Detroit (MI) - General Motors announced today that they will be opening a new factory in Michigan to assemble power packs for their upcoming Volt electric car. Using batteries supplied by Compact Power Inc, a Michigan-based division of LG Chem Ltd. (a company from Seoul, Korea), the new plant will begin production late this year for November, 2010 Volt sales.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner told reporters at the Detroit Auto Show, "This is a further demonstration of our commitment to the electrification of the automobile." He said GM is committed to a $1 billion investment in the Volt.

According to Bloomberg, "Toyota, the world’s largest maker of gasoline-electric vehicles, is working on a plug-in version of its Prius hybrid to match the Volt’s projected range on one battery charge." GM is hoping the Volt competes with Prius.

See Bloomberg.

Not enough

Jan 12, 2009 13:31     

Toyota invested 1 billion US$ in hybrid technology and achieved 45-55mpg range. And GM spending same amount and only 40 mile of electric charged 1 time only drive?! Not enough. After 40 mile Volt supposed to use fuel to generate the electric drive so how many miles of electric drive motor per gallon of fuel? GM really need to get rid of those backward minded "top" execs.
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Re: Not enough

Jan 12, 2009 15:05     

The Volt is a 'plug-in' hybrid. Seems as though you are confusing the 45-55mpg of the Toyota with the 40 mile all-electric range of the Volt. The 3 cylinder motor is only there as a back-up at which point it will run at 50mpg. Considering that most people's daily commutes are less than 40 miles and that people will plug theirs cars in at night, this is actually a great alternative to current hybrids. Check the specs: http://www.chevy-volt.net/chevrolet-volt-specs.htm

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Real specs needed

Jan 12, 2009 15:21     

Henrik, I read articles last August where GM said they are ditching the three cylinder engine in favor of a four cylinder non-turbo. They cited "smoothness" (noise) as one of the primary reasons if I recall correctly. So, the website you listed must be a volt-fan's site and must not be kept up to date. Here is just one of the references from a Wired blog: http://blog.wired.com/cars/200...tors.html As much as I want GM to succeed, I'm counting on a continual lowering of expectations and changing of specs until delivery date. The volt will either be a spectacular success or a total flop and black eye for an already bloodied GM. I don't think there's much middle ground considering the investment and hype GM has made.

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