Huge uptick in Chevy Volt production by 2014

GM will upgrade a number of manufacturing centers, create new jobs, become more fuel efficient and roll out a huge number of Chevy Volts by 2014. Is it time to kill the government motors moniker?

Will 2014 be the year of the Volt?

2012: The Year GM sheds its government motors image?

Today, the auto world has been abuzz with news that GM will invest $2 billion to upgrade a number of manufacturing centers throughout the US, with a significant and timely focus on fuel efficiency. Even better, in 2012 GM will begin rolling out a horde of new and upgraded models.

Additionally, the Chevy Volt will soon amp up for a “huge” production lift.

Earlier today, GM CEO Dan Akerson told CNBC’s Phil Lebeau that aside from new models, new powertrains, such as those driven by an upcoming 8 speed transmission, would not only enable GM’s vehicles to perform better, but to achieve better fuel economy. Likewise, Akerson noted that GM’s new E-Assist “light hybrid” powertrain would have a big impact on the fuel efficiency of GM’s mid-sized sedans, beginning with a number of Buick hybrid vehicles.

As for the Volt, battery production is today a “critical linchpin”. Fortunately, new battery production capabilities are coming online and within the next 24 months, Volt production will experience a “huge uptick” according to Akerson, whom was unwilling to provide official numbers when Lebeau asked when GM might begin to produce 100,000 Volts per year.

Interestingly, even earlier in the day, Lebeau also noted that GM’s moves could create up to 4,000 new GM jobs, which could multiply to 40,000 new American jobs according Lebeau. If true – if GM can help create 10’s of thousands of new jobs, while also significantly improving its vehicle quality and fleet fuel economy – it could be time to kill the ‘Government Motors’ moniker, if such time hasn’t already arrived.

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