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Cadillac to build Plug-In SRX

2011-01-12

Now that it has a successful Chevrolt Volt launch underway, General Motors is going to spread the wondercar's electric technology across its lineup. CEO Dan Akerson says GM will build a small electric minivan in 2012. And he confirmed earlier reports in Drive On that GM will build an extended-range electric version of the Cadillac SRX crosover. 2011 Chevrolet Volt went on sale last month.CAPTIONBy GM, WieckAkerson vows that ever GM division will get an electric vehicle, the Detroit Free Press reports. That's Akerson, above, on Monday with the new Chevrolet Sonic, a non-electric small car that was being introduced. While other automakers are announcing they will build electric cars, GM has a terrific headstart. It started selling the Volt, seen in the photo at right, last month as a car that can be plugged in overnight so it can go about 25 miles or farther on a single electric charge, but has an auxilliary gas engine for unlimited range. Its only competitor from a major manufacturer for the moment, the Nissan Volt, has no backup gas engine. Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Akerson said the company's breakthrough technology will be exported. The Volt, which just won the coveted North American Car of the Year award, will go to Europe as the Opel Ampera. source:usatoday.com