According to GM spokesman Greg Martin, GM will be "happy to sell them a Chevy Cruze". Must we conclude it is GM's secret plan to use the Volt to tease people into coming into the showroom, and then sell them something else?
Not necessarily. Even with the tax credit/rebate the Volt is a somewhat expensive car for a GM product at $33,500 after the rebate/tax credit. According to Chevy's website, a Cruze starts at $16,275 with the LTZ (the highest trim level) with navigation and Pioneer sound system topping out at $26,680, no tax credit/rebate required.
The article mentioned that dealers are afraid of a fiasco like the Cash for Clunkers issues. It's a bit over dramatic though as it's a lot easier to tell with this credit what cars qualify and how much of a rebate goes with it.