Opinion: Chevrolet Volt debates leave out that whole “Vision Thing”

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

A lot of ink is being spilled over the Chevrolet Volt. There are arguments over whether it is worth even the $33,500 it costs after the Federal tax credit kicks in, or the $350.00 per month lease price (after $2,500 downpayment). There are debates over its real fuel economy, and range. There are debates about whether any vehicle should get a $7,500 rebate to make it decently affordable. The market should decide, the argument goes.

We know the market will decide in the end. Even as the federal government has imposed “Corporate Average Fuel Economy” rules in the hopes of forcing manufacturers to make more fuel efficient vehicles, new vehicle sales show that consumers in the U.S. still like their pickups and SUVs.

What most of the arguments over the Volt don’t take into consideration is what I call “The Vision Thing.”

What most of the arguments over the Volt don’t take into consideration is what I call “The Vision Thing.”

General Motors board member Steve Girsky, who is a former Wall Street analyst and consigliere to the United Auto Workers, says he has been a voice arguing inside the automaker to make a greater commitment to Volt and extended-range electrics. He also says that CEO Daniel Akerson is another voice pushing for the vehicle and technology despite its high cost.

“GM hasn’t had a leadership vehicle like this in a long time. And Ackerson is insistent that we have that,” says Girsky.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt: First Drive