Melbourne 2009: GM releases new shots of Holden Volt
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Feb 26th 2009 at 8:08PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Volt
Although it won't actually be present at the event, GM has released three new images of the Holden Volt to coincide with the start of the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show. Like the Opel Ampera that will be shown off at the Geneva Motor Show next week, the Holden is a rebadged version of the range-extended electric Chevy Volt. This lightly remodeled car is very important for the Australian market as the automaker tries to shed its fuel-thirsty reputation and switches to smaller, more efficient packages.
The Voltec powertrain that makes the Volt tick isn't likely to see any changes on its trip Down Under, and, as we can see from the image gallery below, there aren't any real changes to the Volt's sheetmetal either. This fact shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone since The General worked to hard to make the overall shape of the original Volt as slippery as possible in the first place. See the full press release after the break.
Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Volt
[Source: General Motors]
PRESS RELEASE:
HOLDEN VOLT PROVIDES GLIMPSE OF AUSTRALIA'S DRIVING FUTURE
GM Holden has released the first images of the highly anticipated Volt extended range electric vehicle as it will appear on Australian roads. The images, which show a right-hand-drive version of Volt sporting Holden badges on its aerodynamic front and rear, were released as part of Holden's presentation at the Melbourne International Motor Show. It is a local take on the vehicle that has won widespread acclaim for its ability to travel up to 64 kilometres on electricity before using petrol or producing exhaust pipe emissions. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said the company had been overwhelmed by public interest in Volt since announcing it would launch in Australia in 2012.
"We think Volt has the potential to change the game in Australian motoring," Mr Reuss said. "Since we announced our plans to introduce Volt to Australia, we have been overwhelmed by public interest in the car and the technology that makes it work.
"There is no doubt that Volt's advanced propulsion systems represent some of the most exciting alternative fuel developments in motoring.
"At Holden, we believe Volt will play an incredibly important role in our efforts to make motoring better for the environment," he said.
General Motors estimates that compared to similar sized petrol-powered vehicles, Volt will save motorists up to 1892 litres of fuel a year. This is based on US research that identifies 75 per cent of commuters travel an average daily distance of less than 40 miles (64 kilometres). When Volt's battery energy is depleted, a small petrol engine generates enough electricity to power the vehicle for hundreds of additional kilometres. GM also calculates that charging the vehicle at night through a standard power outlet will use less electricity annually than an average household refrigerator. Volt is planned for manufacture at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly and is scheduled for launch in the US in late 2010. The right-hand-drive version will launch later.
Volt – How The Technology Works
Volt is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV). In a significant advance from conventional hybrids , it uses electricity to move its wheels at all times and speeds. For trips of up to 64 kilometres, Volt is powered solely by the electricity stored in its battery without using petrol or producing exhaust pipe emissions. When the battery's energy is depleted, a small petrol-powered engine generates electric power for the vehicle to travel hundreds of additional kilometres. Advanced technology enables the vehicle's battery to be charged in less than three hours on a standard 240v power outlet. Charge times are reduced if the battery has not been fully depleted. GM estimates that compared to petrol-powered vehicles that average 7.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, Volt will save motorists up to 1892 litres of fuel a year.
Volt – Vehicle Details
The design of the Volt production car has evolved from an original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. General Motors created an energy efficient design for the production vehicle, resulting in one of the most aerodynamic cars in the company's history. Many of the design cues from the concept car have been carried over in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance and rear design graphics. Inside, Volt will offer the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan.
Volt – Battery Details
GM will establish the first lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility operated by a major automaker in the United States to produce the Volt's battery pack system. It consists of lithium-ion cells that are grouped into modules, along with other key battery components. The plant will be located in Michigan, subject to negotiations with state and local government authorities. Facility preparation will begin in early 2009, with production tooling to be installed mid-year and output starting in 2010.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
flow 7:49AM (2/27/2009)
The Australian public just isn't going to buy this. When you can buy a LPG car with better fuel economy dollar for dollar (and it's a large car), this will die a quick death.
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Tim 9:15AM (2/27/2009)
If Chevy is GM's "global brand", why do the Opel & Holden brands even exist?
Isn't redundancy expensive and wasteful when GM is fighting for its very existence?
When the ship is going down you jettison ballast, and FAST!
GM is sinking of its own body mass! Now is the time for them to quit wasting time and money and sell or shut down Opel & Holden so they can concentrate on their core brand which is Chevy.
One CHEVY Voltec model of a 4-door sedan (Volt), 2-door sport coupe, 4-door crossover, light pickup truck, and maybe even a minivan. A 4x4 option on the crossover and pickup would be very nice.
One model of each and one brand for all! Then GM can stop wasting time and money with this useless redundancy and concentrate on survival.
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Sasparilla 3:05PM (2/27/2009)
Whether the Australian public will buy it or not, will remain to be seen - the target market has to be kept in mind, its small - this isn't something to compete with Civic's, this is the technology lead vehicle to set GM up for the next 100 years. Keep in mind, expectations for oil and natural gas prices, by the time the Volt is available, is to be back through the level we had last summer (winter down in Australia) - and GM isn't going to be making alot of these (65k is their initial target a year for worldwide production).
Would there be 2k Australian consumers a year who would want a vehicle that can go all electric (and associated reduction in CO2 emissions just to feel good) for 40 miles with gasoline backup for hundreds more, when gasoline and natural gas prices are through the roof and the southern half of their country is drying out for some reason? And only rebadging, for extra costs?
I'd say its a no brainer, go GM.
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tastycarp 4:02PM (2/27/2009)
And half of those 2k will be politicians and city councils trying to look green. Toyota proved with Prius you dont need a great car just a green one and they sell themselves.
Middleman 6:49AM (4/16/2009)
And I certainly do not think this will persuade the UK market either. And this will explain why:
http://caughtinthemiddleman.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/739/
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jammie 2:48PM (6/16/2009)
BTW I'm in love with volt's exterior and even interior iPod-like finger-touch shiny-white design. just feels like a future car or riding a concept...
IMO bad news could be more expensive maintenance costs, battery-replacement, and a lack of driving fun like acceleration and power we do expect from petrol cars all around [even 1.6L european ones]...
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