Cadillac to start making ELR plug-in hybrid in late 2013
GM is set to start manufacturing its first luxury plug-in hybrid electric car in late 2013 and bring it to market shortly afterwards, the company’s North American president said yesterday.
Mark Reuss told an industry conference the Cadillac ELR, a production version of the concept Cadillac Converj introduced at the Detroit auto show three years ago, would be produced at the same Detroit plant as the Chevrolet Volt, another plug-in hybrid introduced in 2010.
The car will work in the same manner as the Volt, providing all-electric power for a certain distance before a petrol-powered generator kicks in to take the car up to 380 miles.
“We led the way with the Volt and next we’re going to lead electrification into the luxury segment with the Cadillac ELR,” Reuss said, without disclosing the ELR’s estimated price or range.
He said the car “will be in a class by itself, further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology. People will instantly recognise it as a Cadillac by its distinctive, signature look and true-to-concept exterior design.”
GM resumed production of the Volt on Monday after having suspended work for four weeks. While analysts blamed the hiatus on poor sales, the company said the break was to allow for retooling of the plant.
Chief executive Dan Akerson had targeted 60,000 global deliveries of the Volt this year, of which 45,000 would be sold in the US. However, he was forced to recant that goal in June, saying sales would probably total 35,000 to 40,000.
Mark Reuss told an industry conference the Cadillac ELR, a production version of the concept Cadillac Converj introduced at the Detroit auto show three years ago, would be produced at the same Detroit plant as the Chevrolet Volt, another plug-in hybrid introduced in 2010.
The car will work in the same manner as the Volt, providing all-electric power for a certain distance before a petrol-powered generator kicks in to take the car up to 380 miles.
“We led the way with the Volt and next we’re going to lead electrification into the luxury segment with the Cadillac ELR,” Reuss said, without disclosing the ELR’s estimated price or range.
He said the car “will be in a class by itself, further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology. People will instantly recognise it as a Cadillac by its distinctive, signature look and true-to-concept exterior design.”
GM resumed production of the Volt on Monday after having suspended work for four weeks. While analysts blamed the hiatus on poor sales, the company said the break was to allow for retooling of the plant.
Chief executive Dan Akerson had targeted 60,000 global deliveries of the Volt this year, of which 45,000 would be sold in the US. However, he was forced to recant that goal in June, saying sales would probably total 35,000 to 40,000.
You can return to the main Market News page, or press the Back button on your browser.
