INTERNATIONAL. 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 lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery.  The benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor.  The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of the full federal tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500) including a destination freight charge of $720.  Customer deliveries of the Chevrolet Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production limited.

“The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class… because it’s in a class by itself.  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,” said Joel Ewanick, Vice President of U.S. Marketing for General Motors. 

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, a total of 4,400 Volt buyers in launch markets could 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.

GM Middle East will be receiving Volt vehicles to test their performance and reliability in the hot climate conditions of the region shortly after the launch of Volt in the United States.  Based on the outcome of those tests, GM Middle East will make a decision as to whether the Volt will be sold through GM’s retail network in the Middle East.

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

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