GM rolled out the Chevy Volt in California, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. But by the end of 2011, GM says you should be able to buy a Volt in all 50 U.S. states.
This could be a case of lowered expectations, or a real surge in demand from American consumers for this kind of car. GM says that due higher-than-expected demand, they will accelerate their roll-out plan for the Volt by a whole six months. If all goes according to schedule, the roll out should look something like this:
- Sales in Michigan begin this spring
- By the end of the 3rd quarter, the entire East and West coasts will able to buy the Volt, as well as Hawaii.
- Before 2012, GM expects to have the Chevy Volt in showrooms nationwide.
This is a good sign for the Volt, which still has many naysayers and detractors. GM has also whispered that it wants to bump production up in 2012 to as much 120,000 Volts. Perhaps GM has created more demand by extremely limiting supply? Or maybe the management really didn’t think the American people were ready for it.
Whatever the case, I’m sure GM is pleasantly surprised, and I am too. It’s still too early to call it a home run, but the Volt is definitely a hit…so far.
Source: GM
Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.