Chevy Volt Still Alive Despite Chapter 11 Threats

General Motors is still keen on developing the over-discussed Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and the company should enter production, as scheduled, in 2010. This is what Tom Stephens, the automaker's product development chief, said, hinting that the continuous threats that it might file for bankruptcy protection are not affecting the company's plans.

"At this point in time, I know of no reason why we can't be in production by November of 2010," he was quoted as saying by Autonews.

"It's best utilized in urban vehicles," Stephens added, explaining that Volt will perfectly match people's needs, especially for those living in cities. "We have to consider what is the usage of the person buying the vehicle. For a commuter who drives 40 miles a day and takes it shopping on weekend, it's the perfect application."

Talking about the other core brand that is going to benefit from Chevy Volt's advanced hybrid powertrain, the General Motors official said the company is still considering its options so a decision is yet to be announced.

Similar to Chrysler who is now promoting the newly-revived company under the "We're building a new car company" slogan, General Motors starts advertising its products in a similar manner. According to Stephens, the board of the company, together with the newly-appointed CEO Fritz Henderson, emphasize the "the biggest thing you can do to have a sustainable automobile company is to make great cars and trucks."

Although it indeed sounds like a pure marketing strategy, General Motors really needs to improve the economic recession-hit image of the company, after the so-many cost-cutting measures that obviously destroyed people's faith in the American automaker.