Ampera

Think James Garner in "Grand Prix," only quieter.

The Chevrolet Volt may not be selling well, but it's one of the most lauded cars in history. Today the plug-in hybrid was named the 2012 European Car of the Year, an award it will share with its European fraternal twin, the Opel Ampera.

Americans have our own ideas about what a police cruiser should be: big, fast, menacing. The kind of vehicle that you can't mistake pulling up behind you on the freeway, and with enough muscle to chase you down should your foot get a little heavier than it should. But overseas, police vehicles are a little more...timid. In Europe, law enforcement typically use smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. So why not a plug-in hybrid?

Automotive News reports that, as suspected, 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

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 Zach Bowman

The Opel Ampera may be very similar to the Chevy Volt under the skin, but a lot of people in the U.S. would argue that the Euro-plug-in's skin is far more attractive. Apparently a lot of Europeans agree.

The Vauxhall Ampera, a vehicle that General Motors describes as Europe's only "zero range anxiety" electric, has been named the Green Car of the Year 2011 by What Car?, one of the UK's leading consumer-focused motoring magazine.

Spiegel Online set the rumormill ablaze with an unconfirmed report that General Motors is seeking some sort of cooperative deal with German automaker BMW. Speigel says The General's interest in BMW is primarily related to the German firm's gasoline and diesel engine technology.

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has apparently ruffled some feathers at General Motors. The American automaker took the time to release a scornful statement about the VW executive's comments toward the beleaguered Eureopean brand, Opel. Apparently, Winterkorn took the time to

Last March, rental agency Europcar, pre-ordered 500 electric vehicles from Renault to add to its fleets in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Now, Europcar is back at it again. This time 'round, the rental agency has announced that it will add an undisclosed amount of the "go a