Despite reports of problems with the Chevrolet Volt, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz insists the high-profile program is "on track" for a late '10 launch.
The Chevrolet Volt remains on schedule for a late 2010 U.S. launch, insisted General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, during an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show.
The septuagenarian executive, who is generally credited with coming up with the Volt concept, denied recent reports that the extended-range electric vehicle is falling behind the introduction date GM had set for it more than a year ago.
“The Volt is absolutely on track for a North American launch later this year,” said Lutz, who was the key speaker at Chevy’s news conference during the press days at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
But the normally outspoken vice chairman was otherwise tight-lipped, pointedly declining to offer even the most basic thoughts about the huge shake-up in senior management authorized by the General Motors board, on Tuesday.
Outlining the various models that have been fleshing out Chevy’s Continental line-up, Lutz said that GM plans to bring the Volt to Europe, in time for the brand’s 100th anniversary, in late 2011. Another version of the so-called E-REV, the Ampera, will be launched by GM’s European Opel subsidiary, about the same time.