Gas prices “spark” Volt production?

GM will step up production of the global warming-causing Chevy Volt to meet "tremendous consumer demand." So just what is that demand?

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So far this year it's been all of 1,700 vehicles, including 493 last month, according to the Detroit News. But just two days ago, the Detroit News reported that,

Motorists aren't pushing the panic button, and neither are automakers [in response to high gas prices]. Owners of gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs, who rushed to unload them three years ago, are taking a wait-and-see attitude. Shoppers in the market for a new car or truck aren't delaying purchases, but shifting to smaller or more fuel-efficient vehicles — many of them from domestic brands. And consumer credit, which virtually dried up three years ago, is available to car buyers again. As a result, demand is holding up — 20 percent stronger this year, compared to last — as the industry's fragile recovery continues. U.S. car and truck sales are expected to reach 13 million vehicles this year, comparable to 2008 but well above 2009's 10.4 million tally.]

Increasing Volt production from 15,000 to 16,000 cars amid a total market of 13 million new car buys is hardly worth the mention, much less a connection to gas prices.

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