Effective this week, participating Chevrolet dealers in seven key launch markets across Canada have begun taking orders for the electric-drive 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Initial experience in the U.S. suggests that the Volt is highly effective in attracting new customers to the Chevrolet brand.
According to a report in the Detroit News, almost nine of 10 customers who traded in a vehicle as part of their purchase have been conquests from other brands.
That’s why General Motors has reportedly earmarked hundreds of Volts for dealers’ use as demo vehicles, rather than immediate sale to customers. Doing so ensures potential buyers can look, touch and drive the innovative extended-range electric car.
Dealers will keep their Volt demo units for six months, then sell them at the conclusion of the demo period.
GM initially launched the Volt in nine U.S. markets – California, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. By the end of the year, more than 2,500 U.S. dealers are scheduled to receive a dedicated Volt demo.
In Canada, the Volt will be offered to retail customers during the third quarter of this year. Initial market areas will include Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Oshawa, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal, and Quebec City.
The Volt is expected to be available at dealerships nation-wide within twelve months of its retail launch here.
It will have a starting MSRP $41,545, and customers will be eligible for government rebates of up to $10,000 from various provinces.
The Volt has been the recipient of numerous awards, including North American Car of the Year, Motor Trend Car of the Year and, most recently, the World Green Car award, presented at the New York International Auto Show.
