If successful, the launch of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid could mark a renaissance for the U.S. auto industry, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has said. For General Motors, it would appear the possible benefits of the project far outweigh the risk. If the car fails, “it’s not fatal,” Lutz said. But if it succeeds, “it will be sensational.”
It’s no secret GM has faced many major hurdles with the Volt, from battery technologies to aerodynamics. GM’s Jon Lauckner says the latest battery prototypes are “very encouraging,” and Lutz says the concept‘s much-publicized aerodynamic problems have been resolved with a redesign of the car’s exterior.
In his interview with Wired Lutz was candid about pricing for the car. GM has long targeted a $30,000 price tag, but the first cars might come closer to $40,000, he noted. Lutz said his team of engineers have told him the necessary cost optimizations probably can’t be made in the short timeframe given to them.
Lutz said GM is holding strong to its November 2010 launch date. He said management is “holding the team’s feet to the fire” to meet this goal. When individuals on the Volt project get pessimistic, the ex-Marine said he asks a simple question — “What is there about November 2010 that you don’t understand?”
Lutz likened the project to American’s first manned mission to the moon. He said calling the Volt GM’s moon shot os a good analogy.”
