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British Variant of the Volt May be Called the Vauxhall Electra

October 25th, 2008 | Posted in: Brand

We have heard for some time that GM plans to sell a variant of the Chevy Volt in Europe beginning a year after the car is released in the USA.

The vehicle will likely be nearly identical down to the sheet metal except it will first be sold under the Opel and Vauxhall brands. Eventually the Chevrolet-branded Volt is expected to appear in Europe too.

So one question that arises is what the first European E-Flex vehicle will be called. A concept known as the Opel Flextreme had been shown a year ago mainly to illustrate the shape and the diesel generator, but the design has never been confirmed by GM as production intent.

It turns out that GM UK applied for a trademark for “Vauxhall Electra” on June 4th 2008.

Of course, Buick had used the same name for its famous gas powered full sized premium vehicle that was built from 1959 to 1990.

That is a good use of the name. Will we one day see the emergence of an E-Flex Buick Electra too? Time will tell.

Source (Greenmotor.co.uk) via (Autobloggreen)

Posted by: Lyle

52 Responses to “British Variant of the Volt May be Called the Vauxhall Electra”


  1. statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1statik     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 8:39 pm

    In Ireland it will be called the Opel Daredevil.


  2. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 9:04 pm

    Hee hee statik… you’re a real giggle box.

    Hey statik, I want to set something up for you. How about a strip view Spa Suite in Vegas? Enjoy a few afternoons by the pool. Captain Morgan’s included. I’ll even toss in 2 Donnie & Marie tickets for the Flamingo Hilton.

    =D~


  3. Rashiid Amul
    Vote -1 Vote +1Rashiid Amul     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

    I don’t care what they call it. I just want it produced.


  4. George K
    Vote -1 Vote +1George K     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    I’m just glad to hear they have solid plans to replicate the Volt, by any other name.

    That does bring back memories. My parents had a white ‘60 Electra 225 – 4 holer.


  5. Grant
    Vote -1 Vote +1Grant     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    Jolly good there- I mean…Good news!

    I know most of us Americans are getting a bit frustrated that our tax dollars may wind up being used to send cars overseas, which makes no sense, but the fact that GM is looking at a good global market starting in a country that has already indicated it will give great tax incentives as well is a god indication that the management isn’t as stupid as it has been and is putting sales in areas that will help them stay alive. If GM can make it to the Volt mass-production program, they will live through this.


  6. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    After having seen the Volt presented so often in this off silver color. It’s really growing on me.

    Decisions … decisions, maybe a Karmann Ghia teal?
    http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/teal%20ghia.jpg

    BBL bro’s

    =D~


  7. Frank D
    Vote -1 Vote +1Frank D     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

    I would also like to see the Volt sold in China and India. The billions of people in that part of the world could also help cut green house gases with the Volt as their middle class grows. This new American technology will help get the world off oil, not a bad way to invest our tax dollars.


  8. Casey
    Vote -1 Vote +1Casey     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 10:03 pm

    Ok, nobody liked the spring and key to run the Volt on the last page but what if we used the spring and the wind up key to run the ICE


  9. statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1statik     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

    #2 Dave K

    Hee hee statik… you’re a real giggle box.

    Hey statik, I want to set something up for you. How about a strip view Spa Suite in Vegas? Enjoy a few afternoons by the pool. Captain Morgan’s included. I’ll even toss in 2 Donnie & Marie tickets for the Flamingo Hilton.

    =D~
    ————————————–
    I’ll be down there next in July for the WSOP with some friends, should be alot of fun…hook me up, lol. Do you work in Vegas?

    I usually stay at the Bellagio if I go down, always pull the ‘twenty dollar trick’ at the front desk (well, not actually $20, because that doesn’t get you far…but $100 got me ‘comp’d’ up to the Salone Suite for the week last time).


  10. carcus
    Vote -1 Vote +1carcus     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    British variant . . . who gives a sh–,

    oops, was that my outside text?


  11. canehdian
    Vote -1 Vote +1canehdian     Says:
    October 25th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    The Electra sounds kind cool.
    More ‘unique’ than “volt”, IMO.


  12. ausmartin
    Vote -1 Vote +1ausmartin     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 12:09 am

    Oh what a load of nonsence these brand names.
    Just call it a Chevy Volt and be done with it.
    Whats Holden in Australia going to call the Holden Ampress?

    When is GM world wide going to get their act together.

    I’m tired of people in Australia ordering USA sourced Chevy badging for their Australian commodores & In the USA Americans are order Holden Badges on their Australian Pontiacs. – Funny isn’t it.

    GM Get over this name brand thing or your going to go broker faster than your going unfortunetly.
    This aint going to help me buy my Chevy Volt in Australia is it ?

    Go One brand One world – Work it out or the world will do it for you!
    Shhsss.


  13. nasaman
    Vote -1 Vote +1nasaman     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 12:17 am

    …..so I wonder if initial sales of Volt clones in continental Europe could be called “Opel Electras”? (My Saturn Vue is a Vauxall Antara in the UK and an Opel Antara on the continent).


  14. js1219
    Vote -1 Vote +1js1219     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am

    They should call it the Chevy MUSA (Made in USA)


  15. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 12:39 am

    hi static # 8,

    “…next in July for the WSOP”

    ______________________________

    That sounds like a fun trip. Have watched most of the televised poker events, but have never seen one in person.

    I live in Santa Barbara and take my family to Vegas twice a year. Last trip was for the Monster Jam at Sam Boyd Stadium.

    Here is a great ‘big air’ photo. We loved it.
    http://garfwod.250free.com/MonsterJam02.jpg

    =D~


  16. Lars Hastrup
    Vote -1 Vote +1Lars Hastrup     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 1:55 am

    Most important for me is that it will be able to buy here in Denmark before 2012 – otherwise price will be around USD 100.000,- as EV´s are taxfree until 2012 !!


  17. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 3:55 am

    hi ausmartin # 10,

    “One brand One world…”

    __________________________

    I agree, the Chevy bow tie is a good part of the product appeal. And to top it off…we here in America are going to set our clocks back an hour next weekend. This will cost about a million man hours to complete. And will result in hundreds of injuries resulting from toppled step stools. Somebody please do something about this madness!

    =D~


  18. PhilippeP
    Vote -1 Vote +1PhilippeP     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 5:27 am

    statik > and the airbags should be Jennifer Garner shaped !!


  19. Exp_EngTech
    Vote -1 Vote +1Exp_EngTech     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 7:46 am

    #6 Dave K. wrote:

    “After having seen the Volt presented so often in this off silver color. It’s really growing on me.”

    Only showing it in silver reminds me of the DeLorean !
    And that “Volt” name is so obvious / predictable for an E-REV vehicle.

    GM should have a sense of humor as it sets a new course.

    Only show / produce the vehicle in YELLOW.

    And call it the Chevy DeWalt.


  20. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 7:48 am

    #7 FrankD said “I would also like to see the Volt sold in China and India.”
    ============================================

    Don’t know about India, but for sure it will be in China, possibly before in USA is my guess.
    China is GM’s most important market now.


  21. statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1statik     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 9:37 am

    #15 Dave K

    That sounds like a fun trip. Have watched most of the televised poker events, but have never seen one in person.

    I live in Santa Barbara and take my family to Vegas twice a year. Last trip was for the Monster Jam at Sam Boyd Stadium.

    Here is a great ‘big air’ photo. We loved it.
    http://garfwod.250free.com/MonsterJam02.jpg
    —————————————————————–

    Santa Barbara…hrm, sounds nice about now. We are around 45 degrees here and I have been fighting a cold for over a week. Sometimes I wonder why I live up here, lol…If I didn’t have family up here…poof.

    I’ve been down in your neck of the woods actually. Myself and the wife caught a show at the Arlington theatre once. Very nice setup. I like the pre-show organ thing. I think we hit up the big wharf down there too…can’t remember the name though.


  22. Randy
    Vote -1 Vote +1Randy     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 10:30 am

    Finally the Europeans will be spared from $8 a gallon gas that they have been living with for decades. You would think they would have come up with a solution to their high gas prices(besides diesel) before We did. I guess they are not so smart after all.


  23. Biodieseljeep
    Vote -1 Vote +1Biodieseljeep     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 10:46 am

    Morning becomes thee, Electra.


  24. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 10:56 am

    hi static # 21,

    Yes, the Arlington is a great venue. The Clash, Peter Frampton, The Romantics (from Detroit), and even Gallagher with his exploding water melons have performed there.
    Stern’s Wharf was rebuilt a few years ago after a restaurant fire. It’s as good as ever.

    And to address Exp_EngTech’s Yellow Chevy DeWalt.

    Yellow looks good on the Charger and even on the Camaro. I am not so sure about yellow on a Volt. Would you consider a lime green Chevy Ninja? Maybe we should just throw in the towel and call it the Chevy Variant? I will call the DMV and see if 1FUNANT is available.

    =D~


  25. Jean-Charles Jacquemin
    Vote -1 Vote +1Jean-Charles Jacquemin     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    Statik #1

    Electra is also the main character in the Greek tragedies Electra by Sophocles and Electra by Euripides and has inspired various other works. I like particularly the Richard Strauss opera Elektra.

    But she is a tragic character hope this not an omen.

    JC


  26. RB
    Vote -1 Vote +1RB     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    “Elektra, who is the personification of the passionate lust for vengeance….” (Wikepedia)
    ===================================

    Perfect name. (Thanks JC)

    If GM goes into bankruptcy, the Elektra can be renamed the Phoenix.


  27. reelist
    Vote -1 Vote +1reelist     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    (circa 410 BC) Electra seeks revenge against her mother (Clytemnestra) and lover’s killing of father King Agamemnon. Both Euripides and Sophocles focus on the moral character of Electra.

    Euripides’s Electra is ultimately destroyed by her situation, whereas Sophocles’s Electra prevails and triumphs, rendering his play both a highly satisfactory revenge drama and an interesting study of the psychology of Electra herself.

    Neither to be confused with the character of Carmen Electra of stunning beauty but no apparent substance.

    RE:
    “China is GM’s most important market now.”

    Unfortunately, the darned global economy has halted much of China’s manufacturing and export business. Chances are there will be no one able to afford a Volt in China in two years.


  28. David
    Vote -1 Vote +1David     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    Do you suppose Statik and Dave K can take their pen pal chats off this site, please. Still like the volt related comments from both though.


  29. GmsAJoke
    Vote -1 Vote +1GmsAJoke     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    I wonder how many millions of dollars and wasted man hours went into the meetings in different countries to come up with that name.


  30. Grizzly
    Vote -1 Vote +1Grizzly     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    I don’t get it. GM has always had it’s Euro brands including Opel and Vauxhall, why would they release it under these and then change (re-brand) it back to Chevrolet? Lutz himself said that Chevy would become the “world brand” for GM. So what’s up with this switcharoo?


  31. ThombDbhomb
    Vote -1 Vote +1ThombDbhomb     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    Electra? That sounds Greek to me. The British variant should have a British name.


  32. KUD
    Vote -1 Vote +1KUD     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    who cares what the call it. Less Petrol Dollars to our friends (not!) is a good thing. I’d love it if they have to work for a change :)

    NPNS

    =D~~


  33. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 4:29 pm

    hi David 3 28,

    “…take their pen pal chats off this site, please”

    __________________________________

    It’s good to see you today. The intent of the pal talk is to lighten things up here. And to invite others to mention their home towns and hobbies. Where do you feel the first annual Volt rally will be held? I understand your view and your desire for direct technical talk.

    The plug in Vue is due out in two years. And should debut before the Volt. We address 5 topics at gm-volt.com each week. So we still have over 500 topics to cover before the first American made plug-in charges in our garage. I don’t know what the European version of the plug-in Vue will be called.

    =D~


  34. ThombDbhomb
    Vote -1 Vote +1ThombDbhomb     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

    The Volt gets even farther away from the concept…http://www.zoomilife.com/2008/10/25/zero-emission-motors-unveils-volt-electric-scooter/


  35. Grant
    Vote -1 Vote +1Grant     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

    Actually, their name makes sense, as there are very few recognizably ‘British’ names that would not have a double-meaning in America, or vice-versa. I think they are edging on the side of caution to avoid potential image troubles.

    I’m not sure we’re ready for the 2012 Chevy Limey.


  36. statik
    Vote -1 Vote +1statik     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    #28 David

    Do you suppose Statik and Dave K can take their pen pal chats off this site, please. Still like the volt related comments from both though.

    ————————————

    #33 Dave K

    It’s good to see you today. The intent of the pal talk is to lighten things up here. And to invite others to mention their home towns and hobbies. Where do you feel the first annual Volt rally will be held? I understand your view and your desire for direct technical talk.

    The plug in Vue is due out in two years. And should debut before the Volt. We address 5 topics at gm-volt.com each week. So we still have over 500 topics to cover before the first American made plug-in charges in our garage. I don’t know what the European version of the plug-in Vue will be called.

    =D~
    —————–

    We are just keeping it flowing/light in a thread that is more informational based…not really alot to discuss here, more of a ‘hey, this is a interesting fact’ type of thread.

    /don’t worry monday is coming, I’m sure we will all be in ‘full bloom’ on the Volt facts then


  37. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 6:02 pm

    hi satik # 36,

    “/don’t worry monday is coming, I’m sure we will all be in ‘full bloom’ on the Volt facts then”

    __________________________________

    static lurks

    =D~


  38. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    October 26, 2008: 1:26 PM ET

    TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s OPEC governor says the organization may consider another cut in oil production due to a glut in the market.

    Speaking in a live TV interview Sunday, Mohammad Ali Khatibi said a reduction in production “will be considered” at the next meeting in Algiers in December — a meeting that might be held early if necessary.

    Khatibi said if the decision Friday by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to cut 1.5 million barrels of production per day does not halt the drop in prices, more would need to be done.

    Crude prices have dropped below $65 per barrel, yet Iran needs prices of around $90 to balance its budget, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.

    =D~


  39. George K
    Vote -1 Vote +1George K     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    Dave K. #38
    “Crude prices have dropped below $65 per barrel, yet Iran needs prices of around $90 to balance its budget, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.”

    Best news I’ve heard today. Bet they’re not too happy about the Vauxhall Electra! or the Volt, for that matter. Thanks Dave.

    =D~~~~


  40. Top Gun
    Vote -1 Vote +1Top Gun     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 7:37 pm

    I am sure the European version of the Volt will have more advanced features, especially in the interior as they have more refined taste across the pond. This reminds me of my days working on the early F-15 jet, we had 2 versions, one for the U.S. and one for the Israeli Air Force, needless to say the Israeli version had much better avionics and additional weaponry installed.


  41. BobLutz
    Vote -1 Vote +1BobLutz     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    GM doing what it does best: Rebadge, and Hyping a product years before launch.

    What a bunch of losers.


  42. Mark C
    Vote -1 Vote +1Mark C     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 7:57 pm

    Dave K. #38
    “Crude prices have dropped below $65 per barrel, yet Iran needs prices of around $90 to balance its budget, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.”

    Funny that the volt has a better chance of being a success the higher oil is priced at the pump and OPEC would like the price higher to line its pockets.

    I have wondered if the OPEC would want to lower the price of a barrel of oil in order to make electric cars look unattractive to the average car buyer in North America. OPEC must see that with more manufacturers talking or building electric cars the days of oil running the world could be over.


  43. Dave K.
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave K.     Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    SAN RAMON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

    Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), one of the world’s leading energy companies, will hold its quarterly earnings conference call on Friday, October 31, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. EDT (8:00 a.m. PDT).

    The news release announcing third quarter 2008 financial results will be issued before market opening on October 31, 2008.

    ______________________________

    Both Chevron and Exxon/Mobil post quarterly earnings this week. Halloween Friday will be scary. And may be the best buying opportunity of the year.

    Yes we can?

    =D~


  44. Dave D
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dave D     Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 6:57 am

    I don’t know what Chevy in the UK are thinking of. They have been releasing cars under the Chevrolet name recently that are what used to be Daewoo. Hardly up-market cars. There are no other native Chevys in the UK, the better (relatively) GM stuff is Vauxhall.

    How to destroy a brand name in one easy lesson.


  45. Shawn Marshall
    Vote -1 Vote +1Shawn Marshall     Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 9:57 am

    I had a Buick Electra – great car – very roomy – very reliable. But not so good in the snow. This was way before traction control.
    I’d love to buy an electric Buick Electra.
    Let’s go GM.
    I’m nutz for Lutz.

    =D~~


  46. N Riley
    Vote -1 Vote +1N Riley     Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 11:16 am

    Dave K and Statik:

    Don’t stop sending personal comments. They do serve to personalize some of these posts and that is a good thing. Sorry if anyone finds your “chat” off target or offensive. I don’t and I would imagine I am in the majority opinion here. So, keep the chatter coming.


  47. N Riley
    Vote -1 Vote +1N Riley     Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 11:21 am

    As far as the name given to the Volt on the world stage outside the U.S. and Canada, I believe GM should stick to the Chevrolet name. I don’t really see a problem with some of the other European “brand names” getting Volt technology, but it should be AFTER the Chevrolet Volt is released for sale in their market. The Chevrolet brand should be the one GM uses to introduce the Volt to the world. After it is being sold under the Volt name, then no problem if other brands have the same technology. I am not talking about years between the Chevrolet Volt introduction in a market before a “local” named vehicle is introduced with the same technology. It could be a matter of only weeks or months. But let the Chevrolet brand come first.


  48. melee
    Vote -1 Vote +1melee     Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 12:01 pm

    The Chevrolet brand in Europe is not the Chevrolet brand in the US. They’re using the local mid-market brands equivalent to our Chevy. And it’s really not just a name thing; branding is real, and it does matter. I would imagine that it would be good to have the same brand worldwide, but the Volt has plenty of heavy lifting to do without pushing the brand as well. (Frankly, cars are not a transportable-enough product that I see global branding matters much. They’re very region-specific.)


  49. Dan
    Vote -1 Vote +1Dan     Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    is it just me or does that car look better because they dont have a chevy logo on it…


  50. noel park
    Vote -1 Vote +1noel park     Says:
    October 27th, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    If we can’t get our hands on a Volt for 3 or 4 years here, who gives a bleep what they do in England?

    LJGTVWOTR!! NPNS!


  51. Grizzly
    Vote -1 Vote +1Grizzly     Says:
    October 28th, 2008 at 11:30 pm

    Dan #49

    “is it just me or does that car look better because they dont have a chevy logo on it…”

    *** *** ***

    Your sense of aesthetics is indeed your own. Keep in mind that it’s not easy to erase 30+ years of publicly traded corporate abuse. How is it done you might ask?? Restructuring based on foundation….yup FOUNDATION. Under this recipe the obvious choice is product over short term profits….no doubt red ink will flow. Not easy for any company and even more challenging for GM with UAW etc. Choices are made and you either believe and dig in or you just roll over and die.


  52. Chris
    Vote -1 Vote +1Chris     Says:
    November 2nd, 2008 at 2:59 am

    “Finally the Europeans will be spared from $8 a gallon gas that they have been living with for decades. You would think they would have come up with a solution to their high gas prices(besides diesel) before We did. I guess they are not so smart after all.”

    Hey Randy #22,

    Lol, that’s what I was thinking. Everyone bashes on GM (and American car companies in general), who have made huge strides in fuel economy in the last several years (granted it took doubling of gas prices and a nearly impossibly high selling Toyota hybrid to do it), but Germany (just for example) has been paying $8+/gallon for years, and is still hailed as the country of auto engineering geniuses, yet they have done less for improving fuel efficiency than I do around the house during a football game. If anything, they have ratcheted up the competition for excessive horsepower and pointless 0-60 acceleration rates and ludicrous top speeds (I drive an Audi, I should know) in the last 10 years.

    GM is now spearheading a huge leap forward in alternative fuel, and still, their stocks are sinking like the titanic.

    Wow, posts like this, I almost forgot how moronic GM’s management has been in the last 10 years.

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