Supertrooper -
I agree 100% that the Volt WILL be available in 2010 and will establish itself as the American alternative to the Prius (if it hasn't already...a few road miles under it's belt with no major flaws will help the line as nothing of this type has ever been mass-produced). Every once in awhile us Americans as a group jump on the "buy American" train in a specific class of products.
However, I will be SHOCKED if it proves itself to be equal or superior to the Prius or any other PHEV line of vehicles. If I had to purchase a PHEV today it would be the Prius. Much like candidates for an election, there's alot of time between now and Day 1 so hopefully the Volt can win my "vote" before I decide to make the purchase.
Here's some good news in the PHEV battery world...targeting September of 2009 for their technology to be available in 2010 line of PHEV vehicles to reduce consumer cost...also backed by US Government Grant funding...
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9780680-7.html