On Wednesday, May, 18, GM announced that it plans on increasing production of the Chevy Volt in the Hamtramck plant, just outside of Detroit.  This will create as many as 2,500 new jobs in an area that has been ravaged by a slow economy and the exodus of assembly jobs to places with lower labor costs.

The Chevy Volt is an extended-range electric car.  It runs the first 25-50 miles on an electric engine with a lithium-ion battery.  If you want to go further, a gasoline powered generator kicks in and powers the electric engine.  A person who uses the Volt for a short commute to work can drive it solely on the battery, and never use an ounce of gas.  Once the generator does kick in, though, the Volt still gets a respectable 37 mpg.  It must be noted here that the Volt also uses regenerative braking, in which the power from braking is recycled into the battery.

Many people are waiting for a more efficient and cost-effective “green” car, but the demand for the Volt has surprised even GM.  Gas prices, along with ill will toward oil companies, have become so high that many people have decided not to wait for the price to go down or the quality to go up, and the Volt is currently sold out in dealerships across the US.

This year, GM plans on building 12,500 Volts and 3,500 of the Opel Ampera, the European version of the Volt, for a total of 16,000.  2,500 Volts will be used as demo models, but the rest will be sold.  Next year, GM plans on building 60,000 Volts in the Hamtramck plant.

These numbers represent a lot of increases: 1,000 extra Volts will be sent overseas this year, and 15,000 more than originally planned will be built next year.  These numbers, though, might not represent the final tally.  CEO Dan Akerson wants as many as 25,000 Volts built this year alone, and as many as 100,000 a year as soon as it is logistically feasible.

The Hamtramck plant will close during June for a retooling.  When it reopens, the plant will no longer make the Cadillac DTS or the Buick Lucerne, concentrating solely on the Volt.  The plant will add up to 2,500 employees to the 1,100 who already work there.  They will add a night shift, and possibly a third shift to accomplish production targets.

If you are waiting for a lower price, you probably have a lot of waiting to do, because it looks like the Volt will stay at $41,000 for the immediate future.  GM says it is “losing money” on every Volt it sells for that price, and plans to eventually profit with increased efficiency.  At current gas prices, though, a savings of 10 gallons of gas a week will more than make up the difference in your car payment.

Maybe that $41,000 price tag isn’t so high after all.

Advertised Best Asking Price – $41,015

The Chevrolet Volt is a four door hatchback, this example is cyber gray metallic with a black interior. The engine is described as a Hybrid / Gas / Electric that drives through a CVT to the front wheels. The Volt is designed to deliver clean green motoring with a minimum of running coast.

Installed Options – The Volt is loaded with installed options and is fitted out in much the same way as you would expect from a traditional gas powered vehicle. AM/FM radio, air bags, air conditioning, anti theft system, cup holders, bucket seats, child safety locks, daytime running lights, dual air bags and so on. The list is extensive.

Contact Village Chevrolet for more information on this Chevrolet Volt, the sales department can be contacted on PH:888-543-9155

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