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GM learning from current Chevy Volt owners as it works on next-gen model

Details of the second-generation Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in hybrid are coming in at a trickle, and the latest is that the 2016 model-year Volt will be improved in all meaningful areas, including performance and all-electric range, says General Motors powertrain director Larry Nitz. 60 percent of Volt customers only charge using a standard 110 outlet. Nitz was speaking to Autoline After Hours about the current and future Volt. He said that GM has been tracking Volt driving habits and found that about two-thirds of the Volts' collective miles are driven in electric mode, and that 81 percent of all Volt trips were done in pure EV mode. Additionally, Volt drivers plug the car in 10 times each week, on average. Nitz also said 82 percent of the Volt's commuting miles are coming from the plug instead of the gas tank. Oh, and 60 percent of Volt customers only charge using a standard 110 outlet. Last month, GM released a teaser shot of the 2016 Volt (above) and said the car would make its worldwide debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show next January. Earlier this year, the Volt was reported to be getting a new chassis for the upcoming version. The Volt could use a bit of new life. Through August, Volt sales were down 12 percent from a year earlier to 13,146 units, and sales plunged 25 percent alone. That compares unfavorably to the Nissan Leaf battery-electric vehicle, whose 2014 sales have jumped 34 percent to almost 19,000 units. You can see Nitz dish the goods in the video below (Volt comments start at around minute 15). You will also notice AutoblogGreen contributor Gary Witzenburg talk about his history with the EV1 and share his take on the Volt. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Mysterious white powder discovered at GM Orion Assembly

Workers at General Motors Orion Assembly Plant in Orion Township, MI uncovered a mysterious white powder in two different parts of the factory earlier this week, raising concerns about worker safety. "We can confirm that an unknown substance (white powder) was found on the floor outside of Gate 6 at Orion Assembly on Monday, August 29. On Tuesday, August 30, we had a second report of a bottle containing a similar substance found inside the plant," GM spokesperson Dayna Hart told The Oakland Press via email. GM stressed that incident didn't disrupt operations at the plant, and that the company was taking steps to ensure the safety of the sprawling factory's workers. That did include, an anonymous worker told The Oakland Press, closing off parts of the factory for two full days, as drug-sniffing dogs and crews in haz-mat suits descended on the area. "A sample of the substance has been sent to a laboratory for identification and results are expected later this week," Hart said. "All findings and actions have been shared with our employees." Orion Assembly currently builds the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano, and will eventually be responsible for production of the new, all-electric Chevy Bolt early next year. Related Video:

Reuss says GM diesel plans are still on pace

General Motors is not going to let Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal ruin its plans for a new line of efficient, torquey oil-burners, the company's Executive Vice President Mark Reuss said at a recent press event. "No way," Reuss responded when asked about cancelling the upcoming diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze and other vehicles. "The Cruze Diesel is too good not to do it." Slated for 2017, the compact is just the latest member of a diesel offensive that initially kicked off with the first Cruze Diesel and most recently saw the introduction of the oil-burning Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Reuss also reassured those in attendance that there was "no delay" in development of Cadillac's diesel lineup. Cadillac is working on a line of four- and six-cylinder turbodiesels for Europe. They'd make their way into the US market, too, eventually. "It's a question of timing," Reuss said, according to Car and Driver. Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal has caused automakers across the globe to at least reanalyze their diesel strategy. Jaguar Land Rover, which is preparing several diesel-powered models for the US market, went on record late last month to reaffirm its commitment to diesel. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel: Quick Spin View 14 Photos News Source: Car and DriverImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Seyth Miersma / AOL Green Cadillac Chevrolet GM Diesel Vehicles