The question on everyone’s mind is will GM’s enthusiasm in its hybrid Volt be enough to save the company?
How did it all start? The Volt made it’s appearance a while back as a concept vehicle and soon was rushed into the limelight when gas prices finally peaked well over $4 a gallon. It seems Bob Lutz was behind the concept while most others were backing bigger vehicles and he believes it will happen.
What is happening now with it? With all the news of the big three in Detroit not doing so well, GM has been working overtime recruiting hybrid experienced engineers to bring about the Volt as well as having it in the news such as GM’s 100th Anniversary. Here is a quick peak.
How much will it coast? Though the company will probably lose money in it the first few years, it is estimated at $40,000. There are still many hurdles GM faces in not only selling the concept but developing it which explains why it is asking the government for help.
Hybrid is good, but a pure electric vehicle, EV Volt is better. Indeed and Lutz did mention the possibility. Will it happen? Certainly with California’s strict environmental laws, it could sway GM.
How will it work? That is a tough question. Much is being said but ultimately little is known. After GM said no to LG’s batteries. Now the Continental/A123 Systems seems the most likely candidate. And the EV range should be around EV range to only 20 to 40 miles depending on which battery pack they chose.
So is it a reality or just talk? And that is the question on everyone’s mind. The vehicle looks good on paper but is too little, too late? According to AutoBlogGreen Wall Street is very cynical thinking GM feels it can spend millions it doesn’t have into a car that will not return profits and turn around to the government for help.
Depending on where you sit, the Volt is either the greatest thing to happen in the US or a lot of talk with little to show for. News of it being downgraded from its original specs to less than 300 miles cannot help. And at the rate things are going, it should be here in 2010.
Confused? So is everyone else. On the one hand, GM is facing its toughest challenge by trying to produce a car that looks good, appeals to conscientious drivers, technologically sound and makes a profit. On the other hand, their financial state is motivation alone to get it right the first time. Sounds like a challenge all manufacturers are confronting at this moment. At least, we have many options to chose from.