GM Volt Concept Car Has Chance to Save American Automaker

Automaker General Motors (Stock Symbol: GM) finds itself in perilous times. The effect of high oil prices is having a ripple red tide movement against the automakers bread and butter product - the SUV and Truck. Gas guzzlers were in vogue years ago when the price of fuel was lower than it is today. And the average American dismissed the idea of a bigger gas tank in favor of the living room on wheels. That has all changed.

It is currently estimated the GM has enough cash on hand to last through the year 2009. After that the company could be in jeopardy without a big change in direction. And that is where a big change in thinking at the Detroit based auto group is fueling new ideas.

Meet the Volt. The GM's brainchild is a vehicle that has the chance to change the way we fuel our cars. Based off the EV-1 project -- the Volt has significant differences. What makes the Volt completely different from any car on the highways of America today is that it is run by electric. The first 40 miles that the car runs is powered entirely off of electricity that was used from a standard electric outlet. After that a range extender engine kicks on that is powered by regular gasoline to recharge the battery and keep the car running. According to GM this is all done seamlessly.

Using the Chevy brand GM is following in the footsteps of Tesla Motors in creating an efficient car that actually is appealing. This is different from the Toyota (Stock Symbol: TM) Prius which features an aerodynamic design that leaves much in the way of appeal. GM also adds to the recipe by making the vehicle a 4-door car designed to accommodate the average family.

In a move that many industry watchers call radical and risky GM also has the opportunity to reinvent the auto industry with its new car. If General Motors plays their cards right the regular gas powered car could end up at Car Auctions Inc around the world. And that just might happen gauging the response the car has received. GM has been wide open about its in-design progress of the car. At least 2 blogs are dedicated on the internet to covering everything about the development of the Volt.

Some are calling the Volt a breadth of fresh air to the Michigan based industry that has been left in the dust largely by Japan. If GM does this right they very well could win back the hearts of auto consumers in the USA.