California Chevrolet dealer asking for $20,000 over Volt’s MSRP

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Cashing in on the electric vehicle hype, one California Chevrolet dealer is tacking on a hefty premium for the vehicle. An Internet Specialist at an unnamed California dealership quoted an Edmunds researcher a total price of $20k over MSRP, citing limited vehicle production as the reason.

Granted, it may be possible that this quote was given before the dealership was aware of Chevrolet’s vamped up production and plan to manufacture 45,000 units for 2011 (Up 50% from previous estimates).

In June, a GM spokesperson told the website GM-Volt.com that “We also aren’t expecting our dealers to overcharge anyone for this vehicle, either, and will monitor the situation closely when we launch. Also added was, “we’ll be paying close attention when the vehicle launches and do our best to strongly discourage this kind of behavior, as we always do with any GM-branded vehicle.”

There are also political implications to the price gouging of the Volt, as the car is a beacon of President Obama’s defense of the GM bailout as being productive and positive for the American automotive industry.

Click here to read our first drive impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2011 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. According to GM”s preliminary specs, the system puts out 150-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 less than 3 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 8 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries a 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 300 miles. Prices for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt start at $41,000 but with a full federal income tax credit (which range from $0 to $7,500), the Volt can cost  a total of $33,500.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

2011 Chevrolet Volt Production Show Car

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoObserver