GM: Chevrolet Volt is ‘virtually sold out,’ production to be ramped up

It seems that GM had a better year with the Volt then anticipated, even though last month’s sales only tally around 100 units sold in the U.S.

The Detroit-Hamtramck plant rolled out 4,488 Chevrolet Volt models for the 2011 model year, and according to Michelle Bunker, GM spokeswoman, it is also “virtually sold out”. Apart from the few that are left for sale, the rest are reserved for a variety of company usage.

Chevrolet’s Volt first hit the market back in December 2010, and has a monthly sales average of about 440 units. most lasting 13 days at most on the lot. This figure may have been even higher, if it were not for a production shut down to prepare the plant for the upcoming model year.

Nissan’s Leaf still brings some good competition to the table for this coming year, moving 3,894 cars in the U.S., around 800 more than the Volt sold. The little all electric car is making a big name for itself, and is expecting 10,000 cars to move in U.S. sales this year, which is just the same that GM anticipates for its Volt.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, ‘T’-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. The system puts out 149-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes 4 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 10-12 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries an 84-hp 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 379   miles. The 2012 Chevrolet Volt gets an EPA estimated 93 miles per ’gallon-equivalent’ when driving under electric power only, 37 mpg when in gasoline mode and over the long term it is estimated to get 60 miles per gallon in combined gasoline-powered and electric-powered driving. Prices for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt start at $39,995 but with a full federal income tax credit (which range from $0 to $7,500), the Volt can cost a total of $32,495.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

– By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Free Press