Chevy Volt in 2010? Maybe, Maybe not, says Wagoner
GM's "car-czar" Bob Lutz believes the Chevrolet Volt could reach production by 2010 - but that optimism isn't entirely shared by CEO Rick Wagoner. During an on-line chat with reporters surrounding GM's 100th anniversary, Wagoner expressed some caution in such a promise.
"2010 would be great," he said, "but [we] can't guarantee that at this time."
(Click through for more on the Volt's questionable production deadline)
That's not entirely surprising, given the progress GM needs to make in the terms of battery cost and technology to bring the Volt to fruition. Contracts to develop batteries have been awarded to outside suppliers in effort to reach that 2010 deadline, but at this point, nothing is certain.
According to the Detroit News, a number of chatters attempted to milk more information about the production Volt, including appearance, range, production dates, etc. Wagoner held fast to the corporate line, stressing the importance of the Volt's E-Flex system while maintaining the company was also looking into fuel cells, E85, hybrids and - perhaps surprisingly - all-electric vehicles.
We're expecting GM detractors to jump on the "vaporware" bandwagon, invoking the Volt-ites to reciprocate with a wave of name-calling. We advocate neither, and note that Wagoner neither said the Volt would or would not meet that 2010 deadline. Until more details emerge surrounding the program, it's anyone's guess at this point. What's yours? Tell us in the comments section.
Comments
Rex
I hope GM doesn't milk the Volt like they have milked Camaro & ZR1. If it comes it will be a hit for GM and the world but if it doesn't yet more egg on their face.
Lyle
The original source of the quote:
GM-Volt.com
Clint
Imagine that, promising a car by a certain date before the technology is even feasible presents a degree of uncertainty. Who'da thunk?
kent beuchert
Get with it folks. Lutz never guaranteed the Volt would make the late 2010 goal forlaunch. Wagoner is saying precisely the same thig. This isn't news, at least not to those who are following this car's development. Wagoner is saying precisely the same thing Lutz said last week when he said they were working hard and that a late 2010 launch date was a
"an agressive" scheulde. Now suppose you explain why you think this is any different than what Wagoner said? Geez, our illustrious media. Always confused, and now they're pushing news items that aren't even
news.
hwyhobo
"If the technology is available, we might produce the vehicle that might use it". No, really? I am at the edge of my seat.
Rodrigo
What are all you talking about, what new technology? are we talking about the same batteries that are on the Tesla roadster? (which is already in production).
Or are we talking about the onboard generator, oh wait, I think we've already invented one of those, I think they're called "generators".
GM wants to wait out the oil crisis to see if putting this car out is really viable, that's all.
If oil prices continue getting higher then I think chevy will actually treat this project with as much respect as they're treating the P.R for the project.
I've never seen so much propaganda for something that they're doing so half heartedly ... Except on the EV1.
I'm no hippy or even a democrat for that matter, but I do know when a corporation is pulling our chain.
We need to realize that being oil independent has a lot more to do with national security then we can imagine.
PS. ROMNEY FOR PRES!
Goose
O_o Gee: Thanks for Teh Cheap Plug, fella . . .
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