GM to increase Chevy Volt production by 50 percent
General Motors said that there is enough strong public interest in the new 2011 Chevrolet Volt that it will be increasing production of the vehicle by 50 percent – from 30,000 units to 45,000 units. GM made the announced during President Barack Obama’s visit to the Detroit-Hamtramck facility, where the Volt is being made, on Friday.
“The Chevrolet Volt provides drivers with the latest technology, outstanding innovation, and something no other electric vehicle can provide ““ peace of mind,” said Edward E. Whitacre, Jr., GM Chai rman and CEO. “We are very proud to host the President of the United States at this plant, where the future of the American automobile industry is being built today by the men and women of General Motors.”
GM spent $336 million in Detroit-Hamtramck to prepare for production of the Volt, which is a part of more than $700 million.
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.
2011 Chevrolet Volt:
– By: Omar Rana
