GM 'will lose money' on the new Chevrolet Volt

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 18 September 2008 14:39 Despite hanging its future on the make-or-break Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid car, GM has confirmed that it doesn’t expect to make a profit from it – at least not on the first-generation model. The Chevy Volt was unveiled this week amid much hoopla at GM's centenary. 'I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a situation where we make money, particularly when you load all the costs in,' Fritz Henderson, GM’s chief operating officer, told Automotive News Europe, referring to the company’s first-generation technologies.

Hyundai ix-Metro Concept – too much ‘Design’

The Hyundai ix-Metro Concept at Frankfurt The new ix35 – despite looking very similar to most offerings in the same sector –  is enormously competent – at least in its conception –  and well built. Most importantly for buyers it will undercut the current offerings, whilst offering a package the equivalent of the best. But is Hyundai getting a bit too wrapped-up in its Euro-design?

Callum: JLR needs design studios in China and US

Jaguar and Land Rover are to open design studios in China and the United States as the two British brands look to better understand local tastes, according to Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director in an interview with Automotive News Europe. The United States is currently the carmaker's second-biggest market after the UK, closely followed by China in third. To further tap into these markets is key for the long-term success of JLR and so it is following its competitors in opening up foreign design studios.