One More Time: Chevrolet Volt Sales Surge Higher In September 2016

The Chevy Volt found itself in the shadow of the upcoming 2017 Bolt EV this month

Lost in the media blitz surrounding the Chevrolet Bolt EV this month (which was both announced with a 238 mile/383 km range, and a price-tag of $37,495), was the Chevrolet Volt – the most consistent selling plug-in for the US over the past several years. For September, and with some very deep inventories now on hand, 2,031 Volts were sold, a 114% improvement over the949 sold a year ago.

We should note that September of last year (and thus the huge percentage gains this year) gets a big fat asterisk; as a year ago GM found itself fast running out of first generation copies of the Volt, and also dealing with a slight delay in the new iteration’s release, which pushed the gen 2 car’s debut last year back a month to October.

Which means that next month we will see the true start of apples-to-apples, year-over-year comparisons of today’s 53 mile, extended range Volt.  In October of 2015, 2,035 Volts were sold.

Year to date, 16,326 Volts have been sold, which is 76%better than a year ago (9,264).

The 2nd generation Chevrolet Volt has now completed a full year of availability in the United States

Also of interest this month with GM and its EVs (not named the Bolt):

And that’s a wrap! Cadillac ELR is now sold-out!

*- from almost no remaining inventory, GM sold 6 Cadillac ELRs

*- with a still decent amount of stock penned up and to be released into “Bolt season”, GM sold 315 Spark EVs in September

*- all Chevrolet Spark EVs produced between 2014 and 2016 were recalled due to an airbag issue (as well as 4 million other GM cars)

*- GM started an online advertising program/video promotion, entitled “Real Volt Owners. Real Stories”, one can watch the first episode here

BYD Electric Car Profits Soar In First Half Of 2016

The conventional wisdom is you can’t make money building an electric car. An EV is just an annoying nuisance required by regulators. Build a few to keep the tree huggers happy, then keep pumping out those mammoth SUVs and Stupid Duty trucks. That’s where the money is, right?

China may not be the best place to talk about pure capitalism, since its government is so heavily involved in every aspect of the national economy. But it is the world’s largest automobile market, so what happens there is important. The news is that BYD doubled its electric car sales in the first half of 2016. The big news is that its profits were up nearly 400% for the same period. Apparently there ismoney to be made from selling electric cars. Who knew?

BYD is far and away the largest seller of cars with plugs in the world. It sold 53,380 of them in the first half of this year. Nissan was second with 34,362 and Tesla followed closely behind with 33,620. Everyone else is just an also ran at this point. And yes, you Tesla supporters are correct. If the statistics were just about pure electric cars, Tesla would be judged the world leader and by a substantial margin.

BYD sells many models of what China calls “new energy vehicles” but its two most popular ones are the Qin sedan and the Tang SUV. While the Qin is somewhat dowdy in design and appearance, the Tang is a thoroughly modern crossover SUV that is proving to be wildly popular.

It is similar to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the car that may or may not ever make it to America amid mounting troubles for the Japanese manufacturer. Last week, it was revealed that Mitsubishi deliberately misstated the fuel economy of 8 more models sold in Japan by more than 20% in one instance.

The government of China offers very significant incentives to electric car buyers. That being said, BYD still must compete against dozens of other electric car makers. It is far ahead in the sales race and rapidly pulling away. There are reports that the company, which is partly owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, is making plans to bring one or more models to the US market in the not too distant future.

Source and graphic credit: Inside EVs

BMW i8: Jaw-dropping style and green performance, but why?

Why is there a BMW i8? Given the relative simplicity, affordability, practicality and energy efficiency of BMW's i3 sedan – available as a $42,000 all-electric or $46,000 extended-range EV – why design, engineer and build the much more complex and expensive ($137,450) but much less practical, exotic plug-in hybrid i8 2+2 sports car?

In 2015, BMW sold 2,265 i8s in the US, or about 189 a month. That compares to 11,024 (919 a month) for BMW's own i3, an estimated 27,840 (2,320 a month) for Tesla's battery-only EV Model S sedan and 1,024 (85 a month) for Cadillac's handsome, more practical and less expensive (but ridiculously overpriced and dismal-selling) ELR extended-range-EV luxury coupe. Are such sales really worth BMW's huge investment of engineering effort and dollars?

The i8's lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) "Life Module" passenger cell rides on an aluminum "Drive Module" chassis that houses its complex propulsion system – a 228-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged gas 3-cylinder (half of BMW's 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six) driving its rear wheels through a six-speed automatic and a 129-hp electric motor twisting its front wheels through a "two-stage" automatic – and a 5-kWh lithium-ion battery. Its drag coefficient (Cd) is an aero-slick 0.26, and BMW says it can run on battery energy alone for up to 22 miles.

Its total system output is a healthy 337 horses, and its EPA economy is 76 miles per gallon equivalent in gas-electric mode, but just 28 mpg when it's gas-only. A Driver Experience Control and an eDrive button offer EV and Comfort modes, plus Eco Pro (12 percent more range) and Eco Pro+ (12 more).

So what is this gorgeous plug-in hybrid sports car like to drive and live with? I missed its press launch so have been hoping for some quality time with one ever since. Production has been limited, and US press cars are few, but BMW said I would eventually get my chance. It finally happened.

If the unlovely i3 is a green technology revelation, this supermodel-sexy i8 is a green styling and performance revolution. If the i3 is the practical soccer mom of battery BMWs, the i8 might be the ultimate Teutonic trophy wife. But really, why do it?

For starters, just look at it. Some might see a new, high-tech take on the Giugiaro-designed BMW M1 mid-engine sports car. Just 453 of those were built from 1979 to 1981. But this low-riding rolling sculpture has so much more going on: swept-back nose with chrome-ringed kidneys flanked by squinty, LED-framed headlamps; sweeping rocker sculpting; flying-buttress raised rear roof; lightweight doors that open upward and outward like a bird's wings.

Duck under the bird-wing doors, bend over, sit on the seat's edge, curl your legs, swing them inside. Not easy, but rewarding.

Duck under those bird-wing doors, bend over, sit on the seat's edge, curl up your legs and swing them inside. Not easy, but ultimately rewarding. And well-placed door-pulls help. Lay your hands and eyes on the lovely steering wheel and surprisingly user-friendly controls and instruments. Most will be familiar to BMW drivers, though some are i8-specific, and all are bathed in cool blue light at night. Getting out can be even more challenging. Watch your head. And its vestigial rear seats are near-useless except to extend its barely-there storage capacity.

We drove it to dinner. Nearly everywhere it goes, nearly everyone double-takes and points. "What is that?" My car-loving wife was duly impressed by its looks but less by its challenging ingress and egress. Surprisingly, probably remembering its mostly freeway delivery drive the day before, its EV range gauge offered just 10 battery-only miles.

I found only one 12V outlet for my radar detector, under a cover in the very shallow bin atop the console. But plugging anything into it blocks the cover from closing, and the open cover protrudes into passenger space. The outlet proved powerless anyway (probably a blown fuse), so I would have to risk driving the i8 sans protection from (traffic ticket) revenuers.



On the up side, the wedgy i8 looked fabulous snuggled between parked SUVs at the restaurant, and it was fun watching people react to it. If we had chosen a fancier place with valet parking, it would have been posed proudly out front amid an array of big-ticket rides.

The dinner trip, plus two other stops, totaled 13.2 miles. We started EV Only, but the engine joined in after 8.3 miles of easy local driving. We arrived home with 387 miles of gas/electric range remaining and 41.4 mpg on the economy gauge.

Following an overnight plug-in, the i8's indicated EV range was up to 16 miles and total range to 403. I took it to a nearby Home Depot and back (not for siding or lumber), using 12 miles of EV range in 10.9 miles of Eco Pro+ EV-Only local driving. My trip fuel efficiency was an indicated 99.9 mpg (no gas burned) and my average economy was up to 45.7 mpg.

Even without a functioning revenuer detector, I had to give it an aggressive test, and it came through with typical BMW flying colors. There's no Sport mode, but its performance was exhilarating, its steering crisp, its handling planted and its braking sure and strong. It may be a fine-looking eco machine in normal driving, but it's an exotic AWD sports car on twisty roads.

But why do it? Mostly because BMW can.

I was truly sorry to see the i8 depart after a week of fuel-thrifty high living with it, and it delivered an impressive 47.3 MPGe average fuel economy in my week of local usage. Major kudos to BMW not just for doing it but for doing it so beautifully right. But why do it?

Mostly because BMW can. Because such a production machine (unlike a one-off concept) is an indisputable rolling demonstration of its technology chops. Because its increasingly sophisticated state-of-the-art technologies will be rolled into future hybrids and electrics, most of them both more affordable and practical. Since both British marques are owned by BMW, these technologies will likely also migrate upward into Rolls Royce hybrids and MINI EVs.

For the same reasons Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche have engineered and built hybrid supercars, and why Cadillac will likely try again. There are even rumors that the long-rumored mid-engine Chevy Corvette, which should appear fairly soon, may offer a hybrid or electric version. Because such high-dollar exotic green vehicles are all about reputation and image, leading to long-term sales success, rather than their own near-term sales and profitability.

Volkswagen Tiguan Plug-In Hybrid Concept Shown In Detroit

When the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show last fall, a plug-in hybrid concept was among the featured variants.

Called the Tiguan GTE, it was never confirmed for production.

But now Volkswagen is showing a second Tiguan plug-in hybrid concept at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, hinting that the production Tiguan may in fact get a plug-in powertrain.

DON'T MISS: 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan: Compact Crossover Revealed At Frankfurt Auto Show (Sep 2015)

The Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active concept features more rugged styling than its predecessor.

The roof-mounted light bar, fender flares, and underbody protection dress up the production next-generation Tiguan, which uses the same MQB platform as the Golf and numerous other VW Group models.

Its powertrain, meanwhile, consists of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and six-speed dual-clutch transmission, with two electric motors and a 12.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE concept - 2016 Detroit Auto Show

There is one electric motor for each axle, and the entire system is rated at 221 horsepower.

That's enough to get the Tiguan GTE Active from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 120 mph, according to VW.

Full performance is accessed through a sporty "GTE mode" like the one on the previous Tiguan GTE concept. It's one of several driver-programmable modes available.

ALSO SEE: VW May Buy Back (Some) TDI Diesel-Cheating Cars In U.S.: Report

The lithium-ion battery pack can also provide up to 20 miles of electric-only driving, at speeds up to 70 mph, the carmaker claims.

With sufficient battery charge, the driver can engage a "coasting" mode that shuts down the engine and electric motors, and temporarily disengages the entire powertrain.

On the inside, the Tiguan GTE Active features VW's next-generation infotainment system, including a 9.2-inch display screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE concept - 2016 Detroit Auto Show

While the concept only seats five, Volkswagen will build a seven-seat Tiguan as well. That version will be offered in the U.S., the company confirmed at Detroit.

However, there is still no confirmation that a plug-in hybrid powertrain will be offered on production models.

MORE: Volkswagen Budd-e Concept: 373-Mile, All-Electric Van Signals The Future

Given that Volkswagen has said it plans to offer plug-in hybrid versions of most of its models, though, that seems likely.

The Tiguan itself will go on sale in Europe this spring, with U.S. sales following next year.

Hyundai going with AeroVironment for dealership PHEV chargers

Hyundai will partner with AeroVironment as the supplier for charging stations at dealers for the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. The 240-volt chargers will be able to top up the PHEV in less than three hours. Customers can also order AeroVironment's home chargers directly from the automaker's showrooms.

AeroVironment is a veteran to working with automakers on charging solutions and has experience partnering with Fiat, Ford, Nissan, and BMW. The company also installed a network of locations along the I-5 corridor in Oregon.

Customers can already buy the Sonata PHEV in ten states, including California, for a starting price of $35,435 (after $835 destination but before any tax incentives). The sedan has a total output of 202 horsepower from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor. The 9.8-kWh lithium-polymer battery offers 27 miles of electric range and an EPA-estimated 99 miles per gallon equivalent.

Hyundai dealers might have more green cars on the lot to use these chargers in the coming years. The company reportedly has a project codenamed AE under development, and rumor indicates that hybrid, PHEV, and EV models could be on the way.

Hyundai Motor America Picks AeroVironment to Provide Dealer Charging Stations for the All-new 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Model

• AeroVironment to provide reliable and easy-to-use EV charging stations in Hyundai dealerships
• Hyundai becomes the seventh major auto manufacturer to choose AeroVironment as its preferred dealer charging station provider
• Hyundai drivers have the option to purchase AeroVironment's portable TurboCord charging system or its wall-mounted EVSE-RS charging station

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 24, 2015 – Hyundai Motor America has selected AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) as the preferred provider for charging system installation at its dealerships across North America for its all-new 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. Hyundai is the seventh plug-in electric vehicle (EV) auto manufacturer to choose AeroVironment as one of its suppliers.

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid comes with a high-capacity lithium-polymer hybrid battery system that delivers an all-electric range of 27 miles before switching to hybrid mode. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid also comes with a lifetime hybrid batterywarranty.

The AeroVironment 240-volt TurboCord and the EVSE-RS charging station can charge the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid in less than three hours versus the approximate nine hours needed using a standard 120-volt charging cable. AeroVironment's UL-listed products can be installed indoors or outdoors, making it easy to locate the station in the most convenient location.

"Having your own charging station right in your garage or driveway gives Hybrid and EV drivers a special kind of freedom. It makes charging a car as easy as charging a cell phone," said Ken Karklin, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of its Efficient Energy Systems business segment. "AeroVironment's portfolio of EV charging solutions gives theHyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid and other EVs the benefits and convenience of faster charging and cleaner driving at home and on the road."

Hyundai owners can purchase AeroVironment home chargers and installation when purchasing their vehicles at the Hyundai dealership. AeroVironment-certified, licensed electricians, who are also specially qualified to support EV drivers, perform on-site installation and services.

AeroVironment is the preferred integrated home charging solution supplier for seven global automakers and their growing fleets of plug-in electric vehicles. The company's broad line of charging systems includes the 240-volt TurboCord and the EVSE-RS home charging station, which can be ordered online. More information on AeroVironment's EV charging solutions can be found at www.evsolutions.com.

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment is a technology solutions provider that designs, develops, produces, supports and operates an advanced portfolio of electric transportation solutions and electric-powered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). AeroVironment's comprehensive EV charging solutions include the portable, dual-charging (120/240V) TurboCord, EV home charging, public charging, fast charging, data collection, grid-integrated communications and complete installation, training and support services for consumers, automakers, utilities, government agencies and businesses. AeroVironment's industrial electric vehicle charging systems support thousands of electric materials handling vehicles in mission-critical supply chains for Fortune 500 enterprises. AeroVironment's power cycling and test systems provide EV developers and EV battery manufacturers with market-leading simulation and cycling capabilities. The company's electric-powered, hand-launched unmanned aircraft systems generate and process data to deliver powerful insight, on-demand, to people engaged in military, public safety and commercial activities around the world. More information is available at www.avinc.com and www.evsolutions.com.

About Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the activities of competitors; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to expand into new markets; failure to develop new products or integrate new technology with current products; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on 10-Q. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Volkswagen Will Lead With 20 New Plug-ins & Digital Technology

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn was in an expansive mood at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. He said in a press release, “We are in the process of reinventing Europe’s largest automaker, laying the technological, economic and structural foundations.” Winterkorn said Volkswagen will have a total of 20 electric and plug-in hybrid models on the road by 2020. They will run the gamut from compact cars to large sedans like the next Phaeton and Audi A8. “No commitment to electro-mobility can be any clearer than that,” he said.

But that wasn’t the end of his statement. He went on to say Volkswagen Group already is at the forefront when it came to the future and digital technology. “Our Group already has the largest connected vehicle fleet on the road. By 2020 we will have transformed all of our new cars into smart phones on wheels.” (Note that he said “smart phones,” while Teslas have what seem to be mammoth tablets built into their cars.) He added that digital technology has already been part of Volkswagen’s DNA for a long time. “Connectivity and state of the art infotainment have already made their way into all our brands and classes.”

“At a time of major social and technological upheaval, people expect new answers, new solutions and new directions from us.” He said the Audi e-tron quattro and Porsche Mission E concepts that were introduced in Frankfurt “are nothing less than a quantum leap for our industry.” Both vehicles have an all-electric range of more than 300 miles (on the NEDC). He went on to say that the “new Volkswagen Tiguan GTE embodies our determination to systematically take the plug-in hybrid to further classes and segments.”

The chairman also had some words for political leaders and policymakers. Volkswagen has created the first 800-volt charging system for its cars. Called Turbo Charging for Porsche and V-Charge for Volkswagen products, these forward-looking concepts and technologies allow 80% battery charging in just 15 minutes. Winterkorn said: “We have the right cars. Now what is needed is the right framework for this key technology to really catch on.”

Winterkorn was clearly implying that governments need to do more to support the green car revolution than just imposing tough new emissions standards. Presumably, he was implying a need for EV charging infrastructure and policies that can support 800-volt charging. What are the odds that politicians and political leaders will be persuaded by his words?

Chevy Volt Still #1 In Canada

Despite the ongoing economic troubles of Canada (and the falling gas prices), sales of the Chevrolet Volt are continuing to go strong there — based on the recently aggregated sales figures for the US’s northern neighbor during August 2015.

Altogether, there were 167 Chevy Volts sold during August 2015 in Canada — somewhat under the 186 Volts sold during August 2014, but a bit higher than the 150 Volts sold during July 2015 (sector-leading sales for the month in that market).

With the Volt’s supremacy reconfirmed for the month of August, the popular offering from Chevyhas now topped the Canadian electric vehicle (this includes plug-in hybrids/PHEVs) sales rankings for the 29th time (tentatively).

Tesla Model S sales are continuing to remain relatively steady as well — and remain as something of a competitor to the Volt up there, despite the great differences between the two models with regard to pricing and performance (and target market).

Regardless of the relatively steady/strong sales, the Canadian market still remains basically untapped — with the total share of the country’s auto market held by electric vehicles (EV) being only around half of that as in the US (0.3% as compared to 0.6%). Interestingly, though, the Tesla Model’s share of the market is comparable in the two countries — the difference in total EV share apparently lies solely with lower sales of other models.

On that note, 124 Nissan LEAFs were sold in August in Canada, BMW sold 49 EVs/PHEVs, 7 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs were sold, and 1 Cadillac ELR was sold. Sales figures for Toyota and Ford offerings are unavailable, and will remain so unless the companies change their policies.

Presumably Kia sold some Soul EVs, and Mercedes sold some of its offerings as well, as the vehicles continue to be registered. July saw 62 Souls registered, and 50 electric Mercedes.

Chevy Volt Owner Crosses 200,000 Miles

Worried that plug-in cars might be too fragile or technologically complicated in the real world? Well Chevy Volt owner Erick Belmer has proved that you shouldn’t be, as InsideEVs reports the Ohio man’s plug-in hybrid just crossed the 200,000 mile marker, and he hasn’t experienced a single problem yet.

Belmer is among the early adopters of GM’s plug-in hybrid, and since purchasing his 2012 Volt he has driven an average of over 6,000 miles per month. That’s a lot of driving, and though he often drives well past the 38-mile range of his Volt, he’s still managed to do over 36% of his driving in EV mode. He’s managed to get an average of over 60 MPG in his Volt for the past two years, an impressive feat considering he drives as much in one year as many people do in five years.

Many fleet owners of the Volt don’t even crack 40 MPG, though Jay Leno’s Volt averages over 2,300 MPG. The actual average fuel economy for Volt owners is somewhere around 450 MPG, but Belmer is still doing better than 99% of America though, and he’s done it over the long term to boot.

As you might imagine Belmer is pretty enthused with his accomplishment, telling InsideEVs;

“Volt is holding up flawlessly! No noticeable battery capacity loss. Used 9.7 kw because it’s a 2012. I am so pleased with this vehicle!”

“The Volt was always my dream car! To get to drive it everyday is a dream come true! This car is Wonderfully engineered!”

Here’s to another 200,000 flawless miles.

Image: Erick Belmer

Detroit area Volt owner has power cut by HOA

If electric cars are going to proliferate it will help not to discriminate against them, as Natalie Forte alleges against her homeowner’s association.

The Waterford, Michigan condo resident had her electricity cut in a dispute when her homeowners association charged what she said was four-times the actual electric costs to charge her car. Forte, an investigator for a law firm, says she gave them a $50 check but they left it un-cashed, asking instead $200. She says the DTE electric bill for the garage unit was around what she agreed to pay.

Now instead of using the wall outlet in her garage, she runs a 100-foot extension cord down steps at night while neighbors run appliances like refrigerators 24/7 at no extra cost.

The news reporter says the homeowner association president hung up on him twice, and was none too forthcoming, saying only the association voted 4-1 against the resident.

That’s the angle at this juncture. Have you seen other acts that appear hostile, capricious, ignorant, and downright un-Norwegian (I just made that last descriptor up, how do you like it? … 

What does Forte call it?

“Gouging. Definitely gouging,” she said.

What is the solution?



Source: GM-Volt

Official: 2016 Chevy Volt To Get 1.5-Liter, 4-Cylinder Range Extender

More 2nd Gen Volt Teasing Coming Soon

General Motors let slip some details on the next-generation 2016 Chevy Volt in a press released focused on “new Michigan investments.”

Buried in the press release is GM’s confirmation of the range-extending engine that the next-gen Model Year 2016 Volt will receive:

“GM’s Flint Engine Operations will build the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder range extender for the Volt. The unit is part of an all-new engine family.”

Rather than going with a smaller three-cylinder engine as most of us suspected, General Motors is in fact upping the displacement on the next-gen Volt from today’s 1.4 liters to 2016′s 1.5 liters.

Here’s a look at three of the next-gen Ecotec engines:

Next-Gen Ecotec Engines

General Motors lists two next-gen 1.5-liter Ecotec engines: 1.5 direct injection and 1.5 direct injection turbo.  The Volt will get one of those two engines (we’d venture to guess that the turbo version is not on the menu for the next-gen Volt).  For reference, the Chinese version of the Chevrolet Cruze comes with the new 1.5-liter Ecotec engine.  Its output is quoted by GM as such:

“The 1.5 SIDI engine, the segment’s only naturally aspirated engine with direct injection, generates maximum output of 84 kW and peak torque of 146 Nm.”

GM further states this of the China Cruze and its engine:

“Its mid-mounted direct injection engine technology and wide range of fuel-saving features such as start/stop technology and ultra-low rolling resistance tires make the new Cruze up to 24 percent more fuel efficient than the current-generation Cruze. The engines offer peak fuel economy of only 5.9 liters per 100 km. In addition, they are up to 50 percent quieter than engines in competitive models.”

Additionally, GM says that the next-gen Volt will be more American-made than the outgoing model.

Here’s the investment graphic from GM:

GM Investment Graphic

Full press release from General Motors below:

GM to Announce New Michigan Investments at Detroit Economic Club

2014-10-28

Chevrolet Volt electric drive unit to be built in Warren, Mich.
Michigan established as GM’s global center of excellence for vehicle electrification

DETROIT –Today at the Detroit Economic Club, General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) CEO Mary Barra will confirm that the company’s Warren Transmission Plant will build the electric drive unit for the second-generation Chevrolet Volt. That means most major Volt powertrain components – from its battery cells to its range-extender – will be made in Michigan, establishing the state as the company’s global engineering center of excellence for vehicle electrification.

At the same time, Barra will announce capital investments of nearly $300 million in Michigan between now and the end of the year. Details will be announced later.

“We must provide the breakthrough technology that our customers want,” said Barra. “Our investments in the Chevy Volt and Michigan signify our commitment to lead the industry in technology and innovation.”

Since 2009, GM has announced more than $11 billion in investments in the United States, with almost half of that investment committed to Michigan.

In addition, GM has worked with its UAW partners to develop initiatives that will lead to more than 22,600 jobs in the United States. This hiring has begun and will continue over the next few years, and many of these jobs will be based in Michigan.

Approximately $1.82 billion in capital has been invested in projects dedicated specifically to vehicle electrification.

GM’s Brownstown Township facility is the country’s first high-volume lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing site operated by a major automaker.
The Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR are assembled at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.
GM’s Flint Engine Operations will build the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder range extender for the Volt. The unit is part of an all-new engine family.
Warren Transmission will build the GM Voltec 4ET50 Multi-Mode Electric Drive Unit, which allows the Volt to drive in pure electric or extended range electric mode.

Battery cells for the Volt and ELR are produced by LG Chem in Holland, Mich., and the Volt’s vehicle’s electric motors will also be made in the United States.

Within the first year of production, about 70 percent of the Volt’s parts will be made in the United States or Canada, which GM believes is the most for a plug-in or conventional hybrid.

Volt Facts

Since the Volt was launched in 2010, owners driving in pure electric mode have helped reduce gasoline consumption by more than 25 million gallons.
Based on a GM study of more than 300 2011-2012 model year Volts in service in California, many owners exceed the EPA-rated label of 35 miles of EV range per full charge, with about 15 percent surpassing 40 miles of range.
Volt owners who charge regularly typically drive more than 970 miles between fill-ups and refuel less than once a month. The 2014 Volt provides owners with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 98 MPGe (electric) and 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway on gasoline power.
Nearly 70 percent of Volt buyers are new to GM. The Toyota Prius is the most frequently traded-in vehicle for a Volt.
Volt is the most successful plug-in electric vehicle in the United States, with cumulative sales of more than 69,000 vehicles.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.