Australian Premier lobbying for Volt built Down Under
2012 Holden Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery
As has been reported in the past, GM's Australian arm is waiting in eager anticipation for a Holden-badged version of the Chevy Volt to hit the market Down Under in 2012. That car will be assembled here in the United States and is little more than a standard Volt minus the Bowtie emblem on the front fascia – not that there's anything wrong with that, of course.
According to Wards Auto, though, South Australia Premier Mike Rann is hoping for even more electrification, preferably built in Australia for its own home market. Since Holden is already going to build a version of the upcoming Cruze in Australia, which is based on the same Delta underpinnings as the Volt, might it be possible for Holden to build its own Volt? Says Rann:
While it's true the Volt and Cruze share the basic Delta platform, the details of the two cars are radically different and there aren't any plans at present to build a Voltec-powered vehicle in Australia. Still, The General isn't ruling out a locally-built EV for the Australian market, and officials from the country have further visits planned later this year to continue discussing the subject. Stay tuned.While the Cruze will be a fuel-efficient car, I would like to see the Elizabeth plant manufacturing the same model but with an even greater fuel efficiency in the future, as the technology develops.
Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Volt
[Source: Wards Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Kiernan 4:24PM (8/25/2009)
Opel is building the Volt in Germany right?
Reply
Rif 4:48AM (8/26/2009)
@Mark Kiernan
That is not going to happen. GM is selling Opel.
GM 'still intends to sell Opel'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8219542.stm
DasBoese 11:47AM (8/26/2009)
In any scenario, GM will still have a minority stake in Opel, and yes, they'll build the Ampera (aka Volt) in Germany under license.
Though right now, it's not so certain anymore that they'll sell Opel.
This whole situation has been greatly overhyped by both the German government, who have an election upcoming and thus were looking to use it for their campaigns, the unions who are afraid of job cuts and Opel's own management and employees, who sort of suffer from delusions of grandeur.
Only now all of them are realizing that they never had any say in the matter, because in the end, Opel is owned by GM and GM decides what will happen. And since"new" GM is in a very different position than "old" GM a few weeks ago, even the billion-euro loan guarantees that the government promised to bait them into the Magna/Sberbank deal with suddenly aren't that attractive anymore.
wincros 5:46PM (8/25/2009)
I think I read something a couple of months ago that indicated that there would not be an Opel version. It makes sense because Opel is being disvested and will be owned by someone else and be a competitor. Have not heard anything about Holden in the reorganization of GM.
Reply
Greg Blencoe 8:12PM (8/25/2009)
Three things everybody should know about the Chevy Volt
http://hydrogendiscoveries.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/three-things-everybody-should-know-about-the-chevy-volt/
Australia should instead focus on building Toyota hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in their country. My view is that the Chevy Volt will not be a success with mainstream consumers.
Greg Blencoe
Chief Executive Officer
Hydrogen Discoveries, Inc.
Reply
unni 10:19PM (8/25/2009)
I started getting bored of Hydrogen stuff, But i think a fuel cell based lpg or natural gas vehicle has more intermediate future than hydrogen based one in current scenario.
A fuel cell which uses LPG/ Natural gas may be nice because
1) It has 60 -70% efficiency
2) Low emissions
3) Home rechargeable
4) Already available infrastructure ( as there is a gas pipe coming to every home ( atlest in North America )
5) Cost effective because of scaling of economies.
and on the volt posting things to know:
1) 230 mile exaggeration : I don't care on mpg because i drive mostly less than 40 mile a day - means i may not even use a single drop of gas of an year or more years except some long trips - means mpg can be dumped
2) economically prudent choice for consumers : This is why initially govt gives subsidy on EVs and with in 5 - 10 years the battery technology will be breaking out. Its less expensive than putting a full infrastructure. Think EEstor comes out on 2010 and gives delivers 1/2 of it promised -still 150 mile ev with $2000 battery and recharge in 5 minutes.
3) 40-mile all-electric range : I know ( i think every one knows ) it varies , thatz why it has a range extender.
lets wait because the tests for range is done on industry standard EPA cycles ( city and high way and not based on any hypothetical cycles ) , so i believe it more than predictions ( l go with facts and common sense than fictions )
Shock Me 8:52PM (8/25/2009)
Read your link but found no reliable information on the Volt's HWY performance, only speculation. If the speculation proves true it remains superior to the Prius in the CITY where it is used most often and matches it on the HWY.
Plus, it has room for a fuel cell in place of an ICE if the need (or infrastructure) arises.
The success or failure of the Volt will depend on the initial price. At $40K before the $7500 rebate it may still be too much for a mass market vehicle. The same goes for the first mass produced HFC Toyota offering.
You shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the value of a gasoline and grid powered Holden Volt in preparing a way for your dream of a hydrogen future.
Reply
jonwil2002 1:38AM (8/26/2009)
I dont care if its built in Australia, America, China or Lower Elbonia. I just want to see it on showroom floors with holden badges on it.
Reply
swalla 4:47AM (8/26/2009)
Greg Blencoe is a dick.
if the volt depletes its range on the highway.
then your hygrogen car will suck the juice like a Slurpee.
they both use an AC motor and im sure GM will put in a motor capable of highway travel
and not just the first gen prius backup motor.
use your head.
last point.
your a dick.
and building volts and cruzes in aus will be slighly cheeper with the dollar price.
we sold you the pontiac gto for peanuts.
Reply