Chevrolet at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show
After Bob Lutz is done talking-up Cadillac’s version of the Volt (called Converj) he’ll be making the rounds with reporters, getting ready to unveil concepts Chevy feels will help them out of a financial crisis and take them well into the 21st century. They better have some good ideas, since we’re already 9 years into that century.
Chevrolet Volt Electric Car
First off was Chevrolet’s press release announcing their 40 miles per gallon charge Volt electric car will have it’s Lithium Ion battery constructed by LG Chem, located in Troy, Michigan. Keeping things local, Chevrolet will also contract the University of Michigan to create a class specializing in battery engineering. Don’t be surprised if your future Volt battery has a big blue and yellow “M” logo.
2010 Chevrolet Spark / Beat Concept
Chevrolet’s Beat concept has grown (metaphorically speaking) into the 2010 Spark Concept. This small Aveo replacement, taking cues from foreign couples and small 4-doors, has an engine range starting with a 1.2-liter front wheel drive vehicle. This concept is already a star in its own right, as one of the robots from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox
A new Equinox is covering Chevrolet in the Crossover/Small SUV segment for 2010. This redesign is taller with a wider front end. This stores a “2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (135 kW), which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending).”
As for the rest of General Motor’s brands, a future for Saturn, Pontiac and Saab seems bleak. If all goes well with bailout spending GM will focus on Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC – Saab will soon be sold off and Pontiac will be downgraded. Saturn, as it looks, is at its end. When Automotive News broached the subject with GM North America Tony Clarke he stated simply “We’re going to be a smaller company.”
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