First Chevrolet Volt Rolls Off Production Line

March 31 was the historic day when the first Chevrolet Volt was brought to life at the Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant. General Motors confirmed the completion of the first pre-production Volt that will be exclusively used by the manufacturer to study the production system and insure that all quality targets are achieved. This means the car won't be delivered to dealerships, but is the first sample of retail models that will be brought to life later this year.

“We have a very experienced workforce at this plant and through all of their preparation and training workers here have been given the privilege to take GM into the future with this car,” said Detroit-Hamtramck plant manager Teri Quigley.

Bob Lutz told the Detroit News in an interview on the sideline of the New York International Auto Show that production Volts will be rolled off closer to the November launch date when General Motors is expected to have all things prepared to ensure the perfect production of the car.

“The first manufacturing-validation vehicle … came down the assembly line on Monday,” said GM’s vice chairman in a statement. “This is eight months before production launch. It shows that the program is in extremely good shape.”

California is the first market to get Chevrolet Volt later this year, as GM joined forces with three local utilities to support the launch of the car.

“It is natural that California is the lead market for Volt. Not only is it the largest automotive market, Californians are known to be leaders in adopting groundbreaking new technologies,” said Brent Dewar, GM vice president, Global Chevrolet Brand.