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.

Fewer commuters but longer journeys

PEOPLE ARE TRAVELLING further to get to work but the number of commuters is falling as more staff work from home, according to official figures. Based on Census statistics, the average distance travelled to work in England and Wales increased from 8.3 miles (13.4km) in 2001 to 9.32 miles (15km) in 2011. Those living in the Midlands and south west England had the largest increase in average distance travelled between 2001 and 2011 - going an extra 1.36 miles (2.2km).

Porsche 918 Spyder (2013) final specifications and prices

Porsche told CAR it expected final 918 Spyders to produce more power and better economy than the test mules – and Stuttgart has delivered. Final specs for the V8 hybrid supercar have been released, and it's as quick as you'd hope (for £660,000...) Porsche's 918 Spyder: the vital stats: Engine: 4.6-litre V8, 600bhp @ 8600rpm, 390lb ft @ 6600rpm. Engine redline @ 9150rpmHybrid module: lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, 154bhpTotal power: 875bhpTransmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive (electric motor drives fronts, motor and engine drive rears)0-62mph: 2.8sec0-124mph: 7.9sec0-186mph: 23.0secTop speed: 211mphMPG (combined): 85.6mpgCO2: 79g/kmElectric-only driving range/top speed: 18 miles/93mphBattery charge time: four hours (25mins with optional Porsche Speed Charging Station)Weight: 1675kg (unladen), Weissach package cuts 35kg from kerbweightPrice: €781,155 (£661,000), without Weissach package / €853,155 (£720,400) with Weissach package Any other Porsche 918 Spyder news?