Apr
16
GM bets big on Volt and Hybrid Technology
April 16, 2008 |
The GM Volt has been in and around the motoring press for a long, long time now - the ubiquitous image of the sleek, futuristic hybrid. Part concept, part practicality; the Volt looks like forming the very foundation of General Motors attempted revival from a period of poor fortune and near-bankruptcy situations.
Innovative and progressive in its technology, the Volt represents one of, if not thee, biggest gambles in General Motors history. A plug-in hybrid that the ailing motor giant hopes will sustain it well into this century. But how exactly does GM propose that one model will prop up its business model? Well, the simple answer is it doesn’t. The Volt is intended as merely the first, or key piece in a puzzle that GM hopes will put it ahead of the competition on sustainable and hybrid development.
By harnessing the niche of ‘all-electric’ power, GM hopes the Volt and other models like it (which it plans to roll out steadily) will make that all important leap ahead of well established hybrid brands like the Prius phenomenon. GM is certainly determined to make things work this time around and not repeat their oft-cited mistakes of the last decade. It is common knowledge that General Motors has had the resources, the budget and the technology at its fingertips to produce groundbreaking hybrids for a long time. Lets hope they’re finally going to put this puzzle together because, if they do it properly, it could make the vital difference to the green car market.
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