That's the question asked by ABC News in their interview with GM folks involved with the Volt project. We also get a glimpse of the front end styling. Actually, I have no fear about what the car will look like. I think it will be stunning. Why do I say that? Just look at what GM has put in their showroom floors over the past few years. Almost without exception they're all great looking vehicles, so I have no reason to doubt this new Volt will be equally great to look at.
The big question, however, remains: Is this Volt going to be GM's salvation? Or will it be just another in a long list of close-but-no-cigar attempts from the General?
Here's Inside Line's take: Slow Striptease of the Chevrolet Volt Begins
Here's AutoObserver's take: 33,000 Potential Buyers Raise Hands for Chevy Volt - Symbolically
firstwagon says:
07:34 AM, 08/12/08
Save it or kill it? Their last electric car failed, their hybrids are not competitive and they have no interesting small cars.
If the Volt doesn't live up to it's long drawn out hype, where will go in the modern world of cars?
I guess they could just buy somemore second rate compacts for Korean but that will just keep them alive, not get them back on top.
ateixeira says:
09:07 AM, 08/12/08
The Volt will be very low volume, so it alone will not save GM, no.
What GM needs is inspiration from innovative vehicles like the Volt to bleed down in to their volume products.
An ever-improving Malibu will more likely save GM.
carlisimo says:
11:19 AM, 08/12/08
For one car to save GM it would have to both be amazing without compromises, and make a huge profit. The former is difficult, but the latter is even more unlikely.
In any case, cars like the Volt (or Prius) aren't going to work with a short-term attitude like that. I really hope no one sees it that way internally. It's a science project that could secure GM's future, but their present will depend on their more mundane products and marketing.
stovt001 says:
09:22 PM, 08/12/08
The Volt can't save GM financially. Its volumes are too low and the margins are too thin. However, just as the Prius made even the media forget Toyota makes Tundras, Sequoias, Highlanders, 4 Runners, and Land Cruisers, the Volt just might allow people to not pigeon-hole GM as a truck maker and instead acknowledge its very nice car offerings.