GM tries to generate Calif. buzz for Volt
LOS ANGELES -- In the buildup to the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the media Wednesday, the new, post-bankruptcy General Motors Co. is hustling to build buzz around its new Chevrolet Volt electric car.
On Monday, GM engineers met with local middle schoolchildren to talk about electricity and told them that California would be one of the markets where early Volt cars would be sold once production begins late next year.
The company is expected to announce the initial retail markets for the Volt on Wednesday during the auto show's first media day.
GM has not disclosed how many Volts it plans to build, but initial production is expected to be limited.
Also at the LA auto show this week, GM is showing the U.S. production version of the Chevrolet Cruze compact car. Photos of the car were released Sunday.
GM clearly wants the Volt to make an impression on California, where the automaker's market share has plummeted.
A giant Volt banner hangs from the convention center where the auto show will be held, overlooking the freeway.
The company has also been driving the vehicle around LA, including a trip to Dodger Stadium to allow journalists to test-drive the new car.
Los Angeles Times auto critic Dan Neil wrote on Monday that the Volt "won't embarrass itself on the 110 Freeway" and noted that it "could provide a bridgehead for GM in California."
On Monday night, GM was slated to hold a forum to discuss plug-in vehicles with local community leaders. On Tuesday, GM was to announce the winner of a contest to name the Volt's greenish-silver paint color.
"California is one of GM's biggest problem markets, and this vehicle and technology addresses some of the key concerns that California consumers have," said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at IHS Global Insight Inc. in Lexington, Mass.
Source: GM tries to generate Calif. buzz for Volt
On Monday, GM engineers met with local middle schoolchildren to talk about electricity and told them that California would be one of the markets where early Volt cars would be sold once production begins late next year.
The company is expected to announce the initial retail markets for the Volt on Wednesday during the auto show's first media day.
GM has not disclosed how many Volts it plans to build, but initial production is expected to be limited.
Also at the LA auto show this week, GM is showing the U.S. production version of the Chevrolet Cruze compact car. Photos of the car were released Sunday.
GM clearly wants the Volt to make an impression on California, where the automaker's market share has plummeted.
A giant Volt banner hangs from the convention center where the auto show will be held, overlooking the freeway.
The company has also been driving the vehicle around LA, including a trip to Dodger Stadium to allow journalists to test-drive the new car.
Los Angeles Times auto critic Dan Neil wrote on Monday that the Volt "won't embarrass itself on the 110 Freeway" and noted that it "could provide a bridgehead for GM in California."
On Monday night, GM was slated to hold a forum to discuss plug-in vehicles with local community leaders. On Tuesday, GM was to announce the winner of a contest to name the Volt's greenish-silver paint color.
"California is one of GM's biggest problem markets, and this vehicle and technology addresses some of the key concerns that California consumers have," said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at IHS Global Insight Inc. in Lexington, Mass.
Source: GM tries to generate Calif. buzz for Volt
