GM: Volt is On Schedule

19 December 2008

In a post on GM’s FastLane Blog, Jon Lauckner, GM Vice President Global Program Management quashed rumors about the future of the Volt, writing that “the development of the Volt remains on-schedule despite the ongoing talks in Washington, DC.”

It is one of the highest, if not the highest, priority programs in the company and that hasn’t changed, nor has the commitment of resources to fund it. In fact, with the successful completion of each development activity, we have more confidence than ever the Volt will start production as planned in late 2010.

The Generation II Volt prototype in Washington. Click to enlarge.

The Volt development vehicle taken to Washington is a Generation II prototype, with a production-intent propulsion system and battery pack in a Chevrolet Cruze body.

Lauckner said that GM finished building the last of the 33 vehicles in this hardware stage last week, and is finalizing the engineering for the final prototypes, which will begin testing in July 2009.

It is true that, due to our current liquidity situation among other things, we have temporarily suspended some construction activities at the new engine plant in Flint. This has no impact on our production timing for the Volt or the Chevy Cruze. Moreover, our global manufacturing process is flexible enough to construct this plant within a year, and the planning activities that require less cash upfront are continuing in Flint.

I realize some of you will remain skeptical of the Volt program and its timing, that’s just human nature; but I ask you to reserve judgment until 2010. Until then, know that work on the Volt remains on schedule.

—John Lauckner