Is GM making the Volt in China as well?
Click for a complete gallery of the Chevrolet Volt
Although we have to take with a pinch of salt this news, Gasgoo has a story that says that GM will make the Volt in China in 2011 to serve the local market. The story comes from Nanfang Daily, which cites Bob Lutz. According to them, Lutz said that Chinese elements were considered for the design of the Volt and that China could be a great market for EVs. While this could simply mean what we all know - that all cars get parts made all over - it's interesting to see that the Volt is stirring interest in China as well.
Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt Live Reveal
[Source: Gasgoo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave 7:06PM (10/17/2008)
China has awful air pollution.
So they are building nukes to provide electricity.
And, like the USA, they have made some strange bedfellows in order to supply their thirst for oil.
EVs may make more sense in China than in the USA. At least the USA has natural gas (dunno bout China).
I wonder if it'll be a Buick Volt in China.
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Dave 7:24PM (10/17/2008)
I thought GM was going to build a small quantity the first year and then ramp up from there. I can't imagin them tooling up two lines ( China and U.S. ) for such a small quantity.
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Derek 8:49PM (10/17/2008)
Remember, the first Volts will be made in 2010 as 2011 models. If GM were to make the Volt in China in 2011, it would then likely be as a 2012 model, making it the second year of Volt production.
Chris M 10:30PM (10/17/2008)
GM is successful in the Chinese market, mainly due to the low cost government subsidized fuel enabling sales of gas guzzling SUVs and other big cars. As long as that subsidy continues, GM is unlikely to consider selling the Volt in China.
However, economic problems have forced the Chinese government to reduce subsidies and raise fuel prices, making the Volt a more realistic option. If air pollution and rising oil prices continue to be a problem, the Chinese government might even consider subsidizing the sales price on plug-in vehicles.
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DasBoese 6:07PM (10/19/2008)
Well, ever since it was confirmed for production Lutz (and others) repeatedly said that it's going to be a "global" car, so yeah, that makes sense. China may even get the Volt before we in Europe do.
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