GM preparing to launch 2 more EREVs and a PHEV

GM CEO, Dan Akerson











General Motors is preparing to launch two more extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), CEO Dan Akerson told reporters on the sidelines of the 2011 Automotive News World Congress.

GM plans to launch a new hatchback and a multi-purpose vehicle—essentially a small minivan—likely in 2012 and 2013, Akerson told reporters...The automaker also will likely launch a plug-in hybrid version of the Cadillac SRX crossover, he said.

Akerson anticipates rising gas prices and wants to continue GM’s reputation for being on the leading-edge of electric-vehicle development. So the automaker is hiring 1,000 new electric-vehicle engineers and is ramping up product development spending to create a suite of electric cars.

GM will build more than 25,000 Volts this year, Akerson said; he hopes to see electric vehicles make up 10% of GM’s production in 10 to 15 years.