The Detroit News (Washington, D.C.) - General Motors Co. said it has restarted production of its extended range Chevrolet Volt at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, and is shipping low-emission models to California.
The new 2012 models will qualify for a $1,500 state rebate and be allowed to drive solo in the state's car pool lanes. GM spokesman Rob Peterson said production resumed Feb. 6.
Volts with the low-emissions package, which is standard for California, began shipping from the Detroit-Hamtramck plant this week and will start arriving at Chevrolet dealerships in California before the end of the month, GM said.
GM had halted production of the Volt — which goes about 35 miles on battery power before a gasoline-powered engine recharges the battery — in December, but hadn't restarted production until earlier this month.
GM's 2011 Volt sales were less than 7,700 — below its target of 10,000.
Sales were hurt by a federal investigation into fire risks in post-crash Volts. GM agreed to make some voluntary changes, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed its investigation last month without a recall.
The automaker has added some steel reinforcement to the battery pack, and new sensors. GM has not yet begun repairing those models.
GM abandoned its sales target of 45,000 for 2012, saying it will match "supply to meet demand."
"The Volts with the low-emissions package are certain to be a strong draw for California commuters looking to travel the state's notoriously congested freeways in the car pool lane," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.
Commuters who use car pool lanes in Southern California save an estimated average of 36 minutes a day, or about a third of their total driving time, GM said.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is making 40,000 clean air stickers available for registered vehicles that meet the state's emissions standards.
Additionally, the new low-emissions package makes the 2012 Volt eligible for owners and lessees to receive up to $1,500 in state rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This incentive is in addition to a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
