Summary
The GM Volt will be a winner IF it is price competitive and has reasonable performance and economy. Despite the so called "quality" issue that saddles GM previous well thought out and executed GM vehicles have sold well.
Analysis
Most consumers believe high gas prices are here to stay. It is strange to hear people talk happily about sub $4.00 gas prices but they do. Gas prices have enough of an effect on the average family budget that most people are taking actions to deal with it. These actions include; driving less, driving slower and replacing vehicles with more fuel efficient models.
So the volt will be introduced into a market that is craving energy efficient vehicles. High demand has caused shortages and premium pricing. If the volt has decent reviews it can't help but sell. The actuality of GM quality is much better than the publicity of GM quality and many consumers know this. As an example last year the most reliable car in America was a Buick. There are many examples of recent GM car introductions that sold very well. People buy well thought out cars, the Volt, if so, will be purchased.
Delayed introduction will have little effect on its sale, high gas prices will be with us forever.
The "eco guilty crowd" is also a large consumer of such cars for philosophical reasons but they tend not to buy American products in general if they can avoid it so would probably not be GM customers.
If GM makes a good product history has shown the consumer will buy it. There is zero market risk.
