All About Japan Autos

Many analysts expect gas prices to rise, which means demand for fuel-efficient cars is likely to increase. To capitalize on it, Chevrolet plans to ramp up production of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.

Autoblog reports, “Production was originally pegged at 10,000 this year and 60,000 next year, but if the increased capacity comes to pass, those figures could increase to 25,000 this year and 120,000 units next year. This strategy depends on parts availability, however, and if the outsourced parts necessary to build more Volts can’t be ramped up by OEM suppliers, the plans could be cut short.” If the plan works, it’ll be good news for consumers. One of the reasons GM wants to increase Volt production is to bring down the car’s $41,000 price tag, which is more than what most consumers can spend.

To increase sales, General Motors plans to use the Volt’s “gasoline- electric drive system for models sold by other GM brands,” writes Businessweek. They also report that GM CEO Dan Akerson “has said he wants GM to have more fuel-efficient models ready for a possible increase in oil prices to $120 a barrel.”

Specifically, CNET says Akerson “is accelerating his company’s push into electrified vehicles with plans to expand the Chevrolet Volt technology into a minivan within a few years.” If GM puts the Volt’s powertrain into a minivan or small crossover, it would be in direct competition with Ford’s plan for a plug-in hybrid Ford C-Max, which Ford hopes to have on the market by late 2012. At the same time, Toyota will introduce more Prius models, including a Prius plug-in hybrid and a larger Prius wagon. The bottom line is, if you’re looking for a fuel-sipping car, hold off for a few years. By late 2012, the market should be full of options.

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