Opel: We want to introduce electric car in 2011

RUESSELSHEIM-GERMANY: General Motors Corp unit Adam Opel AG says it wants to put an electric car based on the technology of the Chevrolet Volt on the European market in 2011.

Opel managing director Hans Demant's comments at the subsidiary's main Ruesselsheim plant came as GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner unveiled the Volt in the United States, where it is due in showrooms by late 2010.

The Volt will be able to go 40 miles (nearly 65 kilometers) on a single charge from a home outlet. The batteries will be recharged by a small gasoline engine that allows the car to travel hundreds more miles.