William Maley

Passed by the Chevrolet dealer yesterday, saw a 1990 Pontiac Bonneville SSE in the lot which almost cause me to stop and take it from their hands. Also there, a Chevrolet Volt demo.

Not at the moment.. GM hasn't said anything and no is reporting what will happen to Kansas City

Well, he was arrested on 10th..

GM Increases Production Of The Volt GM has announced the Volt will being seeing an increase in production for the 2012 model year. GM Increases Production Of The Volt

GM Increases Production Of The Volt William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 19, 2011 General Motors has made it official: the Chevrolet Volt will see a production increase. On Wednesday, GM announced they will build 1,000 more Volts for this model year, bringing the total to about 16,000 Volts. GM also announced that production will increase from 45,000 to 60,000 vehicles for 2012 and will begin building the Opel Ampera for the European and Chinese markets. To make way for the increase in production, GM announced that the Detroit-Hamtramck plant which builds the Volt will shut down for four weeks in June to retool. The plant will get new tools, equipment and overhead conveyor systems throughout the facility. Also during this time, work will continue on getting the plant ready for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. So what will this shutdown mean for sales of the Volt? Cristi Landy, director of Chevrolet Volt Marketing said the shutdown will further constrain supplies of Volts for dealers, but will better prepare the company for the 2012 Volt's nationwide rollout in the second half of this year. "By taking the time to reconfigure the plant, we will be better able to meet the tremendous consumer demand," Landy said. No word yet on whether GM will add new jobs for the Detroit-Hamtramck plant due to increased production. Source: The Detroit News Press Release is Below Chevrolet Volt Plant Prepares for Production Boost, Exports 2011-05-18 Planned Four-week shutdown to prepare for 2012 Volt and Opel Ampera 2012 production rate to increase significantly for additional U.S. and global markets Exports of Volt and Ampera to Canada, China and Europe begin later this year DETROIT – General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, home of the Chevrolet Volt, will close for four weeks beginning in June for planned upgrades to prepare for a significant increase in the rate of Volt production, along with assembly of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan. Already in tight supply, the number of Volts available for delivery to retail customers will be further restricted over the next three months before production resumes and the Volt and the Opel Ampera begin being exported to Europe and China. “The Volt will be available to customers nationwide by the end of 2011,” said Cristi Landy, director of Chevrolet Volt Marketing. “By taking the time to reconfigure the plant, we will be better able to meet the tremendous consumer demand.” The 2011 Volt was launched in California, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Volt will be available nationwide and in Europe, China and Canada by the end of this year. As a result of the plant upgrades, planned Volt and Ampera production capacity this year will increase to 16,000 units, including exports and a fleet of several hundred demonstration units sent to U.S. dealers. In 2012, global production capacity is expected to be 60,000 vehicles with an estimated 45,000 to be delivered in the United States. During the four-week shutdown the plant will complete some pre-scheduled upgrades, including the installation of new tools, equipment and overhead conveyor systems throughout the facility. This will prepare the plant for 2012 Volt and Ampera production and continue work on projects in preparation to launch the 2013 Malibu next year. Coupled with already low dealer inventories and strong demand, the suspension of production, will result in limited availability and reduced sales in June and July. The Volt is an electric vehicle that offers a total driving range of 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full change. Production of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will begin next year. Building on Chevrolet’s reputation of providing the most fuel-efficient passenger cars, the 2013 Malibu launch will be led by the Eco model, expected to achieve 38 miles per gallon on the highway.

Saab Working On Getting Production Back On Track William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 18, 2011 Related: Saab Has Been Saved Once Again Saab is hoping to get production back up at their Trollhaettan plant sometime next week. "Our ambition is to restart production some time next week, but it's very hard to make a prognosis," said Saab's Production Chief, Gunnar Brunius in a phone interview. Brunius said the company will begin talks with suppliers about sorting out debts and possible repayment plans. The talks will decide whether production will begin next week or not. According to Svenake Berglie, head of Swedish auto supplier group FKG, Saab owns Swedish suppliers a minimum of 300 million kronor ($47.2 million) and about the same amount to foreign suppliers. Saab's supplier problems began back in late March when production was stopped due to suppliers not being paid. Victor Muller, Saab's chairman and Spyker's chief executive said on April 4th that the issue with suppliers was "under control". A day after after Muller's announcement, production stopped again and has lasted for seven weeks. The news of production starting back up comes only after a few days when Saab and Chinese vehicle distributor, Pang da Automobile Trade Co., announced a partnership. The partnership is awaiting approval from the Chinese government. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Opel Pulls Back The Camo From The New Zafira Opel Zafira Gallery May 18, 2011 New Opel Zafira Tourer: First Class Transformer • Quantum leap: Flexibility master embraces premium qualities • Exclusive seating concept: Individual wellness grows beyond family functionality • Dynamic look: Athletic silhouette combined with striking front design • Comfort and Safety: Innovative driver assistant systems enhance relaxed drive Rüsselsheim. The Opel Zafira Tourer will make its world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main, September 15 - 25, 2011. Offering a perfect blend of functionality and wellness, the Zafira Tourer brings Insignia premium quality values and innovative technologies as well as Opel’s design philosophy – “sculptural artistry meets German precision” – to the monocab segment. The “Tourer” in the name marks a quantum leap forward: With an extensively re-designed Flex7 seating system, the third generation of Opel’s compact monocab establishes new standards in cabin flexibility and quality. But the metamorphosis goes beyond this enhanced ability to transform its cabin layout: The overall experience is upgraded. Relaxed driving comes with premium qualities thanks to a refined design, airy cabin atmosphere, an upgraded chassis and innovative technologies that increase comfort and safety. The benchmark for flexibility offers rear passengers a new, first-class feeling When it was launched 1999, the first generation Opel Zafira was not only the first seven-seater in its class. It also set new standards with fully integrated on-board flexibility. This means there is no need to remove and store heavy seats. Since 1999, Opel has sold more than 2.2 million units of two Zafira generations in Europe. Along with the Meriva, the European class leader in small monocabs, the Zafira has established Opel as the benchmark in flexibility and in the monocab segment. Premium flexibility is the business card of the new Zafira Tourer. Opel engineers have substantially upgraded the clever Flex7 seating concept. While the entire third row can still be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, the second row has been completely re-designed: No longer a bench, it now consists of three separate, individual seats that can be folded flat and moved independently of each other. Each can slide longitudinally by 210 mm. In addition, passengers in the second row can benefit from the unique, optional Lounge Seating system, providing generous limousine-like seating space and comfort. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism, the back of the middle seat in the second row folds down and rotates to offer comfortable armrests for the passengers in the outer seats. The longitudinal movement of the outer seats in this case is extended to 280 mm – 70 mm more than in the standard version, and 80 mm more than in the current Zafira. Moreover, the outer seats slide by 50 mm towards the center of the cabin, a true novelty in the segment. The combination of both longitudinal and lateral movements ensures first-class comfort and the unique feeling of travelling in a “lounge on wheels”, with maximum individual space and ergonomics, as passengers can change position at their convenience while travelling. This emphasis on personal comfort makes the Zafira Tourer much more than just a family vehicle. Opel designers turned the flexible interior into a wellness oasis, a place to relax and enjoy the spacious atmosphere – be it on a business trip or a long journey with friends. Unique features further enhance Zafira Tourer’s flexibility Thanks to its generous cabin space and flexible seating system, the Zafira Tourer offers 710 liters load volume in a five-seat configuration (65 liters more than the current Zafira), and up to 1,860 liters (+ 40 liters) when all rear seats are folded down. It also provides ample storage space including the revolutionary multi-functional FlexConsole, an enhancement of the innovative FlexRail system introduced last year in the Meriva. This standard-setting innovation is just another example of premium flexibility in the Zafira Tourer. The armrest featuring a storage box and the cup holder trail both slide on the aluminum rails to the desired position, enabling flexible use of the generous storage space between the front seats – exactly where it is most accessible and useful. The second generation of Opel’s exclusive integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier system also premieres in the new Zafira Tourer. To date around 60,000 Opel customers have opted for this highly acclaimed carrier that is integrated in the rear bumper and is simply pulled out like a drawer. Building on the experience of the first generation, the system has been re-engineered and features a new fastening device that makes it even more functional and easier to use. Zafira Tourer stands out with athletic look “The Zafira is Opel’s flexibility icon, and we wanted to bring more emotion and premium qualities into its third generation,” says Mark Adams, Vice President, Opel/Vauxhall Design. “The Opel Zafira Tourer makes a statement with its sleek, sporty look and premium feel.” The distinctive front with its bold twin “boomerang” graphics sweeping from the top of the headlights to the bottom of the fog lamps, its characteristic Opel center crease and proud trapezoidal grille create a dynamic, progressive look, unusual for a monocab. In line with all other models in the range, the headlights feature the Opel-typical “wing shaped” daytime running light graphic. The streamlined, aerodynamic bodywork design of the Zafira Tourer lends it a silhouette that is reminiscent of a high-speed train. The belt line sweeps upwards in a hockey stick-like gesture and visually propels the vehicle forward, while the Opel characteristic “blade” sculpts and adds motion to the body side. The wing-shaped graphic from the headlights is repeated in the tail lamps, which can be enhanced with LED technology. The horizontal chrome bar carrying the Opel logo stretches far into the split light elements, giving the Zafira Tourer a broad, sporty look in the rear and adding a premium touch. As for the interior, driver’s visibility has been dramatically improved thanks to a completely re-designed front layout with slim A-pillars, large side windows and a repositioned side rear view mirror – now mounted on the door panel. The high-class quality cabin is dominated by dynamic, sculptural shapes and a feeling of spacious comfort. The bright, airy lounge atmosphere in the Zafira Tourer can be enhanced by the optionally available panorama windscreen – an innovation that Opel introduced in 2005 in the Astra GTC. It flows into a generous glass sunroof that visually extends all the way to the back of the vehicle. Adaptive FlexRide chassis control enhances driving comfort and safety For a relaxed driving experience, the Zafira Tourer mechatronic chassis has been designed to provide an outstanding level of comfort and safety. Compared to the previous generation, the wheelbase and tracks have increased substantially to the benefit of ride comfort and dynamic stability: The wheel base is now 2,760 mm (+ 57 mm), while the tracks are 1,584 mm in front (+ 96 mm) and 1,588 in the rear (+ 78 mm). The Zafira Tourer features the front axle of the Insignia, with an isolated sub-frame and a McPherson strut. The layout of the rear axle is unique in the monocab segment. Like in the Astra, it combines a compound crank with a Watt’s link. This construction has multiple benefits: While it provides outstanding stability/control, comfort and noise insulation, it is lighter and more compact than a multi-link axle that for instance would not leave enough space to fit the integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier offered in the Zafira Tourer. Still a rarity in the monocab segment, the intelligent, fully-adaptive FlexRide chassis control system in the Zafira Tourer enhances driving comfort and safety on demand. It automatically adapts to road conditions, cornering speed, vehicle movements and individual driving style to provide maximum stability, and offers a choice between three settings: the balanced Standard mode, the comfort-oriented “Tour” mode and the more active “Sport” mode. Greater driving safety thanks to intelligent assistant systems A host of innovative Driver Assistant systems enhance driving comfort and overall safety in the new Zafira Tourer. • A new feature in the Opel range, the radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Collision Mitigating Braking (CMB) constantly monitors the distance to the vehicles ahead. If the set safety distance is not observed, the system automatically reduces vehicle speed or, in extreme cases, triggers emergency braking to prevent a collision. The Opel Eye front camera system of the second generation also premieres in the Zafira Tourer. While it still features the familiar Lane Departure Warning (LDW), its Traffic Sign Recognition functionality (TSR) is improved and widely extended. The camera also supports new functions such as: • A Following Distance Indication (FDI) that visually informs the driver about the distance to the vehicle ahead. • A Forward Collision Alert (FCA) that warns the driver via visual and acoustic signals about an imminent collision with the vehicle ahead. • An Intelligent Light Ranging system (ILR) that adds a new function to the Bi- Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting system (AFL+): It adjusts the headlamp low beam pattern to the distance from the vehicle ahead and continuously adapts it to optimize roadway illumination without blinding. Further innovative driver assistant systems also make their premiere in the Zafira Tourer: • The Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA) warns the driver of an imminent collision when changing lanes. • To facilitate parking maneuvers, the Advanced Park Assist (APA) helps the driver finding an adequate space to park and guides him to get in; and the Rear View Camera makes even difficult maneuvers in tight spaces child's play. Highly efficient diesel and gasoline engines available at launch At launch this fall, the Opel Zafira Tourer will be available with three versions of the 2.0 CDTI common-rail turbo diesel engine familiar from the Astra and Insignia. Outputs are 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp, while the unit topping the offer has been reworked to deliver 121 kW/165 hp. The gasoline range comprises two downsized, fuel-efficient 1.4 ECOTEC turbo-charged gasoline units, with 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available. Opel’s new Start/Stop technology that brings further fuel savings, particularly in urban stop and go traffic, is offered with both the 1.4 Turbo gasoline and 2.0 CDTI powertrains. Soon after its debut, the Zafira Tourer offer will expand with a super fuel-efficient ecoFLEX model as well as variants powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). A few months later, high-performance powertrains will also be introduced, including gasoline units of a completely new generation. Opel’s extended monocab offer comprises two Zafira models As the segment of the compact monocab has resumed its growth since the beginning of 2010, it is expected to be further energized by Opel. The current Opel Zafira will remain on offer next to the new, more refined Zafira Tourer, allowing traditional customers to benefit from a functional, flexible compact monocab at a very affordable price. Opel’s monocab range thus consists of the mini Agila (length: 3.74 meters), the small Meriva (4.29 m), and the compact Zafira (4.47 m) and Zafira Tourer (4.66 m). Both Zafira models will be built exclusively in Opel’s Bochum plant in Germany.

Is this a barebones Jetta or does it have some options?

Thanks and will do