Workers at Fiat’s Mirafiori factory narrowly back a new contract that limits their ability to strike in exchange for 1 billion euros of new investment.

Chevrolet Volt news headline from General Motors:

The first Chevrolet Volt available for retail sale will be offered at public auction with the proceeds benefiting math and sciences education in the Detroit Public Schools.

“Every aspect of the Volt – from its aerodynamic shape to its battery chemistry – is a testament to the importance of math and sciences,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “By encouraging Detroit-area students to pursue these topics, we hope to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will build upon the Volt’s innovative technologies.”

Reuss announced the auction during an event at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, where the Volt is assembled. At the event, Reuss announced the first Volt built during regular production will be retained by Chevrolet in recognition of the team’s efforts to bring the revolutionary car from concept to reality. The first Volt bearing the vehicle identification number ending in BU100002 – will be auctioned with all proceeds benefitting the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

The Volt offered in the auction has a Viridian Joule exterior, Light Neutral interior with dark accents, Premium Trim Package, Rear Camera and Park Assist Package, and polished wheels. The auction also includes a 240-volt charging station and home installation. The opening bid is $50,000.

Bids for the first retail Volt will be accepted at www.bidonthevolt.com until 6:00 p.m. on December 14. The winning bid will be announced by Chevrolet on December 16. The winner’s Volt will be delivered in December.

Funds raised through the auction will be donated to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation to support initiatives such as robotics competitions – including students’ entry fees, travel costs, and competition-related equipment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle that can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by a depleted battery. The Volt has a total driving range of up to 375 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions-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 340 miles on a full tank.

BMW recalls cars due to faulty fuel pump. Some of the cars effected by this are cars and suv’s with twin turbo in line 6 cylinder engines with direct fuel injection system.

Renault shares jumped almost 10 percent after the French car maker sold most of its stake in Sweden’s Volvo, netting just over 3 billion euros.

At the Paris Car Show, global car makers show off their newest models which they hope will boost sales and give them access to booming emerging markets.

Alan Mulally sees success ahead for the U.S. car firm as it ventures into emerging markets and works to improve infrastructure conditions for electric vehicles.

German luxury car maker Daimler is expanding its cooperation with Renault and Nissan to develop electric cars in a race to meet tightening emission reduction rules.

Nissan plans to spend $600 million to upgrade its Mexican plants, positioning the country to become a key supply hub.

Ford is hoping its leaner and greaner new Explorer SUV will add more power to its profits by bringing consumers back in an overall sagging market.

Paul Batista
Instant Wheels Editor, InstantPride.com

This is a significant automotive headline: Chevrolet has announced a purchase price for the Volt.  The MSRP will be $41,000, according to General Motors.  Some owners may qualify for tax credits that could equal $7,500.  And, Volt drivers in some states may qualify for High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access, which allows single passengers to travel in carpool lanes.

The electric vehicle will be in limited release in 2010.  And, the question of whether it’s for lease or purchase has been answered;  “Both,” says Dave Bartmuss, of GM.    “Lease is $350/month for 36 months with option to buy at expiration.  Purchase is based on a $33,500 MSRP (after 7,500 tax credit)” said Bathmuss in an email.

The Volt includes standard options, including 5 years of free OnStar.  The first Volts will be sold at dealerships in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

General motors released several potential options for payment; a 36-month lease, assuming the vehicle is sold at $41,000, the payment could be as low as $350 per month, according to GM. Consumers would have to pay $2,500 upon lease signing, and pay an unspecified security deposit.

The Volt has been touted for an estimated MPG of 340 miles of travel range.

The following statement has been released by General Motors:

Chevrolet is so confident in the overall value of the Volt that the brand will offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery. The benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor. The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of the full federal tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500) including a destination freight charge of $720. Customer deliveries of the Chevrolet Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production limited.

“The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class…because it’s in a class by itself,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. “No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard.”

The Chevrolet Volt is the only electric vehicle that can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by a depleted battery. Volt has a total driving range of about 340 miles and is powered by electricity at all times. For up to the first 40 miles, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered range-extending engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 300 miles on a full tank.

Depending on their tax situation, Volt owners can qualify for up to $7,500 in U.S. Federal income tax credit, as well as other potential state and local tax credits, depending on location. Owners in certain states may qualify for the added convenience of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access.

While the Chevrolet Volt will come standard with a 120-volt charge cord that will provide owners with the ability to charge their Volt directly from a standard home electrical outlet, a total of 4,400 Volt buyers in launch markets could be eligible for a free 240-volt charging station, including home installation. The installations are part of a program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to install approximately 15,000 240-volt home charging stations across the U.S.