Hamtramck, MI – Sitting U.S. Presidents are pretty much that — sitting.
Chauffeured nearly everywhere, they do not get the opportunity to walk around much out in public, or for that matter, drive.
So it was both spontaneous and special when President Barack Obama stepped into a black Chevrolet Volt on Friday and took the shortest of test drives – about 40 feet.
(I guess one could say the president took the electric-powered Volt on a "short" ride.)
Of course, the vehicle was still on the assembly line, which was a main reason why the president couldn't just take it for a few laps around GM's plant.
“Pretty smooth,” the President said as he stepped out of the Volt to resume his tour of the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.
The impromptu drive occurred after consultations among the Secret Service and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, who said "he hoped the Volt had an air bag." (No worries — In fact, the groundbreaking vehicle has eight air bags.)
Gibbs confirmed it was a highly unusual, though not unprecedented, opportunity for Obama. The President last drove a private vehicle three to four months ago at a Secret Service training facility.
During remarks at the plant, Obama referred to his other car, a specially built Cadillac limousine.
“Now, I have to tell you some of you saw me drive a Volt about 12 inches. They don't let me drive much these days,” Obama said. “But the Cadillac that I drive in is made right here. I got to admit the Secret Service soups it up a little bit.”
So not only do presidents have to deal with some of the biggest problems in the world, they can't just jump in their car or truck and go for a drive down their favorite roads to "clear their mind" like the rest of us can.
Who knows - when you have to give up the freedom to drive, maybe it's good thing not to be the most-powerful man in the world.
In a related matter, General Motors is "turning up the juice" on Volt production.
The automaker said that thanks to
strong public interest in the Chevrolet Volt, the 340-mile extended
range electric vehicle, it will increase U.S. production capacity of
the groundbreaking new car by 50%, from 30,000 units to 45,000 units,
in 2012.
The announcement came as President Obama toured the
Detroit-Hamtramck facility.
“The Chevrolet Volt provides drivers with the latest technology,
outstanding innovation, and something no other electric vehicle can
provide – peace of mind,” said Edward E. Whitacre,
Jr., GM Chairman and CEO.
"We are very proud to host the President of
the United States at this plant, where the future of the American
automobile industry is being built today by the men and women of
General Motors.”
The expanded U.S. production capacity is the latest in a series of
positive developments for the Chevrolet Volt. This week, participating
Chevrolet dealers in launch markets began taking customer orders for
the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, following the release of retail and lease
pricing.
The brand also recently announced unprecedented battery and
vehicle limited warranties to bring value and peace of mind to Volt
customers.
And, the number of U.S. launch markets for the vehicle
recently was raised from three to seven. In the past few weeks, more
than 25,000 people have joined the Chevrolet Volt enthusiast list.
The Volt offers a total driving range of about 340 miles and is powered
by electricity at all times. For up to the first 40 miles, the vehicle
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, engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving
range another 300 miles on a full tank.
The Detroit-Hamtramck plant received $336 million in new investment to
prepare for production of the Volt, part of more than $700 million GM
has invested in eight Michigan facilities to support Volt production
since 2008. This includes a 33,000 square-foot battery systems lab in
Warren; a battery assembly facility in Brownstown Township; and
supporting engine and stamping operations in Grand Blanc, Bay City, and
three plants in Flint.
Besides direct GM jobs, the Volt has helped spur additional supplier
employment and investment. Earlier this month, battery cell supplier LG
Chem/Compact Power Inc. broke ground on a $300 million, 650,000
square-foot plant in Holland, MI, to support Volt production,
creating 400 jobs. In addition, the Volt helped start an
electrification trend. Since its debut in January 2007, other
automakers have announced 30 plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles.
Photos and additional information courtesy of GM Media
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