General Motors to Produce 10,000 Volts in 2011

October will most likely witness the introduction of the long-awaited Chevrolet Volt and, because that date is quickly approaching, General Motors is making the final touches on its plug-in product plan. Tony DiSalle, marketing director for the Volt, said in a statement that General Motors intends to build no less than 10,000 Volts in the first full year of availability, namely 2011, and 30,000 more in 2012, if everything goes well.

The first Volts to be rolled off the assembly lines will be sold in California, Washington, Austin, Texas and the New York City metropolitan area, but several cities will be added in early 2011, including Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas and New York.

However, before commencing sales of the plug-in hybrid, General Motors wants to be sure that it completes its specialized sales and service training programme to be able to assist customers in dealing with their car. "Chevrolet expects to have nationwide service coverage available through Chevrolet Authorized Volt Service Dealers during the 12 to 18 month national rollout," General Motors said in a statement.

General Motors announced in mid-June a special campaign through which the first 4,400 Volt buyers will get a free home charging station from ECOtotality or Coulomb Technology, with the help of grand from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as part of the Transportation Electrification Initiative.

"Many owners will plug their Volt into a normal 120-volt electrical outlet, charge overnight and drive to work in the morning using only battery power," Tony DiSalle, Product and Marketing Director for the Chevrolet Volt, said in a release. "For Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect the Department of Energy project to save $1,000 and $2,000."