Magna Group Reportedly Pulls Plug on Building Ampera

[PistonsFan]

Magna Group Reportedly Pulls Plug on Building Ampera
By GM-Volt.com



It was long thought that shortly after the Chevrolet Volt went into production in Michigan that a plant would open in Europe to produce the Ampera.

The front runner for this plant had been the Ellesmere Port plant in the United Kingdom, given the strong backing of the state government, and their willingness to subsidize the project to protect jobs.

On Tuesday, however, the Magna consortium reportedly decided it will not produce the Volt’s cousin at this time, and that the reason for this decision is that they feel demand will not exceed the amount of investment needed at this time.

In a report first brought forth by British media, it was said that Magna did not shut the door on ever producing the Ampera in UK, but felt it would not likely again consider that as a option until 2015 or 2016 in the project’s 2nd generation; although a mystery Vauxhall ’source’ later said that demand, “rather than the launch of the second-gen model, will drive the decision on timing.”

As of now the plan is to export the Ampera/Chevrolet Volt from the DHAM facility in Michigan indefinitely. Naturally, this may cause a strain on capacity and availability of the Volt going forward both domestically and internationally if demand has been underestimated.

Complete article:
http://gm-volt.com/2009/10/17/guest-...ilding-ampera/

[PistonsFan]

The pending Magan-Opel deal may have also been a driving force here. GM may have been nervous about the Voltec IP being used by the Russians.

[Suziebob]

I say forget the Ampera and sell the CHEVY VOLT in Europe. GM makes the money from that, not the Russians.

[syr74]

Originally Posted by PistonsFan

The pending Magan-Opel deal may have also been a driving force here. GM may have been nervous about the Voltec IP being used by the Russians.

Or, to be blunt, Magna could actually be looking at this as a purely business venture in which case the near certainty that this car is going to bleed money would have to prove problematic. While I am not on board with the hybrid approach in general regardless of make I do understand the potential benefits of producing such a car for US consumption.....marketing, greenie goodwill, the perception of being on the cutting edge, hybrids are the new 'it' car to have.

The problem here is that, in Europe, those potential benefits just aren't there, at least not it anything like the same measure as they exist here. As best as I can tell the general consensus in Europe is that the whole hybrid genre is a bit silly with greater emphasis being placed on advanced diesel tech instead, even Toyota's hybrid darling is just another also-ran across the pond. And therein lies the rub. Take the marketing goodwill and potentially improved perception out of the deal and Volt is little more than an expensive, C segment car that loses money.

In that light it is easy to see why Magna might not be overly interested, in fact for Magna I think this was the easiest decision they'll get to make for some time.

[johnstarnes]

I love the Ampera!! No!

[zete]

I'd lean towards GM not wanting Opel to have any Voltec technology. If the deal goes through, Opel will just have regular cars and nothing else. It makes sense for GM to protect what may well end up being a major drivetrain solution going forward, esp. in the US with CAFE. I can see "light" versions of Voltec on a slew of cars upping the overall average for GM so that they can have specialty cars based off Zeta and other performance platforms.

[Burnout Czar]

Originally Posted by zete

I'd lean towards GM not wanting Opel to have any Voltec technology. If the deal goes through, Opel will just have regular cars and nothing else. It makes sense for GM to protect what may well end up being a major drivetrain solution going forward, esp. in the US with CAFE. I can see "light" versions of Voltec on a slew of cars upping the overall average for GM so that they can have specialty cars based off Zeta and other performance platforms.

Amen! No need to give your technology to what could possibly end up being a competitor! Volt-tec technology is THE next great breakthrough in automotive technology.

[ejfx]

I hope GM doesnt strangle the output of the Volt to make room for Ampera in North America...this car is too important to restrict

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by ejfx

No, its nooooooooooooo !

Funny! You are right! I love the Ampera's radical front end.

[GMFAN85]

Ouch.. That sucks big time. Well, looks like Chevrolet Europe will get it. Which will definitely boost the brand's image there. All they need to do is add the Volt grille and leave everything else the same. Those headlights and rear bumper are too cool to let go of.

[JBsZ06]

That Ampera is a very cool looking ride. GM should produce it and sell it here in the states..

Screw the russian mafia gig..

GM should walk from that deal.

JMO

[A.J.]

The Ampera is a waste.

Build the Flextreme instead.

[fan]

Yes, no hybrid green factor, small diesel alternatives, also no incentive 7500$ for electric or at least not as significant as in US, smaller distances E: count on making Volt an expensive option. Affordable all electric will work better in Europe. If there's political will that is. But signals indicate that there is.
Anyway, driving an electric 'eco-box' can not be worse than driving a bike. And bikes are quite in fashion Germany, France.

[Rocket 88]

Originally Posted by syr74

The problem here is that, in Europe, those potential benefits just aren't there, at least not it anything like the same measure as they exist here. As best as I can tell the general consensus in Europe is that the whole hybrid genre is a bit silly with greater emphasis being placed on advanced diesel tech instead, even Toyota's hybrid darling is just another also-ran across the pond. And therein lies the rub. Take the marketing goodwill and potentially improved perception out of the deal and Volt is little more than an expensive, C segment car that loses money.

Because you could never charge a battery off a diesel engine? I thought the Germans pulled that off in the 1940's and underwater to boot?

I get the cost factor being a problem but I never understand this diesel vs. hybrid thinking. It seems a bit like saying do you want a turbo or 6 speed? Uh, both please.

Probably makes even more sense in a car like the Volt where your propulsion is all electric all the time.

[hunchman]

Originally Posted by PistonsFan

The pending Magan-Opel deal may have also been a driving force here. GM may have been nervous about the Voltec IP being used by the Russians.

Haven't you heard? The cold war is over

Originally Posted by Suziebob

I say forget the Ampera and sell the CHEVY VOLT in Europe. GM makes the money from that, not the Russians.

When China illegally pirates almost everything that is american it seems that's ok but when a russian investor legally buys a portion of GM to build cars it's an outrage. Only in America