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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg Europe is warming to both GM and the electrification of the automobile. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=189016)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Production_Exterior_of_the_2011_Chevroelt_Volt.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – Feb. 11, 2009

2011 Chevrolet Volt - 40-miles AER.

Paris – The Chevrolet Volt was awarded the Grand Prize for Environment at the 24th “Festival Automobile International” in Paris for its ground-breaking technology.

For 24 years, the Festival Automobile International has recognized automotive innovation in an industry that arouses emotion and passion. In this year’s presentation, the festival organizers nevertheless underlined the fact that the present economic crisis undoubtedly will change our perception of the automobile and the way we use our car.

“Designers, engineers and marketing people in the automotive business will have to come up with new valid responses to this new paradox: to conceive an automobile answering new expectations and new requirements without compromising on charm,” said Remi Depoix, President of the Festival.

With those new themes in mind, the members of the jury composed of industry representatives, artists and media executives presided by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost awarded the Chevrolet Volt the “Grand Prix de l’Environnement 2009”.

The Chevrolet Volt uses GM’s ground-breaking electric propulsion system, called Voltec, for extended-range electric vehicles. For trips up to 40-miles, the Volt will run only on lithium-ion battery power charged via a standard home outlet. For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity that is generated by a small internal combustion engine. Electricity drives the wheels at all times and speeds.

“It is a great honor to receive this award on behalf of General Motors and all those who have worked on this pioneering project. The Chevrolet Volt redefines automotive transportation,” said Brent Dewar, GM Europe Vice President, Sales, Marketing & After sales. “Using the Voltec propulsion system, the vehicle offers our customers several hundred kilometers of electric driving thus responding to today’s and tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges.”

I expect the Chevrolet Volt to be a true feather in the cap....

....of whatever company ends up building it. ;)

My comment is: I am happy that The Chevy Volt has won an award and I will be ecstatic if production actually happens and The Chevy Volt is priced at a level that Americans with an income less than Jay Lenno can afford. We are the people that need fuel efficiency for saving commuting $$$. For many at the $4+ prices, the question was: Buy gas or buy food?

IMHO: GM could make a VERY patriotic statement by pricing the Volt to be sold on a volume level. If it is priced at the $50,000 level, they will be digging themselves a deeper hole with no bottom in sight.

Seems a little premature. I would have thought awards like this were reserved for actual cars. The Volt sounds great, but except for a couple of prototypes rolling around GM's proving grounds it doesn't actually exist yet.

And although another competing FE technology is great news, I think it's yet to be seen whether it's actually environmentally superior to the competition:
- If other PHEVs (hi Toyota!) get to market before or at the same time, will the Volt's series-hybrid design prove any more efficient than HSD?
- NiMH batteries get a bad rap, but they are non-toxic and fully recyclable -- and there's more nickel in the stainless steel furnishings of a typical modern kitchen than there is in a hybrid battery. Li-ion batteries are highly toxic, and I don't think we yet know the full environmental impact of their widespread use in cars.

Unicorn wins Kentucky Derby...

DAS

Unicorn? LOL!! :P

How can a car that doesn't actually exist yet win an award??
Unicorns, indeed.
.
_H*

I had the same thought.

And got a chuckle out of: "..... said Brent Dewar, GM Europe Vice President, Sales, Marketing & After sales. “Using the Voltec propulsion system, the vehicle offers our customers several hundred kilometers of electric driving thus responding to today’s and tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges.”" It doesn't offer customers anything yet, other than drooling and anxious waiting.