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GM Working On More-Affordable Volts; Says Saturn's Still Here

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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