Here's the way I see it: given GM's history of sabotage and non-deliverance, any anouncement of "green" concept car is most likely not going to make it into showrooms. GM's credibility is rock bottom in this. HOWEVER, I think (...reads "I hope"...) this is different.

The Volt will be very consequential for GM. There are now huge forces at work that requires GM to deliver on this one. Witness Toyota surpassing GM and much more momentum behind still them. Witness hybrids gaining acceptance and market-the first step to the electrification of the automobile. Witness the movements and push to PHEV in local and national government itineraries. Witness half a dozen pure EV companies are readying to sell production vehicles within a few short years. Witness the advancement in batteries within the last 5 yrs, where only a fraction of research monies are involved (as compared to other emerging tech).

GM cannot reneg on this one. It would be different if they hadnt announced it, but they did, and even tied it to battery development. Battery technology is already here. It will only be a matter of time when even they cannot say it's too expensive (the only real reason left). The Volt will either be the nail in their coffin or their saving grace.

People who are die hard GM comsumer will remain so regardless, but people who cars about oil dependency, national security, global warming, fuel efficiency, technology, etc, wont even consider GM unless they have something real to offer...and that group is growing very fast.

I dont see GM having any other choice...can you?