Archive for the 'Original GM-Volt Interviews' Category
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%
One-on-One with Jon Lauckner, VP of Global Program Management, Part 4
What are some of the safety issue of this car, are they different than standard cars, are you going to have to do different kinds of crash test safety?
We already have a standard program of very rigorous tests. Well run crashtests of all sorts, because frankly were looking to sell this vehicle globally. [...]
Popularity: 5%
One-on-One with Jon Lauckner, VP of Global Program Management, Part 3
With respect to the Volt’s combustion engine, if it keeps at the same RPM will it be more efficient than an engine whose RPM varies?
You see this efficiency argument play out in CVT transmissions. You jump in a car with a CVT and what you do is you push the gas pedal down and the [...]
Popularity: 6%
One-on-One with Jon Lauckner, VP of Global Program Management, Part 2
Since its a new technology and drivetrain will it make the production process different and require new facilities that you don’t already have in place?
Oh yeah, we are putting different components in the vehicle but were using well understood principles. For example most of our cars what we have is what we call a ‘front [...]
Popularity: 5%
One-on-One with Jon Lauckner, VP of Global Program Management, Part 1
Jon Lauckner is GM’s VP of Global Program Management, and is reported to by all of the vehicle line directors including Frank Weber, the VLE for Chevy Volt/E-Flex. I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Mr. Lauckner in his office and the chance to sit down with him for a 45 minute chat about [...]
Popularity: 5%
GM-Volt Exclusive: Inside the Chevy Volt/E-Flex Design Studio
The Chevy Volt we have become familiar with is the concept car, or show car. After gaining broad public appeal in January 07, when it was first revealed, GM began the process of rapidly bringing the car to fruition. The interior and exterior design of this final or production vehicle is taking place in [...]
Popularity: 5%
GM’s Chief to Toyota’s President on plug-in hybrids: “That’s my speech”
CEO Rick Wagoner took some questions from bloggers today.
I asked Mr. Wagoner for his response to Toyota president Wantanabe’s comment that he looks forward to direct competition with GM in bringing a plug-in hybrid to market by 2010.
His response:
“The comments from Wantanabe-son are fine. Actually, I saw some summary of the stuff he [...]
Popularity: 3%
GM’s Troy Clarke: Chevy Volt to become this Generation’s 57′ Chevy
Troy Clarke is GM’s President of North America. I participated in a blogger interview with him.
When asked about why and whether GM has positioned itself as an alternative energy powertrain leader. He noted the top three reasons are; concern over climate change, price of gas, and energy indepoendence . He feels GM has positioned itself [...]
Popularity: 3%
Breaking: Bob Lutz Says Driveable Chevy Volt Mules in June, not Easter
Here on the sidelines of the Detroit auto show myself and several bloggers are having the opportunity to chat with GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz. I am actually writing this post as we go; so-called “live-blogging”.
He is asked what his personal involvement in the Volt project is.
He mentioned he is very interested because it’s [...]
Popularity: 3%
GM-Volt Exclusive: Inside the GM Chevy Volt/E-Flex Battery Lab
Lance Turner is the electrical engineer who runs the day to day operations of GM’s advanced battery lab. He reports to Denise Gray who is GMs advanced battery director. While in Detroit for the impending auto show I was graciously allowed to meet Lance and tour the lab where the Chevy [...]
Popularity: 4%
Recent Posts
- BREAKING: Production VOLT Spied!! The REAL DEAL!!
- Chevy Volt Interior Picture Leak
- Bob Lutz Responds to Toyota’s Announcement: Large Volt Test Fleet in 2009
- Volt Competition: Mazda’s Secret E-REV Program, Toyota Forwards Plug-in Fleet to 2009
- Bob Lutz on Chevy Volt Battery Tests, Cold Starts, and Use of OnStar
- The Chevy Volt Generator Will Run at One of Several Fixed RPMs
- E-Flex Cadillac Next?
- How the Chevy Volt Operates Past the Customer Depletion Point
- The Chevy Volt Will Have iPod Connectivity (Plus More Design Issues)
- GM’s Cobasys Battery Recall Update
