of the components were designed and developed in-house by GM, it weighs in at 400 pounds and has an output of 110 kilowatts. Internally, the water-cooled pack consists of 288 LG Chem lithium polymer cells. Over the next few months, GM will be ramping up the production rate at Brownstown in preparation for the start of Volt production this Fall.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt battery pack

General Motors announces 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for Chevy Volt battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery warrantyBatteryWarrantybreakingchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batterylithium ion battery warrantyLithium-Ionlithium-ion-batteriesLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryLithiumIonBatteryWarrantyvoltvoltecWed, 14 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19554587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/14/general-motors-announces-8-year-100-000-mile-warranty-for-volt-b/19554587/article-detail.xml 19554587 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2--chevrolet-volt-battery-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2--chevrolet-volt-battery-copy.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: 10,000 Chevrolet Volts in 2011, 30,000 in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

During a live video webchat this afternoon, Tony DiSalle, marketing director for the Chevrolet Volt, announced the production volumes for the first two years. General Motors plans to build 10,000 Volts by the end of the 2011 calendar year, with another 30,000 units coming in 2012. There will be a relatively slow production ramp up during the first year as the automaker learns to build the Volt as well as well as picking up lessons from cars in the field.

Chevrolet dealers will have to meet some minimum qualifications in order to sell the Volt. For instance, every dealer authorized to sell the Volt will have to maintain at least one demonstrator vehicle in stock so that potential customers can test drive it. Those same dealers will also have to install a 240 volt home charging station so that the cars have a full battery and customers can try it out. Beyond the dealers that sell Volts in the initial retail markets, GM will also assign dealers in other parts of the country to service the Volt if needed.

Unlike the Nissan Leaf, customers will not have to get pre-qualified to buy a Volt by having access to 240 volt home charging. Anyone can walk into a Volt authorized dealer and buy one (assuming they have the money!) even if they live in an apartment. Of course, getting the most out of a Volt will require access to a plug, but that is the customers' choice.


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: General Motors]

BREAKING: 10,000 Chevrolet Volts in 2011, 30,000 in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltbreakingbreaking newsbreaking+newsBreakingNewschevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt marketingchevy volt productionChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltMarketingChevyVoltProductiontony disalleTonyDisallevoltThu, 01 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19539110/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/01/breaking-10-000-chevrolet-volts-in-2011-30-000-in-2012/19539110/article-detail.xml 19539110 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/volt-new-official-pics02-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/volt-new-official-pics02-630.jpg <![CDATA[Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept, HHR goes future tech]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/23/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-concept-hhr-goes-future-tech/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/23/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-concept-hhr-goes-future-tech/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/23/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-concept-hhr-goes-future-tech/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Chrysler has failed to find a way to update or replace the retro-styled PT Cruiser, we can definitely see this as a forthcoming replacement to the Chevrolet HHR. The Volt MPV5 is slightly larger than HHR, but fills a similar market niche. While Chevrolet hasn't announced a firm production commitment, it wouldn't be surprising to see the MPV5 built in both conventional and ER-EV forms to help jack up GM's light truck CAFE numbers. The roomy interior will likely find a bigger audience than the smaller Volt while still yielding a 32 mile electric range, and if we had to guess, we'd see the Orlando-inspired plug-in EV hit the market by 2013.


Gallery: Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept


Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept, HHR goes future tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beijingbeijing 2010beijing motor showBeijing2010BeijingAutoShowBeijingMotorShowchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt mpv5Chevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltMpv5Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19451322/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/23/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-concept-hhr-goes-future-tech/19451322/article-detail.xml 19451322 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/volt-mpv5-1280-01-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/volt-mpv5-1280-01-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 crossover revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/22/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-crossover-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/22/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-crossover-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/22/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-crossover-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The rumored extended range electric crossover we saw revealed in General Motors' design patent drawings is now a reality. The Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept will make its debut tomorrow at the Beijing Motor Show, and just as we suspected from seeing Volt design chief Bob Boniface's name on the patent, this five-passenger crossover rides on the same Voltec architecture as the Volt.

The new Chevrolet concept integrates design elements from the Volt, including the headlight, taillamps and grille, with a five-door hatch body style very similar to the larger Orlando and a length about four inches longer than the current HHR.

Propulsion comes from the same 150 horsepower engine and 16 kilowatt-hour battery used in the Volt. However, its larger frontal area and increased drag mean that this one only has a 32-mile electric range as opposed to the Volt's 40 miles. The Crossover has full seating for five and 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats. The dashboard appears to be lifted directly from the Volt, including the dual LCD displays. We wouldn't be at all surprised to see this as the second Voltec product in the GM North American lineup. If built, this would likely be classed as a light truck and do wonders for GM's CAFE numbers on that side of the business.


Gallery: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 crossover revealed

Beijing 2010: Chevrolet Volt MPV5 crossover revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beijingbeijing 2010beijing motor showBeijing2010BeijingAutoShowBeijingMotorShowchevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet volt mpv5 conceptChevroletVoltChevroletVoltMpv5Conceptchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltvolt crossovervolt mpv5 conceptVoltCrossoverVoltMpv5ConceptThu, 22 Apr 2010 13:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19450553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/22/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-crossover-revealed/19450553/article-detail.xml 19450553 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/chevyvoltmpv5exterior01-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/chevyvoltmpv5exterior01-630.jpg <![CDATA[EPA still not settled on MPG labels for plug-ins, Volt unlikely to get 230 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/epa-still-not-settled-on-mpg-labels-for-plug-ins-volt-unlikely/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/epa-still-not-settled-on-mpg-labels-for-plug-ins-volt-unlikely/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/epa-still-not-settled-on-mpg-labels-for-plug-ins-volt-unlikely/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Last week at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit, we spoke with Dr. Pete Savagian of General Motors about what the Chevrolet Volt's fuel economy sticker would look like. Last summer former GM CEO Fritz Henderson made a big splash when he announced that the Volt was getting approximately 230 miles-per-gallon combined. However, that number was based on a draft proposal by the EPA for a testing methodology for plug-in vehicles.

That proposal has never been made public, although it was believed to include running through the 11-mile test cycle repeatedly until the battery was depleted and then going through the cycle once more. The fuel consumption was then calculated based on the fuel used and the total miles driven. The 230 mpg figure drew a lot of criticism as being unrealistic, and for many drivers it would be. For others who drive short distances and charge regularly, it could actually be a conservative figure.

With only six months to go until Volt production begins, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the EPA still has not finalized the mileage calculation procedure for these vehicles. The results you get are highly dependent on the driving duty cycle and a panel discussion at the SAE Congress on the subject of ratings did little to clarify the subject. GM's Savagian is confident that the EPA will finalize a test and labeling procedure soon, however. And they'd better, because by law, all new cars are required to carry a MPG sticker.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

EPA still not settled on MPG labels for plug-ins, Volt unlikely to get 230 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt mileagechevy volt mpgChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltMileageChevyVoltMpgenvironmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepafuel economy ratingsfuel economy standardsFuelEconomyRatingsFuelEconomyStandardsmileage stickerMileageStickermonroneyMPGmpg stickerMpgStickervoltvolt mileagevolt mpgVoltMileageVoltMpgwindow stickerWindowStickerTue, 20 Apr 2010 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19446693/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/epa-still-not-settled-on-mpg-labels-for-plug-ins-volt-unlikely/19446693/article-detail.xml 19446693 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/chevyvolt230mpg02opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/chevyvolt230mpg02opt.jpg <![CDATA[Voltec-powered Chevy crossover concept to debut in Beijing?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/voltec-powered-chevy-crossover-concept-to-debut-in-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/voltec-powered-chevy-crossover-concept-to-debut-in-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/19/voltec-powered-chevy-crossover-concept-to-debut-in-beijing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chevrolet Voltec CUV design patent - Click above for high-res image gallery

The media previews for the 2010 Beijing Motor Show are happening at the end of this week, and assuming a certain Icelandic volcano doesn't upset the atmosphere any further, we expect to be on hand. One of the many possible debuts is a new Chevrolet-badged MPV concept. What may make this vehicle particularly interesting is that it is said to be propelled by the same Voltec extended-range EV powertrain used in the Volt.

How might one reach this conclusion? Well, the design patent that was issued last week for the vehicle indicates that one of the credits is given to Bob Boniface, the design manager that led the development of the original Volt concept as well as the production Volt and Opel Ampera. The association with Boniface as well as some of the design details imply that this new vehicle will be an ER-EV. It's also worth noting that the shape of the headlamps and taillamps as well as other elements of the front fascia seem to be lifted directly from the Volt. A very similar looking vehicle appeared briefly in a GM video released last summer alongside the forthcoming production Chevrolet Orlando and featured the same blocked-off grille used on the Volt. This vehicle appears to be smaller than the Orlando and would likely be a roomier five-seat alternative to the Volt.


[Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, via GM Inside News]

Voltec-powered Chevy crossover concept to debut in Beijing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beijingbeijing auto showbeijing motor showBeijing2010BeijingAutoShowBeijingMotorShowchevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet voltec cuv conceptChevroletVoltChevroletVoltecCuvConceptchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgmvoltvoltecvoltec cuv conceptvoltec drivetrainvoltec mpvvoltec orlandovoltec powertrainVoltecCuvConceptVoltecDrivetrainVoltecMpvVoltecOrlandoVoltecPowertrainMon, 19 Apr 2010 18:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19444448/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/19/voltec-powered-chevy-crossover-concept-to-debut-in-beijing/19444448/article-detail.xml 19444448 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/voltec-cuv-2-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/voltec-cuv-2-630.jpg <![CDATA[GM updates us on the Chevrolet Volt's battery and powertrain development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/gm-updates-us-on-the-chevrolet-volts-battery-and-powertrain-dev/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/gm-updates-us-on-the-chevrolet-volts-battery-and-powertrain-dev/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/gm-updates-us-on-the-chevrolet-volts-battery-and-powertrain-dev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

General Motors has provided another of its regular updates on the development of the Chevrolet Volt, focusing on its battery and powertrain. With a little over six months to go until the first production model rolls off the line, GM says it is making rapid progress on getting the Volt ready for final validation and certification. Over the past several months, the engineers have been accumulating test miles on the 80 pre-production IVER cars that were built last summer. The fleet has now accumulated over 500,000 miles, with some of the cars having run upwards of 20,000 miles while completing the durability tests.

The durability test cycle is an accelerated test that replicates the wear and tear that typically happens to a car over its lifecycle. According to chief engineer Andrew Farah, the Volt prototypes have met all their goals in both durability and performance. Farah told the attendees that the Volts are regularly hitting the 40-mile electric range target during normal driving, even at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Read more about the Volt's status after the jump.


Gallery: April 2010 Chevy Volt update


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading GM updates us on the Chevrolet Volt's battery and powertrain development

GM updates us on the Chevrolet Volt's battery and powertrain development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew farahAndrewFarahchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVolte-reveRevextended-rangeGM voltGmVoltmickey blyMickeyBlyvoltTue, 13 Apr 2010 11:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19436452/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/13/gm-updates-us-on-the-chevrolet-volts-battery-and-powertrain-dev/19436452/article-detail.xml 19436452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Spotted in Detroit: Pre-production 2011 Chevrolet Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/spotted-in-detroit-pre-production-2011-chevrolet-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/spotted-in-detroit-pre-production-2011-chevrolet-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/spotted-in-detroit-pre-production-2011-chevrolet-volt/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've still got about six and a half months until the official Job One production date for the Chevrolet Volt, but GM's plug-in savior is popping up on the streets around Detroit. Most of the Volts spotted in public are from the fleet of 80 IVER prototypes GM built last summer; cars with unpainted black bumpers and primer gray finishes. A few of those mules have been completely trimmed out for use as demonstrators such as the one we drove last December.

This weekend a camera crew from Detroit's Channel 7 News spotted one of these finished cars. We can't tell from these photos if this is one of the IVERs or one of the new production validation cars that started rolling out of the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant a couple of weeks ago. Either way, every time we see a Volt in the wild, it feels a bit more real. A tip of the hat to Vince!

Update: Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah checked the plate number on the car in the pics and verified that it is in fact one of the first vehicles built off the Hamtramck assembly line.

[Source: WXYZ.com]

Spotted in Detroit: Pre-production 2011 Chevrolet Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltspyspy shotspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsMon, 12 Apr 2010 08:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19434656/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/12/spotted-in-detroit-pre-production-2011-chevrolet-volt/19434656/article-detail.xml 19434656 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/volt-on-the-street_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/volt-on-the-street.jpg <![CDATA[LG Chem to build lithium ion cell factory in Holland, MI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/14/lg-chem-to-build-lithium-ion-cell-factory-in-holland-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/14/lg-chem-to-build-lithium-ion-cell-factory-in-holland-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/14/lg-chem-to-build-lithium-ion-cell-factory-in-holland-mi/#comments

LG Chem has made it official. The South Korean manufacturer is moving forward with plans to start production of lithium ion cells in Michigan. LG Chem and its U.S. subsidiary, Compact Power Inc. (CPI), will spend $303 million to build the cell plant in Holland, on the west side of the state. By 2013, the facility figures to employ over 400 people. Groundbreaking will take place this summer, with the factory scheduled to be fully operational by 2012. At full production, the plant will have enough capacity to produce cells for 50,000 to 200,000 battery packs, depending on the configuration (E-REV vs PHEV).

LG Chem already has supply agreements in place with two major automakers, General Motors and Hyundai-Kia. Hyundai is using LG Chem cells and battery packs in the Korean-market Elantra hybrid, along with sister company Kia's Forte hybrid. Hyundai will launch the Sonata hybrid in the U.S. market later this year. General Motors uses LG Chem cells in a pack of its own design for the Chevrolet Volt. It'll also use the same cells in packs manufactured by CPI for an as-yet-unnamed plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the current two-mode system.

Along with the $700 million being invested by GM in assembly and systems manufacturing for the Volt in Michigan, this new LG Chem investment brings the total to over $1 billion. Much of the funding for the LG Chem plant will come from federal and state incentives, including a $151 million grant that CPI received last year as part of the stimulus bill. LG Chem will contribute matching funds to the program.

LG Chem joins A123 Systems and Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) in manufacturing lithium ion batteries in Michigan. The JCS factory is also in Holland, while A123 is setting up shop closer to Detroit in Livonia. Check out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: LG Chem]

Continue reading LG Chem to build lithium ion cell factory in Holland, MI

LG Chem to build lithium ion cell factory in Holland, MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltcompact power incCompactPowerIncHyundaihyundai elantra hybridhyundai sonata hybridhyundai Sonata hybrid 2011HyundaiElantraHybridHyundaiSonataHybridHyundaiSonataHybrid2011kia forte hybridKiaForteHybridlg chemLgChemLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithium-IonLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatterySun, 14 Mar 2010 15:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19397258/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/14/lg-chem-to-build-lithium-ion-cell-factory-in-holland-mi/19397258/article-detail.xml 19397258 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gm-battery-lab-630-38_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gm-battery-lab-630-38.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept glides on stage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-opel-flextreme-gt-e-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-opel-flextreme-gt-e-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-opel-flextreme-gt-e-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The highlight of the Opel stand at the Geneva Motor Show this week is clearly the new Flextreme GT/E concept. This second Flextreme-badged concept is the first midsize car to be powered by General Motors' Voltec powertrain as used in the Chevrolet Volt. The GT/E is just a couple of inches shorter than the Insignia/Regal, but Opel claims it matches the 40 mile electric driving range of the Volt/Ampera.

The same 1.4-liter inline-four gasoline fueled range extender is used along with the 16 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack. However, the designers have taken the lessons learned from the Volt program about how aerodynamics can extend the electric driving range and applied them even more aggressively to the new concept.

The mirror-less GT/E has a drag coefficient of just 0.22 - aided in no small part by a reduced frontal area and vertical fins that can extend out of the body work at speeds over 30 mph to effectively extend the tail and control turbulence behind the car. The Volt has been carefully shaped at rear corners to manage this air-flow, but the new Flextreme adds active aerodynamics to take it to the next level.

The concept also aggressively goes after weight savings with extensive use of carbon fiber, although Opel isn't specifying a mass for this one-off concept. What they are specifying is fuel consumption of 147 miles per gallon (U.S.). How they came to this number remains as mysterious as the magical 230 mpg touted last year for the Volt.


Gallery: Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept glides on stage

Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept glides on stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltgenevageneva 2010geneva auto showGeneva Motor ShowGeneva2010GenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowopelopel flextremeopel flextreme conceptOpel Flextreme GTEOpel Flextreme GTE conceptOpelFlextremeOpelFlextremeConceptOpelFlextremeGteOpelFlextremeGteConceptvoltecvoltec powertrainVoltecPowertrainWed, 03 Mar 2010 13:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19380984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-opel-flextreme-gt-e-concept/19380984/article-detail.xml 19380984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01opelflextremegtelive-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/01opelflextremegtelive-630.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Chevy Volt appears in order schedule, Job 1 set for November 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/06/2011-chevy-volt-appears-in-order-schedule-job-1-set-for-novembe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/06/2011-chevy-volt-appears-in-order-schedule-job-1-set-for-novembe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/06/2011-chevy-volt-appears-in-order-schedule-job-1-set-for-novembe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Up until now, General Motors has remained deliberately vague in public about the scheduled Job 1 date for Chevrolet Volt production. Given the complexity and new technology involved in the program, the automaker's reluctance is understandable. After all when you don't know what the future holds or what problems will crop up, you don't want to put a misleading date out there, years in advance.

Internal schedules, on the other hand, are something else altogether. Every program needs to have deadlines so that people know how much time and resources to allot for a given task. Those internal gantt charts have undoubtedly had the magic Volt Job 1 date on them for several years. Among the stakeholders that need to when a vehicle will launch are the dealers that have to schedule orders for inventory. Around about this time of year, automakers usually brief dealers on when the current model year vehicles will end production and new ones will start.

With less than ten months to go, GM has set November 1, 2010 as the Chevrolet Volt Job 1 date on the production start list for dealers. By September, dealerships will need to start giving GM an indication of how many Volts they want to order so that the head office can determine allocations. Interestingly, the GM chart indicates that dealers won't know their allocations until two weeks after production starts, and won't be able to start placing orders until then. Typically, those last two items happen about two months before production starts. The timing for the Volt production kickoff is still far enough out that those dates may yet change in the months to come.

A final item of interest is that the Cruze, which was originally slated to launch in April and subsequently pushed back to September, is listed as TBD.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: GM-Volt.com]

2011 Chevy Volt appears in order schedule, Job 1 set for November 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy cruze2011 chevy volt2011 chevy volt mileage2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyCruze2011ChevyVolt2011ChevyVoltMileagechevroletChevrolet Voltchevrolet volt job 1ChevroletVoltChevroletVoltJob1chevychevy voltchevy volt job 1chevy volt productionChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltJob1ChevyVoltProductionSat, 06 Feb 2010 17:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19347680/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/06/2011-chevy-volt-appears-in-order-schedule-job-1-set-for-novembe/19347680/article-detail.xml 19347680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[General Motors builds first Volt battery pack on production line [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/general-motors-builds-first-volt-battery-pack-on-production-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/general-motors-builds-first-volt-battery-pack-on-production-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/general-motors-builds-first-volt-battery-pack-on-production-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

First Volt battery pack of the line - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was exactly three years ago today that the original Chevrolet Volt concept rolled onto the stage at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Last summer, we visited a facility in Brownstown Township, MI that General Motors had chosen to manufacture battery packs for the production Chevrolet Volt. In the intervening five months, GM has been busy installing assembly equipment in the formerly empty building and today GM invited the media back to Brownstown to watch the first "official" pack roll down the assembly line.

Starting today, the battery packs are full production-spec units, but GM engineers are still tweaking the management software in an attempt to maximize range and lifespan. Between now and November, the plant will be producing several hundred packs that will be used for a variety of development tasks. Some will be heading straight into the cyclers at the test lab in Warren, MI, while the the rest will be going into the pilot and production verification Volts that will begin rolling out of the Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant by April. More details after the jump.


Gallery: First production Volt battery pack off the line


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors builds first Volt battery pack on production line [w/video]

General Motors builds first Volt battery pack on production line [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011brownstownchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm batteriesgm batterygm battery packgm battery plantGmBatteriesGmBatteryGmBatteryPackGmBatteryPlantLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithium-Ionlithium-ion-batteriesLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryvoltThu, 07 Jan 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19307583/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/07/general-motors-builds-first-volt-battery-pack-on-production-line/19307583/article-detail.xml 19307583 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/votlbattpackfirst000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/votlbattpackfirst000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM: Chevy Volt Dance a major marketing gaffe? Sure. Let's move on.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/gm-chevy-volt-dance-a-major-marketing-gaffe-sure-lets-move-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/gm-chevy-volt-dance-a-major-marketing-gaffe-sure-lets-move-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/gm-chevy-volt-dance-a-major-marketing-gaffe-sure-lets-move-o/#commentsIt's no secret that General Motors' Chevrolet Volt song and dance (ignoring the obvious jokes here...) have brought the automaker's marketing department some much-deserved flack. In case you've been living under a rock for the past few days, we'll recap: GM commissioned a song to explain some of the finer points of how the Volt's high-tech powertrain functions and later decided to add a dance routine to the jingle and let it loose on an unsuspecting public at the LA Auto Show.

According to Green Car Reports, the song was initially written for kids aged seven to 12 years old but wasn't quite ready in time for GM to use it during presentations given to 120 schools. Instead, the decision was made to add an ill-fated dance routine just ahead of the LA Show's public access days. Making matters worse is news that former marketing head Bob Lutz originally wanted to borrow the song "Electric Car" from They Might Be Giants. We figure GM would have been much better off going that route.

As irritating as it may be, is the Chevy Volt Dance really that big of a deal? While we'd argue that it shouldn't be, the real answer apparently depends on whom you ask. Fox News seems to think it's pretty horrible and GM's latest recently-appointed head marketer Susan Docherty responded, "Our Chevrolet Volt advertising, marketing and go to market strategy will be as innovative as the car. We may have missed on this one, but we won't going forward." We agree... it's officially time to move on. (Unless you haven't seen the offending dance yet - and that's available for viewing after the jump).

[Sources: GM-Volt.com, Green Car Reports]

Continue reading GM: Chevy Volt Dance a major marketing gaffe? Sure. Let's move on.

GM: Chevy Volt Dance a major marketing gaffe? Sure. Let's move on. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt dancechevy volt songchevy volt song and danceChevy-VoltChevyVoltChevyVoltDanceChevyVoltSongChevyVoltSongAndDancegmsusan dochertySusanDochertyvolt dancevolt songVoltDanceVoltSongThu, 17 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19285189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/17/gm-chevy-volt-dance-a-major-marketing-gaffe-sure-lets-move-o/19285189/article-detail.xml 19285189 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/fox-news-volt-dancers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/fox-news-volt-dancers.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/detroit-preview-next-generation-chevrolet-aveo-rs-to-appear-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/detroit-preview-next-generation-chevrolet-aveo-rs-to-appear-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/detroit-preview-next-generation-chevrolet-aveo-rs-to-appear-at/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

On Wednesday night, Chevrolet held a media preview in Motown to discuss and show off some of what will be coming up at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Unfortunately, we were not allowed take any photos or video at the event, although General Motors officials did say we could write about anything that was discussed.

The presentation kicked off with an introduction to new Chevrolet general manager Jim Campbell who just assumed his role a week ago. Campbell and Mike Simcoe, director of exterior design, then spent the next half-hour showing off the same batch of new Chevrolets that we were shown in the GM design dome last August. All of these cars including the forthcoming Orlando MPV, Cruze, Camaro convertible, Volt and the all-new 2012 Malibu are promised to be in U.S. Chevrolet showrooms within the next 24 months. The Orlando remains pretty true to the 2008 concept, with the only real changes being to the details of the light clusters - just don't look for it at the Detroit show.

Anchoring the entr- level end of the Bowtie's lineup will be the Spark and Aveo. Campbell reaffirmed that the Spark will be coming to the U.S. in 2011, putting to rest - at least for the moment - rumors that the program had been canceled. The bigger news is the next Aveo which will get its first public viewing at next month's show. Read on after the jump for more details and observations.

[Image: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo

Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Chevrolet aveo2011 chevy aveo2011ChevroletAveo2011ChevyAveoaveoaveo5chevroletchevrolet aveoChevrolet Camarochevrolet cruzeChevrolet VoltChevroletAveoChevroletCamaroChevroletCruzeChevroletVoltchevychevy aveoChevy Aveo five-doorchevy aveo rsChevy Camarochevy camaro convert...chevy camaro convertiblechevy cruzechevy voltChevy-VoltChevyAveoChevyAveoFive-doorChevyAveoRsChevyCamaroChevyCamaroConvert...ChevyCamaroConvertibleChevyCruzeChevyVoltDetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowThu, 17 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19284535/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/17/detroit-preview-next-generation-chevrolet-aveo-rs-to-appear-at/19284535/article-detail.xml 19284535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011-chevy-aveo-spy-crop-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011-chevy-aveo-spy-crop-250.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-chevrolet-malibu-to-join-volt-in-detroit-hamtramck-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-chevrolet-malibu-to-join-volt-in-detroit-hamtramck-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-chevrolet-malibu-to-join-volt-in-detroit-hamtramck-plant/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

It's long been presumed that the Chevrolet Volt (and its Opel/Vauxhall Ampera twin) would not be the only car rolling out of General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant after late 2010. After all, Volt volumes are unlikely to be sufficient in the first several years to justify an entire plant. However, when a future product plant was leaked out after the 2007 UAW contract was signed, it was assumed the new Chevy Orlando would join the Volt. After all, the Orlando shares the Delta platform with the Volt and Cruze.

Following the announcement Monday of the investment in the Detroit factory to build the Volt, The Detroit News believes it has learned that the next-generation Malibu will also be built in Detroit. The new Malibu is slated to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. Current Malibu assembly takes place in Fairfax, Kansas. The General's Orion, Michigan plant had also been building the mid-sized sedan, but it is now being re-tooled build the next generation Aveo. With Fairfax now also building the Buick LaCrosse, a second plant may be needed to meet demand if the new model is successful.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Source: The Detroit News]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Chevrolet Volt2011ChevroletVoltchevroletchevrolet malibuChevrolet VoltChevroletMalibuChevroletVoltchevychevy malibuchevy voltChevy-VoltChevyMalibuChevyVoltDetroitdetroit hamtramckDetroitHamtramckHamtramckWed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19269443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/09/report-chevrolet-malibu-to-join-volt-in-detroit-hamtramck-plant/19269443/article-detail.xml 19269443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM investing $336 million in Detroit plant to build Chevrolet Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/gm-investing-336-million-in-detroit-plant-to-build-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/gm-investing-336-million-in-detroit-plant-to-build-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/gm-investing-336-million-in-detroit-plant-to-build-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Production of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt marks an important transition for General Motors. It's the first plug-in electric drive vehicle that the automaker is building for sale to anyone that wants one. No more of the limited lease-only deals that were done with the EV1 a decade ago. To demonstrate its commitment to transforming transportation, GM decided to build the Volt on its home ground right in Detroit.

Today, GM is announcing it's spending $336 million to re-tool the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to build the Volt. The factory, which had been building the Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne, is being refurbished for the Volt. GM will start building pre-pilot Volts on its assembly iine around March of 2010 to verify the production processes. The Hamtramck plant will also build the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera beginning later in 2011 for European consumption.

The Hamtramck investment is part of $700 million being invested in Michigan facilities to produce the Volt and its components. That includes a new engine line at the Flint South engine plant and the battery pack assembly plant in Brownstown Township south of Detroit.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM investing $336 million in Detroit plant to build Chevrolet Volt

GM investing $336 million in Detroit plant to build Chevrolet Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assembly plantAssemblyPlantchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltdetroit hamtramckDetroitHamtramckvolt assemblyVoltAssemblyMon, 07 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19267621/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/07/gm-investing-336-million-in-detroit-plant-to-build-volt/19267621/article-detail.xml 19267621 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2011chevyvolt_qd_000_opt.jpg -1 2