As part of GM's mission to keep the roads "full of great cars and trucks," Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, plans to keep the Chevrolet Volt on its original schedule of rolling into showrooms by late 2010. This feat, and the plan to establish the GM/U-M Institute of Automotive Research and Education in Ann Arbor, Mich. are parts of the plan to keep GM on track for its June 1 restructuring deadline. GM plans to show Congress that it can achieve sustainability in its remaining Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC products.

The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle is the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles which may some day replace the Toyota Prius and other hybrids. With its lithium-ion battery, engine and other fuel-saving technologies, the Chevrolet Volt will drive up to 40 miles on electric power. This propulsion system is also slated to power other GM products in its remaining lines.

At an estimated price hovering at $35,000, the Chevrolet Volt will need to impress the public with more than fuel efficiency, which is where its eye-popping looks can tip the scale. Unless GM has a more affordable product in its bag of tricks, like the Honda Insight at under $20,000, there will a lot of new car buyers looking beyond GM for a better price on a high mpg vehicle.