Chevrolet Canada begins taking orders for the Volt starting at C$41,545; Volts a showroom draw in US
04 May 2011
Participating Chevrolet dealers in seven key launch markets across Canada have begun taking orders for the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Volt, with an MSRP starting at C$41,545 (US$43,568).
The Volt will initially be available to retail customers in the marketing areas for Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Oshawa, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal, and Quebec City in the third quarter of this year. Within twelve months of the retail launch, Volt will be available at dealerships nation-wide. It will be offered in one standard trim level, along with two option packages: a Premium Trim Package and a Rear Camera and Park Assist Package.
In the US, GM has found that Chevrolet Volt demonstration units are a popular showroom draw for dealers as they let consumers look, touch and drive the electric car with extended-range capabilities. GM says that this is part of its plan to gain exposure for the vehicle and the Chevrolet brand.
Almost nine of 10 customers who traded in a vehicle as part of their purchase are new to the Chevrolet brand. That’s why hundreds of Volts that could be sold to individuals are tagged for dealers as demo vehicles, GM says, meant for customer exposure to the Volt and to other Chevy products they might otherwise not see.
The Volt is clearly bringing new customers to our dealership. We are seeing customers who own competitive brands that have never visited a Chevy dealership before. Now they have a Chevy on their shopping list because of the Volt.
—Rick Alpern, general manager of Keyes Chevrolet in Van Nuys, California
Chevrolet dealerships in the initial launch markets of California, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, DC have taken delivery of more than 550 dedicated Volt demonstration vehicles for customer test drives. By the end of the year, more than 2,500 US dealers will receive a dedicated Volt demo.
Chevy expects to deliver Volts in all 50 states by the end of 2011. Deliveries begin in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii in the third quarter.
For a vehicle that appeared in commercials back in 2010, it seems to be taking a long time to get to dealerships. I'm wondering if they're having production problems (not uncommon for totally new vehicle).
Posted by: danm | 04 May 2011 at 03:36 AM
This will be close to USD 50K with sales taxes in many provinces.
We will buy 1.75 Prius for the same price.
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 May 2011 at 07:08 AM
They announced the Volt January 2007 and produced a new car in less than four years. I think the engineers at GM deserve a round of applause. In the middle of financial troubles and management chances, they kept their heads down and got the jobs done!
Posted by: SJC | 04 May 2011 at 10:05 AM
Depending on Canada`s rebates - credits, the cost will be similar to the US - in Cali it`s 28,600. or $350/month lease.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 04 May 2011 at 05:29 PM
That is a great lease and they should sell/lease every Volt that they can build, it is just that they will not build all that many this year.
Just as a point of reference I checked Ford Fusion hybrid stock at dealers withing 50 miles and found NONE. This really surprised me when gasoline prices are rising and Ford could see this coming.
That may have to do with the license with Toyota or other factors, but it does little good to brag about your mileage and then the cars are not available at any price. It degrades credibility in a sort of bait and switch routine.
Posted by: SJC | 04 May 2011 at 09:02 PM