Chevrolet Volt Awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year

"The Volt delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine," the magazine said. "It is a fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs."

Edmunds' Inside Line, sibling publication to AutoObserver, noted that the Volt's running costs are heavily dependent on the consumer who's using it. Still, Inside Line wrote, the Volt is "a significant car, a bold experiment that forces the issue of personal energy consumption to the fore. But the most tangible promise of the Volt is simply that it drives better than more established hybrids, deftly distilling its formidable technology into a package that suggests that the future of personal transportation has a glimmer of hope."

The Motor Trend award was presented to Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman for Global Product Operations, at the General Motors wind tunnel in Warren, Mich., where the Volt spent much of its development time. The Volt has a drag coefficient of .28, making it the most aerodynamic sedan in Chevrolet's history. Stellar aerodynamics allow for better fuel economy.

"Chevrolet is truly honored to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," said Stephens. "The Volt team has worked under extraordinary circumstances to produce this breakthrough vehicle."

Meantime, production of the Chevrolet Volt for customers reportedly has begun at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Michigan. The first shipments of the Volts are expected after Thanksgiving with the first customers taking delivery in December. The plant has been building and testing pre-production Volts in recent months.

GM's stock begins public trading on Thursday. Earlier today, GM announced it was raising the estimated price of its new shares due to strong demand.


Photo by GM

The Chevrolet Volt is displayed with the Motor Trend trophy in GM's wind tunnel.