truth about domestics

Apparently, non-stop press coverage for several years is just not enough news about the Chevy Volt for the folks at GM.  They decided that the Volt needed a theme song, and the result of which you can see above.  It’s interesting to say the least…

(Video source: GM-Volt.com)

I love how the entire country has to kiss California’s ass all the time.  They pollute more than just about every other state and yet they demand automakers to produce more fuel efficient cars.  Then when the domestic automakers produce them, they refuse to buy them.  I just don’t get it.  Once again, GM must try to appease all of the tree-huggers in Cali and is therefore releasing the 2011 Volt there before a nation-wide roll out.  GM is also partnering with utility companies in California to study plug-in hybrid charging patterns on the electrical grid.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

The 2011 Chevy Volt is one of the biggest stars in GM’s new-model parade at any show, and as it approaches its launch date, one question remains; who will get the first crack at the Volt?  Well, according to Chevrolet division President Brent Dewar, General Motors will be hand selecting the initial Volt markets based on a number of factors.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

So the color everyone has been talking about on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt finally has a name.  The name was created in a contest by GM where people submitted their suggestions on what the color above should be called.  Then three names were chosen and set to an online vote with the winner being “Viridian Joule.”  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

In a post earlier this week, we brought you news on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt’s “Pedestrian Friendly Alert System,” a system that’s designed to give an audible warning to pedestrians that are visually impaired.  Well today we have video of that system in action with some actual blind people giving their feedback to GM.  Looks like the Domestic 3 are learning more and more every day to listen to their customers…

According to GM (in their latest press briefing on the Chevy Volt) the biggest challenge with the Volt battery pack is hot-weather storage of the vehicle.  There had been rumors on the internet that the Volt battery pack would not last 10 years in warmer climates, however GM has stated that this is simply not true, that the battery would last 10 years minimum for all customers.  They even went so far as to say that people in more moderate climates could see battery life last longer than the 10 years.  For more details, head on over to AutoblogGreen.

(Image source: GM)

Many electric car makers have been struggling with a similar problem.  The electric motors on these cars are nearly silent, making it hard if not impossible for pedestrians, especially the blind, to hear these cars coming.  Some automakers have talked about putting sound systems outside the car to produce the sound of an internal combustion engine, or to make some sort of beeping sound.  Well the engineers behind the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have come up with a rather interesting solution.  They will offer a “chirp” feature that is quieter than a blaring horn, but better than nothing really.  It will be activated by pulling back on the turn signal stalk, much like pushing forward on it to activate your bright lights.  For more on the story, as well as a nice video, head on over to Jalopnik.

(Image source: GM)

One of the 80 or so 2011 Chevrolet Volt prototypes was spotted rolling around Royal Oak, Michigan today.  Hope the development of the car is going as smoothly as Bob Lutz had stated before.  The car is due to start production towards the end of 2010.  For more, head on over to Autoblog Green.

(Image source: Autoblog Green)

OK, so the name of the contest needs a little work, but that’s not what we’re here to discuss!  GM has recently opened up voting on the contest to name the color that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has been shown in over the past year or so.  You know the color we’re talking about, it’s mostly gray, but kinda green too.  Eh, check the movie above for more details as well as heading on over to Chevrolet VoltAge to read more, or click here to cast your vote!

The Volt craze has already begun even though the car doesn’t hit the market until late next year.  The dealer is taking bids now on the right to the first Volt they get.  Or something like that.  Apparently the auction on eBay isn’t very clear and it’s not certain what you are bidding on.  The worst part is that this dealer might not even get a Volt due to GM’s selective distribution.  For more on the story, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)