Mercedes unveils electric E-class, GM unveils Cadillac Volt.

While Mercedes Benz unveiled an electric version of the E-class sedan (in dealers next summer), using lithium-ion batteries. One hour of charging goes 60 miles. Details: Mercedes-Benz unveils 2010 E-Class luxury sedan - Breaking News - Business - MiamiHerald.com ,

GM was unveiling the Cadillac of Chevy Volts..


Auto CEOs optimistic about new products, recovery - Yahoo! Finance

 

"BMW AG is ramping up its production of gas-electric hybrid vehicles, giving consumers hybrid options with the 7 Series and X6 crossover vehicle. - Production of both hybrids will begin this year and arrive in dealerships by the end of 2009. BMW ramps up hybrid gas-electric vehicle output - Yahoo! Finance

 

Will Lithium-Ion become associated with top-of-the-line luxury cars?
Will only expensive, $100K cars have lithium-ion batteries?
"Wow. That Mercedes has the lithium-ions. That guy must be loaded."

"The challenge for luxury brands will be to recalibrate their marketing, from selling horsepower, speed and size to selling batteries, miles per gallon and eco-sophistication. 60% of entry-luxury buyers say they would have considered buying a hybrid if one had been available."

Auto Industry Tracker - WSJ.com : Luxury Goes Green in Detroit

----------------------
2010 Chevy Beat (gas) / 2011 Chevy Spark (electric).
The Chevy Beat and Spark will both be "world cars," meaning that it was designed to be sold all around the world. Although it was not confirmed when it will be available in U.S. dealers, it was confirmed that it will be in U.S. dealerships.

Here's one article on it: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090111/AUTO04/901110312