Chevrolet Volt: Hope, Hype, or Game Changer?

There is no doubt it is a 'game changer' both for GM and hopefully for the struggling US Auto Industry.

DETROIT (Catholic Online) - One could not read, view or listen to any media source today without hearing the extraordinary news from General Motors.

Yes, that General Motors, the same one which has recently appeared to be without any battery life itself.

The Company revealed on Tuesday that its' long anticipated Chevrolet "Volt" model will offer the owner a fuel consumption estimate of 230 miles per gallon in the city.

The Chief Executive of the newly restructured General Motors, Fritz Henderson, made the startling announcement which became the subject of speculation all day.

That speculation ranged from calling the news the "hope" of the new GM, similar to the impact the I phone had on Apple, to skeptics calling it "hype".

The Volt is to begin production next year, 2010. It will have a very small fuel tank which will allow for extending the range of the battery by recharging the battery through an internal combustion engine.

Henderson acknowledged what the talking heads discussed for much of the day; the car will be costly to produce and the compact will cost the first responders among the consuming public $40,000.

In addition, there is a real concern about the accessibility of charging outlets for some consumers.GM and other car companies are in extensive discussion with public utilities and major retailers on creative ways of making such outlets readily available.

However, as for the cost, GM is counting on at least a $7,500 tax credit on the car. Who knows, with the growing use of tax credits and rebates by the current administration, much more may be under discussion. The minimal cost for recharging the batteries is also an incentive.

Even with all of the possible impediments to jump starting the production and sale of the Chevrolet Volt, there is no doubt it is a "game changer" both for GM and hopefully for the struggling US Auto Industry.

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