GM Announces Plan to Increase Chevy Volt Production Output by 50 Percent in 2012

GM Announces Plan to Increase Chevy Volt Production Output by 50 Percent in 2012

By Scott Doggett July 30, 2010

General Motors, citing strong public interest in the Chevrolet Volt, announced today that it will increase U.S. production capacity of the extended-range plug-in hybrid sedan by 50 percent, from 30,000 units to 45,000 units, in 2012.

The announcement came as President Obama toured the Detroit-Hamtramck facility where the Volt is being produced now for sale later this year.

The expanded production capacity is the latest in a series of Volt surprises this week, beginning with the announcement of its higher-than-anticipated manufacturer suggested retail price, followed immediately by the announcement of its very attractive leasing terms, and then Thursday's not-so-wonderful news that the vehicle's onboard engine-generator will require premium gasoline.

Also this week, participating Chevrolet dealers in launch markets began taking customer orders for the 2011 Volt. The brand also recently announced battery and vehicle limited warranties to bring value and peace of mind to Volt customers. And the number of U.S. launch markets for the vehicle recently was raised from three to seven.

Moreover, in the past few weeks, more than 25,000 people have joined the Volt enthusiast list, GM announced today.   

The Volt offers a total driving range of about 340 miles and is powered by electricity at all times. For up to the first 40 miles, the vehicle drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, the gas-powered engine-generator kicks in to feed electricity to the battery and to the electric motor to extend the driving range another 300 miles on a full tank.

The Detroit-Hamtramck plant received $336 million in new investment to prepare for production of the Volt, part of more than $700 million GM has invested in eight Michigan facilities to support Volt production since 2008. This includes a 33,000-square-foot battery systems lab in Warren; a battery assembly facility in Brownstown Township; and supporting engine and stamping operations in Grand Blanc, Bay City, and three plants in Flint.

Besides direct GM jobs, the Volt has helped spur additional supplier employment and investment. Earlier this month, battery cell supplier LG Chem/Compact Power Inc. broke ground on a $300-million, 650,000-square-foot plant in Holland, Michigan, to support Volt production, creating 400 jobs.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.