Holden Volt 2012 News

Slow sales - running well behind forecasts - have derailed the GM green hero in the past week, after it took hits from a high prices and a safe scare last year.GM decided last week to 'idle' the Volt factory, which means stopping production temporarily, to clear a backlog of around 6000 unsold cars and adjust output to the actual showroom demand in the USA.Production at the Hamtramck factory in Detroit will be stopped for five weeks and 1300 workers will be idle, following first-year sales that only hit 7671 against a prediction of 10,000 and only 1626 deliveries in January. But Holden says the Volt drama will not affect its local plans, with the car already locked-in for sales in 2012."There are no concerns," Holden spokesperson, Emily Perry, says bluntly. "Honestly, the market dynamics in the US are not appropriate for us to talk about."She refuses to discuss or acknowledge the potential impact of the shutdown on local confidence, particularly after last year's Volt fires, and says Holden is not worried about pricing the Volt too high.Early guesstimates put the likely Volt price in the $65,000 range, based on the $48,800 sticker for the Mitsubishi iMiEV electric car and the $34,990 base price for the Toyota Prius, as well as the complexity of the range-extender hybrid drive system - which uses an onboard petrol engine to charge the car's battery pack - in the Volt."We're confident we have the right strategy for the vehicle. We haven't given any pricing," she tells Carsguide. "It's a one-of-a-kind vehicle. But of course we plan to sell more than just one."The first Australian Volts should arrive within two months to begin local engineering work and evaluation runs and, although Perry will not comment, customer deliveries are likely by August."Our vehicles are not affected by the situation in the US. For us, we have no concerns and we're really excited about the launch."

The Volt - which will be Australia's first electric car with a back-up petrol engine to charge the battery - has been cleared of fire danger in the US. The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into the Chevrolet Volt, to be sold here later this year as a Holden, after three caught fire several days following crash tests. It has now closed its investigations after GM made engineering modifications to better protect the battery. GM Holden spokesperson Kate Lonsdale says the closing of the investigation clears the way for the Volt in Australia. "Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that the Volt or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles," she says. She says it is too early to announce pricing for the vehicle.

And each week it seems the fuel price sign goes up faster than a politician's pay packet. Australians use a vast amount of fuel in going about their daily business, be it getting the kids to school, travelling to and from work, or conducting the nation's business.Each year we import an ocean of petrol, diesel and LPG that's equivalent to 63,000 Olympic swimming pools. And we're not alone, as the vast populations of newly mobile countries such as India and China take to the roads in their Tatas, Great Walls and Cherys, the world's thirst for oil seems ever more insatiable.Overlay this with war and unrest in the Middle East, the source of 56 per cent of the world's oil, and the inevitable push-pull dynamics of supply and demand can lean to only one thing: higher fuel prices.Here in Australia motorists have been feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices since January when the latest spike in oil prices first began appearing on service station leader boards.The spiralling petrol prices mean fuelling a family car like a Commodore or Falcon now accounts for 2.6 per cent of average weekly earnings. But you don't have to sit back and take it in the hip pocket. There are ways to drive down your weekly fuel bills. Here are a few of them.DOWNSIZING According to VFACTS industry statistics, this seems the most popular choice. Large cars have gone from the top-selling passenger segment in 2000 with 198,766 to the smallest passenger segment last year with 98,583 and falling at 3.1 per cent.Meanwhile, sales of smaller cars are skyrocketing. In the past 10 years small car sales have almost doubled to 239,191 while light cars have increased about 44 per cent to 137,916. You can buy a small car from as little as $11,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Chinese-made Chery, right up $35,990 for a Citroen DS3.And you won't go without. Some of the cheapest little cars these days come with a swag of safety and creature features from multiple airbags to Bluetooth connectivity.PROS: Save on fuel; do the environment a favour; easier to park; nippier in traffic; little hatches can be cavernous if you fold down the rear seats.CONS: You get cramped on long journeys; they are noisier on the highway; they're bumpier over potholes; you could feel a little silly driving a Smurf car.Our Pick: Hyundai i20 (from $15,490) is set to take over from Getz as the segment leader with Euro styling and a high level of features and safety.Others to Consider: Suzuki Swift (from $15,990), Mazda2 (from $15,790) and Toyota Yaris (from $14,990).DIESEL Like smaller car categories, the growth in diesel-powered vehicles is exponential. Since the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries began collating separate figures for various fuel types in 2005, diesel cars and SUVs have more than doubled to 125,555 last year, which is almost one in every five new passenger cars or SUVs bought today.The reason is that modern diesel engines are not only up to twice as frugal as a petrol vehicle, but they often have lower emissions because they burn less fuel per kilometre and usually have an exhaust system that traps small carbon materials.Modern diesels are also quieter and smoother running. However, diesel engines have higher internal pressures and a complex fuel system so they are more expensive to build than a petrol engine. Some car companies charge up to $10,000 more for a diesel variant, although most charge around an extra $2000.Expensive diesels are often the result of low production volumes and highly technological designs and machining costs. To reap the economic benefits you have to drive big kilometres each year and hold on to the vehicle longer.An extreme example is the Holden CD Cruze auto diesel that costs $4000 more than the petrol model. Based on RACQ's fuel running costs of 9.36c/km for the petrol and 8.41c/km for the diesel, you would have to drive 25,000km for 16 years to recoup the extra cost.PROS: Fuel economy is anywhere between 10-50 per cent better than a petrol equivalent; more torque means quicker acceleration and easier driving around town; better towing capacity; marginally better resale value; lower CO2 emissions per kilometre; diesel engines often last longer because of the more robust engineering.CONS: Fewer diesel pumps on servo forecourts means queuing at the servo; oily bowser pumps leave your hands smelly and dirty; the engines still clatter at idle and sound raucous at full revs; it takes a long time to reap the economic benefits; servicing charges can also be more expensive because of the more expensive oils required and the complicated fuel systems.Our Pick: Fiesta ECOnetic (from $24,990) is a hybrid beater even in stop-start commuting, yet it's a delight to drive.Others to Consider: Hyundai i30 (from $23,090), VW Golf (from $29,990), Subaru Forester (from $35,990).LPG It's almost worth it to convert your petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG just to get the $1500 Federal government subsidy. But you better be quick because the conversion rebate drops to $1250 from July 1 and decreases $250 annually. All rebates and subsidies are only for private vehicles.Conversions cost an average of $2800 for pre-2006 vehicles, but about $4000 for newer vehicles because of emissions regulations. If you buy a vehicle factory fitted for LPG before its first registration, you get a $2000 rebate from the Feds.However, choices of new vehicles with factory fitted LPG systems are limited. Ford has a new LPG Falcon coming in July and has factory-fitted systems for some of its utes. Holden has an Autogas dual-fuel injection system for its Commodore and will have a mono-fuel LPG Commodore later this year.Toyota has a direct injection LPG system for its 2.7-litre HiAce vans and Mitsubishi has an aftermarket sequential multi-port direct-injection system for its Challenger, Express Van, Pajero, Triton and the now defunct 380.PROS: Much cheaper fuel (about 60c compared with $140+ for ULP); government subsidies make conversion attractive; LPG prices are fairly static so you don't have to fill up on a Tuesday morning when servo prices are cheapest; lower emissions.CONS: Limited choice of new dual-fuel vehicles; only suitable for large vehicles; you lose boot space; even though they are safe they can develop minor smelly leaks; they add about 75kg (about the weight of two large suitcases) to the rear of the car effecting handling; it can be difficult finding servos with LPG in rural areas.HYBRID These are vehicles with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines paired with an electric motor or motors. The drivetrain and associated battery pack for the electric motor is more complex so therefore more costly. Like diesels, you need to do big kays before the savings at the bowser recoup the extra purchase price.For example, a Toyota Prius costs about $2500 more than a Corolla Ultima. Using RACQ's running costs, the fuel savings will take 4 years at 15,000km a year (or 2.5 years at 25,000km/year) to recoup the extra purchase price.Most hybrids switch off totally every time you stop and run on electric power only when you are driving slowly, so they are most economical in heavy traffic. The benefits are marginal on country roads and highways, although when both drive units are operating under heavy acceleration such as when overtaking, they do offer a tangible boost to acceleration.Despite the fact the technology has been around for 10 years, Hybrids are still relatively new. Today, there are 10 hybrid models on the market, but only the Toyota Prius, Camry, Honda Insight and Civic are affordable.Hybrids tend to be bought mainly by governments and big business to emphasise their green credentials. Taxi companies also like hybrids because of their fuel efficiency in urban environments. If you're open to the idea of a used vehicle, then a second-hand Prius or similar is a reasonable option.PROS: Cheaper to run in traffic; feel and be seen to be environmentally conscious; extra power under heavy acceleration; almost silent running when on electric only power.CONS: Higher purchase price; the number of models is limited but you can choose from a small Prius to a large Porsche Cayenne SUV; some look odd like the Prius and Insight.Our Pick: Toyota Prius (from $39,900) and the Honda Insight (from $29,990) at least look like futuristic hybrids, so your neighbours will know you are trying to be green.Others to consider: Honda Civic (from $34,490), Toyota Camry (from $36,990)ELECTRIC CARSThe only production electric cars in Australia are the Tesla Roadster at $241,938 and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV which is available only on a lease of $1740 a month for three years for a total of $62,640. Then the car goes back to Mitsubishi. When it arrives it is expected to cost $70,000.However, prices will come crashing down in the next few years as more and more EVs become available in Australia. The first of these will be the Nissan Leaf and Holden Volt next year.The Volt is expected to cost less than $40,000 and Nissan is saying the Leaf will cost about the same to run as a Tiida, even though initial outlay will probably be close to the Volt. While tailpipe emissions are zero, most electricity in Australia comes from burning dirty coal, so the environmental advantage is reduced.Some critics say there is no advantage. Current limitations of battery technology mean range is also limited to about 160km according to the car companies, but in real life it's less, especially if you have a lead foot.PROS: Very cheap to run; no tailpipe emissions; almost silent running; aerodynamic body shapes.CONS: Expensive to buy - that's if you can find one to buy; silent running can be dangerous for pedestrians; battery disposal is an environmental issue; range is limited; long re-charging time (up to eight hours); most EVs are designed to look futuristic but just end up looking like golf carts.DRIVE ECONOMICALLYOf all the things you can do to drive down your fuel bill, this is the most pragmatic as it's the simplest and most affordable. It can be expensive to swap your trusted and much-loved family car or SUV for something smaller or with an alternative powertrain.Trade-in prices on family cars are down according to the Motor Trades Association and if you buy a new car, you are up for dealer delivery charges, stamp duty and registration. It may be cheaper to hang on to your vehicle, but modify your driving behaviour for more economical running.There are many simple things you can do: Plan trips better and make fewer trips; jettison excess weight from the car; correctly inflate your tyres and get your car serviced more frequently.Most importantly you can vary your driving behaviour by slowing down, changing up the gears sooner, avoiding heavy breaking and staying away from peak-hour traffic. You may have heard these all before, but here are five radical ideas to reducing your fuel expense burden that you may not have heard.1. Cool idea: Turning off the airconditioning will provide a slight increase in fuel economy. However, when travelling on the highway, it is more fuel efficient to have the windows up and aircon switched on than having the windows down creating aerodynamic drag. Don't leave the aircon off for long periods as bacteria will build up in the system.2. Light is right: So throw out not only the unnecessary baggage such as your golf clubs, but maybe also the spare tyre. It can weigh 15-20kg in the average car. The US Department of Energy quotes fuel use as 1-2 per cent for every 45.5kg, so that's at least 0.5 per cent saved. Conversely, NRMA tests show that loading a vehicle to its rated maximum increases fuel consumption 24 per cent. While you might be able to get away without a spare tyre around town, we recommend you always carry it on long trips, especially in the country.3. Turned off: Switch off the engine at long traffic light stops. Modern fuel-injected cars start quickly without the need for any throttle. Car makers with stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine every time the car is stopped quote fuel savings in traffic of 4-5 per cent.4. Just cruising: Use cruise control more frequently. Most cruise control systems actually put the car's engine into an economy mode and will run more efficiently than most drivers can drive as it accelerates more evenly. It is best used on the open road and not hilly terrain or stop-start conditions. While we could not find any official figures, some sources claim fuel savings up to 14 per cent.5. Re-tyre: the next time you buy tyres, choose from the new range of "eco" tyres with low rolling resistance. A California Energy Commission study estimated low-rolling resistance tyres could save 1.5-4.5 per cent on fuel consumption.

The latest car company boss to join the chorus for low or zero emission cars is the new head of GM-Holden, Mike Devereux. In his first speech as Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries president, Devereux said reducing harmful emissions remained one of the biggest challenges facing carmakers."It's fair to say that the world is excited by the roll out of low-emission vehicles such as hybrids, pure electric vehicles, extended range vehicles and alternative fuels," he said. "In a few years time the Australian automotive industry could be a transformed landscape. But there is a need for the industry and government to work hand-in-hand."Devereux warned guests at the annual FCAI dinner last night that without incentives, consumer acceptance for these vehicles would be tough."In Australia at the moment it's difficult for the respective brands to mount a valid business case for these vehicles when many other countries are already offering large incentives to consumers who buy these low-emission vehicles," he said.Norway currently leads the world with no taxes on electric cars and free parking.Devereux said success with these cars would only come through a partnership with governments and customers. He said there was no silver bullet. "In Australia we need to work with the Federal Government to continue and accelerate the progress that has been achieved to date," he said. "I note that carbon dioxide emissions from new cars here are at a record low of 218.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This is almost a 20 per cent decrease in seven years and while that's good, we still have a long way to go."GM-Holden plans to introduce its Volt electric/petrol car in 2012 and importers are lobbying for incentives on electric cars. Nissan and Mitsubishi want Federal aid to help accelerate consumer acceptance of electric cars but their calls have fallen on deaf ears. Nissan plans to launch its Leaf electric hatch here in 2012. Mitsubishi is already testing its i-MIEV locally and expects to start selling it here next year.Nissan Australia managing director, Dan Thompson, said that without incentives, Australia would lag behind the rest of the world in the adoption of electric cars. "There isn't the level of engagement, commitment and support that will be needed to accelerate the uptake of EVs here," he said. Nissan and the NSW, VIC and ACT governments are currently exploring ways of bringing electric cars to market.

But it is the European brands who are trumping the locals with a range of concepts and production cars intended to tap into the sales boom and gold rush in China. Mercedes-Benz shows its Shooting Break wagon, Volkswagen has the new Phaeton flagship, Audi has a long-wheelbase A6, BMW has a new four- door coupe and Ferrari has its F599 GTO to make the running.The 45 local brands are doing their best - with Great Wall alone showing nine new models - but they are the entree for the main course choices from Europe. The big news from the Chinese carmakers - including Australian start-ups Chery, Geely and Great Wall - is a strong emphasis on green cars, mostly fully-electric plug-ins but with a smattering of hybrids.A total of 95 alternate-energy vehicles are spread through the nine giant, pulsating, colourful stands at the Beijing Exhibition. Even Volkswagen is using China Auto 2010 to push its electric strategy, promising to start local production of plug-ins between 2013 and 2014."As China becomes Volkswagen's most important market around the world, achievement in the electric-vehicle segment in China is key," says Martin Winterkorn, global chief of VW.Holden is helping GM make a Beijing splash with the latest version of the Volt, a boxy five-door SUV concept, which was built by the design crew at Fishermans Bend. It is impossible to underestimate the importance of the biggest motor show in China, as first-quarter sales in the country rocketed to 4.7 million vehicles this year.Most full-year sales forecasts for 2010 are set in the 16.2 to 16.5 million range, well ahead of the USA and fueled by overall economy growth which continues to run in the 8-9 per cent, year-on-year.

The ‘range-extender’ plug-in electric vehicle, which goes into production later this year and is due in Australia with a Holden badge during 2012, uses a low-emission flex-fuel engine to charge on-board batteries.GM's early testing suggests the Volt's city-cycle fuel economy could be at least 230 miles per gallon - or 1.2 litres per 100km, based on draft EPA federal fuel economy methodology for plug-in electric vehicles.GM says the Volt has the potential to travel up to 64km on electric-only propulsion from a single battery charge, with a 480km-plus range with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator.GM CEO Fritz Henderson said the early figures from the Volt would mean the new car is a ‘game-changer’ for the brand. "From the data we've seen, many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas," he said."EPA labels are a yardstick for customers to compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles. So, a vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel economy is a game-changer."According to US Department of Transportation data, nearly 80 per cent of Americans commute less than 64km a day. Mr Henderson said the Volt's high-mileage performance would require plugging the car into the electric grid at least once each day and would also depend on cargo, passengers and air conditioner use.During GM's testing of pre-production prototypes the Volt has achieved 64km of electric-only, petroleum-free driving in both EPA city and highway test cycles. GM expects the Volt to consume as little as 25 kilowatt hours per 161km in city driving, which would cost around 3 US cents per 1.61km, based on the average cost of US electricity. GM says using the US average cost of electricity (approximately 11 U.S. cents per kWh), a typical Volt driver would pay about US$2.75 for electricity to travel 161km.The Volt is powered primarily by electrical energy stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, but when the battery runs low, an engine-generator produces electricity to power the vehicle.

"There's a lot of speculation about what brand that car would be but I can tell you it will have a `Lion' on the front of it," GM-Holden managing director, Mark Reuss, says."It's going to be a Holden Volt."Last week the petrol-electric Volt shot to international prominence when General Motors CEO, Rick Wagoner, drove a prototype mule of one part way to Washington to help secure funding for the US car industry.The car is being developed in Detroit for GM's global markets.General Motors describes it as a "range extending electric vehicle" that will be powered by batteries with a small four cylinder petrol engine used as a generator for the battery pack.Initially likely to be available as a hatch, the green car will spawn a range of models, including wagons and possibly a two-door sportscar.GM-Holden unveiled the Volt locally at the Sydney Motor Show early this year, confirming that it would be on sale here around 2012.It will be able to travel up to 64km purely on its electric batteries alone.Owners can expect to save thousands in petrol costs.GM also expects to have a range of powertrains to back up the electric batteries.Pricing is yet to be confirmed but it is tipped to cost about $35,000 and go head-to-head with the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.The car is similar in size to a $20,000 Toyota Corolla.The Volt will be an important part of Holden's `Ecoline’ strategy to push fuel saving measures and alternative fuels.Ecoline is designed to deliver fuel savings across all Holden models with high-tech alternative fuelled cars, active fuel management and other technological advances.Active fuel management, which shuts down cylinders when not needed, becomes available on V8 Commodores from next month.The company also plans to have an E85 Commodore on sale by 2010.GM-Holden already sells an E85 compatible Saab through its Premium Brands, which includes Cadillac and Hummer. 

GM's Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle was the surprise of the opening day of the Australian International Motor Show as Holden made the definitive statement it will sell the car here.GM Holden has been building toward an Australian future for the Volt and yesterday chairman and managing director Mark Reuss confirmed a 2012 on sale date. The announcement was the culmination of feverish behind the scenes to ensure the car is manufactured in right-hand drive and therefore available to wear a Holden badge.Reuss says Volt's surprise Sydney appearance gave audiences an early view of one of the most important technologies shaping the future of sustainable transport.``It is a reflection of the importance of the Australian market for General Motors that a vehicle as significant as Volt has been provided for this show,'' Reuss says. ``This technology is potentially the most exciting addition to GM's range of alternative fuels. As we move forward, it will be innovative solutions such as Volt that will sustain global motoring by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.''Volt, the production version of which was unveiled just weeks ago in Detroit and shown in Paris last weekend, will be on sale in the US by 2010. The difference between Volt and other hybrid fuel/electric vehicles is that while there is a small internal combustion engine in the Volt it is used only to drive a generator and recharge the batteries. All motive power is through electric motors.When operating solely on its battery, Volt can drive up to 64km without using any fuel or producing any emissions.Once the battery energy is depleted, a small petrol engine generates electricity to power the vehicle for hundreds of additional kilometres.The battery can be fully recharged in three hours while plugged into the household electricity grid. GM estimates that compared to similar sized petrol-powered vehicles, Volt will save motorists almost 1900 litres of fuel a year.It also calculates that charging the vehicle at night through a standard power outlet will use less electricity annually than an average fridge.Holden also announced at the show new branding for its alternate fuel vehicles and fuel-saving technology. EcoLine badging will be attached to a range of Holden models to signify their economic and ecological advantages.Reuss says the EcoLine branding gives a name to Holden's commitment to developing more sustainable and cost-saving solutions. ``The energy challenges we face require many answers. For Holden, the future of sustainable motoring is a clear strategy of energy diversity,'' Reuss says.The badging will appear on all LPG and dual fuel models, diesel versions of the Astra and Epica and all of the new Active Fuel Management models.As part of the EcoLine launch it was also announced that all Holden V8 automatics will come with AFM from next January. AFM, also known as cylinder deactivation, allows four of the engines cylinders to shut down under suitable conditions such as when cruising at a steady speed. When acceleration is needed or the engine comes under load the cylinders are automatically reactivated.Holden claims the system can provide fuel savings of up to one litre per 100km.Reuss says AFM delivers the best of both worlds to performance enthusiasts; improved fuel efficiency with the power they want in a V8.GM also put on display its new Cadillac CTS, which will share the company's premium brand marketing with Saab and Hummer.After a 70-year absence for Cadillac, the CTS will be on sale in Australia before the end of the year with the sedan to be joined by the sleek Coupe version early next year.To give showgoers a taste of what's to come, GM has flown out the Coupe Concept shown in the US earlier this year. GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish says Cadillac will appeal to prestige car buyers and offer an alternative to the traditional European brands.A little more left field but still with the plenty of top-end GM genes is the Elfin Type 5, mixing it with the Pagani Zonda and Koenigsegg CCX at Supercar Central.The Type 5 is a world away from the marque's previous V8 monsters, the MS8 Clubman and Streamliner.

The electric Volt is a Commodore-sized car which General Motors claims can be run for as little as just over a cent a kilometre — less than 20 per cent of the cost of running a conventional petrol-powered vehicle.First unveiled as a concept at the Detroit motor show in January 2007, the Volt moved to real-world status this week with the announcement from GM that it would be in full production by the end of 2010.“Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century,” said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. “The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future — just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges.”Powered by a bank of lithium-ion batteries GM says the Volt is capable of running for a little over 70km before needing to be recharged, either by the on-board generator or by plugging in to the electric grid — the same way you would recharge a mobile phone.The crucial difference between the Volt technology and existing hybrid vehicles is the small internal combustion engine — which has the potential to be fuelled by petrol, diesel, bio-fuels or hydrogen — used to run the generator but which plays no part in propelling the car, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.GM says the Volt is capable of a fuel efficiency equivalent to 1.6 litres/100km, can reach 160km/h and cruise at a constant 115km/h without loss of efficiency.With GM research showing 78 per cent of daily commuter travel in the US is less than the Volt's 70km electric range most drivers would never again need to use petrol on a day-to-day basis. The Volt can be recharged in as little three hours plugged into a household power point.“That means that the owner of an average current vehicle using 7.8 litres/100kms and travelling 25,000km a year would save 1900 litres of fuel and reduce by 4.4 tonnes the carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe,” explained GM vehicle line director Tony Posawatz.While GM says the initial production plans for the Volt are only left-hand drive it is inconceivable that a right-hand drive version is not in the offing.“With technology this exciting we are going to be keeping a very close eye on it,” GM Holden's John Lindsay said. “It is certainly something we would love to have in right-hand drive.” 

That's the view of General Motors' planner Larry Burns, who is leading the company's switch from petrol to an alternate fuel future. Burns, the vice-president of research and development and strategic planning based in Detroit, was in Australia recently when Carsguide interviewed him about GM's future. He says Australia must end its dependence on imported oil and capitalise on the country's bank of alternative energy sources.Burns says we should start with LPG and then look down the track at everything from compressed natural gas to hydrogen and even solar power.And he talks big about the GM Volt electric car, hydrogen, a nuclear future for motoring and improvements to GM Holden's home-grown Commodore. AUSTRALIA“I definitely would focus on energy diversity, I would ask myself, do I need to be importing any petroleum at all into this country,” he says. “I would look at LPG as a starting point. I think that'sa very exciting opportunity you have here already, there's a distribution for that already and the natural gas is relatively inexpensive and relatively clean.“I would anticipate compressed natural gas down the road and, longer term, I would ... go after solar big time. I do think it's going to be economically viable and then I would look at bio-mass.“And then I would anticipate that fuel cell vehicles and plug-in electrics are going to be very real solutions and set myself up for that.” THE FUTURE“Clearly, the industry is in a transformational period. Fuel, globalisation ... we need to get out in front of that better, as an industry, and we think the key is to focus on efficiency and energy diversity. Efficiency's important because energy supply looks like it's going to run short of energy demand and we think the supply of petroleum is plateauing. But efficiency alone won't solve this challenge.” THE CHALLENGE“Let's say you went to bed and had 900 million vehicles in the world ... all have their efficiency improved 25 per cent — that'd be a miracle. Now you pick your technology: they were all hybridised, they were all converted to diesels, HCCI, or something like that. So you have 25 per cent improvement — how much time have you bought yourself?“If you believe that the global economy is going to grow at 3 or 4 per cent per year, that's a pretty good bet. Energy demand correlates with that at 2 or 3 per cent per annum. So, 10 years from now after that miracle last night, we'll start consuming more petroleum for automotive than we did when we had this miracle happen.” PETROL PRICE CRISIS“I'd like to believe some markets have always had higher fuel prices, so I don't think they necessarily need a wake-up call. I was in Germany about a month ago and diesel fuel was the equivalent of $US8.25 a gallon (about $2.50 per litre). So the wake-up call really is where gasoline is relatively inexpensive, like the US. And it is not just a wake-up call for auto companies, but for consumers political leaders.“Gasoline became very, very inexpensive over an extended period of time and that defined the consumer choice, and the consumer choice tended to be for more power and more size in the vehicle. One of the things I get very concerned about is: `What if petroleum dropped back under $20 a barrel?” THE CHOICES“You have all of these people digging their heels in thinking there is a simple answer and that's the only thing you should invest in, and in fact you have to invest in all of it. Then we get paralysed by that indecisiveness on people thinking it's one answer. We can solve it, but we can't solve it by being paralysed by all these parochial different views, and what's happening is people who tend to like natural gas over gasoline promote that and they overly criticise all the other ones. People who tend to like ethanol overly promote that and they overly criticise all the other ones.” POTENTIAL IN AUSTRALIA“I was fascinated to see how much coal you have and certainly pathways where coal could find its way to automobiles, whether it's through electrically-driven vehicles or creating hydrogen or coal liquid,” he says. “I was intrigued by how much sunshine you have and solar energy continues to look promising longer term. I'm intrigued by how much natural gas you have and the potential for LPG and CNG vehicles and, quite frankly, I'm intrigued by the amount of bio-mass that could exist, both in the form of municipal waste and also plants that we don't need. So you can find a way to reduce the dependence on petroleum by finding pathways for this energy to get to the automobile.” HYDROGEN FUEL“Right now, in the world today, there's enough hydrogen being produced to fuel over 200 million fuel cell vehicles. That's almost a quarter of the cars in the world could be fuelled by hydrogen. What's all that hydrogen being used for? It's used to make fertiliser — one half of it. The other half is used as input making gasoline. By 2012 just the hydrogen used at refineries could fuel 175 million vehicles with fuel cells.” FUTURE FUELS“The sun shines on my roof, I create electricity and I put it in my electric vehicle. The time frame on LPG is right now ... the bio-mass time frame is three to five years. The good news on bio-mass technology is it's already very, very inexpensive to make your car capable of running on E85 and we'll find clever ways with LPG and compressed natural gas to get more cost out as well. I want to emphasise that this is not food-based bio-mass ... it's garbage.” FUTURE CARS“We think the tipping point for fuel-cell vehicles is at the point where we have sufficient scale and sufficient cost and market learning. That could be 2018 to 2020 and you might ask, `Can the world wait that long?'. Well, we're not waiting. We're playing hard on ethanol, we're playing hard on plug-in electrics, we have eight hybrids , and we'll have eight more in the next two years, and we're pushing solutions like CNG and LPG — and that is energy diversity.” NUCLEAR FUTURE“I know nuclear is not necessarily the right thing in Australia but in the US I would build one nuclear plant on a closed military base so it's secure.I'd dedicate it to creating hydrogen ... you can make a lot from a nuclear plant. I'd introduce hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles using that because they're an exciting vehicle customers like and then I'd go to OPEC and say, `Do you want to talk?' ... we don't necessarily have to rely on petroleum any more.”