Europe
SAN JOSE, U.S.A. – General Motors announced today that selected Chevrolet dealers in the United States have begun taking customer orders for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the industry's first electric vehicle with extended-range capability. Following the U.S. introduction, the Volt will go on sale in global markets starting with Europe and China in 2011.
In the U.S., the Volt will be available for $41,000 ($33,500 net with the full federal U.S. tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500).
Chevrolet is so confident in the overall value of the Volt that the brand will offer a Volt lease program in the U.S. with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months. Customer deliveries of the Chevrolet Volt are scheduled to begin in the U.S. states of California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington, D.C., area later this year; production will be limited.
"The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class … because it's in a class by itself," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing of General Motors. "No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with the type of standard content from a vehicle that costs much more."
The Chevrolet Volt is the only electric vehicle on the market that can operate under a full range of climates and driving conditions without limitations or concern about being stranded by a depleted battery. It has a total driving range of more than 500 kilometers and is powered by electricity at all times. For up to the first 60 kilometers, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a range-extending engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 450 kilometers on a full tank of gas.
Depending on their tax situation, Volt owners in the U.S. can qualify for up to $7,500 in U.S. federal income tax credit, as well as other potential state and local tax credits, depending on location. Owners in certain states may qualify for the added convenience of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access.
While the Chevrolet Volt will come standard with a 120-volt charge cord that will provide owners with the ability to charge their Volt directly from a standard home electrical outlet, the first 4,400 Volt buyers will be eligible for a free 240-volt charging station, including home installation. The installations are part of a program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to install approximately 15,000 240-volt home charging stations across the U.S.
Technologies Keep Volt Customers Connected
When it comes to advanced technology, Volt customers are on the leading edge. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt has standard technology features that link and entertain in innovative ways, starting with standard seven-inch touch screen navigation and an energy-efficient Bose premium audio system.
The Volt is the first GM vehicle in the U.S. to offer five years of OnStar Directions and Connections service, which includes Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation, all standard. The Volt will expand on OnStar's foundation of leading-edge safety and security technology through the introduction of an OnStar enabled mobile application that connects the vehicle to the owner's smartphone.
"We wanted to make the Volt ownership experience unlike anything we've done at Chevrolet, because the Volt is unlike any vehicle we've offered," said Tony DiSalle, director of Chevrolet Volt Product Marketing. "We want customers to fully enjoy the Volt lifestyle by providing unprecedented connectivity to their vehicle through the Volt mobile app."
Unprecedented Warranties Bring Value and Peace of Mind
Volt owners in the U.S. will be provided the industry's best battery and vehicle warranties available for any electric vehicle. The Volt's 16-kWh lithium-ion battery is covered by an industry-leading transferable warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers).
The Volt also has an array of standard safety features, including eight air bags – dual-stage frontal, side-impact, knee, and roof-rail side-impact – and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Traction Control. The Volt is constructed of 80 percent high-strength steel for additional safety and protection.
Chevrolet will also provide customer assistance via a Volt advisor available 24/7 by phone or the Internet. Dealers will also provide on-site dedicated Volt service and sales experts who will be able to address inquiries.
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet Europe delivers attractive, distinctive design, practical, economical cars and outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2009, Chevrolet held its market share in Europe at 2.3 percent, selling 426,000 cars. Chevrolet has a network of 2,900 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the all-new Spark city car, the small Aveo, compact Cruze sedan, Captiva SUV, mid-size Epica and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet will launch the Orlando, an all-new family van, the Camaro coupe and convertible, the new Aveo and the Cruze hatchback as well as re-launching the Captiva SUV with four new engines. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, France, Spain and the U.K. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is preparing to celebrate its centenary with the launch of the ground-breaking Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. More information on Chevrolet can be found at http://www.chevroleteurope.com or http://media.chevroleteurope.com.
After today's pricing announcement, Chevrolet will start taking orders for the Volt from U.S. customers. Following the U.S. introduction, the Volt will go on sale in global markets starting with Europe and China in 2011. The Chevrolet Volt is the industry's first electric vehicle with extended-range capability.
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