General Motors has not yet said how much first-generation models of its electric-drive, extended-range Chevrolet Volt will cost, but estimates have suggested about $40,000. The company did say
yesterday that it's working on the second and third generations of the vehicle and that they will likely be more affordable.
"This first-generation technology is
expensive," admits Robert Kruse, executive director of GM's global vehicle engineering, hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries, but he says several factors should make a first-generation
Volt a viable business. They include government incentives and relatively lower fuel costs. Kruse says the motivation for quick development of the future models is to reduce costs and make the Volt
"more viable for the mass market."
The Times' Stuart Elliott, meanwhile,
reports that a campaign for GM's soon-to-be-jettisoned Saturn division features retailers urging
potential car buyers to not be deterred from considering Saturn. "Let me tell you what's going on with Saturn," one says. "We're still here."
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