GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site

Continental AG is the German supplier who is working with A123 Systems as one team competing to build the Chevy Volt’s battery pack for GM.

We were told in June of 2007 that one of the two battery pack supplier teams (Conti/A123 vs CPI/LG Chem) would be selected this summer. No word yet, but a report out of the Guardian indicates Continental is aiming to expand their lithium ion battery business soon.

They have also been selected to supply Daimler-Benz with lithium ion packs.

The report indicates Continental is apparently planning to develop their own cell-production capacity in addition to their current role as integrating cells of other companies into packs.

The company is so far working with both A123 and JCI/Saft  but at some point will pick a single company either to acquire or partner with.

Last month the company took a 16% stake in lithium-battery company Enax.

Indeed Continental’s multi-billion dollar lithium-ion electric future appear so bright that it is likely one of the reasons German ball-bearing maker Schaeffler has made a hostile bid to acquire them.

With A123 System’s IPO reportedly in the works for September, and speculation about GM planning its own battery production in-house, we appear to be on the verge of some major jockying for position.

Source (Guardian )

It’s very tough times in the US economy and for the auto industry in particular. GM surprised investors yesterday with a rather large loss of $15.5 billion dollars in the second quarter. Despite that they still have $21 billion in cash reserves, $5 billion in credit lines, and plans to raise an additional $15 billion in cash. GM feels comfortable with their liquidity through the end of 2009, but has had to make major changes slashing truck production, workforce ranks, and scrambling to build new small fuel efficient cars.

Consistent with the market slide, GM also announced that July US sales were down 26.7% from July last year, with trucks off by 40% and cars down by 19%. Vehicles for which sales actually increased were Malibu, Aveo, Cobalt, CTS, Vibe, G5, G6, Aura, and Sky. GM sold 1091 hybrid cars in the month for a total of 5.476 for the year to date.

Its no secret that its do or die time for GM, and the Chevy Volt is the car that will hopefully lead the way to GMs bright electric future.

Chairman Wagoner was interviewed by ABC News. He notes that as gas prices rise, "people are putting a much higher premium on cost efficiency," and states "that large numbers of people used to buy large SUVs and pick-ups, and I don’t think they’re going to come back to that category given the high cost of energy."

Wagoner notes that the automotive industry is "at a tipping point" and that of all alternative fuels, "electricity is going to be a winner long term."

He expects GM to "lead the world" in this technology and when asked whether he believes people will have difficulty accepting this kind of car he says:

"I think it’s true to say that some consumers will adapt more slowly than others, but from the reaction I’ve seen … I don’t think we will have any problem. I think people will be lined up to get into this kind of vehicle."

I couldn’t agree with you more Mr. Wagoner, in fact we’ve got over 32,000 lined up right here.

Source (ABC News ) and (GM )

Larry Burns is GM’s VP of Research & Development.  He has just written a post on GM’s corporate blog entitled Natural Gas: An Enticing Alternative .

He reiterated GMs position that there is no single solution to achieve petroleum displacement, and that a multifaceted approach is needed.

Natural gas is described as a good transportation fuel alternative because it is "abundant, affordable, and relatively clean."

He states that GM can in the mid-term "leverage natural gas to create electricity for the Volt and future variants".

For the near term he indicates natural gas could be used in combustion engines and hints at what may be imminent production plans; "we are exploring a dual-fuel approach with natural gas and gasoline for U.S. customers."

As well Burns states that GM believes the government will have to play a role to encourage adoption of and infrastructure development for natural gas through incentives.

Source (FastLane Blog )