When automakers are throwing thousands of dollars of incentives on the hoods of their wares in an effort to stimulate sales, what good would another $1,500 on a $25,000 car do? As the recent sales numbers show, buyers aren't being taken in by the constant sounding of the "SELL SELL SELL!" klaxon. Great deals on new cars are out there to be had, if only anyone had some money.

Giveth, and taketh away, isn't that always the story? On the taketh away side, GM has recently lost a serious chunk of change. On the giveth side, The General received a $56 milion package of tax credits and grants to keep an SUV factory open in Ohio. It has also just received another package of tax credits from the city of Flint, Michigan to aid its investment in a factory that will build engines for the new Volt and Chevy Cruze. Approved over some constituent disapproval by the Flint City Council, getting GM to build the factory there will keep 300 jobs in the city. GM is now looking to the state of Michigan for more tax incentives.

Presumptive Republican nominee for President, John McCain has wrapped up his tour and speaking engagement at General Motors, where the Arizona Senator discussed the U.S.'s current fuel situation and the proliferation of electric cars. Addressing the General's assembled workers, McCain said, "I would support tax credits for Americans who choose to buy the Volt and other automobiles that put us on track to energy independence." McCain later specified that the credit should be $5,000 as "an integral part of our ability to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil."

McCain has already issued his support for federal funding of research and development of battery-powered cars and made it clear that individual states should have the ability to set their own fuel economy standards.

Click on the above image for a high-res gallery of the Volt Concept