General Motors recently confirmed it would develop an electric vehicle platform in China. Now, reports hint that GM vice chairman Steve Girsky stated that this electrified platform will draw upon the technology found in the Chevrolet Volt. Additionally, GM chairman and CEO Dan Akerson reportedly confirmed that future Chevy Volts might be built in China in order to qualify for subsidies of around $19,000 per vehicle.
According to the Detroit News, GM will begin exporting Michigan-made Volts to China by year’s end, but “isn’t likely to sell many.” But should that actually be “isn’t likely to sell any?” Given the fact that the Michigan-built Volts will not qualify for subsidies in China, it seems unlikely that The General will get the Chinese masses to flock to a vehicle that’s simply far too expensive there. The price may prevent GM from ever building a Volt in China, since Akerson said it will only make sense to build it there if customers take to the car. Hmm.
