Volt plans in A123Systems' loan request?

All Chrysler, or something else?

Not long ago, A123Systems was in the running for the first Chevy Volt battery contract, but it didn't win. Nonetheless, and immediately, GM announced that A123Systems was still under consideration for future generations of Volt battery contracts (and who knows about dual mode plug-ins, such as the proposed Saturn Vue).

Nonetheless, regardless of the Volt contract, A123Systems has serious potential business with a number of other players, such as Chrysler, Better Place, and Nissan. So, the fact that A123Systems is trying to start a lithium battery factory in Michigan with $1.8 billion in government loans isn't that surprising.

GM's Volt buddha, Bob Lutz, stated, "At GM, we see the development of vehicles powered by electricity as key to the transformation of our industry. And advanced battery technology, is at the heart of this transformation. A123's proposal to manufacture advanced battery cells and packs right here in the United States is a positive development for our industry and the nation."

Here! Here!

So, do GM and Lutz believe in the potential of Ford and Chrysler EVs then? Is the Volt not so special? Or, is GM also still very interested in A123Systems as a partner in electrification and, therefore, very interested in such government contracts?

I'm probably reading too much into this loan request, but I certainly hope I'm barking up the right tree.

I've had the opportunity to meet David Vieau, A123Systems president and CEO, and I have absolute faith in that firm. Yes, they're still an up-and-coming company, but GM - as an American company - owes A123 serious consideration, and I get the feeling they are going to get it one way or another.

I know I'll have my fingers crossed for A123.