GM sources who remain unidentified have told reporters at Automotive News Europe that the production Chevy Volt will be revealed at GM’s Centennial Celebration taking place on September 15th and 16th at GM headquarters in Detroit.
The article states “the rumors that a production version of the Volt will show up at the celebrations are true.”
We have been speculating this for awhile knowing that GM would do the reveal at an event getting a lot of press attention. We also had heard the production Volt was scheduled to appear at the Paris Auto Show in October, and would of course be very surprised if GM would actually show it for the first time overseas. The Centennial reveal makes the most sense.
Indeed GM vice chairman Bob Lutz recently told reporters “a production model will be showing this fall, but not at Paris”
Furthermore GM is planning a worldwide webcast at 830 AM on the 16th, so that might just be the ideal moment.
As to whether yours truly will be there in the flesh…we’ll have to wait and see.
Source (Automotive News, subscription)
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm and is filed under Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Sep 4th, 2008 (2:09 pm)I will be there!! At the webcast
Sep 4th, 2008 (2:10 pm)Me too
Since it is simulcast
Boss I will be late to work
Sep 4th, 2008 (2:13 pm)Nice !
I think it is safe to assume that the production “version” will look very much like the Transformers2 “skinned” Malibu…
I have my calander set for the 8:30 podcast!
I’ll also assume that the 15th will be ‘hype’ day but I’ll be checking in here frequently either way……
Sep 4th, 2008 (2:21 pm)Is that 8:30 am central time? Please post the link for the webcast. I can watch it at work!
Sep 4th, 2008 (2:26 pm)Well Lyle you are sure on a roll today. I cannot imagine how you do it. Thank you.
Isn’t September 16 still summer? Just wondering.
LJGTVWOTR!
Sep 4th, 2008 (2:52 pm)Sweeeeet-Momma!
Sep 4th, 2008 (2:52 pm)Yes Noel, actually 9/16 *is* still summer. The autumnal equinox falls mid-afternoon on 9/22 this year. See article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equinox for details.
Sep 4th, 2008 (3:28 pm)I wouldn’t be surprised if the car shown is the same car they are using for the Transformer’s movie.
Side note: If we see a actual ‘production replicar,’ and by that I mean the car looks identical to the real deal even though it is not powered as such….just what the heck are we supposed to do to keep ourselves busy here on the site for the next three years? It’s going to be a loooong wait if there is no more news (other than my exciting GM fiscal updates of course).
…one can only hope we have more discussions on hydrogen to pass the months away.
Sep 4th, 2008 (3:33 pm)The “production version” shown will be which one of the following?
(a) a real production car, inside and outside
(b) a Volt body on a Mailibu (or other) drivetrain, as in movie
(c) pictures (or slides or videos) of the Volt
(d) other
Sep 4th, 2008 (3:35 pm)#8 Statik
“just what the heck are we supposed to do to keep ourselves busy here on the site for the next three years? It’s going to be a loooong wait.”
Oh, I’m sure we will think of something, like… Hydrogen, natural gas, GM bankruptcy countdown timer, Bob Lutz’s pink tie, driving up Pike’s Peak, the non-functional grill, etc… (I can go on if you would like)
Sep 4th, 2008 (3:46 pm)#10 Aspherical
The tie! I completely forgot about the pink tie hunt. We are truly saved! Hopefully he wears it for the ‘Centennial Celebration!’
Sep 4th, 2008 (4:09 pm)Static, you’ve gotten positively mellow over the past few weeks compared to the rants you used to bless us with.
Better adjust your dosage.
Sep 4th, 2008 (4:11 pm)Well it will sure be nice to see Volt pictures that are not grainy. Its time to move the comments along a little.
Sep 4th, 2008 (4:13 pm)#10 Aspherical
I’m sure we will find something to nitpick at. If not well just keep up the pressure on GM to drop the price over the three years. Seriously the battery cant stay at $10,000.00 for three years.
Sep 4th, 2008 (4:17 pm)Aspherical #10:
You forgot about the interior design, touch screen interface, ethernet connectivity, and possible voice activation of some of the systems.
And we have not really even begun to argue/discuss interior & exterior color combinations!!!!!
And lets not make it any longer than we have to. November 1, 2010 is not three years away. It is 25 months and 26 days……….
Or should we start a shorthand for that as well? 25M/26D Or would you rather have the countdown in days? It is 788, by the way….
Sep 4th, 2008 (4:25 pm)My guess the Volt they show will be the real thing inside and out.
I’m surprised no one even mentioned talking about the new ER EV that GM is working on besides the Volt.
Also I bet the “Volt” badge on the back will be smaller than the one shown from the spy pictures. Reason…in the movie they want everyone to know what kind of car it is…so the “VOLT” badge is bigger there. IMHO
Sep 4th, 2008 (4:32 pm)#11 Statik
“The tie! I completely forgot about the pink tie hunt. We are truly saved! Hopefully he wears it for the ‘Centennial Celebration!’’”
That would be awesome. I would be giggling like a school girl during the webcast… (uh, not really, but you get my point)
#15 Jim I
“Or should we start a shorthand for that as well? 25M/26D Or would you rather have the countdown in days? It is 788, by the way….
”
I prefer hours. Only 18,912 hours to the Volt! (plus or minus 12)
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:05 pm)So I went to see the closest Chevy dealer today that has ANY chance of getting a VOLT in 2010 (Albuquerque, NM – 100 miles away). This is a very old NM dealership, having brought the first 11 automobiles here about 100 years ago. They allowed as how they had heard of the VOLT. As we talked, the main guy (a descendant of the original owner) said, “you probably know as much as me about the VOLT,” then immediately corrected himself and said, “you probably know more than me.” Later they allowed as how GM doesn’t keep the dealers very well informed. Before I left, I made sure both gentlemen that I talked to knew that they could be better informed if they spent time on gm-volt.com. They wrote it down.
LJGTVWOTR!
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:13 pm)LJGTVWOTR
What does this mean?
Take Care,
TED
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:16 pm)It’s Tag’s mantra. (Let’s just get…) I think it’s spelled correctly.
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:20 pm)It has something to do with trolls but I cannot remember exactly. Tag must be on the other thread.
Take Care, TED
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:21 pm)Cool. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the “real deal” or at least what the real deal looks like.
It would be great to have the interior/exterior together on one vehicle of course but since I’m not going to be there, I’d be happy to see good pictures of either or both assembled onto one vehicle or not.
One thing we can talk about for the near term is when we will be able to actually see the car at a local car show near us. I wonder if they will bring it to the SF show? I suppose I could drive down to LA, I’ll bet they will show it there in a few months.
Also don’t forget the batteries. Still some time left to guess who they have picked. (and then we’ll have some time to second guess the choice and track the creation of the production facilities, etc).
All, in all, we have hours and hours of tedious, er, I mean exciting guesswork ahead of us.
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:22 pm)Haaail yeaah baby. It’s finally time to see what the “real deal” is going to look like … or at least a “close to final version” anyway. Maybe GM will start calling their pre-release versions Beta 1, Beta 2 … and finally the gold “RTM” (release to manufacturing) version that we’ll see in showrooms in late 2010/early 2011. The Volt is kind of like a big transition product anyway … like going from analog electronics to digital. Technical people are going to really like this car. Chevy Volt … the most modern, high tech automobile in the world.
I think it’s very appropriate to unveil the Volt at the Centennial celebration. Volt 1.0 is a great way to start off the next 100 years for GM. If GM keeps building cool looking, high quality cars that the reviewers and us buyers rave about they’ll be around for another 100 years.
By the way, I would certainly hope that GM is going to invite Lyle to the unveiling. This site has certainly helped get a lot of excitement going for the Volt. They ought to fly him out there and put him in a nice hotel too maybe.
GM sure has made me a fan of their cars in the past year or so. I bet the Volt will do the same thing with thousands if not millions of other people all over the world if the car is awesome.
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:26 pm)#21 Ted:
It has something to do with trolls but I cannot remember exactly.”
LJGTVWOTR
“Listening Just Gets Trolls Very Workedup Over Trivial Rubbish” ??
Just kidding.
You’re thinking of PDNFTT, Please Do Not Feed The Trolls.
It’s “Let’s Just Get The Volt’s Wheels On The Road”
WIth or without ! added for emphasis on the end.
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:33 pm)One good thing about hurricane Gustav is that now that I finally have electricity again I get a flood of new post on this website to read. Doesn’t compensate for the hassle, expense and misery but just looking for a silver lining. Only one in my family so far to have electricity. Most of the state is still down. More damage done to the electrical infastructure by Gustav than by Katrina!
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:42 pm)I just went to the dealership near my home, and put a deposit down on a VOLT! The sales manager called upstairs to the owner, after taking my money, and told him they had just sold a volt.
The owner was choked, because now I am first, and he is second!!!!!
I am not kidding!!!!!!!!!
Brian
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:44 pm)Thanks Dave. Let’s just get the Volt’s wheels on the road. I’m with you.
Brian, Where is the dealer that took your deposit?
Take Care,
TED
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:50 pm)Surrey, B.C. Canada
I am first in line. Deposit paid.
Faith is the substance of things, not having been seen Heb.11:1 KJV.
Come on guys whose got some Faith???
B
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:51 pm)#26 Brian – “I just went to the dealership near my home, and put a deposit down on a VOLT!”
Don’t fall for it. It’s just a Malibu with a Volt skin!
I’m still wondering when I’ll be able to buy one in Canada. I’m guessing that my waitlist position of 7,000ish will NOT get me one of the first 10,000…
Sep 4th, 2008 (5:56 pm)#26 Brian,
What dealership in what city?
Take Care,
TED
Sep 4th, 2008 (6:06 pm)#30 Ted
I’m not sure why you want to know the dealership, I am concerned that in their ignorance they may have done something that they are not supposed to?? Are you Bob Lutz’s cousin or something?
Surrey B.C. Canada, Flag Chev Olds.
I’ll be choked if you make them give my money back!!!!!!!!!
B
Sep 4th, 2008 (6:09 pm)#29 Don’t fall for it. It’s just a Malibu with a Volt skin!
______________________________________
Jon, it’s a pre-sale. i don’t get it for 788 days at least. What are you talking about a Malibu????
Brian
Sep 4th, 2008 (6:10 pm)Brian,
I want a Volt so bad I can taste it. I have no cousin maned Lutz. I am not with anyone. I would just like to put a deposit on my Volt. I will not travel to BC from Florida to do that. I will just have to try a few dealers here.
Take Care,
TED
Sep 4th, 2008 (6:11 pm)I was kind of surprised to find the 1997 EV1 MSRP or $33,000+
I guess the Volt at 2010 seems like a bargain.
Shouldn’t this sites photos start to change to the correct look??
Sep 4th, 2008 (6:28 pm)Statik asked…
“…just what the heck are we supposed to do to keep ourselves busy here on the site for the next three years?”
We could discuss Governor Sarah Palin’s US presidential candidacy in 2012. By then, she will probably be bored with just the VP job.
Sep 4th, 2008 (6:30 pm)#8 Statik:
God send that there ane any fiscal updates for you to make in 3 years.
#15 Jim I:
They may roll out the first production Volt on 11/1/10, but the question in my mind is when will the likes of us be able to get our hands on one? If they make 10,000 the “first year”, that must be 11/1/10 to 11/1/11. If they make what, 50,000 the “second year”, wouldn’t that be 11/1/11 to 11/1/12? So realistically, if they give any weight to the “waiting list”, we may get one in what, early 2012? I think that 3 years is pretty optimistic.
LJGTVWOTR or die, IMHO.
#25 omegaman66:
I’m very glad to hear that you’re OK.
#26 & #28 Brian28,817th:
Good man! Cool scripture quote.
Sep 4th, 2008 (6:33 pm)#35 Paul-R
Or I could just turn off my computer and poke myself in the eye with a pencil.
Sep 4th, 2008 (7:03 pm)Anyone who wishes to place a deposit on a Volt can send a check or money order made out to “Jesus E. Christ”.
I will place your order based upon the amount sent. Suggested “deposits” of $5,000 or more, should insure you a successful transaction.
Please be sure to enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope in case I need to request more money in the future.
If you insist on sending cash, please include only 10 or 20 dollar denominations.
Thank you and have a nice day!
Sep 4th, 2008 (7:12 pm)This is GM we are talking about.
Expect massive disappointment.
Sep 4th, 2008 (7:19 pm)#12 FMEIII
Static, you’ve gotten positively mellow over the past few weeks compared to the rants you used to bless us with.
Better adjust your dosage.
————
Don’t worry, I’m saving it all up for the ‘Celebration,’ it will be the most glorius diatribe of all time!
.
.
.
.
….actually I doubt there will be a rant at all. I think I’ve adjusted my expectations to the ‘new look’ and 40K price tag. Watching the developments so far has felt like ‘death by papercuts,’
/insert White Goodman voice
I think I’ve bled most of my…blood
Even though we have ‘only’ been doing this for like a year and a half (lol), I’m ready to buy just about anything at this point.
Sep 4th, 2008 (7:27 pm)bharris
“Expect massive disappointment.”
What was the last disappointment you had with GM?
Just wondering.
Sep 4th, 2008 (7:27 pm)http://www.gmnext.com/ for more information on the Centennial. The global broadcast will be available from this site on Sept 16th 8:30am EDT.
Sep 4th, 2008 (7:30 pm)26 Brian28,817th – ” just went to the dealership near my home, and put a deposit down on a VOLT! The sales manager called upstairs to the owner, after taking my money, and told him they had just sold a volt.
————————————————————————–
Bullsh*t alert – Bullsh*t alert – Bullsh*t alert – Bullsh*t alert
Please note Brian28,817th doesn’t tell us the amount of his “deposit”, and when asked which dealership he went to, he refused to answer in post #31. Bullsh*t, I say !
Pony up the facts, or admit you’re full of sh*t. (Sorry about the bluntness, but I calls ‘em like i seez ‘em)
Sep 4th, 2008 (7:38 pm)ZEN
huh?
“Surrey B.C. Canada, Flag Chev Olds.”
Statik lives up dare…Is this a valid dealer you hoser?
Sep 4th, 2008 (9:00 pm)About two hours from now (central PA time) we’ll be down to 787 days! I like the sound of that.
It’s even fewer days to my predicted 7/4/2010 release date for the Volt. What do I know, I’m just an optimist…..
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!!
Sep 4th, 2008 (9:01 pm)Noel thanks.
Sep 4th, 2008 (9:06 pm)““Surrey B.C. Canada, Flag Chev Olds.”
Statik lives up dare…Is this a valid dealer you hoser?”
Are you serious?
I understand most Americans do not know Canadian geography, but cmon. Statik lives in southern Ontario, like me.
Thats over 5000km (3000 miles) away.
I may not live in the states, but at least I know the general geography…
P.s. 8:30 am?! They’re not gonna sleep in on that day? :p
Sep 4th, 2008 (9:14 pm)#44 JEC
ZEN
huh?
“Surrey B.C. Canada, Flag Chev Olds.”
Statik lives up dare…Is this a valid dealer you hoser?
——–
Do you know how far Surrey B.C. is from Toronto? 90% of the US is closer to it then me. Hehe. I am assuming you kidd, very amusing JEC!
I will say this, there hasn’t been a GM dealer with ‘Olds’ in the title in like…5-6 years…as there is no more ‘Oldsmobile’ I know I don’t refer to any of my dealerships in the area with the moniker ‘Olds’ anymore, but if your internet search the dealer you still get alot of ‘Olds’ hits though.
There is a Flag Chevrolet dealer in Surrey though–here is the website:
http://www.flagchev.gm.ca/weblogic/gwn/dws/InternetRTRApps.AboutUs?dealer=81107&lang=en
You could always phone them to verify the story if your really concerned: (604) 584-7411
(Truth be told, I actually have been to Surrey, BC…but it’s harder to fane righteous indignation if that were to come to light).
Sep 4th, 2008 (10:09 pm)Brian #26
“I just went to the dealership near my home, and put a deposit down on a VOLT! The sales manager called upstairs to the owner, after taking my money, and told him they had just sold a volt.”
*** *** ***
What are you going to do if distribution has it that the Volt can be purchased in the US but won’t be available in your area until a year or two later? Can you get your deposit back, drive south of the boarder and pick one up?
Sep 4th, 2008 (10:16 pm)jefro Says #34
Pretty interesting finding that. My understanding was that each one cost GM about 80k to build.
ZEN Have snack, drink one of your favorite drinks and take a nap. sump’n we learned in kindergarten.
GM is trying to make the first viable electric car to help clean up the mess made by the ICE. sump’n else we learned in kindergarten.
Sep 4th, 2008 (10:42 pm)48 Statik:
I know one! Ray Skillman GMC Oldsmobile…
He never took the GM Buyout, wouldn’t agree to their terms and they wouldn’t agree to his
He still has the sign up and the words on his building.
Sep 4th, 2008 (11:07 pm)Hey, I guess you could call the Volt a “Transformer 2″ :=)
Just a late night thought…
LJGTVWOTR
Sep 4th, 2008 (11:08 pm)i want an electric escalade esv
Sep 4th, 2008 (11:09 pm)COOL CAR
Sep 4th, 2008 (11:32 pm)Where’s my electric airplane?
Sep 5th, 2008 (12:47 am)To Zen #43, #44
Flag Chevrolet, (it was olds when I was a kid sorry), at the phone number statik provided, took a down payment from me today, to ensure that when a VOLT arrives at their dealership, the first one is mine. I am holding a document entitled, “Purchase Agreement”.
You should get your facts straight before you cry BS.
You’re just choked you didn’t think of it first.
Sleeping with a big smile,
Brian
Sep 5th, 2008 (12:48 am)I am directing HR department to give all employees the morning off on September 16, 2008 for the official birthing of the Volt. All employees will be required to report to duty at noon. For anyone that wants to attend, we will be holding a free breakfast buffet at the lobby in headquarters building from 6am to 10am on September 16, 2008. Projection TVs’ will be setup to view the Volt webcast. A wide variety of refreshments will be freely available to everyone. I hope to see many of you there.
Signed.
X
Sep 5th, 2008 (7:30 am)I don’t think I have ever seen this blog so quiet for so long.
So I will do a test post.
September 16 is closing in and I am looking forward to it.
Sep 5th, 2008 (7:44 am)Rashiid
All of us are still here, just waiting quietly, like alligators.
Sep 5th, 2008 (7:54 am)Huh? Wha? Did someone say something? No? Okay. Back to sleep. zzzzzzz
Sep 5th, 2008 (8:04 am)#36 Noel Park Says:
“They may roll out the first production Volt on 11/1/10, but the question in my mind is when will the likes of us be able to get our hands on one? If they make 10,000 the “first year”, that must be 11/1/10 to 11/1/11. If they make what, 50,000 the “second year”, wouldn’t that be 11/1/11 to 11/1/12? So realistically, if they give any weight to the “waiting list”, we may get one in what, early 2012? I think that 3 years is pretty optimistic.”
I’m with you there. 2012 the earliest is my guess, not to mention if gas is high the demand may drive up a steep premium in the first few years. I think the new Honda Insight may be a solid stop gap till i can actually buy a Volt. At least it won’t be a toyota!!
If it is even a volt by them, it might be an erev cruise by then, or a erev Equinox! Who knows?
Sep 5th, 2008 (8:22 am)#59 RB
“Rashiid
All of us are still here, just waiting quietly, like alligators.”
——–
I prefer snakes in the grass.
Sep 5th, 2008 (11:44 am)Bet you do!
LOL
Sep 5th, 2008 (12:20 pm)“Here we sit like skunks in the underbrush
skunks in the underbrush,
skunks in the underbrush,
waiting for the \Volt to appear…”
I think that’s verse 2 of the “Announcements” camp song.
I spent way too much time in summer camp as a kid.
I even remember the entire “Bear in Tennis Shoes” song.
#25 omegaman66:
Glad to hear you are OK. I think hurricanes scare me more than earthquakes, which would make since since I live in Silicon Valley.
Sep 5th, 2008 (12:49 pm)DaveP@63
I think it’s time to check your meds (g). Stronger men than us have crumbled under less pressure than facing this 787 day wait (remaining).
(I still remember “Do your er, ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro….”) /sigh
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!!!!
Sep 5th, 2008 (8:20 pm)We can wait a couple of more weeks to see the production Volt, can’t we?
Sep 5th, 2008 (8:22 pm)BTVATWB
BUILD THE VOLT AND THEY WILL BELIEVE!
Sep 7th, 2008 (7:14 am)[...] Source. [...]