Q&A: Chris Perry, vice president of marketing, General Motors

Perry: "I think what's interesting for people is when they get a chance to interact, like with the Volt, for instance. There's some pretty great technology that's involved in that vehicle, and it's exciting when you get a chance to drive it. I know that's biased, but it's a unique offering in the market place. You have that extended range of technology, and to drive it doesn't really feel like you have to compromise anything. Most people are shocked by that. It drives and handles and performs just like any other car, and just a little bit better. Exposing that technology to people—it changes their perception of Chevrolet."

We have a City Council member—Mike Martinez—who drives a Volt, and he raves about it.

Perry: "The average owner goes about 900 miles between fill-ups. We have quite a few that go two months before filling up again. Jay Leno will even brag that he's driven 10,000 miles and has only used three gallons of gas."

Do you think there's anything about Austin that appeals to the Volt?

Perry: "Absolutely. When we launched the car, we went to seven markets around the country, and Austin was one of them. It is a hotbed for technology, and people appreciate that and want to experience it. Your councilman's experience is pretty common."