GM presses ahead with plug-ins beyond Volt

[doh]

http://www.reuters.com/article/marke...0081105?rpc=44

* GM readying a range of electric cars beyond Volt-sources

* Development efforts include plug-ins for Cadillac, Opel

* GM declines comment on specific product plans

By Soyoung Kim

DETROIT, Nov 5 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is pressing ahead with investment in a range of electric vehicles beyond its Chevy Volt even as the automaker slashes spending in other areas, sources with knowledge of the plan said.

The Chevrolet Volt plug-in and other electric vehicles that will be powered by lithium-ion batteries are key to GM's effort to reinvent itself at a time when sales are slumping and its turnaround plans have come under increased scrutiny.

To reduce costs, GM has delayed the unveiling of two models including a new Buick LaCrosse initially planned for the Los Angeles auto show this month.

GM also has scrapped development plans for a replacement platform for its full-size SUVs as it battles to shore up its cash position amid a global slump in auto sales that threatens to overrun its restructuring plans.

But even as it cuts product development costs elsewhere, GM is pushing forward with work to develop a range of rechargeable, or plug-in vehicles that will follow the Volt into the market from 2010, the sources said.

The electric-powered vehicles under development at GM include plug-ins for GM's luxury Cadillac brand, its Opel brand in Europe and a Chevy-branded vehicle with SUV styling, one of the sources said.

GM spokesman Dave Darovitz said the automaker does not comment on product plans as a matter of policy. But he said GM has signaled that it will use the technology it is developing in the Volt in a range of vehicles over time.

"We've always said it's not a niche product," Darovitz said. "The architecture is flexible."

The Volt is on track to become the first mass-market, plug- in hybrid if it is launched as planned in November 2010. Sources have said Compact Power Inc, a Detroit-area based unit of LG Chem (051910.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), has won the race to supply the electric Volt with battery packs.

GM and Compact Power have declined comment.

Unlike traditional hybrids such as Toyota Motor Corp's (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Prius, which are powered in turns by a battery or by the gas engine depending on driving conditions, the Volt and the other electric vehicles being developed by GM will be powered by electricity at all times.

[PRO_USA1776]

Good, I want to replace my SRX by 2012!

[crooner214]

Yeah, I wonder what the Caddy version will look like?

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by crooner214

Yeah, I wonder what the Caddy version will look like?

It will look like the Volt except with an egg-crate grille and vertical taillamps.

[motorman]

GM should build and sell these to the drag racers as they will sell more there than VOLTS to the public. http://www.opb.org/programs/ofg/vide...ic-Drag-Racing

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by crooner214

Yeah, I wonder what the Caddy version will look like?

My guess is that E-Flex will be an option for the CTS.

[zete]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

It will look like the Volt except with an egg-crate grille and vertical taillamps.

Wouldn't it be the new SRX as GM showed that with E-Flex? That would be my guess.

An E-Flex CTS and ULS (or whatever GM calls it) would be great, too.

[Ed Arcuri]

I'm with Zete on this one. The new SRX would be an ideal vehicle for this sort of thing particularly because those desiring a sedan will have the Volt as an option.
I wonder why the Volt was not originally conceived as a boost to one of the moribund brands? Why not a brand with a higher price point than Chevrolet? 40 big ones for a Chevy should be Corvette territory, not miniscule, green sedan territory in my view.
I've got my fingers crossed that, whatever else it is, it is a home run. Or, better, from my point of view, the "Low E.T. of the meet." I much prefer drag racing allusions.
Cheers,
Ed

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by zete

Wouldn't it be the new SRX as GM showed that with E-Flex? That would be my guess.

An E-Flex CTS and ULS (or whatever GM calls it) would be great, too.

Why would GM try to put it in yet another SUV??
Hasn't GM learned?

GM needs to put it in cars first.
Yes, I'm well aware that you will probably get more "bang for the buck" in an SUV, but GM can ill afford the pad press with "yet another SUV" on the market.

Sorry, but I believe that the Cadillac EFLex should be in the BLS or CTS FIRST.

THis of course means that the first Cadillac EFlex will be an SRX or Escalade.

[Dano702]

I wish they would stop doing anything besides getting the Volt to dealers alot faster . There just might not be any GM dealers left to sell all of this pie in the sky that is years away , i would be focused on how to make it to next week!


If i hear one more story about future this or two years from now that , i am just going to stab myself in the face with a rusty spoon to make the pain go away . Man , talk about a run on sentence . The Volt better show up in droves , VERY VERY soon .

[JBsZ06]

With gasoline pricing continuing to drop.. I hope all these alternative powered vehicles don't crush GM in the near future..

The government wants them to build this stuff .....I just hope the public buys them ....