But the NHTSA investigation of GM’s lithium batteries (those used in plug-in electric vehicles) concluded this week. It showed the batteries were completely safe, when charging.

Aside from these investigations, NHTSA conducted “three additional side-impact crash tests with three more Volts,” in November 2011. Two out of three batteries sparked or caught fire. New designs and features to the packs are being implemented to stop this.

Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO, testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about Volt fires. Akerson’s five-page written testimony has him defended the EV’s safety against the Obama administration.

“The Volt is safe. It’s a marvelous machine,” said Akerson. “The Volt seems, perhaps unfairly, to have become a surrogate for some to offer broader commentary on General Motors’ business prospects and administration policy.”

Akerson added the Volt became “a political punching bag” and that the handling of the fires cast “an undeserving damaging light on a promising new technology.”

Republicans accuse President Obama’s administration of favoring Volt, saying the EV receives “special treatment” due to GM’s 26% government-ownership.

“The Obama administration has tied the political reputation of the president closely to the success of GM generally, and to the Chevy Volt specifically,” the committee’s report stated. Hopefully, Volt, Obama, and the US automotive industry won’t go down in flames.

Tru is not a production concept that will be on dealer lots anytime soon. Instead, 140S serves as a design study, and direction that General Motors and Chevrolet might take in future models.

We can see this becoming a next-gen Corvette or Camaro, can you?

John McFarland, Chevy’s senior manager for Global Marketing, stated in Detroit, “At Chevrolet, we want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process, and give them what they want – not what we think they want.”

Tru 140S is dubbed the “affordable exotic,” and will be sharing platforms with Cruze and Volt as a front-wheel-drive three-door hatchback.

Tru is powered by a direct-injected, turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, with stop-start technology “for maximum fuel economy.” Numbers have yet to be released by the auto maker or EPA officials.

Inside, Chevy includes WiFi connectivity, smartphone integration, MyLink infotainment system, and heads up display.

Source: The Motor Authority

Everyone makes mistakes, what matters is if one learns from them. Chevy Has.

Chevrolet is celebrating its Centennial with help from their all new Chevy Cruze. This fresh model has sold millions of units across the globe, including 1 million just in the US alone.

Cruze is key to the global expansion of Chevrolet, and one of the top-selling models in all the markets: including India, China, Russia, and other developing countries.

“I can’t think of a better birthday present,” said Karl Slym, President and Managing Director, General Motors India. “Cruze’s combination of style, comfort, fuel-efficiency and safety is a hit across the globe.”

Chevrolet began as a General Motors brand on Nov. 3rd, 1911 in Detroit, MI. With its headquarters still located in The Motor City, we can see another century of Chevy coming our way.

Sources: Wheelsunplugged | Wikipedia

But there have been many upgrades to Impala for 2012, all of which can be found inside the vehicle, as well as under the hood.

Inside the 2012 Impala, driver and passengers will see a wood trim around the cabin, including on door interiors and center console. It comfortably seats five, with the ability to squeeze in six people over-all in a pinch; compared to 4 – 5 people in other sedans of this class. Seating is spacious, covered in leatherette, and there’s plenty of leg/head room in 2012′s Impala. Lots of GM tech goodies are available as options with Impala, including a large nav/infotainment screen and audio controls.

Performance specifications on board the 2012 Impala have been bumped up with a 3.5-liter engine, and four speed automated transmission with ability to equip a 3.6-liter. Oh, did we mention both engine options are Fuel Flex V6 powerplants?

Each motor is capable of producing 300 horsepower with 262 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates a fuel economy rating of 18-19 mpg city, 30 mpg on the highways. So far, 2012 is looking pretty good for Chevy.

Source: Chevrolet PR

This little powerplant is just one of several engine types the American auto maker hopes to produce for their compact and economy class vehicles, and hopefully roll out within the next five years.

Designed for ‘global use,’ as the auto maker states, these three-and-four-cylinder motors will displace between 1.0 and 1.5 liters, depending on size and which vehicle they are placed in. Each will feature direct injection, turbocharger, and (of course) alternative fuel abilities.

No word on specifications as of yet, though GM says their engines “will deliver increased fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.”

This “Chevy Cobalt Concept” is the creation of GM Design Center South America, which is why it features several changes on previous Cobalt variants. These include a steeper sloped windshield, for that more open cabin feel.

The concept comes with 17-inch alloy wheels in 255/45R17 tires. Engines for this Cobalt will include several gas units, ranging from 1.3 liters to 1.8 liters. Of course all will be FlexFuel capable. Diesel units are also a possibility for the concept.

It’s very common for South American audiences to receive discontinued car models for years after they cease production in The United States.

Source: WCF

Both can be test driven at your local Chevrolet dealers, but you better get their quick. Dealers can’t seem to keep either vehicle around for long. Luckily both are made right here in the USA – so getting more inventory in takes no time at all.

Last month, Chevrolet reported gains for its combined new model line. A 54% increase in the new car category. “March sales demonstrated our newest models continue to win over customers,” said Don Johnson, GM’s vice president of U.S. sales operations. “Vehicles like the Chevrolet Cruze and Equinox put us in great position to benefit from consumer’s increasing desire for fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Chevrolet posted 148,197 vehicle sales in March, an 11% increase over the same month a year ago. 18,018 of those vehicles were Cruze sedans. This number includes an 18% gain in retail sales. Chevrolet has sold 416,505 vehicles, representing a 37% spike in retail sales, and 23% increase in total sales.

Via: Auto Guide

For 2011, fresh teammates are welcomed by returning faces and updated technology, making these Chevy Corvette race cars more powerful than before.

Join Corvette Racing at Sebring, as they kick off the 2011 ALMS season. Take a look at what happens inside the GT fight – as emotions (and RPM’s) run high.

What did drivers and crew leaders say about the first race? What does it mean for the rest of the season? Find out here, and stay tuned for more racing adventure!

The five-door model “is a crucial car for Chevrolet in Western Europe as it gives hatchback practicality to the Cruze range for the first time,” according to Autocar.co.uk.

Chevrolet said Cruze hatchback will come with “a new range of engines” that will be topped by the 161bhp 2.0-liter turbodiesel powerplant mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The auto maker claims Cruze five-door brings “new levels of style its versatility”.

2011 is going to a shocker, no doubt about it – watch a revived crew of race course professionals take every turn and busted tire with ease, barreling down to the checkered flag: