GM Volt Production Targets 120,000 Units

GM Said to Plan Doubling 2012 Production Capacity of Chevrolet Volt Hybrid

General Motors Co. Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson plans to double the 2012 production capacity for the Chevrolet Volt to 120,000 as he works to boost the plug- in hybrid’s sales, said two people familiar with the matter.

Ai image

GM Plans to Double 2012 Chevy Volt Production

April 2011 — General Motors is stepping up. According to sources close to the company, GM plans to double its production capacity for the Chevrolet Volt in 2012. The move signals strong confidence in the plug-in hybrid’s future, especially as competition in the electric vehicle (EV) market intensifies.

2012 Volt Production Set to Rise

Currently, GM builds about 10,000 Volts in 2011. However, the plan for next year is ambitious—targeting 60,000 units in total, with 45,000 of those earmarked for the U.S. market. The company sees rising consumer interest in electric and hybrid vehicles. In fact, early Volt adopters have praised the car’s extended range and flexibility.

This shift shows GM’s growing focus on green technology. While the auto industry still faces post-recession challenges, GM’s investment in the Volt reflects optimism. The company is also under pressure to meet federal fuel-efficiency goals and reduce emissions.

Why the Volt Matters

The Chevrolet Volt stands out because it blends electric power with a gasoline engine that acts as a backup generator. Drivers can go up to 40 miles on battery power alone. Then, if needed, the gas engine kicks in to extend the range. It’s an attractive option for consumers not ready to go fully electric.

In 2010, the Volt won the Motor Trend Car of the Year and the North American Car of the Year awards. These honors gave the car instant credibility. At the time, competitors like the Nissan Leaf offered all-electric options, but the Volt’s hybrid range extender gave GM a unique selling point.

Infrastructure Still Catching Up

Even as Volt production increases, charging infrastructure remains a work in progress. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Austin are rolling out public charging stations. However, many regions still lack convenient access. That said, GM’s partnership with utility companies and local governments aims to expand access quickly.

In addition, the federal government is supporting EV adoption through tax credits of up to $7,500. This incentive is helping consumers take the leap, though long-term affordability is still an issue.

A Broader Green Push at GM

Doubling Volt production isn’t just about one car—it’s part of a bigger vision. GM recently announced plans to invest $2 billion in U.S. plants, with a focus on fuel-efficient and electric vehicle technologies. The company also teased future models that could build on the Volt platform.

Meanwhile, President Obama has publicly supported a national goal of 1 million EVs on U.S. roads by 2015. GM’s expanded Volt production directly aligns with that push.

Consumer Response and Outlook

Early Volt owners report high satisfaction. According to GM’s internal surveys, drivers like the smooth ride, quiet engine, and fuel savings. Most importantly, they appreciate the peace of mind that comes with the gas backup.

The real test, however, will come in 2012. Can GM deliver on production promises while keeping quality high? And will American drivers continue to embrace plug-in hybrids?

Time will tell. But one thing’s clear: GM isn’t just dipping its toe in the EV market. It’s diving in.