Archive for February, 2008
Chevy Dealers Need a Jolt from the Volt
GM relies on its dealers to sell cars to consumers, and the dealers rely on GM to produce good products, brands, and advertising. As U.S. sales declined over the years dealers also suffered.
GM is considered by many to be in the midst of a turnaround spearheaded by Rick Wagoner, in his role since 2000. Clearly [...]
Popularity: 3%
Video: The Worst Chevy Volt TV Commercial Imaginable
There’s no bigger a fan of the Volt than me, and I’m happy Chevy is advertising a car that doesn’t exist yet, but couldn’t GM spend their money better than on this commercial?
There certainly have been better ones before (see post).
[UPDATE - GM sources have confirmed that this is indeed an official Chevy Volt commercial. The [...]
Popularity: 4%
New Study: Using U.S. Farmlands for Biofuel Production will Increase Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Ethanol supply produced from corn grown on U.S. croplands has been increasing and is thought by some as an opportunity to reduce petroleum consumption. Indeed carmakers like GM have been promoting E85 engines, and the U.S. government has been subsidizing farmers to produce corn.
The use of corn ethanol as being net energy positive [...]
Popularity: 4%
Production not Chemistry is Reason for Delay in Mass Producing Plug-in Cars like the Chevy Volt
Popular Mechanics has just published an article outlining the race to mass producing plug-in cars. The article includes a few quotes from GM’s advanced battery director Denise Gray with whom I have spoken on several occasions.
The article reviews some of the lithium-ion battery chemistries and correctly notes that its only the laptop-type (cobalt oxide) that [...]
Popularity: 4%
The E-Flex Cadillac Provoq and the GM Fifth Generation Fuel Cell
The Cadillac Provoq is GM’s latest E-Flex concept car, a luxury crossover with all wheel drive and fuel cell range-extender. Nick Zielinski who used to be the ICE Volt’s chief engineer is now the chief engineer of the hydrogen Volt and Provoq, as well as the fuel cell Equinox. I had a few [...]
Popularity: 4%
Q & A with Bob Reuter Chief Engineer, Plug-in Saturn VUE
GM has announced its intention to produce a plug-in Saturn VUE with a large lithium ion battery married to a 2-mode hybrid drivetrain. This car quite possibly could be the first-ever plug-in hybrid that gets brought to the U.S. market. I had the chance to ask the vehicle’s chief engineer a few questions.
When will the [...]
Popularity: 4%
One-on-One with Jon Lauckner, GM VP of Global Program Management, Part 5
This is the final segment of my interview with Jon Lauckner, GMs VP of global program management, considered Bob Lutz’ first deputy and who has been very involved with the Volt project from day one.
What are the terms of GMs battery contracts with the battery suppliers?
‘A’ we shouldn’t talk about what we’ve agreed with the [...]
Popularity: 3%
Chevy Volt Design Freeze within Weeks
A report out of Australia mentioned a few new facts about the Volt, garnered from original interviews with GM executives.
We have heard that the Chevy Volt’s design team, headed by Bob Boniface is very close to a final design for the production vehicle. Just how close?
Well, according to this article:
“…the styling for the 2011 [...]
Popularity: 3%
Does GM have a Geographical Rollout Plan for the First Volts?
We patiently wait for the Volts to be built, and hope they will be available late 2010 as promised. We have heard for months that GM hopes to produce Volts in the tens of thousands; in fact 60,000 was a number tossed around previously (see post), and exec will tell you themselves they would [...]
Popularity: 3%
Recent Posts
- GM’s CEO Arrives to Capitol Hill in Chevy Volt Prototype, Senate Hearings Underway
- GM CEO Will Drive Volt Mule Inside Washington DC Today, UAW Agrees to Drop Job Bank
- GM: Out of Time, Out of Money, Out of Options
- GM Submits Long-Term Viability Plan to Congress: $18 Billion Needed
- Detroit 3 Viability Plans Go To Congress Today: GM’s CEO Will Drive to DC in Hybrid Malibu
- GM-Volt Exclusive: Bob Lutz Details Volt Mule Energy Use in Highway Driving
- GM’s Canceled LA Auto Show Conference: Was it Going to be the Volt Battery Contract Announcement?
- Flextreme Concept Wins Prestigious Design Award, Still Not Production Intent
- What Would Happen to the Chevy Volt if GM Failed?
- GM Viability Proposal Leak: CEO Likely to Work for $1 and Brands Likely to be Shed
