In this interview with Automotive News, new GM CEO Fritz Henderson, admitted the obvious - it that GM will not be able to make their first mass-produced electric car both affordable and profitable for a long time, saying that GM plans to lose money with “Gen-1 and 2″ of the Chevy Volt.
“We have been very clear with the task force, particularly in Gen-1 technology, like the Volt, the cost is high,” Henderson said. “And that means, it doesn’t necessarily pay the rent. It actually consumes rent when it’s launched.”
However, Henderson says GM has a plan.
“We actually think oil prices are going to go up,” he said. “That’s what our entire plan is based on. So we’re going to make the bets. And I don’t think that our product portfolio is going to be out of touch with where the consumer’s going to go or where we need to be in terms of regulation.”
May 10th, 2009 at 10:52 am
I think this technology will put GM back in the driver seat. Weather the gas prices go up not we got to push the egde of technology. Gas car our out. When people see this car, sales will pick up and you will not be able to keep them on the lot.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I completely agree. The Volt is as sexy as the Camaro with all the added appeal of the most fuel economy you could ever want or need. i say this now in all seriousness, and i quote “i will order/drive away in a Chevrolet Volt the DAY it is released in the American market. no matter the cost, no matter what legistics may be in my way. I WILL have one.
August 11th, 2009 at 10:07 am
First of all, GM isn’t exactly in a position to lose money — second, its “logistics”, not legistics.
I have a 2010 Camaro, and it’s as well designed as any other “F” body was. Maybe even a bit better. I also have Hummers for my company vehicles, and they are exceptionally well built, and no longer being made – go figure. The notion that the Volt is the salvation for GM is a far cry from reality. The Volt may end GMs current hybrid platform all together with the huge amount of funding that GM will have to give up just to get the car launched.
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