Exclusive Interview with Robert Lutz: Chevy Volt's Future, Government Ownership, and Revitalized General Motors

The Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle with a gasoline-powered generator, is set to revolutionize the automotive industry, boasting an estimated 230 miles per gallon and the ability to travel up to 300 miles on a single charge. In an exclusive interview with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News Channel's "On the Record," Robert Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors, shared insights into the vehicle's production timeline, features, and pricing. Additionally, Lutz discussed the role of government ownership in shaping the company's future and clarified misconceptions about the government's involvement in General Motors' operations.

Key Takeaways:

The Chevy Volt will be produced in November 2010, with full-scale mass production commencing in 2011, and further ramping up in 2012.
The vehicle will achieve an estimated 230 miles per gallon, with the ability to travel up to 300 miles on a single charge.
The Chevy Volt will feature a unique blend of electric and gasoline-powered propulsion, making it the only vehicle in the world to offer both the fuel-saving features of a pure electric vehicle and the range of a conventional gasoline vehicle.
The vehicle's safety features have been extensively tested, with Lutz stating that the integrity of both the battery and fuel system is "impeccable," and the occupants are well-protected in the event of a crash.
The price of the Chevy Volt is expected to be around $40,000, although a government tax credit of $7,500 will be available, reducing the cost to around $32,500.
Lutz emphasized that the government's role in General Motors is that of a shareholder, with no direct involvement in the company's day-to-day operations.
Lutz also clarified that the government task force responsible for shaping the General Motors' recovery plan consisted of both Democrats and Republicans, with the singular goal of creating a healthy and successful General Motors.
The Chevy Volt will be a key indicator of General Motors' revitalization, with Lutz inviting Greta Van Susteren to visit the Milford test facility to drive the vehicle and experience the future of the automobile industry.

Statistics:

General Motors will produce 10 Chevy Volts per week initially, with production ramping up in 2011 and 2012.
The estimated price of the Chevy Volt will be around $40,000, although the government tax credit of $7,500 will reduce the cost to around $32,500.
The vehicle's safety features have been extensively tested, with Lutz stating that the integrity of both the battery and fuel system is "impeccable."
The Chevy Volt will achieve an estimated 230 miles per gallon, with the ability to travel up to 300 miles on a single charge.

Sources:

Fox News Channel's "On the Record" interview with Robert Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors, on August 11, 2009.