GM, the green Automaker

General Motors recently announced the Chevrolet Volt, its extended range electric vehicle due out in November 2010, will get an estimated city fuel economy of 230 mpg, or 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles.

GM will unveil 25 new models between now and the end of 2011, it said in a statement released as President and CEO Fritz Henderson was about to hold a press briefing and webcast. "When the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle rolls off the assembly line late next year, it will be the first mass-production automobile to achieve triple-digit fuel economy, with an expected 230 mpg in the city, or 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles," GM said.

Henderson also confirmed in the statement that Cadillac is developing an entry-level luxury sport sedan to capitalize on the growing market for smaller luxury sedans in the U.S. and globally. The rear- and optional all-wheel drive sedan will compete in the segment below the CTS, delivering outstanding performance and driving dynamics. At GM's Design Center and Milford Proving Ground today, GM is showing off six all-new 2010 vehicles and a glimpse of what is being introduced through the end of 2011:

• Chevrolet is introducing 10 new models, including the 2011 Chevrolet Volt through the end of 2011.

• Buick and GMC are adding 10 new models, including an as yet unnamed Buick plug-in hybrid compact crossover in 2011.

• Cadillac is introducing five new models through 2011.

One pilot web initiative, called "The Lab," will involve GM's Advanced Design studio and allow users to talk with designers about ideas and consumer-friendly technologies that were previously shared only in unbranded clinics. GM is building 10 Volt pre-production vehicles a week and has a fleet of 30 being tested in Yuma, Ariz. "The key to restarting this company lies with GM's customers, cars and culture," Henderson said. "With four focused brands, we are committed to exceeding our current customers' expectations and giving consumers plenty of reasons to choose a Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac car or truck."

Using development testing based on a draft U.S. Environmental Protection Association (EPA) procedure for plug-in electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Volt is expected to achieve 230 miles per gallon or better in city driving (25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles). The Volt, scheduled to begin production late next year as a 2011 model, can travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and can extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex-fuel engine-generator.

Source : The Detroit News, by David Shepardson, August 11th, 2009