Renewable Gossip

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger gets behind the wheel of BMW’s futuristic hybrid concept car – the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics.

The volume of announcements regarding hybrids, electric cars and other green offerings at the Los Angeles Auto Show expands every year. However, this year’s media days held few surprises for car fans following the green scene. Carmakers mostly confirmed and reiterated commitments to bring previously announced alternative vehicles to market.

In opening comments, California Gov. Schwarzenegger said, “I remember that the first car show I went to, there were like three cars with alternative fuel vehicles here. Three. Then there were 10, then there were 15, then there were 20. And today we have here more than 50 cars that are alternative fuel vehicles.” Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights.

Chevy Volt Will First Sell in California

Chevrolet Global Vice President Brent Dewar introduces the 2011 Chevrolet Volt in Los Angeles, on Dec. 2, 2009.

GM unveiled the production version of the Chevy Volt, and confirmed that the plug-in hybrid—with an anticipated 40 miles of all-electric range—would first be offered in California. Bob Lutz, GM’s marketing chief, said GM would build about 10,000 Volt models during the first year, and eventually ramp up to as many as 60,000 unit per year. GM expects the price of the Volt to be about $40,000, minus a $7,500 US tax credit.

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